—- LIONS EYE - September, 1999 Students work hard on the newly upgraded computer lab in Room 214 Main. Photo by CherjonBailey New Science Studio Soon To Be a Welcome Reality By Amanda Ponzar Lion’s Eye Staff Writer Although most students are completely unaware that it exists, a new science studio is being completed in Main 205. This studio is a combination of labs for physics, biology, and chemistry. It is not simply for science majors, but will also be utilized by pre-med, nursing, and engineering students. This new studio with its new equipment was badly needed, since the labs at Delco have not undergone a major renovation since the early 1970s. Univer Pa citv decision tc format for scienc: discovery. This allows st a much more active rol and eliminates d and book eal the small number of discipline at the Delco campus, Peter Georgopulos, Associate P of Physics, had the science studio to mut the science disciplines. Although there is still a place for “microscopes and meter sticks” says Georgopulos, the goal of the lab is to help students become familiar with today’s “modern equipment...and techniques.” The new Science Studio is equipped with 12 Dell 500 megahertz computers, as well as interfaces, a variety of probes, and “science workshop” programs. Science Work- shop™ is compatible with Windows ‘95, making it possible for data to be pasted into Excel spreadsheets for ally benef further analysis. Most of the funding ($ 100,000) for the studio came from PSU Delco, while the remaining $58,000 came from classroom improvement funding allocated by Kahir, Dean of Undergraduate Education. PSU “is trying to get all the campuses up to speed...so students here wouldn't lose out,” said Georgopulos. In his mind, PSU Delco has the advantage since it has a lower faculty student ratio than most, allowing students more personal time with the professors while using the new equipment. : The new studio has also changed the way science classes are numbered. 1 Soe 1 : SES BRAN e credit 201 science class § start n 7 { in Spring 2000, e future the lab and nent will be available for while classes are not in session. Though the science departments must still “walk the tightrope” between computer-assisted learning and the old ways of doing experiments that enforced the basics, Georgopulos is confident that this studio will be an asset to students and faculty alike. It is far from complete and there is a long road to travel before all the depart- ments and students are using it to full capacity. Still, Georgopulos is opti- mistic that “the science studio will be used more and more as time goes on.” Checking Up on Health By Doris Ruiz Lion’s Eye Staff Writer With the new millennium ap- proaching, many are already worrying about their New Year's resolution. Not to worry.... the upcoming Healthy Living Health Fair is sure to help you accomplish your goals. On Wednesday, September 15 (10:00-2:00 Student Lounge, Main), students and faculty will be able to gather educational information on health screenings. Also, Body fat analysis, acupuncture, chiropractic, fitness, and therapeutic activities will be available for all to try. Nutrition Professor, Mary Ellen Dimatteo, will be offering insight on cancer prevention, stress relief and diabetes control. Part II of the Health Fair will continue on Friday, September 24, during common hour (12:30-1:20). A Nutrition and Health Seminar will be held to address a “non-diet approach “ to weight management. Additionally, this seminar will introduce a series of other programs and services that will be offered this fall: Healthy Eating and Weight Management, Nutrition and Health Seminars, Individual Nutrition Counseling and a Disordered Eating Support Group. In order to get good grades, you must be in good shape. Student participation for these events is greatly encouraged. For more information, please contact Mary Ellen Dimatteo at 610-891-6609. Computer Authentication: Both Security and a Hassle By Scherrie Bailey Lion s Eye Staff Writer As students filled the computers labs this year, a noticeable change confronted them. When they peered at the monitors a gray and blue prompt asked them to log in with a user ID and password. In accordance with University policy, Delaware County authenticated every computer lab used by students. According to Effy Oz, author of Management Information Systems, “ Authentication is a measure to ensure that the person who accesses an organization's information system is indeed the person he or she claims to be.” Gordon Crompton, Coordinator of Student Computer Labs explained the need for the new authentication process. “Authentication is a means of protection for students. People can’t misuse the computers because their user ID helps computer services to track them down. It’s now easier to track someone who breaks the rules and regulations of academic policy.” Additionally, students have addressed concerns regarding the time-out feature. Every computer is given a command to log out any student who leaves their computer unused for more than two minutes. Therefore, it is imperative that when students log into the network that they save information typed in new documents. Also, the new system gives an alert if the student leaves a disk in the hard drive. Crompton clarified the reason for the logout feature. “It is a security measure to guarantee that a computer is not left idle for misuse if the student forgets to logout.” The downside to this feature occurs when computer users mistakenly leave their documents inactive only to discover that unsaved information has been erased. Nearly three-fourths of the computers on campus have been up- graded for more useful performance. Those computers on campus can be found in computer labs in room 214 Main, the library PCs and the library Mac lab. The PCs in both the Main building and the library are now Dell 500 Mhz with Pentium III processors. The Mac lab in the rear library includes new blueberry iMacs with G3 processors. Smal B 7 nl iion Q de pesides new faces are on De year. The positions of Assistant Directc of Admissions, Director of Development, and Director of Student Life, were filled this past summer. In addition, a new member has joined the library staff. In the admissions office, Ms. Laura Horsey took on the task of Assistant Director. Formally, she held the Multicultural Recruiting position at East Stroudsburg University and is now in charge of general recruiting for Delco. She will be dealing personally with potential students and their families. Originally from Downingtown, Ms. Horsey feels exceptionally comfortable here at Penn State. “This campus is very different from East Stroudsburg. It’s a small, friendly atmosphere. . [like] one big family. I'm very impressed.” In addition to her recruitment work here on campus, Ms. Horsey is also continuing her graduate studies at LaSalle University. Another staff member who enjoys 1/4 kind of lose perspective if you stay This statement may not be so true for others. Lynn Johnson, the new Director of Development has just arrived from University Park, where she was Director of Development for the Commonwealth College. Ms. Johnson, a graduate of Penn State, is in charge of fundraising, and solicits donations for the university. Although Ms. Johnson has been a part of Penn State’s winning team for a while now, Christina Elia has just begun her professional journey with PSU, as a new member of the library staff. Presently a psychology student at Chestnut Hill College, Ms. Elia is primarily responsible for book orders and library evening services. When asked how she liked Delco, Ms. Elia responded, “I really like it here; it reminds me of my campus.” All four of the new staff members are showing Penn State Spirit. Jury Convicts DUI Driver Of Killing Delco Student (Continued from page 1) Comber will be officially sen- tenced on October 28, 1999. He is presently in Delaware County Prison trying to raise $25,000 cash bail. Even at sentencing, he can request bail on appeal. Any students, staff, or faculty, ‘who knew Scott is encouraged to write a letter to Judge Toal about the impact Scott’s death has had on them and the campus community. Toal is responsible for the actual sentencing of Comber and the decision whether or not to grant bail. Letters should be sent to the Honorable William Toal, Judges Chambers, Delaware County Courthouse, Media, PA 19063. Letters should make reference to the case: The Commonwealth v. James Comber, Transcript No. 5102-98.
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