DSU Helps Students at Peter Green Hall

I have just arrived back in the office from delivering food items to students in need at Peter Green Hall. For more information on how the DSU helped these students please visit the DSU's website for the story.

Also there were 5 families affected by the fire, 4 with children. If there are any individuals or companies that would like to partner with the DSU to assist these families please contact me via phone (902.494.1277) or email (dsupres@dal.ca).

For more information on the DSU's food bank please visit our website at:

www.dsu.ca/services/foodbank

Think Before You Drink

Yesterday I did an interview with CBC News here in Nova Scotia. The interview was pertaining to the recent letter that a group of doctors wrote to have a minimum drink price in Nova Scotia.

When interviewed I was asked how will students react to a minimum drink price and perhaps having drink prices increased. And here is my response:

Dalhousie students will not all react to a minimum drink price the same way. Currently Dalhousie students are paying the highest tuition in Canada and we are used to having tight budgets once we have paid for tuition. Some of our students will not enjoy an increase in drink prices, some will not notice an increase because they do not frequent licensed establishments, and some will see the increase as a good thing. My main concerns whenever it comes to students drinking is that there can be risks associated with it and that measures need to be taken to educate the population about them, we also need to ensure their safety when they are traveling to and from venues. Educating the population on the risks that are associated with drinking alcohol needs to happen in the P-12 system. Many people finish their P-12 education before they are legal drinking age and therefore we need to educate them in a forum that already exists so that they understand what they may decide to engage in. My hope is that whether there is a set minimum drink price or not that there are concentrated efforts put on educating our population, and Canadian citizens, about the risks of consuming alcohol.

Below is the link to the CBC interview on their website:

'Drinks cheap but social costs high: doctors'

Dalhousie Holiday Receptions

Today I attended the Dalhousie Medical School Holiday Reception in the foyer of the Tupper Building which was hosted by the Dean of Medicine.

It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some festive treats and chat with people I have met from the Medical community since I became President.

Over the holiday season I attend many receptions and dinners which bring together people at Dalhousie and the greater community. I am so grateful that we take the time to have these events which allow people to come together, celebrate, and enjoy the holidays.

Tonight I am attending a dinner to honour supporters of Dalhousie University. The event is taking place in the Dalhousie Art Gallery and I am sure it will be wonderful.

Grawood is Getting Better!

Today the Grawood Lounge, located in the Student Union Building, received a wonderful new addition - booths!
The DSU Board of Operations approved its list of capital expenditures for the 2008-09 academic year a few months ago and the Grawood booths were one of the items.
The booths have been placed on the first level of tables/seating (in front of the DJ booth and around the perimeter of the level). The booths add warmth and comfort to the Grawood which will hopefully add in the appeal of the venue to our students. Currently the normal Grawood tables are being used for the tables for the booths, but they will be updated in the new year.
The Grawood is open for lunch tomorrow and then will be closed for the holiday season. The first day the Grawood is open in the New Year is January 5th.