Fellow Students,
We've been back for less than three weeks and there is already so
much to do! Get focused on climate change at one of the many Focus
the Nation events left this week. Join the Black Student Union in
kicking off "Green Is the New Black," this year's theme for Black
History Month, with a Recycled Prom. Check out leadership
opportunities with Greek Life and Student Ambassadors. Cheer on
Hockey and Basketball this weekend. Head over to the Fleming Museum
for the opening spring exhibitions. And please, as excited as you may
be to rush around campus to take advantage of all these opportunities,
walk carefully and don't slip!
Always at your service,
Kesha and DaVaughn
-------------------------
In this email:
*What Is SGA Doing For You?
* Are YOU In Focus? Final Days of Focus the Nation!
* This Week In Athletics...
* BSU's Recycled Prom Kicks Off "Green is the New Black" History Month!
* Want a Nifty Blue Blazer and Networking Opportunities? Apply to
be a Student Ambassador...
* Co-Founder of Save Darfur Coalition Speaks at UVM THIS FRIDAY
* Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday at Brennan's
* Seniors, Get Your Winter Ball Tickets!
* Come to the Babysitter Mingler THIS SATURDAY
* Audition for Jason Robert Brown's "The Last Five Years" THIS WEEKEND
* Phi Delta Theta Information Session Next Week
* American Red Cross Blood and Bone Marrow Drive on February 7
* Alpha Gamma Rho Spring Recruitment
* Celebrate Spring Exhibition Openings at the Fleming Museum TOMORROW
-------------------------
WHAT IS SGA DOING FOR YOU?
EVER FELT MARGINALIZED ON CAMPUS? EVER WITNESSED DISCRIMINATION? SAY IT NOW!
The Committee on Diversity, Equity and Environmental Ethics has
launched its first ever Say It Now! campaign. Say It Now! is a video
project adapted from StoryCorps, a nationwide video journal initiative
(www.storycorps.net). Say It Now! is a project in which we invite
students from all backgrounds to recall an experience or event that
made them feel uncomfortable or marginalized because of a bias towards
their racial, sexual, and/or gender identity or towards that of
someone close to them while at the University of Vermont. Our goal is
to collect these stories on video or in writing and create a film to
be shown around campus and on UVMtv. We can schedule times for these
interviews whenever it is convenient for you. If you do not feel
comfortable on film, please consider submitting a written story- the
more the better! This is an opportunity for all students to express
themselves and tell a part of their story to fellow students, teachers
and administrators.
/Please feel free to contact CODEE Chair Jesse Bragg with your
questions and concerns ([log in to unmask])./
WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE RED CROSS DEBATE?
/A Message From President Ram.../
For those of you wondering what happened to the Red Cross issue after
the Senate voted down a ban on the Red Cross using UVM facilities, I
just wanted to offer a brief update. As was articulated several
months ago when the Senate debated the presence of the Red Cross,
there are two issues at play: the first is the aggressive presence of
volunteers seeking blood donations from those who may not be eligible
based on their identity, and the second is the overarching Food and
Drug Administration policy that places a lifetime deferral of blood
donating on men who have had sex with other men since 1978. To
address the first issue, I am developing a memorandum of understanding
with the University Administration and the Presidential Commission on
LGBT Equity that will create more restrictions on the behavior of Red
Cross volunteers as they solicit donors. To address the second, I am
working with Vice President of Federal, State, and Community Relations
Karen Meyer to request a joint recommendation from Vermont's federal
delegation to the FDA calling for a reevaluation of the lifetime
deferral policy. If you have any further questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact me at [log in to unmask] or (802) 656-7736.
WELCOME UVM WRESTLING!
Last night, Senators recognized the UVM Club Wrestling Team as the
latest addition to our club sports crew. We look forward to the
team's success!
/For more information on how to get involved, contact Nick Cafarelli
([log in to unmask])./
WHAT PASSED LAST NIGHT?
At our last Senate meeting, Senators passed all bills and resolutions.
This means UVM Wrestling was recognized and Senators voted to
support DC Voting Rights in Congress, to evaluate the Dry Residence
Hall Policy, to thank various organizations and departments for making
needed security improvements to the residence halls, and to urge
support for the recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Higher
Education.
/Please see all attached resolutions from January 29 and contact the
sponsor of any piece of legislation for more information./
/Upcoming Legislation.../
SGA TO VOTE ON COURSE RESERVE MANDATES
The Academic Affairs Committee will be introducing a resolution
requesting that any textbook costing more than $75 be put on 2 hour
reserve in the library with expenses to be accrued by the University.
/See attached legislation and please feel free to contact Academic
Affairs Chair Ben Porter with your questions and concerns
([log in to unmask])./
SGA TO REVIEW MEAL PLAN CHANGES AND DEBATE ON PLEDGE OF SUPPORT
Senators will be voting on whether or not to support the proposed meal
plan, which will institute an average meal plan price increase of
approximately 15% or $450.00 per student per semester. This price
adjustment is designed to cover costs associated with student demands
for specialty products as well as adjustments made to the fifteen
different dining facilities and variety of food options on campus.
/See attached legislation and please feel free to contact Senator
Lauren Abda with your questions and concerns ([log in to unmask])./
WANT TO WEIGH IN ON THE MEAL PLAN PRICE INCREASE?
As always, feel free to share your concerns directly with me, your SGA
President, at [log in to unmask] or (802) 656-7736. If you could ask
for changes in dining options and food quality in exchange for an
increase in price, what specifically would you ask for? I would love
to hear your thoughts. Want to rant unabashedly? Try [log in to unmask]
/See attached recommendations on changes to the meal plan pricing and
structure. Some numbers may be subject to change before a final
report is released./
-------------------------
THIS WEEK IN ATHLETICS...
GO CATS GO!
/Friday, February 1/
Men's Hockey vs. New Hampshire: Gutterson Fieldhouse @ 8:00 PM
/Saturday, February 2/
Men's Basketball vs. UMBC: Patrick Gym @ 1:00 PM
/Sunday, February 3/
Men's Hockey vs. UMass-Lowell: Gutterson Fieldhouse @ 4:00 PM
-------------------------
Dear Students,
I still hear students asking one another in the halls, "What is Focus
the Nation, anyway?" Focus the Nation is a national body coordinating
faculty, students, and community members at over a thousand schools in
the United States to collaboratively engage in a nationwide discussion
of ?Global Warming Solutions for America." Since this important issue
has the potential to affect all of us, we would love for everyone in
the UVM and Burlington community to take part.
As the Student Government Association President, I would like to share
how impressed I am with the dedication and passion student groups have
demonstrated in crafting the FTN workshops, teach-ins, lectures,
celebrations, performances, and discussions. Already, there have been
a number of inspirational events and informative lectures and
discussions. If nothing else, please join us for the culminating
Speak Out on Friday, Feb. 1 from 3:40 to 4:30 pm in the Davis Center's
Atrium.
For more information, please visit the UVM Focus the Nation website:
http://www.uvm.edu/climatechange/FocustheNation/. There, you will find
a calendar of events and the contact information of those leading the
effort. Also, please feel free to contact me at (802) 656-7736 or via
email at [log in to unmask]
Are YOU in focus?
Kesha
-------------------------
Black Student Union Presents Recycled Prom!
/"Green is the New Black" History Month/
Hosted by Black Student Union and Student Life
Friday, February 1, 2008 from 9:00 pm -12:00 am
Davis Center Livak Ballroom
Dancing, Climate Change Information, and Fun!
Wear recycled clothing or recyclables on your clothing. Please dress
appropriately :)
Bring clothes you don't want, jars, bottle caps, breath mint cans
There will be arts and crafts to turn something old into something new
and reusable!
-------------------------
Interested in becoming more involved with leadership positions on campus?
If you are a first, second, or third year student, you should consider
applying to become a Student Ambassador for the Office of Alumni
Relations. Applications are due February 13,2008! More about UVM
Ambassadors can be found by clicking on this link below.
http://alumni.uvm.edu/getinvolved/ambassadors/default.asp[1]
Please contact Co-Chairs Andrew Kasprisin ([log in to unmask][2]) or
Lauren Abda ([log in to unmask][3]) if you have any questions!
-------------------------
Ruth Messinger Speaks at UVM!
February 1st, in CC Theater
An evening with Ruth Messinger. Do not miss the CO-FOUNDER OF THE SAVE
DARFUR COALITION and PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE talk
about the critical situation in Darfur. This crisis must be solved-
please come and listen or bring tough questions about the genocide in
Darfur and find out what can be done to stop the killing and restore
peace to the entire region.
4:30pm in Billings North Lounge: Talk for UVM students with Ruth
Messinger discussing the situation in Darfur and service
opportunities. Bring your questions about Darfur. Ruth is an expert
and has valuable experience on the ground in Sudan.
6:00pm in CC theater: Open community lecture with Messinger.
7:30pm in Billings Marsh Lounge: Refreshments served.
All are welcome!
:::More info:::
UVM STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur): www.uvm.edu/~stand[4]
UVM Hillel: www.uvmhillel.org[5]
American Jewish World Service: www.ajws.org[6]
Save Darfur: www.savedarfur.org[7]
-------------------------
Celebrate SUPER BOWL SUNDAY at Brennan's Pub and Bistro!
Come enjoy the game on the variety of flat screens around the room
with friends, prizes
and great food! Sunday February 3, 6-11pm.
-------------------------
Don't miss your chance to be a part of this UVM tradition!
Purchase tickets NOW at alumni.uvm.edu/winter_ball[8]
The 2008 Senior Class Council presents:
Winter Ball
Saturday, February 9, 2008
9:00PM-1:00AM
Hilton Burlington
Tickets: $15/person, $20/pair
18+ to attend, 21+ to purchase drinks
Free shuttle service will be provided
We hope to see you there! Questions? E-mail us at [log in to unmask][9]!
-------------------------
Babysitting Mingler
Do you like kids? Want a well paying job that fits with your schedule?
Then come to the Babysitting Mingler and meet parents in the
Burlington community looking for reliable babysitters for both
periodic and sporadic engagements. You will also have a chance to
play with the children you will be looking after!
10:30-12:00 Pearl House, 12 Colchester Ave. (the yellow house next
to Dewey) Please RSVP to Alicia Taylor [log in to unmask][10]
saturday February 2nd.
-------------------------
Auditions to be held for Jason Robert Brown's "The Last Five Years," a
two-person student-produced musical. The show will be performed April
25th-26th and rehearsals will start in March. Auditions will be
February 2nd from 5-7 and February 3rd from 11:30-1:30 and will be at
the Royall Tyler Theater. Please sign-up in advance on the student
callboard at the theater and pick up audition materials. For more
information, please contact Emily at [log in to unmask]
-------------------------
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity invites you to an informal Information
Session on Monday,
Feb. 4 at 7:30 PM. There will be brothers answering questions you may
have about the fraternity and Greek Life.
-------------------------
American Red Cross Blood and Bone Marrow Drive
UVM Patrick Gym Lobby
Thursday, February 7, 2008
12:00 - 6:00
Help save a life and become a potential bone marrow donor - only a
cotton swab test!
Pizza and Grinders provided!
Please Bring Blood Donor Card, Photo ID, or 2 forms of other ID.
www.newenglandblood.org
-------------------------
Alpha Gamma Rho Spring '08 Recruitment Activity Schedule
*events to be held at AGR house on 216 S. Prospect unless stated otherwise*
Thursday (1-24-08) 5:30-8pm Open house with free dinner at 6pm
Saturday (1-26-08) 5-7pm Information table with free pizza on CBW green
Thursday (1-31-08) departure from AGR @ 7pm for bowling at Yankee Lanes
Saturday (2-2-08) departure from AGR @ 11am to go Skeet shooting
Check us out on the Web at www.agrinvt.org[11] for more information
and contacts!
-------------------------
Fleming Museum will host an Opening Reception for our Spring
Exhibitions on Thursday, January 31 at 5:30 PM, hosted by Provost John
M. Hughes. A special pre-opening curatorial tour for Museum members at
the contributing level and up will be given by 100 Suns artist Michael
Light at 4:45 PM. Free admission to UVM students. Cash bar and hors
d'oeuvres.
The Fleming Museum's Spring Exhibitions include:
Michael Light: 100 Suns
JANUARY 31 - JUNE 1, 2008
By re-photographing and presenting images of atomic explosions carried
out by the United States in the 1950s and 1960s in an exhibition
format, San Francisco photographer Michael Light sets out to explore
the cultural context of the photographs and to examine the nuclear
landscape and its profound effect on both our past and our future.
These images range from stunning, abstract impressions of fire and
energy to portrayals of people watching the blasts who seem blithely
unaware of the destructive power they are witnessing. It is this
dichotomy of beauty and horror, attraction and repulsion, violence and
seduction that make this collection of images so compelling.
Between Soft Machines and Hard Science: The Interstitial Art of W.
David Powell
JANUARY 15 - JUNE 8, 2008
Artist W. David Powell's installation of his digital prints alongside
historic scientific instruments reflects his fascination with the
human mind and body and our own relationships with science and
healing. Incorporating charts and devices from both obsolete and
contemporary scientific sources, Powell's installation invites us to
re-evaluate our understanding of how the human body and mind interact,
and the ways that art and science can clarify or confuse that
understanding.
Masks of Sri Lanka
JANUARY 15 - JUNE 8. 2008
In the exorcism dance rituals and folk plays of Sri Lanka, devils,
animals, and humans are represented by elaborately carved and painted
masks. Southern Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage includes two
dances that use masks: the thovil, or exorcism dances, in which
masked demons drive illness and misfortune away, and the kolam folk
drama, a community entertainment performed traditionally for centuries.
Links:
------
[1] http://alumni.uvm.edu/getinvolved/ambassadors/default.asp
[2] mailto:[log in to unmask]
[3] mailto:[log in to unmask]
[4] http://www.uvm.edu/%7Estand
[5] http://www.uvmhillel.org
[6] http://www.ajws.org
[7] http://www.savedarfur.org
[8] http://alumni.uvm.edu/winter_ball
[9] mailto:[log in to unmask]
[10] mailto:[log in to unmask]
[11] http://www.agrinvt.org
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