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(03/28/08 4:00am)
With more than 30 bars within a mile of UNC's campus, it's no surprise that drinking among college students is common - even routine - for some.
But with underage and excessive drinking comes an array of problems that hack away at student safety, relationships, academics and the University's reputation.
With that in mind, the campus alcohol task force is taking a hard look at alcohol use at UNC, aiming to change the student alcohol policy by the fall - and the entire campus drinking atmosphere by 2012.
The task force is a combined effort of 97 members from University academic offices, Counseling and Wellness Services, law enforcement, local businesses and the student alcohol advisory committee. More than half of those involved in the discussion - 55 to be exact -are students on the advisory committee.
And for the task force, making the University safer begins with an update of the student alcohol policy, which was last reviewed in 2002.
The current policy is a list of eight basic rules, including a ban on alcoholic beverages at athletic events. That policy doesn't take into account state alcohol laws enacted in recent years, said Eric Smith, CWS health educator, who is on the task force.
For example, underage drinkers no longer have to be holding an alcoholic beverage to receive a possession citation; alcohol in someone's body is now considered "in possession." Laws regarding keg registration also have changed.
Nationally, about 1,400 college students die each year from alcohol-related injuries, and more than 70,000 students are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault, according to a 2002 study in The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
UNC hasn't had an alcohol-related death reported in recent years, but 90 percent of the sexual assault reports UNC receives involve alcohol use, said Dean Blackburn, assistant dean of students.
"It's almost as if it's come to a tipping point in the college lifestyle in terms of alcohol consumption," said Ron Bilbao, chairman of the student committee. "It seems we can't go on the way we're going now."
Students are studying abroad in countries where they can drink legally, Smith said. Students today, he said, aren't the same as those who attended five years ago.
Although task force members aren't sure exactly how the revamped policy will change, it will be more comprehensive and up-to-date than before. "It's not just policy, it's a tool of good health and prevention, too," Smith said. "It will be much more than just those rules."
Policy revisions are just one part of the task force's plans, which also include creating attractive late-night programming, revamping alcohol education at orientation and improving substance-abuse intervention services - all with the goal of changing some students' impressions that drinking is necessary at college.
"We're really after something that's a lot bigger than the policy change," Bilbao said. "We're about changing those perceptions about college life."
But don't write off the involved students as totally opposed to alcohol, he said.
"Most of the committee members are drinkers, and the reason we know is because we asked," Bilbao said. "They've all experienced the positive and negative aspects of drinking while in college. They want to make sure that they're safe and that their friends are safe."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(03/19/08 4:00am)
After spending the past several months surrounded by a campaign staff of more than 300 students, Student Body President-elect J.J. Raynor will soon find herself surrounded by just five main staff members.
"Maybe this happens to every student body president," Raynor said. "You go from having this huge campaign team . to having absolutely no team."
To begin building the 2008-09 executive branch team, a selection committee will interview applicants Thursday for five officer positions: vice president, treasurer, secretary, chief of staff and senior adviser.
(02/27/08 5:00am)
Just more than a year ago, Student Body President Eve Carson won the election and the chance to make her platform points a reality.
(02/22/08 5:00am)
As a child, Sarah Hyatt dealt with depression and anger that came from being the daughter of an alcoholic.
But in high school, Hyatt found a book - written by the founder of Christian Science - that opened her eyes to spirituality and changed her mind-set and her life for the better.
"I found a way to stop thinking of myself as a child of an alcoholic," Hyatt said. "I saw those behaviors drop away. All of that came about from the change in viewpoint."
Hyatt, a Christian Science practitioner, will share how discovering one's spiritual identity can improve life in a workshop Saturday titled, "Spiritual ID: The Key to Freedom."
The Church of Christ, Scientist is a religious tradition that began in the United States in 1879, according to the Christian Science Web site. Members believe in Jesus Christ as a messiah but not as a deity.
As a practitioner, Hyatt's full-time job is helping and healing others through prayer and introducing them to the Church of Christ, Scientist.
She will draw from the Bible and the book that began her spiritual journey, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," by Mary Baker Eddy. The two books are the primary texts for Christian Scientists.
"It's something that I read and study every day," Hyatt said of Eddy's book. "It makes Bible stories have more depth and meaning."
Hyatt said she was inspired by a line in Science and Health that says, "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new renders thought receptive of the advanced idea."
With that in mind, Hyatt said she tried to view her father with the same love and admiration her younger siblings felt. Her father's verbal and emotional abuse soon stopped, and he no longer drank in her presence.
Hyatt said her college years were an opportunity to test out her newfound confidence and spiritual attitude.
"I think how we think about ourselves directly impacts our college experience," she said. "I don't think the issues facing college kids today are any different than when I was in college."
Hyatt has lectured at churches of various denominations, colleges, juvenile detention centers and bookstores and made several radio and TV appearances.
"I give this talk everywhere," she said. "It really has a wider message than just, 'Why don't you come join my church and solve your problems?'"
The Church of Christ, Scientist in Chapel Hill is located on Martin Luther King Boulevard and has about 25 members, said Joe Mengel, a member of the church.
Many Christian scientists reject traditional medicine and focus on healing through prayer, said Thomas Tweed, chairman of the UNC Department of Religious Studies.
"Christian Science is a culturally important but numerically small religious group," Tweed said. "I have never heard anybody on this campus say that they were Christian Scientist."
Despite the tradition not being very prevalent on campus, Hyatt said she wants students to benefit from the workshop.
"I really hope that they'll go away thinking of themselves in a better light, a more spiritual point of view."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(02/22/08 5:00am)
As a child Sarah Hyatt dealt with depression and anger that came from being the daughter of an alcoholic.But in high school" Hyatt found a book - written by the founder of Christian Science - that opened her eyes to spirituality and changed her mind-set and her life for the better.""I found a way to stop thinking of myself as a child of an alcoholic"" Hyatt said. I saw those behaviors drop away. All of that came about from the change in viewpoint.""Hyatt" a Christian Science practitioner will share how discovering one's spiritual identity can improve life in a workshop Saturday titled" ""Spiritual ID: The Key to Freedom.""The Church of Christ" Scientist is a religious tradition that began in the United States in 1879 according to the Christian Science Web site. Members believe in Jesus Christ as a messiah but not as a deity.As a practitioner Hyatt's full-time job is helping and healing others through prayer and introducing them to the Church of Christ Scientist.She will draw from the Bible and the book that began her spiritual journey" ""Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. The two books are the primary texts for Christian Scientists.It's something that I read and study every day" Hyatt said of Eddy's book. It makes Bible stories have more depth and meaning.""Hyatt said she was inspired by a line in Science and Health that says"" ""Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new renders thought receptive of the advanced idea.""With that in mind" Hyatt said she tried to view her father with the same love and admiration her younger siblings felt. Her father's verbal and emotional abuse soon stopped" and he no longer drank in her presence.Hyatt said her college years were an opportunity to test out her newfound confidence and spiritual attitude.""I think how we think about ourselves directly impacts our college experience"" she said. I don't think the issues facing college kids today are any different than when I was in college.""Hyatt has lectured at churches of various denominations" colleges" juvenile detention centers and bookstores and made several radio and TV appearances.""I give this talk everywhere" she said. It really has a wider message than just" 'Why don't you come join my church and solve your problems?'""The Church of Christ" Scientist in Chapel Hill is located on Martin Luther King Boulevard and has about 25 members said Joe Mengel a member of the church.Many Christian scientists reject traditional medicine and focus on healing through prayer said Thomas Tweed" chairman of the UNC Department of Religious Studies.""Christian Science is a culturally important but numerically small religious group"" Tweed said. I have never heard anybody on this campus say that they were Christian Scientist.""Despite the tradition not being very prevalent on campus"" Hyatt said she wants students to benefit from the workshop.""I really hope that they'll go away thinking of themselves in a better light"" a more spiritual point of view.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(02/18/08 5:00am)
Hundreds of students listened intently as Board of Elections Chairman Mitchell Capriglione announced the results of campus elections last week.
But before that point the elections board had been a quiet presence during the campaign season.
Although each year's elections board must ensure that elections proceed smoothly and fairly, how it approaches the task can change the tone of student elections.
"I definitely think this year was a little bit more laid-back, and we tried to be more removed from the elections," said Capriglione, who has been on the elections board since 2006. "Last year it was my experience that the board got too involved politically."
This year's board found just a few campaign violations and generally allowed candidates to campaign as they pleased. "While we may have not have been as harsh and tried to flex our muscles as much as in the past, I feel like we were strict enough," Capriglione said.
The elections board confronted several instances that could have limited campaign methods but erred on the side of freedom.
After consulting the Student Code, which governs elections proceedings, Capriglione allowed student body president candidate Kristin Hill to use fliers depicting famous personalities, despite the possibility of violating trademark laws. The board also allowed Hill to solicit votes from Robertson Scholars, who study at both UNC and Duke University.
"There are always going to be times where the Code doesn't exactly enumerate what you're supposed to do in a certain situation," said Walker Rutherfurd, the 2004-05 elections board chairman. "It comes down to the discretion of the board."
Past elections boards were stricter about candidates' campaigning practices. The 2006-07 elections board prohibited student body president candidate Jon Kite from using a satirical video, saying it misrepresented election issues.
"It was definitely limiting to me because that was sort of the entire keystone of my campaign process," Kite said.
And in 2004, violations by student body president candidate Lily West caused the board to invalidate the close runoff election results. After a week of open hearings, the elections board decided to hold a new runoff election.
"Occasionally the Board of Elections has extraordinary authority when it comes to determining the outcome of elections," said Matt Calabria, the former president who beat West in 2004 runoff.
Some elections boards have gone above and beyond their mission of ensuring fairness, focusing on voter turnout.
The 2006-07 board sent mass e-mails, posted signs and set up a polling place at a basketball game, former Chairman Jim Brewer said.
The result was the highest turnout in UNC history with 7,241 votes. This year 6,625 students voted - still above average, Capriglione said.
"Unfortunately, I didn't have the drive to force myself to push myself that far, with school and it being my first election," he said. "We didn't get to go too in-depth this year because it was a rather young and unexperienced board."
Still, he said he was pleased with the board's performance. "I think we did a great job and had relatively few setbacks and slip-ups."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(02/18/08 5:00am)
Hundreds of students listened intently as Board of Elections Chairman Mitchell Capriglione announced the results of campus elections last week.But before that point the elections board had been a quiet presence during the campaign season.Although each year's elections board must ensure that elections proceed smoothly and fairly" how it approaches the task can change the tone of student elections.""I definitely think this year was a little bit more laid-back" and we tried to be more removed from the elections" said Capriglione, who has been on the elections board since 2006. Last year it was my experience that the board got too involved politically.""This year's board found just a few campaign violations and generally allowed candidates to campaign as they pleased. ""While we may have not have been as harsh and tried to flex our muscles as much as in the past" I feel like we were strict enough" Capriglione said.The elections board confronted several instances that could have limited campaign methods but erred on the side of freedom.After consulting the Student Code, which governs elections proceedings, Capriglione allowed student body president candidate Kristin Hill to use fliers depicting famous personalities, despite the possibility of violating trademark laws. The board also allowed Hill to solicit votes from Robertson Scholars, who study at both UNC and Duke University.There are always going to be times where the Code doesn't exactly enumerate what you're supposed to do in a certain situation"" said Walker Rutherfurd, the 2004-05 elections board chairman. It comes down to the discretion of the board.""Past elections boards were stricter about candidates' campaigning practices. The 2006-07 elections board prohibited student body president candidate Jon Kite from using a satirical video"" saying it misrepresented election issues.""It was definitely limiting to me because that was sort of the entire keystone of my campaign process"" Kite said.And in 2004, violations by student body president candidate Lily West caused the board to invalidate the close runoff election results. After a week of open hearings, the elections board decided to hold a new runoff election.Occasionally the Board of Elections has extraordinary authority when it comes to determining the outcome of elections"" said Matt Calabria, the former president who beat West in 2004 runoff.Some elections boards have gone above and beyond their mission of ensuring fairness, focusing on voter turnout.The 2006-07 board sent mass e-mails, posted signs and set up a polling place at a basketball game, former Chairman Jim Brewer said.The result was the highest turnout in UNC history with 7,241 votes. This year 6,625 students voted - still above average, Capriglione said.Unfortunately" I didn't have the drive to force myself to push myself that far with school and it being my first election" he said. We didn't get to go too in-depth this year because it was a rather young and unexperienced board.""Still"" he said he was pleased with the board's performance. ""I think we did a great job and had relatively few setbacks and slip-ups.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(02/13/08 5:00am)
Photos from election night
Michael Miller, the sole candidate for president of the Residence Hall Association, was stoic as Board of Elections officials announced his name Tuesday night. In fact, he didn't even crack a smile.
Miller said that troubles close to home distracted him from the elections but that nevertheless he is looking forward to his new position.
"It wasn't exactly a surprise, but I am excited to get started," he said.
(02/13/08 5:00am)
Photos from election night
Cindy Spurlock couldn't attend the official announcement naming her president of the Graduate and Professional Student Federation.
An early meeting Wednesday to discuss her dissertation - and whether she could become an official doctoral candidate - kept the sole candidate in the GPSF president race from attending Tuesday night.
(02/13/08 5:00am)
Photos from election night
(02/12/08 5:00am)
The 2008-09 Student Congress will have a mix of old and new faces.
Nine of the 33 prospective representatives already are members of Congress, including Speaker Pro Tem Tim Nichols.
"As long as we've got a handful of veterans, I don't think it will be much of a problem," Congress Speaker Tyler Younts said. "It will be good to get some new blood in there."
The 33 students running are scattered throughout 10 voting districts, but nobody is on the ballot for District 2 - middle campus. And Cody Schwartz, a student in the School of Medicine, is the only graduate student running.
But Younts said he expects write-in candidates to fill Congress to its capacity of 41 students.
"The graduate districts haven't ever been that competitive," Younts said. "People have won before with as a little as five or six votes."
(02/12/08 5:00am)
The 2008-09 Student Congress will have a mix of old and new faces.Nine of the 33 prospective representatives already are members of Congress, including Speaker Pro Tem Tim Nichols.As long as we've got a handful of veterans" I don't think it will be much of a problem" Congress Speaker Tyler Younts said. It will be good to get some new blood in there.""The 33 students running are scattered throughout 10 voting districts" but nobody is on the ballot for District 2 - middle campus. And Cody Schwartz a student in the School of Medicine" is the only graduate student running.But Younts said he expects write-in candidates to fill Congress to its capacity of 41 students.""The graduate districts haven't ever been that competitive"" Younts said. People have won before with as a little as five or six votes.""
(02/07/08 5:00am)
Yoda"" Mario and Harry Potter are among student body president candidate Kristin Hill's most recent supporters.Hill's fliers and handheld signs include pictures of famous personalities and the phrase ""(Name) supports Kristin Hill for Student Body President.""""They really make people look at them"" Hill said. (Students) laugh and then remember them.""While the idea might be creative"" it raises issues about the use of trademarks in student government campaigns and the Board of Elections' decisions about them.Hill said her desire to use pictures on fliers trumped the possibility of being sued for trademark or copyright violations.""I find it hard to believe that any of the creators or actors would come down and waste their time on student body elections"" Hill said.The other candidates - J.J. Raynor and Logan Liles - have not used trademarks in campaigning.Hill's situation is not the first time the idea of trademark infringement has appeared in campaigns.In 2005 then-Student Body President candidate Seth Dearmin used the John Deere logo and the slogan Nothing Runs Like a Dearmin"" in his campaign.After a student complained to the elections board and the John Deere company" Dearmin had to remove the logo but was allowed to keep the slogan" he said. He changed his slogan to ""Making Life Easier.""Although the company did not press charges or contact Dearmin"" officials issued a statement asking that any logo misuse be stopped.""I never thought it would be an issue" Dearmin said. It was just a fun" quirky part of the campaign.""The elections board had not dealt with trademark issues before" so it asked the then-student attorney general for an opinion said Walker Rutherfurd" chairman of the elections board at the time.""It was determined that the candidates had an obligation to show that they had the approval of the trademark holder"" he said.But in Hill's campaign this year, the elections board did not come to the same conclusion.Hill e-mailed Mitchell Capriglione, the elections board chairman, Jan. 26 to get approval for the pictures.Capriglione checked Title VI of the Student Code, the official election rule book, and replied the same day, he said.I couldn't find any reason to justify not allowing her to do that from a Board of Elections point of view"" Capriglione said, adding that he encouraged Hill to check the legality of the use. If it's not explicitly outlawed"" it's kind of been the tradition of the board to allow it.""Capriglione said he wasn't aware of the issues with Dearmin's campaign when he gave Hill the OK"" explaining his decision. ""We definitely take (precedent) into consideration"" but every year is a new board.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(02/05/08 5:00am)
Student government leaders don't need to grab a chisel and tablet yet because the Student Code isn't ready to be set in stone.Possible changes to Title VI which deals with student election rules dominated discussion at Tuesday's forum intended to gather student input about the Code.A 163-page rule book that has existed in some form for more than 60 years the Code is the primary document student government uses to guide its actions.The forum drew a total of 16 students from Student Congress the Board of Elections and The Daily Tar Heel's editorial board. It lasted nearly two hours.The event focused on four primary topics: technology in campaigns Residence Hall Association governors campaign phases and a proposal to elect the student body vice president.Technology in campaignsThe role of technology such as e-mails Facebook and YouTube in campaigns has increased in past years" forcing the Code to adapt.""There's really nothing in the Code about renting video equipment or using YouTube"" elections board chairman Mitchell Capriglione said. Those are some issues that we need to sit down in a more formal setting and write something about.""Another issue that isn't covered by the Code is whether candidates can place links to Student Central" the online polling place in campaign e-mails and Facebook profiles.The issue hasn't been approached consistently in the past. In some years it is has been allowed" but in others it was banned.Community governorsThe Code states that candidates for residence hall community governor must gain 50 signatures to run for office but doesn't mention governors anywhere else.And governor candidates don't appear on the ballot with other student body positions.""For RHA's benefit" we should consider adding them onto the election ballot" Capriglione said, adding that RHA approached him about the matter because its voting system now relies on outdated computer and paper voting methods.After some discussion, Congress Rep. Val Tenyotkin encouraged Capriglione to draft a bill for Congress to consider.Campaign phasesThere are several phases to campaigning in the Code, detailing what types of materials can be distributed and whom candidates can talk to.What's the point of the gradual increase in exposure?"" Tenyotkin asked.Capriglione said that he could not be sure why these rules were first introduced but that it cuts down on campaign violations.Despite several violations last year" Matt Spivey vice chairman of the elections board cited the small number of violations this year - only one that wasn't related to the phases - as proof that the system works.Others disagreed such as Congress Speaker Tyler Younts" who said the phases toe the line of restricting speech.""If we make it less complicated" we'll have less violations Younts said. As long as everyone's under the same rules" it's not going to be unfair to any person.""Title VI is one big slap in the face to free speech.""Vice president election?One idea discussed at the end of the forum could have students checking one more box on future election ballots.""Voters at Carolina are pretty well-informed"" said Tyson Grinstead, chairman of the Congress ethics committee. Why not elect the treasurer" the secretary" the vice president?""The student body president now appoints those three offices" creating frustration for Congress members who must win student votes to gain office Grinstead said.The proposal was met with disagreement about whether the students or president is better prepared to choose the best candidates.Despite disagreement about the selection process" students agreed that those positions are some of the most important.""It's OK to have a slightly less-than-competent president"" Tenyotkin said. It's not OK to have slightly less-than-competent underlings of the president.""Invisible changesWhether Congress approves changes to the Code in the future"" students aren't likely to see the changes anytime soon.""I'll do it when I get to it"" said Mac Mollison, student body secretary. I technically only have to do it once a year.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(01/30/08 5:00am)
It's another uncontested race for president of the Residence Hall Association this year. So instead of promoting his own name or specific platform points, Michael Miller says he wants to get the word out about the often overlooked student group.
This marks the fifth straight year that the position has been uncontested. And last January then-President William Thompson resigned midyear after deciding to study abroad.
"I'd like RHA's name to be more recognized on campus," Miller said, adding that he thinks students are unaware of the group's purpose.
RHA seeks to represent student housing concerns, host social, educational and service programs and provide enhancements such as DVDs and cooking utensils for residents of the 14 UNC communities.
"We're trying to make the on-campus life more of a home for the students," Miller said, putting it simply.
And as a rising junior, Miller is no stranger to life on campus, calling Ehringhaus Residence Hall home since his freshman year. The prospective business major from Morehead City became Ehringhaus community governor in fall 2007.
"I've definitely been able to hear directly from the residents what they'd like to see from the on-campus experience next year," he said.
As governor, Miller gives updates about what's happening in his community at weekly RHA meetings, and his attitude toward the task has garnered peers' respect.
"He's very on-the-ball with getting things together and making sure we're not leaving anything out in planning big events," Craige Community Governor Conor Farese said.
Planning collaborative events is exactly what Miller hopes to do if elected president.
"It seems like the RHA, at the moment, is just a collection of residence halls," he said. "If the community governors were to pool their resources and ideas, they'd have much more exciting programs and pull in the student body."
Although he doesn't have a concrete platform, Miller said he'll put his ideas and notes together and post them online in the next few days.
Some of Miller's specific programming plans include a speaker series and more service-oriented projects.
He also said he wants to continue some of current RHA President Brian Sugg's initiatives, such as replacing VHS tapes with DVDs and updating the computer system that records enhancement checkouts.
With possible changes on the horizon, Miller said RHA's basic goal is to change students' ideas about on-campus living at UNC.
"I absolutely love Carolina," Miller said. "I really feel that this campus is what separates us from other university experiences."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(01/23/08 5:00am)
Dormstorming is done and petitions are in, but student government candidates can't breathe a sigh of relief just yet.
After tallying the petitions, the Board of Elections found some potential candidates might lack the required number of signatures to continue in the race.
Stephen Barber and Rachel Moss, candidates for senior class officers, now have 24 hours to get more signatures - or be forced to drop out of the race.
And additionally, The Daily Tar Heel's tally found Josh Criscoe and Megan Compton, senior class officer hopefuls, also failed to gain enough signatures.
Morgan Nagy and Jenn Rimbach, senior class officer candidates, dropped out before petitions were due Tuesday.
Many signatures had to be thrown out because they appeared on more than one list or twice on the same list.
With the election less than three weeks away, candidates who did gain enough signatures can prepare for the next phase of campaigning, which includes speaking to groups of students and discussing specific platform goals.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(01/18/08 5:00am)
Some students were doing homework, others were playing Guitar Hero and still others were just enjoying a quiet Thursday night. All were minding their own business, when they heard the knock at the door.
"Hi, my name is ____, and I want to run for student body president."
It was the line most students heard when they opened their doors to hopefuls Kristin Hill, Logan Liles and J.J. Raynor as the three went dormstorming Thursday night.
The potential student body president candidates went door-to-door trying to gather the 800 signatures necessary to become official candidates before the deadline Tuesday. For the three prospective student body president candidates, Thursday marked the second night of dormstorming.
They each had different methods, different workers and went to different dorms, but all encountered mostly positive student response.
"I love it when people come by and talk," freshman Kevin Frac said after Raynor visited. "It catches you off guard a little bit, but it's a good strategy because (the hopefuls) see more people."
During this phase of the election season, hopefuls can't give speeches, talk to the press or use campaign materials. The challenge is to talk to hundreds of individual students.
Hill gathered with four campaign workers to dormstorm in Hinton James Residence Hall.
She found many students willing to sign her petition, though some refused because they had already signed another list.
"She seems like a nice girl," freshman Erica Gallagher said, signing for Hill. "She seems passionate about the opportunity to run."
But Gallagher added that she wasn't sure Hill would win her vote in the end. "I'll wait and see. . I'll probably look to her more because I got to meet her and see her face."
Liles visited Morrison Residence Hall with the help of three campaign workers before moving on to Hardin Residence Hall.
"I think it's cool because you get to put a name with a face," freshman Cathy McCormick said after signing Liles' petition. "I just wanted to help him out. I don't even really remember his name."
Raynor, who had the largest entourage of the night with nine campaign workers, focused her efforts on Craige and Horton Residence Halls after being turned away from Ehringhaus Residence Hall by the front desk, despite protests by the campaign workers.
"The fact that she offered her e-mail and told me a little bit about her running helps me put a face with a name," said Ashley Stafford, a freshman who signed for Raynor and lives in Craige.
"The fact that they're taking the initiative to really get out here and show their platform is really beneficial to their whole platform."
But not all students were pleased with the dormstorming process.
"It's kind of annoying," freshman Kelsey Smith said. "I signed it mainly to get them to leave."
Smith added that though she signed the petition, she probably won't vote in the Feb. 12 elections.
But hopefuls will have another chance to win over Smith and other students like her at upcoming forums, when they can talk to large groups of students.
And though the three hopefuls gathered many signatures throughout the two-hour process, current student body leaders said dormstorming isn't necessarily the best way to obtain signatures.
"I got my signatures mostly from the Pit area," Student Body President Eve Carson said.
Carolina Athletic Association President Colby Almond said he filled his petition by campaigning in front of the dining halls.
Still, Carson recommends that the hopefuls take advantage of dormstorming.
"Dormstorming can sometimes be a long process, but you're doing this because you want to talk to people and meet people."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(01/16/08 5:00am)
Student government candidates officially declared their intentions to run for offices Tuesday evening at a meeting in Wilson Library, signaling the start of private campaigning.
"After this, the election season is officially on," Mitchell Capriglione, chairman of the Board of Elections, told the potential candidates at the meeting.
More than 50 hopefuls are seeking posts in the 2008-09 student government, with four sets of students vying for senior class positions - a higher number than in years past.
(01/14/08 5:00am)
As students and advisers pair up to conquer academic problems this semester, most seniors and juniors have one fewer weapon in their academic arsenal.
The automated degree audit, an online system that allowed students to see which curriculum requirements they had fulfilled and which remained, is not available this semester.
The Graduation Requirements Advising System on Student Central took the audit system's place, but this system doesn't work for students under the pre-2006 curriculum and might be adding to the line at academic advising this week.
(11/28/07 5:00am)
The temporary metal fencing that blocks off a large part of the Bell Tower Lot represents the newest construction phase in UNC's science complex project.
This week construction crews will begin relocating utility lines located under the parking lot in preparation for construction that will begin next year.
When the Bell Tower project is complete, the space will include a Genomic Sciences Building, a 700-space parking deck, a park area and the renovated North Chiller Plant.
The site will include a large underground tank to hold storm water, which could be used for irrigation, said Bruce Runberg, associate vice chancellor for facilities planning.
Campus officials have taken several measures to minimize problems that closing the lot could create.
The University decided to hold off construction until the end of the football season to help alleviate congestion, Runberg said.
"It was an excellent decision," he said. "We thought through the impacts and felt that we could still maintain a schedule of the basic project by starting at this point."
The lot closure was taken into account when parking permits were allocated at the school year's start, said Randy Young, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.
A mix of medical and University employees and students hold permits allowing them to park in the 623 spaces in the BG Zone, which includes the Bell Tower Lot. The construction will block 310 of these spaces, which were occupied by temporary permit holders.
Individuals who purchased year-long permits can continue to park there. The temporary permits expired Monday in preparation for the construction.
Young said additional student parking is in the Manning S-11 Lot on Skipper Bowles Drive and the PR lot on Estes Drive Extension. He also said DPS encourages drivers to share rides or make use of Zipcar, campus bus lines and the P2P Shuttle.
The Bell Tower construction projects are budgeted at $120 million, Runberg said. Another $20 million will be spent on the chiller plant renovations.
The science complex is well under way with the fall 2006 completion of Caudill Labs and Chapman Hall. "The two new science buildings that were recently completed are extremely attractive and are being utilized well," Runberg said.
The science complex also includes the demolition of Venable Hall to make way for New Venable Hall.
Internal demolition of the building began in October, said Edward Short, associate director of construction management. Demolition of the physical structure will start in about six weeks and should be done by the first week in February.
"It's had its ups and downs, but in general it has gone extremely well," Runberg said.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.