we Students give input to help create a better Douglas College By Tanya Colledge, Staff Reporter Tuesday evening at the New Westminster campus, to participate in an open discussion with members of Douglas College’s Strategic Planning team. As part of the Strategic Planning Process, Douglas’ President Dr. Scott McAlpine recently created an online student satisfaction survey in concert with a new blog, in an effort to collect ideas on how to make the typical student experience at Douglas better. The survey and blog asked students to provide feedback on their experience as Douglas students and on what kinds of changes they would like to see in order to make the programs and services the institution offers better. After over 200 students responded to the survey, the Douglas S tudents from all departments gathered last that advisors are often “unreachable and offered no help.” Another student studying to become a pharmacist said that “offering more classes would be helpful,” when faced with long waiting lists. “I would also like to see more courses added in the summer,” she said, in order to help students finish their studies earlier or free up credit space throughout the fall and winter semesters. In another topic discussed, campus life, students expressed a strong desire to increase intramurals and activities at the college. “A lot of students don’t even know that Douglas College has intramurals,” said one sports-science student. “I think that if there were more advertisements about the games, or pub nights, more students would attend.” “T feel like the New Westminster campus has a good, community feeling to it. And because the DSU building is here, College Strategic Students agreed that a broader knowledge and perhaps an _ there are more events Planning team decided to hold a session to give students an opportunity to share their thoughts in person. Policy makers such as McApline joined the students in this informal Q&A to openly discuss key issues brought up in the survey and further the Strategic Planning Process. “I would appreciate more communication between academic advisors between different institutions,” said one student who plans to transfer his credits acquired throughout his studies at Douglas College. Other students agreed that a broader knowledge and perhaps an industry specialty is required from the college’s academic advisors, saying industry specialty is required from the college’s academic _ here,” said a student advisors, saying that advisors are often “unreachable and studying in the offered no help.” hotel management program. “But at the David Lam campus, students almost feel neglected because nothing ever goes on there,” she said explaining that the college should make a greater effort to hold social events at both campuses. The two-hour group discussion covered other topics such as technology, student support, and the students’ plans post-Douglas. The seven key themes at the center of this strategic planning process hope to help the college create better and memorable experiences for students as they explore post- secondary life and learning. Douglas College Wrap-Up By Kristina Mameli ; Pool shark entertains at DSU Arguably Canada’s number one pool shark/entertainer, Gerry Watson will visit the DSU Upper Longue March 23 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Watson is famous for his trick shots and is a three-time Canadian billiards champion. The event will include prizes and free food. For more information call the DSU at 604.527.5005 or go to Watson’s website: http://www.gerrywatson.com/ Final exam schedule The exam schedule for the winter 2010 semester finals has been posted on Douglas’ website at http://registrar. douglas.be.ca/exam htm Please note, information is listed by course number. Giving the gift of life On Wednesday March 24, an information table outlining the benefits of blood donation will be stationed in the concourse of the New Westminster campus from 12-3 p.m. Every donation has the potential to save three lives. Take this opportunity from SPSC Health Promotion to learn more and donate regularly. CSI: Douglas? In room 2201 at the New Westminster campus on Wednesday March 24, Douglas will play host to an information session about forensics from 4-6 p.m. BCIT’s Centre for Forensic and Security Technology Studies’ Alex Tyakoff will be presenting programs and career opportunities in this field and how Douglas credits could transfer to BCIT’s BTech degree program. The presentation will also feature Program Coordinator of Douglas’ Criminology Department, Heidi Currie. For more information, call Raymond Yu at 604.777.6279.