Myth-busting relating to Lister Hall changes

It is clear from the reaction to Monday's announcement of changes to Lister Hall, that there are a number of misconceptions prevalent related to the current and forthcoming changes to Lister Hall. Let’s set the record straight.

Myth #1: There will be no second-, third- and fourth-year students in Lister.
Fact: Yes, there will. Upperclass students will serve as residence assistants and senior residence assistants (employed by Residence Services), while at least three orientation volunteers (one per wing) will also require returning senior students. Other key Lister Hall Students’ Association positions will also see students returning to Lister. Regardless, the individuals in RA and senior RA positions will be students, not outside professional staff.  In addition, up to three orientation volunteers per floor may return and potentially additional positions to support LHSA activities.

Ultimately, the positive mentoring and leadership roles that upperclass students can play in Lister will continue with a complement similar to the number of returning students this year.  The only real difference will be that each returner or other upperclass student will hold a leadership position, either with Residence Services or the LHSA.

Myth #2: There will be no more elected floor coordinators.
Fact: While the paid student-staff position of floor coordinator has been eliminated, LHSA can still hold elections for students to return as floor reps.

Myth #3: The Lister Hall Residents’ Association has been eliminated.
Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth. The LHSA remains a registered student group and one with a vital role in creating community within Lister Hall. Residence Services and the Office of the Dean of Students continue to work closely with the current LHSA executive to make the transition effective and help the LHSA to thrive going forward.

Myth #4: Lister is going dry.
Fact: Alcohol consumption is still permitted in private spaces by students of legal drinking age. Alcohol in other spaces in residence will be allowed with a permit with the exception of designated dry or alcohol-free floors, where no alcohol consumption is permitted. This applies to all residences on the university’s Edmonton campuses, including Residence Saint-Jean, Michener Park and Newton Place.

Myth #5: Students have no say in Lister Hall changes; students and/or LHSA were not consulted.
Fact: Changes to the alcohol rules and staffing changes were made now by the university due to pressing health and safety concerns for staff and students. However, LHSA executives have been part of conversations about proposed changes to Lister since 2008. Students will have many opportunities to be heard in shaping a first-year residential experience and program that will launch in September 2013. (See July 30, 2012 Gateway story.)

Pres. Samarasekera on Lister as first-year residence

The university has taken the first steps this week to begin transitioning “classic Lister” into a residence for first-year and transfer students beginning in September of 2013. This initiative is being led by the Office of the Dean of Students and by Residence Services.

I am thrilled with the plans that are developing. The staffing and rules changes taking effect this year will foster a living-learning environment that sets our students up for personal and academic success. There is clear demand from students and their parents for just such an environment. The support and programming that will be part of the first-year experience are an example of the types of initiatives outlined in the Comprehensive Institutional Plan and Dare to Deliver academic plan designed to enhance our student experience, increase leadership opportunities and foster the success of our students.

Sincerely,
President Indira Samarasekera, OC

Transition of Lister to first-year residence underway

The University of Alberta will be turning the three ‘classic’ residence towers of Lister Centre into a residence for first-year and transfer students only beginning in fall of 2013. This is a significant step in the evolution of Lister Hall as well as our student residence system overall, providing an exciting opportunity for the university to enhance the attraction and retention of students new to the U of A.

Mackenzie, Henday and Kelsey towers will see first-year only residents in September 2013. Some changes are happening immediately though, including the implementation of revised alcohol rules and restructuring the student-staff positions to be consistent with our other student residences. The alcohol rules change restricts the use of alcohol to private areas (such as a Lister dorm room or HUB living room in a HUB suite) or to events that have been properly licensed. This revision will apply to all student residences on North Campus, Residence Saint-Jean and Michener Park.

There are a several objectives we hope to realize in making these changes over the coming months. In the end, the U of A will fully harness the residence experience Lister can offer first-year undergraduate students. The Lister Hall Students' Association will be able to continue playing a strong role in enhancing student engagement as well. In the process, we’re also taking steps to ensure we’re offering a safe and healthy living-learning residence for our students.

For more information, you can check out the online news story, which also has a Q&A.

Sincerely,
Frank Robinson
Vice-Provost and Dean of Students

NASA members ratify agreement

Members of the Non-Academic Staff Association have ratified the proposed agreement with 78 percent of valid ballots cast in favour of the agreement. The details of the package are in NASA's Bargaining Bulletin #6.

Info about power system loads this week

Update about power system loads – July 10, 2012

The Alberta Electrical System Operator has advised all users, including the university, that the peak load issues experienced throughout western North America yesterday have been fixed.

As a result, the university’s cooling systems will be functioning as usual.

Thank you for your patience.

July 9, 2012 4 p.m.
Due to the current heat, the electrical utility grid for western North America is experiencing peak load issues that could impact the university’s ability to meet peak cooling demands on North Campus.

As a licensed member of the Alberta Electrical System Operator, the university is expected to do its part to decrease the electrical load and may be requested to shed loads on campus in order to help maintain the stability of the grid system.

As part of the University's Emergency Preparedness Planning, Facilities and Operations has documented detailed plans to shed non-essential cooling loads on campus should the need arise. The plan prioritizes all systems on campus in order to shed the lowest priority system in an effort to maintain high priority areas in service. This means some North Campus rooms will be warmer than usual.

The university is not anticipating any full power shut downs.

More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Your patience and understanding are appreciated if you find university spaces warmer than you prefer. Please do what you can to conserve energy since temperatures are expected to be high all week.