Health Professions Lounge

Few students actually know this, but the DSU does operate the space known as the Health Professions Lounge (4th floor of the Dentistry Building on Carleton Campus).

It has been brought to my attention that this space has quite a few concerns around it such as how late it is open and that renovations need to happen in order for it to be effectively functional.

I did have a brief conversation with the President of the Pharmacy society about the concerns that some Carleton students have with the space and what could be changed to make it better for them.

I am working with our VP Internal and some staff members to look at what the history of this space has been and where we can go with it in the future. It is my hope that this space will be able to be used by our Carleton Campus students in a way that benefits them but also so that the DSU has a presence on the campus and that students can get information (brochures, events information, executive contact information, etc) about the DSU.

If you have any ideas on what could be improved with this space please do not hesitate to call (902.494.1277) or email me (dsupres@dal.ca).

Buying Local is Important!

I have been meeting with Soedxho and also the Grawood Kitchen to ensure that when possible we are buying local. There are two main reasons that I would like for us to be buying local - (1) it help supports our local economies and (2) it has a lower impact on our environment when we do not need to transport in products from far away.

Soedxho has forwarded along to me a list of the items that they are buying local and they have also placed a sign down by the Grill in the SUB to let students know which items are being purchased locally. Some of the items that Sodexho is purchasing from the Annapolis Valley are: raspberries, apples, beets, cauliflower, eggs, potatoes, and mushrooms.

The Grawood also purchases many of its products from Nova Scotia such as pepperoni, bakery items, and fish.

Environmentally Friendly Packaging

This year one of my goals (#3 in fact) is to move the DSU into providing more sustainable packaging through our food service providers.

Last year Sodexho switched from using the plastic take away containers to using recyclable containers. This year I have worked with the Grawood kitchen and now the Grawood is proud to announce that they too have switched from using the plastic take away containers to using the recyclable ones. It should also be noted that the liners in the take away containers (checkered paper) is also recyclable.

The next step that I am working on is to replace the plastic utensils being used by both Sodexho (the Grill and Tim Hortons) and the Grawood to recyclable ones. There is a product out now that we could switch to and both groups are looking into it.

Sodexho is also looking into having sustainable cups being introduced to Booster Juice - this change is expected to happen in the next few months.

If there are other sustainable steps that you would like to see the DSU take in terms of environmentally friendly packaging please let me know and I will make sure to pass along your concerns. 

Looking Fabulous!

On Thursday I had a meeting with the University's Career Services Center to which they announced that they were hosting..... What Not To Wear (the Dalhousie version) and that they would like for me to be one of four panel judges in selecting which students will receive the makeover. Seeing as how I think that this is a great opportunity for students, it's fun, and I love the actual show I agreed to be a part of it.

All Dalhousie students are eligible to enter the contest - http://careerservicescentre.dal.ca/default.asp?mn=1.13.1212 - and the winners (four students) will receive a $500 makeover.
The purpose of the contest is to bring awareness to students about what is appropriate to wear in the workplace.

The reveal of the makeovers is taking place on November 6th.

Check out the website link above for more information on the event.