ATO Busted... again...

For the second time in a couple months the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at UNH has been busted. Shortly after receiving a 5 year ban they are in hot water again after 11 members were arrested for drug related charges that came from a search following an alleged sexual assault case. The house has also been ruled to unsafe to live in after fire violations, health code violations and life safety violations were found. Talk about a rough stretch for UNH fraternities, huh? This is way beyond double secret probation.

When I first came to UNH I heard about all the Greek life stereotypes, sayings or one liners. These aren't mine and I'm not saying they are true, but I learned them early and I'm sure most of you have heard them too. There was "A-Chi-Hoe," "Kattle Delta", "It always snows at ATO" and of course how Zeta was known for roofies. The articles I read only mentioned marijuana and prescription drugs (and others sent to labs to be tested) being found at ATO, so no word yet if "snow" was found.

I can't say this comes as a surprise at all, but hopefully this is the end of major busts at UNH. We don't exactly have the best reputation when it comes to this sort of stuff and our Greek life system doesn't look to good right now. Believe it or not, but having a strong Greek life is important to big universities. For a lot of the crap we hear about, they do get a lot of fundraising and volunteer work done (not to undermine other student orgs that do those things without all the "extracurricular" activities.)

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Rumor Mill: TKE loses Recognition (confirmed)

(See updates at the bottom of this post.)

The other day one of my roommate's texted me "TKE lost recognition, you know anything?" At the time I didn't and I was busy and completely forgot about it. This evening I got another comment on a post again inquiring about TKE. So I went over to Twitter and posted a question asking if anyone had heard anything about this. Within a few minutes someone responded: "They did, someone stole a gun from their house and they had to report it. But then UNH found out they had weapons."

That is the only explanation I have heard so far; and in the mean time another friend texted me saying he heard the same thing. I guess that will do it, weapons on a college campus are always a scary thing especially in the post-Columbine and Virginia Tech era. I must admit, although they had a gun (and honestly it could have been a hunting rifle or shotgun, those seasons are just beginning) they did the right thing by reporting it to the police.

If you know anymore details, or if I'm completely wrong, please post your comments below.

Now I need to get back to studying watching the Red Sox.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

UPDATES:
I have heard from a few sources that 1 or 2 pounds of marijuana were found, as well as $2000 cash and the gun was also loaded. Read the comment section to see an explanation of their penalty from a current brother.

Unrecognized Greek Orgs hit below the belt

Adam McCready, the coordinator of Greek life at UNH, is at it again.  Please be aware that I am NOT apart of any Greek organization, but I do support them because a strong Greek system is essential for a university. Once again McCready has tried to trash on unrecognized fraternities and sororities by discouraging students from joining one. I kind of see where he is coming from, he only wants students to support UNH recognized organizations, but he is only making himself out to be a villain. I have said this before, but I think he should spend less of his time, and energy, keeping unrecognized frats unrecognized. He should be trying to help these unrecognized organizations regain their status. I believe the more variety the better. Competition is what makes things better. The following poster can be seen around campus buildings and dorms. (They were sent in by a reader so props for that!)

Earlier this year there was a big controversy when McCready referred to unrecognized fraternities, specifically Phi Kappa Theta, a fraternity which is still recognized by it's national headquarters, as  "social drinking groups." That quote angered brothers and supporters who claim they still host fundraising events like every other Greek organization. I always thought the head of Greek life was supposed to support and guide the organizations, not brush them under the rug. Yes, they are not recognized by the school and therefore he doesn't control them, but that also doesn't mean that he should make them look bad. A lot of those organizations on the poster do everything else that recognized organizations do and it still looks the same on a resume.  I think that UNH (McCready) and the IFC should support any Greek organization that is willing to do good in the community. A Greek advisor is not doing a good job if he lets recognized houses fall apart because he is too busy wasting his time with unrecognized houses. I'm not saying that fraternities shouldn't be punished, I think a few years probation is understandable. I don't think that current or future members should be punished for something that happened when they were in middle school. 

Stay classy, not UMassy.

PS: I've heard rumors that McCready was arrested a few years ago for supplying alcohol to his younger brother or he was at a party and he was 21 with minors or something like that. Anyone know if there is any truth to that?

Like a Pro:The Positives of Fraternities

Once again, this week's column from TNH all linked up. Anything in parentheses was not in the newspaper version.

When students first arrive at UNH in the fall of their freshman year they are faced with the decision of going Greek. Many times students associate Greek life, especially fraternities, with the Delta Tau Chi fraternity from Animal House. (Which was actually based on a real fraternity from Dartmouth.) Students expect that Greek life revolves around throwing huge parties every weekend and skipping classes. I feel like these stereotypes and presumptions are only hurting the Greek society here at UNH. These problems seem to be connected more with fraternities rather than sororities. Students are not the only people who buy into these stereotypes, but also many parents. A few weeks ago a parent left this comment on The New Hampshire website: “I will openly admit I have discouraged my son from joining a fraternity. I have yet to see how the Greek community does anything consistently positive.”

What annoys me most about that quote is the second part about the Greek community not doing “anything consistently positive.” I want to let it be known that I am not involved in Greek life in any way, I just wish to show those organizations support. I have noticed how fraternities often make the news when there is an arrest on their property, but when they host a charity event it often goes unnoticed.

Let us examine a couple key stats that can be found on the Morehead State University website. According to this website former Greek students are the head of 43 out of the 50 largest corporations in America. Greek alumni also make up 85% of the Fortune 500 executives and 76% of U.S. Congressmen and Senators. Every U.S. President and Vice President, except two in each office, born since 1825 have been members of a fraternity. Greek students also have a higher graduation rate than non-Greeks and they raise over $7 million annually.

Those statistics do not lie. It appears as though fraternities consistently help students get secure jobs in future, which may be worth spending a few extra dollars during your college career. The most amazing part is that just a small fraction of college students decide to go Greek, yet these organizations still turn out alumni who basically run our country. Even if fraternities are known to host parties on weekends, these statistics show that they still prepare young men for their future. The social aspects of mutual respect and brotherhood obviously impact Greek students more then non-Greeks would expect. I strongly believe that what students learn outside of the classroom is equally important as course materials. It is the same as the old “book smart” verse “street smart” debate.

I also understand that certain stereotypes exist for a reason. Of course there are fraternity brothers who fit the mold of muscle heads who cannot think on their own (aka douchebags), but there are still non-Greeks who can be described the same way. There are also students who live in houses or apartments who throw more parties than fraternity houses, and without checking ID’s. Yes, the checking ID’s thing really doesn’t make a difference, but at least it is a small effort.

During my time at UNH I have been to parties at several different fraternities. I have had a lot of great experiences at these parties, but I have also been soon annoyed that I’ve left after just a few minutes. I have friends who range from current pledges to upperclassmen who are big brothers. They all love their respected fraternities, but they still become frustrated when they are categorized as “frat kids.” These stereotypes exist because of ignorant people who do not understand the deeper values that Greek life provides. For over a century fraternities have been preparing young men for the future and it is unfortunate that despite what they do, fraternities still receive a bad reputation.

The bottom line is that no matter how much community service or fundraisers fraternities accomplish, having a Greek membership on an application is a very positive attribute. Many students decide to go Greek simply for their future applications. This is why it is not fair to group every Greek student together as one collective body. We are all 18 for the most part, meaning that we are adults, isn’t it time for us to stop allowing misguided judgments rule our lives? I am not telling you to go out and join a fraternity or sorority, or even to make friends with Greek students, but give these students some respect because in the end they are just other students at UNH.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Two Rants

I was thinking about writing today's post about how I'm not going to Akon because I actually like music but I realized that everyone has different tastes in music and Akon is a pretty big name. That being said, I expect SCOPE to get a big band for spring climax, since they were able to get Akon for the homecoming show. Everyone knows that spring climax is always the biggest show of the year and there is no way that SCOPE would get two hip-hop artists in the same year because they are always talking about branching out through different genres. I am trying to use logical thinking, and that led me to believe that SCOPE must be getting a well known band for next semester. Do you realize what I am getting at? If SCOPE fucks us over with another rapper (I do like rap, but lets face it full bands are almost always more entertaining live) in the spring, I will snap. SCOPE, don't let that happen.

(*Note: none of the following has been researched or fact checked. I am simply relaying stuff that I have heard from other students. I feel like the job as a campus blogger is to make the opinions of students available to others. I am not being a journalist here, I am a blogger. In blogs you are allowed to voice opinions without facts. I am not in the position to comment on or have any real knowledge on the following person so save yourself the time of saying I don't know what I'm talking about. Because I already know that.)

Adam McCready's name has been thrown around a lot lately. He is the director of Greek Life here at UNH and I have never had the pleasure of meeting him. I am also not involved with any Greek system on campus. But, from what I've heard from people both involved in the Greek system and non-Greeks, is that he is a complete douche. It has been said that he is ruining Greek life all together by restricting how and when fraternities are allowed to throw parties. Anyone who hurts UNH's party scene is a bad guy in my books.

Supposedly he is the guy behind specific fraternities getting in trouble, while others remain left alone. Students claim that he spends too much time on keeping unrecognized fraternities, unrecognized and not enough time help recognized fraternities keeping their status. That sounds pretty lame to me. I believe that everyone (including fraternities and sororities) deserves a second chance.

I'm an being general here, there are people, like serial killers, who don't deserve second chances so don't be a prick an comment on that statement...

... back to McDouchey...

It has also been said that he is making it really hard for frats to stay out of trouble (let's not forget that he once got caught on campus drinking with underaged people.) Is that really the type of person we want running our Greek system? That seems pretty contradicting if he can get away with drinking with minors and then he gets frats in trouble for stuff like that. Some students think that by being so harsh on Greek life, he may be ruining some old traditions that out date his own age.

Just look at some of his comments he has had about certain greek societies: in reference to Phi Kappa Theta being "a social drinking group" and "the best parties do not equal the best players." These quotes taken from a TNH article go to show that he is way too immature to handle his position. He needs to grow up and realize that he hasn't been doing his job. I feel that McCready should help these unrecognized fraternities gain back their status instead of trying to spread biased propaganda about their reputations.

What do you think of this whole McCready situation? Is he doing the right thing, or is he in way over his head and only hurting the UNH Greek system?

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Dear Freshmen,

Hello, I am the New Hampshirite. I am awesome and you should read this blog on a daily basis. I write about the "goings on" here at UNH as well as other things that I think fellow students may take interest in. I am a one-man writer, editor, and genius and I am also required to say that I am unaffiliated with any school or student organization (although I have been offered the a position as a columnist for TNH, which I turned down). Okay, so I’m not required to say that but it makes me feel more important and a weird self-loathing way. I am sarcastic, witty and 100% honest most of the time. I take this blog seriously so I hope that you get something out of it. (Even if that something just solidifies how much you hate the blog or me.)

Anyways, back to the point of this post. I have decided to take that time out of a lovely summer day to write this letter to the incoming freshman class here at UNH…. Whoa UNH Class of 2013 welcome! And shut the fuck up and listen closely. Pay attention and you might learn a thing or two. Yeah, I know that learning and the summer shouldn’t ever be combined but what you are about to read could save you from probation or even loss or housing or expulsion. I have also included some other tips about regular campus life. A lot of this may seem obvious but just wait, you'll be surprised what kids will get in trouble for and how they get caught.

Respect quiet hours. This seems obvious but you wouldn’t believe how many times this has lead to kids getting busted. Just keep the music and drunken ramblings at a reasonable level. I will go into more depth in my follow up post on how to beat the RA’s and the housing system. Stay tuned.

Do not smoke weed in your room or someone else’s. What are you an idiot? Buy a vaporizer, it is much healthier, smokeless and almost odorless. Fresh popcorn will cover any sent. If you don’t have the money make friends with someone with an apartment, or who lives in the Gables, or even the SERCS if you don’t. Those are much better (and safer) smoking environments. And definitely do not smoke in the woods, especially on the dirt path near Stillings. I almost got arrested there and I wasn’t even smoking. (I wrote about this in one of my firsts posts called “UNH Cops.”)

Play intramural sports, they don’t take up too much time and are a lot of fun. They are something for you to do between classes and drinking time. The coed leagues are great, just be aware that if you are faced up against a broomball goalie you can’t score on, it just may be yours truly.

Try going to a few rush week events. Even if you don’t think Greek life is for you it can still be fun and a good way to meet a lot of people. And get shit faced. I didn’t join any frats (It wasn’t my thing. I don’t feel that I have to pay for my friends). That being said a few of my friends did join frats and it seemed to work out well for them. I guess what I’m saying is to try something for yourself before making up your mind. Just because you didn’t party in high school doesn’t you mean you can’t in college. (And vice-versa for those of you who barely got in here. You know who you are.)

Take advantage of our wonderful dining halls by sneaking food out. Think of it this way, we have to pay for unlimited meal plans so we should be able to eat in our room if you want to. Just don’t get caught. Baggy sweatshirts or jackets work well.

Never, I repeat never, play beer cup beirut. Always always always use water cups and drink on the side. For two reasons: 1) it is much easier to stash a drink per person then 12-20 cups. And 2) is it far less likely you will get mono. And always wash your hands people.

While playing drinking games in your room don't yell "Drink up fucker!" or any variation of the word drink. Never say, "I'm so wasted" because you're not.

Don't plaster your room with beer memorabilia. Keeping some empty liquor bottles on your shelf is fine, but posters, beer lights, and the one liners from Keystone 30 racks are not necessary. You don't have to show off all your shit. No one cares.

If you are going to puke (it happens to the best of us, don't worry) do it in a trashcan, or toilet, or shower stall, not on the hallway or bathroom floor or especially a doom room rug. It will smell. Last year I believe at least 8 or so poeple puked on my rug and my room smelt horrible to say the least. And we had carpet cleaner.

Do not play the same 3 songs over and over again at full volume, it will make everyone hate you especially if any of the follwing songs are used: "College" by Asher Roth, "Paper Planes" by MIA, that fucking Kid Rock song where he ruined "Werewolves of London" and" Sweet Home Alabama" (I almost murdered my roommate when he played that), that other shitty song that ruined that other old song, any Kanye West (the guy is D-bag, don't support him), or your own beat that you made with garage band. Cool, you pressed 3 keys rhythmically and you made a beat. Now shut it off and go outside.

I'm sure I will think of more tips soon. Enjoy the rest of the summer. I look foward to watching you all order your first drunk pizza slice from D-Hop in September.Be sure to add me on facebook (as New Hampshirite) follow me on twitter (use the link on the top right) and also my email is unhblog@yahoo.com. Questions and comments are always helpful. You can also comment on each post anonymously or with a fake ID so I know I have more then a few dedicated readers. Also, the blog now has had over 4,000 visitors, I wasn't sure it would hit that over the summer. Once school picks up again I expect to resume getting a few hundred hits a day as I saw at the end of the semester, although I do expect to see an increase in readers from last year.

Stay classy, not UMassy.
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PS
I would just like to say a few things. This has been a crazy hectic summer for me and I haven't had internet access at my house for over a month. In short, people were going to buy my house, so we cancelled our internet and set up our computer at a barn where our new house is being built. The people didn't buy the house and the computer remains at that barn. We never got internet back at my house so I can't use my laptop either. This is why I haven't been posting too much, but I promise once the school year resumes you can expect daily posts as you saw last semester. Thanks for your patience, and I do apologize.