UNH Monday Updates

UNH has new famous alumni... and it is Rachel Uchitel, one of the women Tiger Woods supposedly had an affair with. Uchitel graduated from UNH in 1996 with a degree in psychology. Good to see she's putting her education to work with her job as a hostess in New York City.  I'm not sure if she is at the level of Jackie MacMullan, Jason Krog, Mike O'Malley or John Irving, but she is making her case. No word yet on how many professor Uchitel slept with to get her degree, although it can be assumed that a 9 iron was involved. (Bad joke of the day: check)

In other news, last night a 6 hour student senate meeting took place where Smith Hall residents and supporters were able to voice their opinions on the repurposing of UNH's oldest dorm. The student senate passed a resolution condemning the actions of President Huddelston. Students are still hoping that they can change the administrations mind over the decision to turn Smith Hall into the new admissions office... if only a famous alumni who lived in Smith would speak on it's behalf... Hey, Rachel, where did you live on campus?

I would now like to explain a few things about this blog. I have been writing it for 8 months now (counting the summer even though I barely wrote) and a few things have come to fruition. First of all, I realize that I have built a dedicated fan base of regular readers. That is awesome, thank you so much. Every week it seems as though more people have been reading and that really is an honor. I have also been receiving more campus tips via email, facebook and twitter, which is awesome. Those people know who they are and they are the best. I would love to be able to continue this growth through the support of fellow students. If you have an issue or tip about a campus happening let me know. Even if it is something small like your band is playing at Panache, I can write up a quick preview or something.

Secondly, I realize that other people don't like the blog, which makes sense because you can't please everyone. I'm not going to try and win those people over or explain myself, but I would like to say a few things. Not everything on here is meant to be taken 100% seriously. Most of the negative feedback I get comes form people who seem to be missing the bigger picture. This is a blog, not a textbook, which means I don't have to have sources and I can make up ridiculous statements for comical purposes. Sarcasm and irony can be very difficult concepts for some people. Also, if you don't like this, then don't read it. Nobody's making you.

A quick note my final TNH column of the semester will be in tomorrow's paper and it is awesome as always.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Power to the Students

“It is very important to learn, early in life, that you can beat City Hall and that You can change the System. You might be beaten and gassed by Police a few times before you succeed, but that stuff goes with the territory. And you will be proud of it later, just as you will make many smart friends who will stand with you all your life.”- Hunter S. Thompson

The students of UNH need to realize that we can have a voice on issues. Over the past few years the administration has made it very difficult for the student body, and even the student senate, to make changes.  College is a place where teenagers become adults by gaining more responsibilities. How the fuck does society expect us to adapt to this "real world" if the universities we attend control our every move? The administration is scum. We should not fear them. They should fear us. We make the university run, so why can't we run the university? Our tuition money, which is increased every year, allows UNH to continue to expand, so I believe that the students need to have a greater impact on that expansion. Where is that money going? To help pay the contract of hockey coach Dick Umile, who is the highest paid state employee? In 2007 he made $170,000 and in 2008 he made $382,299.  Don't get me wrong, I fully support UNH hockey and have been a die hard fan for years, but at this university, in this economy $382,299 a year is absolutely ridiculous.

I don't care what the issues are and what side you take, but let your voice be heard. Whether it is this whole Smith Hall fiasco, passing a Good Samaritan Law, or changing the advising system - make a stand. I feel like I don't go through a day without being told that it is up to our generation to make changes, from environmental issues to the economy. "The children are our future" has been a slogan for change for decades. Why not start right now, right here?

There will be a rally On Monday December 14th, at 1PM  about the issues with Smith Hall. (facebook event page here.) Students plan on meeting at T-Hall and marching down main street. No matter which side you take this could be a great opportunity to show the administration that you care and that you deserve a voice. Not voicing your opinions only tightens the universities grip on us. They have their cold dead hands around our necks, don't let yourself become a puppet. Speak for yourself. Show them that you care.


Stay classy, not UMassy.

Conversion of Smith Hall

If any of you are in the 2009-2010 UNH facebook group you may have received this message from our student body President and VP:

Hello Everyone,  

There are plans in action to convert Smith Hall into an administrative building. In order for us to change their plans we as students need to make a strong, united stance on this topic. Please tell us how you feel about this, if you are for or against it and why. Also please make sure to tell us which dorm you live in or if you live off campus. Thank you for your input!

- Charlotte and Richie

I think that it is an outrage that the UNH administration would be willing to change the rich tradition of Smith Hall on campus. Smith Hall is the oldest residence hall on campus and it has been home to the International Living Theme for years now. Smith Hall was finished in 1908 and was originally built as an all-female dorm. It may not be the nicest dorm, but every year students choose to live there because of the tradition and diversity of the International theme.

Smith Hall circa 1915

The Smith Hall we know today.

Turning Smith Hall into administrative buildings would just be another step that UNH would take to ruin it's rich history. UNH needs to be able to recognize and appreciate it's century old history. New buildings and dorms are always nice, but there should be a good balance of new and old to remind us how UNH has grown over the years.

Stay classy, not UMassy.