Freshman Camp dismissed from UNH

Incoming Wildcats will now have to look for other programs to help ease their transition from high school to college. UNH’s second oldest organization, Freshman Camp, has been removed by the university following its violation of the conduct code in August.

Since 1932, Freshman Camp had been a popular four-day, three-night trip to Camp Robindel on Lake Winnipesaukee, with about 200 fresh faces and 40 counselors and staff members. The camp, a student-run organization with alumni advisers, has been helpful for Wildcat cubs preparing for the many aspects of college life.

In August, the organization was found responsible for disorderly, lewd and indecent conduct, as well as failing to consider student development, citizenship and safety of paramount importance, according to university spokesperson Kim Billings.

It was the program’s second violation of the conduct code since 2004, when Freshman Camp was put on probation for an incident that involved some of its counselors inviting first-year students to an off-campus party where alcohol was served during their second night at UNH. At that time, according to Billings, the university decided that if Freshman Camp was found responsible for any further violations, serious consideration would be given to permanent suspension of the organization.

“We recognize the value that (Freshman Camp) can afford to students,” said Billings. “Otherwise, we would not have committed the time and effort to sustain Freshman Camp after it was placed on probation in 2004. We have learned, however, that greater adult oversight is critical.”

While there is no timetable for the introduction of a replacement orientation program, there are two other organizations for new students, PrOVES and CONNECT. PrOVES specializes in public service work and CONNECT focuses on students of color and their adaptation to the university.

Phi Mu Delta charged, charter revoked

One month after two Phi Mu Delta pledges were taken to the hospital to be treated for alcohol sickness and seven more were arrested for unlawful possession of alcohol, the Durham Police Department has filed charges against the fraternity.

PMD faces one count of hosting an underage alcohol house party and one count of hazing. Both charges are Class B misdemeanors punishable by fines of up to $1,200 on each count. No additional charges are expected.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on the night and morning of Oct. 3 and 4, when police responded to a call at the PMD house at 21 Madbury Road. Police haven’t revealed what specifically happened in the house that night, but they believe PMD pledges were required to consume alcohol as part of an initiation ceremony.

PMD will be arraigned in Durham District Court at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20.

In addition to the police charges, the Phi Mu Delta National Council announced last Friday it had revoked the charter of UNH’s Nu Beta Chapter, immediately closing the fraternity for three to five years.

Following a separate incident, the university dismissed the Sigma Beta fraternity on Oct. 10 for violations stemming back to May. Sigma Beta also faced university sanctions for a Sept. 29 drug raid that resulted in nine arrests. All nine students were recently arraigned at Durham District Court.

A decision regarding university sanctions against PMD should come soon, according to Anne Lawing, senior assistant vice president of student affairs. UNH spokesperson Kim Billings said individual members of the frat may still be put through the student conduct process.

students celebrate historic election

When UNH students take to the streets to celebrate, it usually involves the Red Sox or the Patriots. However, last Tuesday proved different as students heard that Barack Obama had won the presidential election. Students rushed outside to join fellow supporters in celebration of the newly elected president and the nation as a whole.

As executive members of the Black Student Union sat around a table in the Strafford Room, a sense of accomplishment and relief could be felt knowing the work put into the Democratic campaign had paid off. They emphasized that this election wasn’t only important and historic for African Americans but for the entire nation.

“Countries are going to look onto us after this election, and Obama represents all different identities,” said sophomore Bie Aweh.

“I’m so proud,” said sophomore Jacqueline Walker. “Now, when people from other countries look at the U.S., they’re going to see a biracial man.”

UNH professor David Watters, director of the Center for New England Culture, has been involved in politics for 30 years and was recently elected to the N.H. House of Representatives.

He said the state once referred to as “the Mississippi of the north,” implying racist attitudes, has become part of the transition into what some are calling politics of the 21st century.

“I’m a Yankee. I don’t really show much emotion,” said Watters. “But Obama is a special person and I had a few tears. This election was for my son’s generation. A burden of failure has been lifted.”