Friday, February 25, 2011

Negligence


By Paul Anthony M. Eso
(Vol. XXVIII No. 17, Editorial Cartoon)


One of the populous spots inside the university is the NORSU library. For Norsunians, the books in the library are still the best reference in making their projects and assignments. For some, it is always a favorable place to study.

But before a student can enter the said library, a student should leave his belongings on the bagagge area. For University Librarian Pablita Munar, it is for the safety of the books and periodicals which the students might be taking home. Thus, she ordered that students can only bring limited items upon entering, while the rest will be placed in the shelves and will be guarded by student assistants (SAs).

But with the advent of modern technology, some Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras were placed inside the library to ensure safety to the properties of the students, and to lessen manpower. The librarian herself claimed that students need not worry about their belongings because the cameras will be helpful in identifying the culprit if anything is lost.

But students are still complaining to have lost something in the library. Why are there still cases of missing properties of students after leaving the said area? Was it because of plain negligence on the part of students, or pure disregard of authorities on the alarming situation?

Some Norsunians have already been suggesting to bring with them their properties inside the library to ensure its safety, but the authorities declined. The reason still goes the same. Why do not they just allow and trust the students to bring their valuables and to observe proper usage on library materials? It would be better to give it a try.

Meanwhile, authorities said that some Norsunians are picking the wrong thing because of too many bags being placed in the library shelves, but are students not vigilant enough with their personal things? What a lame excuse.

Moreover, they said that the cameras are weak during brownouts, so there is less possibility that the culprit will be known after the incident happened. It seems that they are taking their words back. Why are they letting students leave their properties behind without proper security?

Thus, there are two options. The students should be allowed to bring with them their belongings to observe proper security, or presume the SAs to guard students’ belongings.

If the first option will be granted, then the students should be responsible with their actions by taking care of the books that they have borrowed. The CCTV cameras should then be placed inside the library premises to watch over the students’ behavior. In that way, the proper usage of the cameras is highly realized.

Meanwhile, if the latter option will be good for them, then students’ belongings will be properly secured. The librarian and the office of security matters as well, need not worry with the limitations of the cameras installed and that the uncontrolled incidents will not happen again.

Negligence should never be an excuse. The administration and the students should work hand in hand for the safety of all. Let us stop blaming each other, and instead be responsible enough in observing what is right.

Let common sense work


By Cheeno M. Luang
(Vol. XXVIII No. 16, Editorial Cartoon)

The No-Smoking Ordinance was implemented last August 2010; the new Internet Research Station was opened early January this year; and the drinking fountains were put up last month.

However, it is disturbing to find out that some students are letting their ignorance hamper the effectiveness of these facilities.

Let’s consider these concerns one by one. First, the No-Smoking Ordinance of the Provincial Government prohibits the selling of cigarettes in public areas, and disallows smoking within the 100-meter distance from educational institutions, government edifices, vehicles, and all public places. To recall, University President Henry A. Sojor himself announced during the university’s 5th Charter Day of the university that anyone violating the policy will be sanctioned.

However, after several months, it was found out that some students still violate the ordinance by smoking along the pathways outside the campus, apparently because no authority apprehended them.

Second is the new IRS at the 4th floor of the College of Arts and Sciences building. In just three weeks, students were found to have defeated the real purpose of the facility by viewing social networking sites, notably Facebook, instead of researching for school requirements. With the behavior showed by the students, the IRS personnel preferred to block the sites because aside from spending more time on these, students are not attending their classes anymore.

Third, the drinking fountains which were supposedly for drinking were used for hand washing and cleaning of utensils.Worse is the fact that even some teachers do the same action when they are supposed to be role models. It is a good thing though to see students slowly learning and avoiding doing that disturbing habit.

However, we cannot escape from the fact that these realities are signs of ignorance, if not stupidity, and lack of common sense.

We are not elementary school pupils anymore who need to be told on what to do. We are supposed to be mature enough and are expected to understand, by the use of our common sense, what and where a certain facility is intended for.

If we continue this intolerant behavior, we will put the whole Negros Oriental State University system to shame.

Recently, the amphitheater was officially opened. We hope that the facility’s real purpose will be strictly followed and that students will not just use this as an avenue for gossiping, eating, drinking, and even, dating.

We, Norsunians, should give a full throttle of cooperation and attitude make-over so that these attitudes of making and following our own rules be carried on before things get worse.

For the better


By Arvin V. Rodriguez
(Vol. XXVIII No. 15, Editorial Cartoon)


It has been years now since each of the colleges of Negros Oriental State University celebrate their individual college fun days separately. As a matter of fact, it has been anticipated every year by most of the students who wish to know their college colleagues better and who seeks for a one-day fun to escape the constraints of education.

Very recently, a proposal was created to merge the fun days of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, and College of Business and Accountancy. This is mainly to prevent further postponement of classes, to save time, effort, and money, to extend the camaraderie by mingling with other students from neighboring colleges, and to maximize the amount of fun each student will experience during their college fun day.

When we look at the surface, this is a good move from the deans and faculties who formulated and supported this plan. In fact, the realization of this plan will be implemented few days from now.

However, since this will be the first time that the three colleges merge their fun day, there will definitely have problems and complications along the way. One would be the proper accommodation of an increased crowd. With the swarming of a multitude on that day, there is a need for a firmer security to watch over the welfare of the students. The preparation would be tighter and activities would be enhanced. There are even some students who are still crossing their eyebrows on this plan and commented that they won’t see the real meaning of college fun day when they share it with other colleges.

With these possible glitches, much optimism should be poured on that grand affair. We have to expect that on this first merging of fun day, there will more amusement and laughter, gaiety and socialization – an experience that we will always keep. Negative feedbacks are always there to contradict the plan but it would still be better to try for a change. Erase the bitterness and support what needs to be bettered.

Just like the rest of the ‘first times’ that we have attempted to do, this major event needs fervent prayer and ample support. Though not everyone agrees that it would be more fun compared to the typical fun day celebration, many are still anticipating for the surprises it will offer.

If this event becomes successful , then let congratulations be extended to the people who made it possible. But if nothing goes right, it would be a doubt if there will be a second or a third merging of college fun day.