identity

continued from page 7

university's history. A history, President MacLauchlan believes, the university community has much to gain from. He added that in present public relations work efforts were being made to emphasize the role of the predecessor institutions; St. Dunstan’s

and Prince of Wales

left to the consideration of alumni, faculty, staff and students.

MacLauchlan disagrees. He pointed out that, in the end, the use of the logo. or the Coat of Arms was the President’s perogative. He does want, the input, and views from the rest of the campus community.

“Do we want both the logo and the Coat of Arm, if we do, is it this particular logo that we

“It [the Coat of Arms] reflects the historical narrative — which predates UPEI,”

College.

To many, the Coat of Arms reflects the richness of UPEI’s heritage, in contrast to the U-logo which lacks symbolism. But opinions on this matter vary.

Dr. Roger Gordon, Dean of Science, disagrees with the extensive use of the university Coat of Arms. According to Gordon the promotional logo is a good way of locating the modern aspects of UPEI.

Nicole Doucet, a 3 year Biology student, echoes Gordon’s opinion.

“I think it [the logo] is fine. We are used to it now, and most students know very little about the symbolism of the Coat of Arms,” said Doucet. Yet, Senate reported that according to asmall sample of the campus, students, in general, did not like the promotional logo.

According to Senate whether UPEI should use its logo or its Coat of Arms, should be

want?” asked Professor David Buck, chair of the Classics Department, as other Senate members agreed that although the Coat of Arms was beautiful, what it represents is more important, rather than the details of its design.

Senate reported that the University of Calgary, had years ago undergone a_ similar identity crisis, which led to the creation ofa new logo— later abandoned in favour of returning to the university's Coat of Arms.

Senate concluded that it was important that the many dimensions of UPEI be represented properly. The senate decided that it would be useful to convene focus groups in areas where divergence of opinion on this matter are expected. Members added that it is important to exercise care in selecting an identifier; either the logo or the Coat of Arms, to best enhance and portray the quality of UPEI. ao

Access 2000, Charlottetown

The state of higher education in the

province examined

By Sarah K. Murphy NEWS EDITOR

February 24 was declared by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) as the national day of action for the on-going Access 2000 campaign. The campaign was instigated in response to 7 billion dollar in cuts to the education system.

oon e organization, which lobbies on behalf of students for the restoration of 3.7 billion dollars in transfer payments to the provinces, also struggles to establish a national system of grants, revamp the

national standards of quality

‘for Canadian institutions,

and boost accessibility to post-secondary education. UPEI students made a significant effort to demonstrate their support to the cause, as almost 200 students strolled through the “Breezeway” to part- take in a symbolic meal of Kraft Dinner. This was part of a local effort to raise awareness on the state of higher education in PEI. “Giving things

away, will bring students in

masses,” said BJ McCarville,

by local politicians

UPEI Student Union (SU) Vice President External, and CFS representative. “They [students] were really excited, and it definitely did catch people’s attention right away, and definitely drummed up interest [in

the campaign].”

“It is refreshing to see 150 to 200 students [wanting] to make their opinions known,” added John Desrosiers, UPEI Student Union President.

With extensive media coverage, McCarville hopes to have demonstrated to the community the involvement and dedication of UPEI students. Although not all were informed about the details of ~ the current debate, students showed interest in learning about the current problems regarding _post- secondary education in their province and across the country, and in lobbying to stop tuition hikes and cuts to the education

budget.

“There is so much apathy on this campus,” admitted McCarville. “All we want to do is raise awareness and make students aware that there _ are ways to fight this [tuition hikes, and funding cuts].”

McCarville is confident, and ready to take action.

“T think the central focus for UPEI should be the fact that our tuition has increased 89%, and that is enough”, she said e, “I want people to know we do care.”

Access: 2000 activities were crowned by a panel discussion which included UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan, PEI Education Minister Chester Gillan, Education critic for the Official Opposition and MLA, Robert Maddix, NDP representative. Leo Broderick, and SU

President Desrosiers.

All panel members agreed that the campaign was very timely, as budgets are currently being drafted.

“It is a question of justice between governments and students,” said Wade MacLauchlan, questioning who should bear the