NEws. Know the scoop or have a lead? Contact the editor at news @theotherpress.ca International Day at Douglas College Douglas Students Union celebrates the college communitys diversity | Cazzy = Lewchuk Staff Writer he lobby of the New Westminster campus was packed on Thursday, November 21 as Douglas College hosted students for its annual International Day celebration. A similar event took place two days prior at the David Lam campus in Coquitlam. Douglas College has a proud reputation of attracting many international students from all corners of the globe, and the event proudly showcased the diversity of the Douglas College community. The crowded concourse saw students make their way through the booths and stages on display. Over 30 booths were set up around the area, and there was representation from all around the world, from First Nations to Malawi culture, and as far away as Japan and Kazakhstan. The exhibits presented students and attendees with the opportunity to learn more about the cultural icons of different countries. Several booths featured alphabets or phrases of the culture’s native language and taught a few sample words to visitors. Many others featured small trinkets or objects commonly associated with their culture, such as Russian nesting dolls or origami from Japan. A few tables even featured screens with music videos or shows that are culturally relevant—perhaps the most memorable being the international hit “Gangnam Style” from South Korea. A makeshift tea and coffee house was set up in the concourse, featuring a variety of hot drinks from around the world as well as many types of popular snacks from a number of different countries. Candy, dried fruit, chips, and carbonated drinks—some directly imported—were all made available. The Douglas Students’ Union (DSU), the organizers of the festivities, also took the opportunity to plug some of their initiatives, including an information booth for the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). All full-time students at Douglas College are eligible to benefit from the perks associated with the ISIC, including substantial travel discounts through the Canadian Federation of Students. The ISIC is valid all around the world and offers discounts and exclusives. By simply filling out a form and getting your picture taken, you could get registered and have the card mailed to you shortly thereafter. Tables were also available advertising the many exchange programs offered by Douglas College. These all involved travelling to a different country for internships, jobs, or studies. Some programs were just for the summer while others involved working for an entire year on a student visa. Former and current participating students and teachers were available to provide more information. In addition to showcasing cultural exhibits, International Day featured a variety of live performances. In the morning, lessons were taught to anyone willing to try bhangra and salsa dancing. Throughout the event, there was dancing, singing, and music representing various countries. As with all DSU events, representatives were there to answer questions and explain the activities and rules. There was a contest available to students to win valuable prizes, including Canucks tickets, a night at a hotel downtown, and a tablet. To enter, students had to actively participate in International Day through “passports” that were provided at the DSU table. The passports were to be stuck with stickers and signed by eight separate booths at the event, indicating that the student had fully involved themselves in the activities. The passport could then be entered into the draw for prizes. Douglas College Learning Centre to host study sessions Exam Jam will allow students to cram alongside tutors Patrick Vailancourt News Editor news@ theotherpress.ca utors and staff at the Douglas College Learning Centre are revving up their services as they prepare to host their first- ever Exam Jam at the end of the current semester. The Learning Centre, both at the New Westminster and David Lam campuses, will be hosting two-hour long sessions beginning on December 4. Exam Jam sessions will include tutors in various fields of study, including psychology, economics, biology, and accounting. Although the sessions will not cover all available subject areas taught at Douglas College, services at the Learning Centre are available to all students, and appointments can be made online. Organizers of the Exam Jam will be setting up information booths in the concourse at both campuses during event dates to make students aware of the services being provided. Samantha Berbeck, the services coordinator at the Douglas College Learning Centre, says that while the 4 Learning Centre is a popular service offered to students, there was definitely a need to ramp up during the exam period. “Exam time can be stressful and we would love to make it a little bit easier, and maybe evena little fun,” says Berbeck. When asked why it’s important to host an Exam Jam, Berbeck touted the benefits of the tutoring services available to students. “Students who use the Learning Centre keep coming back for a reason,” says Berbeck. “Our tutors are students themselves, and love imparting their wisdom and study tips to their students.” While not all courses are covered in the comprehensive sessions offered during this exam period, the Learning Centre is a place for all students to learn study strategies, tips, and even utilize a quiet space to cram. “Students can also drop by the Learning Centre for 25-minute tutoring sessions, study space, and to collect study skills handouts,” says Berbeck. The Learning Centre will also be promoting its Twitter contest throughout the exam period. Students who follow the Learning Centre (@dclearningctr) between December 4 to December 10 will be entered into a draw to win the first pick of weekly tutoring sessions during the Winter 2014 semester. Exam Jams are a relatively new concept and have taken off in recent years. Most major research universities in Canada and many in the United States have these types of events for their students to help them navigate through exam periods successfully. This is the first time such an event is being facilitated by the Learning Centre at Douglas College. For more information on the Douglas College Learning Centre or to book an appointment online, students are encouraged to visit their website at www.douglas.bc.ca/services/ learning-centre /tutoring.html You might have better luck studying at one of the upcoming Exam Jams Photo courtesy of Joel McCarthy Exam Jam Study Session Schedule The schedule for two-hour exam Jam sessions Is as follows: Learning Centre, Room 2105 New Westminster Campus PSYC 2300: Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ACCT 1110: Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CSIS 1175: Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ECON 1250: Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ECON 1150: Dec. 10, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Learning Centre, Room A1040 Coquitlam Campus FINC 1231: Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. BIOL 1203: Dee. 4, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.