NEWS—

Concerns raised over Planetarium closing

By Jonathan Orlowski “Lots of students are interested its just that we don’t know what’s going on.”” This is the main response in a “Tecent GEM survey on how

RED DEER, ALBERTA (CUP) — Red Deer, Alberta, college professor Gary Botting says his Jan. 7 suspension may be a result of his support of convicted hate- monger James Keegstra.

* But Red Deer College president Ed. Luterbach said English pro- fessor Botting was suspended for “unprofessional conduct” after the Dean of English John Tobias refused to sign Botting’s per- formance evaluation last July.

Botting said he doesn’t know why Tobias refused to sign his evaluation, but believes it is con- nected to his appearance as a wit- ness for the defence in Keegstra’s trial last year,

“I believe he was. concerned about my allegedly skirting col- lege procedures Keegstra’s lawyer, Doug Christie,” Botting said.

Luterbach said Botting sent a series of letters to the faculty association in December saying Luterbach is “tout to get’’ Botting and should be fired. Luterbach refused to say whether the letters prompted Botting’s suspension.

Faculty association chair Jim Scott said the association has

U.P.E.I. students feel about the Planetarium and its closure for the summer months,

In interviews with 70 students, 73% are interested in the Planet-

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been inside. Why?

One interested student replied, “The students are never invited, it’s the general public. Students don’t really consider theniselves the general public. 4

An idea put forward by another student, “Why not have the Planetarium shows as a part of the Freshman’s initiation — during Frosh week. That way the new students can get to know what the University has to-offer.’’ The stu- dent continued; ‘‘Almost every- body is curious. about what the space shuttle is discovering and also what is the worlds beyond.”

Another student commented “Because there is little ‘or no advertising on campus nobody. talks about it .””

Advertisement? *No this is not the major factor in closing down

the Planetarium’’, said Dennis

Finance and Administration). “*We are losing $21,000.00 a year which comes from a $28,000.00 budget revenue with an overall coverage of $49,000.00."" Clow continued, ‘‘All the necessary advertisement was done when the Planetarium first. opened _ with information given in the daily newspaper. We rely on the general public to attend the Planetarium shows."”

Fifty-three percent of these stu- dents interviewed did not know that the Planetarium was closing. If man is looking to space and the stars for expansion, it is important to have knowledge at hand, via the Planetarium,"’ said one stu- dent. Another added ‘*Because of its unusual structure it is unique to the Island way of life.””

Eighty-nine percent stated that they cared about it closing down.

closing down, “If it closes down it doesn’t look good for the Univer- sity and we are the University, so it doesn’t look good on us. I care because we might be losing a part of us.

A physics major said it adds economic and stamina values to the University and suggested. “Why not. have a private enter- prise take over the Planetarium.””

When asked this question Clough said that private enter- prise would not do any better. And speculation, money is not be lost in the winter, but summer. Clough said that this

contrary to

loss is due to the hiring of ,stu- dents and. therefore spending a higher supply bu

When dents. attend’ the shows if they had a chance (fit

get.

asked, would the. stu-

planetarium

into schedules), 89% said yes.

Wheaton Clough (U.P.E.I.° Director of One optimist didn’t believe it was The majority do ca a Di t a Supporting Keegstra 25% GEE oe Made recommendations to Luter- Retu rm a e bach concerning Botting’s dis- é es : nee but refused to comment on” Special Limited Trips them.

Response from RDC students on Friday and Sunday has been minimal, although one : of Botting’s students is actively i .

a tue For Information Contact: 566-0625 sion. Wayne Ungstad said he will

drop out of the college unless U.P.E.I. Bookstore

Botting is reinstated. “a

“As far as I'm concerned, I’ve suspended myself, too. It’s sort of a protest,” Ungstad said. “Dr. NEW CHEVY-OLDS-CADILLAC Botting is an excellent instructor SALES and LEASING who is well-informed and inte- resting.”*

But at least one of Botting’s lf-you're-in the market for a new students is not impressed with Chev-Olds-Cadillac or a top quality his co ils , pre-owned vehicle please feel

“He is often’ unnecessarily

to help Jim crude and vulgar during lectures” ax pee a Ce said the student, who asked not to WALTER PICCOTT be identified. ‘Essays are marked BARRY CHEV-OLDS-CADILLAC inconsistently and it’s not neces- 15 MT. EDWARD ROAD sary to go to class in order to pass 804.) 3 eee DENNIS _3us:894-5021 RES: 886-2385 often have nothing to do with the : shia aC Silane cavers. * Ask about our Graduate financing plan

Bagtme cond he will; retain 1) available credit 2) alow down payment Keegstra’s lawyer, Christie, as 3) attractive financing 4) no charge GM protection counsel if the case ever goes to court.

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