UNews - 403-329-2345

Sharing the prairie landscape with rattlesnakes

caroline.zentner — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:09:43 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is built into the coulee slopes along the Oldman River, an area that’s also habitat for the prairie rattlesnake.

Rattlesnakes are periodically seen on campus during the spring, summer and fall months as they travel in search of food. This fall, the rattlesnakes will migrate back to their den site for the winter but they may appear on campus over the next couple of months. A locally made video of a recent rattlesnake relocation can be found on YouTube at Rattlesnake at Piikani House.

“Rattlesnakes are cold-blooded and rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. They cannot tolerate extreme hot or cold for very long and, because of this, most human encounters with rattlesnakes occur before noon as the day heats up and again in the evening when it cools down,” says Ryan Heavy Head, ecological consultant for the City of Lethbridge.

The prairie rattlesnake can be identified by its arrow-shaped head and its olive green, yellow and brown colouring.

Often the first indication of a rattlesnake is the sound of its rattle. Rattlesnakes are shy by nature and will retreat rather than strike if they have the choice. But if they are surprised, cornered or stepped on, they can strike at a distance of up to half their length. Their venom is not especially lethal and no one in Alberta has died from a prairie rattlesnake bite.

If you encounter a rattlesnake on campus, back away slowly, remain calm, and give the snake plenty of space. Call U of L Security Services at 403-329-2345 and they will stand by and make arrangements for the snake to be relocated.

In the event a rattlesnake bites you, remain calm and get to a hospital as soon as possible. Do not try to suck or cut the venom out as it is quickly absorbed into the blood stream. Early treatment of rattlesnake bites usually results in a full recovery.

In Alberta, it’s illegal to kill a rattlesnake, possess rattlesnakes or their parts, or damage their denning areas.

More information is available on the City of Lethbridge website and information pamphlets are available at U of L Security Services.

Holiday building hours in effect

trevor.kenney — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:57:20 +0000

The 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness is open during the holidays!

Please visit the Sport and Recreation Website for their holiday hours: http://www.uleth.ca/sportrec/

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Security is available 24 hours over the holiday break (403-329-2345).

BUILDING LOCATIONS AND OPERATING HOURS / ACCESS POINTS

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall

Dec.21-Jan.1, 2013 (inclusive)
North Entrance-Level 6 Open 24 hours
Level 4 B 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances Open 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts

Illingworth Kerr, Winter From the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Art Collection. Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
Level 4 Entrance Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances Open 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
Library Building

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
West Entrance Open 24 hours

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances Open 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
1st Choice Savings - CSW

Dec.21-24, & 26-31 2012
North & South Entrances Open 24 hours

Dec 25, 2012 and Jan.1, 2013 CLOSED

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
Students' Union Building

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
All Entrances Closed

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances 5:00 am Open
**
Anderson Hall

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
All Entrances Closed

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances 5:00 am Open
**
Turcotte Hall

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
Old Turcotte Hall CLOSED
West Sliding Door Open 24 Hours

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances Open 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
CCBN/AWESB

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
All Entrances Closed
**
Markin Hall

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
All Entrances Closed

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances OPENED
**
Regular building hours begin January 2, 2013. Regular department hours begin on January 2, 2013

Holiday building hours

trevor.kenney — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:43:04 +0000

This artwork appears in the U of L Art Collection and was a gift from Jim Coutts. Illingworth Kerr, Winter From the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Art Collection. Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
Level 4 Entrance Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances Open 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
Library Building

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
West Entrance Open 24 hours

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances Open 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
1st Choice Savings - CSW

Dec.21-24, & 26-31 2012
North & South Entrances Open 24 hours

Dec 25, 2012 and Jan.1, 2013 CLOSED

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
Students' Union Building

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
All Entrances Closed

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances 5:00 am Open
**
Anderson Hall

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
All Entrances Closed

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances 5:00 am Open
**
Turcotte Hall

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
Old Turcotte Hall CLOSED
West Sliding Door Open 24 Hours

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances Open 5:00 am (open 24 hours)
**
CCBN/AWESB

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
All Entrances Closed
**
Markin Hall

Dec.21 - Jan.1, 2013 (incl.)
All Entrances Closed

Jan. 2, 2013
All Entrances OPENED
**
Regular building hours begin January 2, 2013. Regular department hours begin on January 2, 2013

Parking passes under scrutiny

trevor.kenney — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:32:49 +0000

Security Services is currently investigating a number of forged and stolen parking passes that have been found in vehicles on campus.

Among the more than 4,000 passes issued each year, about 40 are recorded as missing or stolen. Security Services will issue a replacement for a $30 fee. Some passes which blow away in the wind are often returned. Unfortunately, some of them show up again – hanging from someone else's rear view mirror.

The challenges to a person caught with a forged or stolen pass are significant. First of all, your vehicle is immediately towed. Then there's the court system: the parking pass is the property of the U of L, and has a reasonable value, so you are considered to be in possession of forged and/or stolen property, which is a criminal offence. A conviction can also be married to a significant fine or, worst case, prison.

If you're a student, you'll also face some type of academic discipline, up to and including expulsion, along with a note on your academic record. Employees can be disciplined or their employment terminated.

If you have found a parking pass, please turn it in to the Security Services office, L911, Level Nine, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library building, just across from the Mr. Sub food kiosk.

If you have lost your pass, please report it immediately so that steps can be taken to issue a new one and to help Security Services track the old one down. Call Security Services at 403-329-2345.

Theft caught on camera

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:28:50 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union was the victim of a brazen break and enter earlier this week as two individuals made their way into the SU lock-up and stole aluminum beer kegs and cases of beer.

Caught on camera at about 5:20 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3, two individuals are seen removing up to six large, but empty, aluminium beer kegs and three full cases of beer from the lock-up area. The lock to the area was cut with a bolt cutting tool.

One individual is clean-shaven, has dark hair and is wearing dark coloured pants, a green t-shirt and a black baseball cap with a red mark on the brim. The other individual has red hair, a beard and is wearing jeans, a brown t-shirt with a large art logo on it and a black ball cap. The suspects are believed to be driving an older, purple, Chevrolet Lumina.

The beer kegs have no commercial value but could likely be returned for a $30 deposit per container. The three cases of beer are valued at approximately $35 each.

Campus Security and the Lethbridge Regional Police are investigating.

Anyone with information about this activity can call campus security at 403-329-2345, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (4277) or the Lethbridge Regional Police office at 403-328-4444.

To see photos of the suspects, follow this link.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Holiday hours

trevor.kenney — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:32:22 +0000

The majority of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus will close its doors for the holiday season beginning 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. The campus will essentially be closed from this date through to 5 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4. However, those hoping to visit the U of L's athletic facilities will still have the opportunity to do so throughout the holiday season.

1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness

The 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, the Fitness Centre, the Ascent Climbing Centre and the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre are all open over the holidays - except for Christmas Day (Saturday, Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011).

To walk, swim or run off your turkey, ham and holiday snacks, visit the following fitness facility websites to learn more about their holiday operating hours: Max Bell Pool Schedule; Ascent Climbing Centre Schedule; Fitness Centre Schedule.

For additional information, call 403-329-2706 or visit the Sport and Recreation Services website.

Campus Security / Building Access

Most building entrances will be locked throughout the holiday season, except those at major campus entry points. Security staff are on duty at all times and can be reached by calling 403-329-2345.

There will be minimal public access to most buildings on campus from Saturday, Dec. 25 until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

The following entrances are open 24 hours:

- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, North entrance, Level 6
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library, main entrance by the Aperture Drive Bus Loop
- 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness (north and south entrances)
- Turcotte Hall, west section (sliding doors)

The following entrances are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, Level 4 entrance
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts, Level 4 entrance

The following buildings are closed to the public until 5 a.m. on Jan. 4:
- Students' Union Building
- Turcotte Hall (east section)
- Anderson Hall
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience
- Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building
- Markin Hall
- Park Way Service Complex

Security personnel are on duty 24 hours a day. If you have questions or concerns, call the emergency number at 403-329-2345. Those on campus can dial ext. 2345.

Security welcomes Crime Stoppers to campus

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:26:10 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is considered an extremely safe campus – and a recent survey of it's students, staff and faculty back that claim. Keeping it that way and improving upon those perceptions are constant goals of the U of L's Security and Parking Services unit.

To that end, the U of L has entered into a partnership with Southern Alberta Crime Stoppers.

"From the outset I have emphasized the importance of our office partnering with groups such as Crime Stoppers to maintain a safe and informed campus community," says John O'Keefe, the U of L's director of Security and Parking. "A recent survey showed that 96 per cent of respondents felt they were very safe on campus, but we don't want to rest on our laurels. Our aim is to achieve 97 per cent next year and 98 per cent the year after that."

By bringing Crime Stoppers to campus and utilizing the resources they can supply, O'Keefe sees security moving forward.

"In my opinion, only by being dynamic and aware of the ever-changing world we live in will we be able to maintain the campus community's expectations of this department," he says.

Crime Stoppers is a civilian, non-profit, charitable organization that brings
together, in a tripartite relationship, the police services of a community, the media and the community in the fight against crime. Crime Stoppers provides citizens with the opportunity to anonymously supply the police with information about a crime or potential crime of which they have knowledge. Cash rewards are offered to people who call the program and their information leads to an arrest.

The on campus relationship allows students, staff and faculty the opportunity to anonymously report crimes or the potential for crimes by contacting either campus security or accessing Crime Stoppers through a variety of means. People can dial 1-800-222-8477, text TIP232 to CRIMES or submit a tip online at www.tipsubmit.com. Campus security can be contacted by calling 403-329-2345.

Crime Stoppers is also international and can be accessed throughout North America and much of Europe.

Watch for rattlesnakes in area coulees

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:36:45 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's unique, natural setting is one of its finest features. On a daily basis, students, staff and faculty are treated to glimpses of the surrounding prairie wildlife.

While most of the neighbouring wildlife is harmless, there are some species from which people should stay clear – namely the prairie rattlesnake. A recent sighting on campus has brought to light the need for people to exercise caution when walking around campus, particularly in the coulee areas where snakes are occasionally sighted.

Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and given a choice will retreat rather than strike. Although some people may find them loathsome, rattlesnakes are a naturally occurring species in a properly functioning prairie ecosystem such as we have around Lethbridge. They are practically harmless and will only strike if extremely provoked or stepped on. They play a very important role in the control of rodents and thus reduce the spread of diseases such as hanta virus.

Rattlesnakes are the color of dry prairie grass and have a very well defined, triangular-shaped head. They may or may not possess rattles. Lethbridge is also home to the bull snake, which imitates the rattlesnake by coiling up and shaking its tail, but it does not actually have a rattle. Bull snakes are not poisonous.

If you see a rattlesnake, walk slowly away from it. Give the snake plenty of room to escape from you and then notify Campus Security at 403-329-2345. They will have a specialist relocate the snake to a natural habitat.

In Alberta, rattlesnakes are blue-listed, meaning they have undergone declines in population or habitat and may be at risk. It is illegal to kill rattlesnakes, possess rattlesnakes or their parts or damage occupied den areas. There are significant charges and fines for killing a rattlesnake in Alberta.

Students entitled to WCB coverage

trevor.kenney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:08:10 +0000

Being a student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge requires a lot of work; in fact it's enough to earn Workers' Compensation Board coverage.

Students registered in and attending a post-secondary institution in Alberta, as outlined in Section 7(1)(c) of the General Regulations of the Worker's Compensation Act, who are enrolled in a vocational or academic program leading to a degree or certification, are considered to be workers of the Government of Alberta and are entitled to WCB coverage.

This regulation applies to all students who are in attendance at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, except those students who suffer accidents while engaging or participating in extra curricular sporting, recreational, social or personal fulfillment activities which are not a current academic requisite or required as a part of the course of study in which the student is registered.

There are many benefits that students enjoy as a result of this coverage entitlement, especially for students whose academic program include practicum, co-op experiences and internships. The coverage however is not specific to only those students but to all students who are involved in their academic endeavors.

If a student is involved in an accident or incident, it should be reported immediately to either U of L Security (403-329-2345) or Risk and Safety Services (403-329-2099) or by completing an on-line incident/accident report.

The Alberta Workers' Compensation Board may not cover distance learners if they do not meet Section 28(1) of the Workers' Compensation Act. For more information contact the Workers' Compensation Board or Risk and Safety Services.

It is extremely important for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to be immediately notified when a student is involved in an accident or incident in the course of their academic experience to ensure that the matter is reported to WCB within the regulated timelines, enabling WCB to review each situation and determine the student's entitlement to benefits.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Wellness Coordinator, Suzanne McIntosh, administers the WCB portfolio at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. McIntosh can be reached at 403-332-5217 or by email at suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca

UNews - 403-329-2345

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