Student Senate Resolution tackles housing crunch

The Student Senate recently discussed resolutions for the housing crunch at UNH. With the uncertainty of the incoming class size, the largest class ever on campus now, and the guarantee of four semesters of housing, the Senate explored two options: a housing lottery for rising seniors and juniors, and increasing the number of triples in the existing Mills, Woodsides and Gables complexes.

The Senate voted in support of building up existing housing. While this does represent the decision of the students, it will not guarantee that there won’t be a lottery.

Projections for the next year estimate roughly 300 more people without accommodations.

-Meg Power

Student Senate condemns mock trial decision

The Student Senate recently passed a resolution concerning the school’s participation in an annual mock trial competition.

In the past, two teams from UNH have attended the competition put on by the American Mock Trial Association. One was a class taught by professor Charles Putnam; the other was the Club Mock Trial. This year, however, new team recognition rules have one representative from the university in contact with the AMTA. Professor Putnam is this representative for UNH.

Under the new policy, only one team would be recognized per university. In the case of UNH, the recognition will go to the actual class of the university within the justice studies program, rather than an independently run student organization. It appears that he mock trial club will no longer be able to participate in the competition.

When the situation was brought to the attention of Dean Alan Kirkpatrick, he upheld it, prompting the club to turn to the Student Senate.

The Senate then passed a resolution essentially condemning Professor Putnam and Dean Kirkpatrick’s ruling, stating, “Both Dean Kirkpatrick and Professor Putnam refused to be the contact for Club Mock Trial; thus greatly reducing the probability that Club Mock Trial competes in this year’s AMTA events.”

Dean Kirkpatrick called the condemnation “offensive” and pointed out that Professor Putnam has recently agreed to terms that will allow the mock trial club to participate this year, despite the concerns surrounding eligibility. In the years to come, however, students who want to participate in the mock trial competition will most likely have to be a member of the justice studies class, not merely a member of the club.

Other resolutions that have been passed so far this year include the proposal to eliminate Social Security numbers as identification numbers at school, and the creation of a crosswalk between the Memorial Union Building and the president’s house.

-Alex Cornetta

UNH for ONE

The UNH for One campaign wants the United States provide 1 percent of its budget to fight the global battle against AIDS and extreme poverty. Currently, the U.S. budget provides $19 billion for the cause. With a full 1 percent dedicated to the cause, $25 billion would be available. UNH for ONE has a blog on the national One foundation Web page, www.one.org.

On Dec. 4, Worlds AIDS Day, UNH for ONE wants to bring a “celebratory feeling back to campus.”

Joining with Health Services, the organization wants to celebrate World AIDS Day in a positive light. Information on UNH for ONE and Product Red will be available in the MUB. The organization will also adorn the MUB with 6,500 red condoms,  “One condom for each person who dies every day from AIDS in Africa,” says Alex Barrel, co-founder of the UNH for ONE organization.

Proceeds from World AIDS Day will go toward the non-profit organization Grassroots Soccer, which teaches AIDS awareness in Africa through soccer. The foundation has sent $40 million to Rwanda and $4 million to Swaziland this year.

Barrel says, “We are dedicated to acting as one group of motivated people to make the lives better of one person, one family, one community."

-Sabrina Cardin