The Aquinas 1978-09-19

              /'/WTOJn IlROfT'"
result of higher food costs and of
inflation in general.
Possible uses of computerized
identification cards are not
restricted to the cafeteria. They
could be employed as library
cards, rental cards for equi~
ment, and as general student
identification cards. The possible
uSes are limited only by the
number of computer. readers
available to receive the cards.
Computerized options are open to
the University.
tains a constant account of the
number of meals eaten at each
location of the second and third
floor cafeterias. It can instantly
invalidate cards, record new
identification numbers, and if
necessary, act as a localized card
reader.
Why is this computerized
system implemented at the University?
According to James J.
Burns, Director of ARA Dining
Service, "The size of the school over
1,000 on the meal plan dictatt!
s its use." Burns cites
advantages of the Series-3 over
the previously used Polaroid
punch card system. The insertion
of a plastic card is faster than the
old process of punching holes in a
paper card, and Valedine System
eliminates the problems of
double meal purchase and of
mistakes in punching. If a
permanent card is lost, the
student uses a temporary one for
two daYs~ If the card is not found,
he must purchase a new one for
ten dollars. The old identification
number is invalldatea, and \\
another photograph is taken and
sellt to New York for lamination.
"
The cost of' processing cardsand
renting machines is approx- 0"
imately $4,000 per year, while the
previous punch card system cost
$3,000. The rise in certain food
prices (e.g. soda and sandwiches)
during lunch is sugested
to be a possible result of the $1,000
increase, but B~s maintains The new Vall-Dine system
"There is no relationship." It is a 'lD action.
Wilkes College
To Scranton University Students
Tuesduy, Sept. 19,1978 - THE AQUINAS - Page 7
Mea.l,Cards· Computerized
BYKATHYCOMPAGNONE
The Vali-Dine TM Series-3
Meal System .has been incorporated
at the University since
August 29, 1978. Students are now
using temporary cards showing
identification numbers, although
permanent cards showing the
student's name, color picture,
identification number, and meal
plan validation term are soon to
be issued.
On the back of each card is a
long black strip of magnetic tape
which is electronically read when
inserted into the computer "card
readers." These "readers" are
set daily for each particular
meal-breakfast, lunch, brunch,
or dinner. When· inserted, the
card may light one of five
.categories: Pass, Meal Eaten,
Card Invalid, Reinsert Card, or
Maximum Meals Eaten.
The students' information and
photos are recorded on the cards
through im undisclosed technical
process registered by R&D
Products, Victor, New York.
The card system at the
University' begins with the
student's 'personal identification
card and ends with the'central
computer terminal located in the,
second floor kitchen. Each card"
reader is connected by telephone
lines to the main terminal', the
Central Processing Unit. The
Unit consists of two small yellow
components placed on top of a
reserve battery pack (to be used
in case of electrical power
failure). The tennjnal main-
AIR FORCE ROTC
IS·NOW BEl
OFFERED BY
medium should contact Warner
at his office in Jefferson 309.
Three faculty offices and
various classrooms are adjacent
to the television and radio
studios. Debate headquarters
and the University record library
have also located their new
quarters on the third floor of
Jefferson Hall. .
In so far as 'the basement
gymnasium and swimmjng pool
complex .is concerned, Langan
has stated that as of this date, no
design has been proposed. As
acknow.ledged in last week's
AqUinas, the architectural firm
of Bellante & Clauss determined
that the pool located in the
basement was 12 years beyon<:i its
usefuIlife; however, the firm has
given assurance that the facility
is not a safety hazard. Should the
pool develop an initial leak, any
action taken to repair it would be
futile ,since subsequent leaks
would surely occur.
According to Langan, the most
sensible alternative would be to
demolish the existing structure
al~ogether and.in~talla new pool
Hence.the life ofthe·pool as it
now stands will be stretched to its
optimum until further action
need be taken. The entire poOl
area has taken on a different face
however, through extensive general
clean-up.
Since the June 1st YWCA
departure, expenditures in excess
of $100,000 have been
allocated for renovations and
material purchases.
.Jefferson Ha.ll. Renovation " ' ". .
BY DAVID ERDMAN
For some t.i..·Iui now, Uni~
versity students have been
catching drift of some rather
large-scale proposals for the
renovation of Jefferson Hall into
a multi-faceted and vital campus
facility.
Beginning with the recently
spruced-up Linden Street entrance,'
the entire first floor bas
taken on a newly polished
appearance.
Security'and Lost and Found
have been relocated at a
reception and information booth
adjacent to the 'biillding's main
entrance. The existing lounges
and meeting rooms, which were
once merely dust storage, have
been fully redecorated.
The first floor auditorium is at
present being repainted; however,
lli> sophisticated lighting or
sound equipment,' has . been
acquired to facilitate largescale
productions, although it will
provide an excellent movie
viewing, rehearsal, and lecture
hall: / .
The offices for Hanley: College
and Grad School' Councils are
also located on the main floor.
The second floor houses the
offices for the Aquinas, the
Windover, and four faculty
members. On either side of these
offices lie two meeting and conference
rooms-{)ne for visualfine
· arts and one for small
party-dining fWlctions and general
student use. According to
Martin Langan, director of
central services, invitation bids
went out to various vendors on
September 14th under the "University
Facilities Improvement
Plan for construction and
operation of a snack bar in the
second floor lounge area. Once
completed, this accomodation.
will be similar to' the ARk
facility now located in the student
center.
A $5,000 dark room has also
been constructed within close
proximity to other media offices
and will be furnished with new
equipment. '
All systems are go for the
completion of the third floor
carrier current radio station and
television studio. The wiring for
these systems is complete and
definitive layout plans have been
set. . and here' are some facts t,hat should interest you about that:
Dr. Roger D. Wallace, director
of the radio communications • COUrSeS open to college men and women.
center, foresees no reason for
delay in the commencement of • No service obligation now.
the operation, which has been set
for early January. The carrier • Full scholarships ava11able that pay tuition, all fees, plus a $100
current 'station will do no
transmitting on the air waves but a month tax-free allowance.
will serve the University through A A' F off'
an existing wire hook-up. • n If orce . Icer commission when you receive your
Choice of manpower for the baccalaureate.
center will be open to the entire
student body. Wallace has set • The opportunity to get to know the spirit that made our nation
goals for the University project to great.
befit any professional project.
Persons interested in this
medium are urged to contact - And, you don't necessarily have to be enrolled at any of these
Wallace at his office in Jefferson schools to attend..
312.,
Edward F. Warner, di~or of Talk with our Air Force ROTC representative. For more .·nformat.·on
the' television ~ommunicatioriS, '
center, has set similar goals for call or write 10: 'ColSeizYS )
this, studio operation with a Air Force. ROTC
projected completion date of
December 1st. The studio will 'be W'llkes College
fully equipped and capable of 829- 0194
handlin~ full-scale programm- .
ing. Because of the studio's ....----_ .....
caliber, the University reserves I. - ·.' the optIon ot event\l8lly applying e-...._ ~~.......1 ... LI... for it') own frequency. Those" ...... __ .~ __ .. .-= "interested '~ the television ••••••••~......... • ..
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