Staff Report Picnickers and outdoor enthusiasts may have noticed several closures in the Cibola National Forest over the Labor Day weekend. Cienega, Sulphur and Doc Long picnic areas were closed and will remain closed for the next two weeks because of a rise in black bear activity in the area, said Karen Takai, spokeswoman for the Sandia Ranger District.
About 15 to 30 percent of students attending UNM are uninsured, according to Beverly Kloeppel, director of Student Health and Counseling. The problem of young people being uninsured is an issue seen not only at UNM but statewide. The percentage of New Mexicans without health insurance rose from 20.
The piles of wasted paper in the computer pods are shrinking. This semester, Information Technology Services implemented a new printing system called Pharos. ITS and ASUNM adopted Pharos in hopes of making printing less wasteful and more efficient for students, said Moira Gerety, director of ITS.
Free food and information on student organizations was provided at the Duck Pond on Thursday during Student Organization Day. The Christian Student Center, Medieval Studies Student Association, Knit Knack and the Queer Straight Alliance were among the many groups represented.
University presidents from more than 100 colleges around the U.S. have petitioned to lower the drinking age to 18. But UNM President David Schmidly doesn't share their views. He said there should be a balance between socializing and academics, and lowering the drinking age would interfere with that balance.
Rep. Steve Pearce said UNM students need to recognize the importance of the 2008 election. Pearce is running against Rep. Tom Udall for a seat on New Mexico's U.S. Senate delegation. Pearce said the two issues Congress needs to address are the economy - including the energy crisis - and taxes.
As University College students wait in long lines to speak to their advisors and fill out complicated requirement worksheets, UNM is investigating the efficiency of the program. Finnie Coleman, the director of University College, said an unfair amount of pressure is put on the program's advisement center, but it will not be phased out.
Welcome Back Days' Wednesday event aimed to prepare students for the real world by making them aware of cultural and women's issues. Susi Knoblauch of the International Programs and Studies Department said traveling abroad to experience culture is an opportunity students shouldn't miss.
The NCAA penalized UNM's football program Aug. 20 in response to the Lobos' violation of association rules, including academic fraud. Two former assistant coaches helped prospective athletes obtain fraudulent course credits from another university. In its decision, the NCAA imposed three years of probation, reducing the team's potential scholarships from 25 to 20 and allowing only six coaches to recruit out of state.
UNM has seen a rise in on-campus living, leaving many students in close quarters. University spokeswoman Karen Wentworth said nothing can be done to improve the situation this semester. "Short term, there is not much that can happen - we only have so many dorm rooms," she said.
Parking has become a serious problem for many students at UNM - permits have become more expensive, and the scarcity of spaces has forced some people to settle for lots far from campus. UNM's Parking and Transportation Services representatives said they are working to remedy these problems and help students take advantage of their best options.
Want to stay healthy this semester? You can start by washing your hands. Jo Antreasian, the clinic program coordinator for the Student Health Center, said cleanliness is the easiest way to stay healthy, but many students neglect it. Antreasian was one of several representatives at Safety, Health, Wellness and ROTC Day on Tuesday, part of the week-long Welcome Back Days.
Presidential candidate Ralph Nader visited UNM on Tuesday to drum up student interest in his campaign before making his way to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. About 90 students and faculty members crowded in SUB Ballroom C to ask Nader questions and to support his grassroots campaign for the presidential seat.
The UNM Police Department intervened in an attempted rape at the corner of Lomas and Campus boulevards Wednesday. UNMPD Lt. Pat Davis said the incident was isolated and involved no one directly affiliated with UNM. "Fortunately, campus police were able to intervene quickly and prevent a more serious crime from happening, and that's what we're here for," Davis said.
UNM students ran late on their first day of class Monday as they encountered large fences around many high-traffic areas on campus that blocked sidewalks and pointed to detours over narrow dirt paths. "I understand why we need the construction because it is good to update everything, but it is always at the wrong time and wrong place, and it just seems like it's not done quick enough for school, and that bothers me," senior Jodee Chavez said.
Hookah is a social staple for many college students, despite numerous health concerns. The Daily Lobo sat down with Dr. Peggy Spencer from the Student Health Center to discuss the effects of the Middle Eastern pastime. Daily Lobo: A lot of students find smoking hookah to be a relaxing social experience.
Campus housing underwent upgrades and renovations this summer in time for incoming students. But some students say the upgrades only scratched the surface of what the dorms need. Walt Miller, associate vice president of Student Life, said the renovations are the first phase of a larger renovation process.
Freshmen and their parents flooded campus Sunday, celebrating and preparing for a new school year. Organized by the University Secretary's Office, Freshman Family Day is an annual event that attracts about 5,000 people, said Donna Hoff, program specialist at the office.
The Sigma Chi fraternity hosted a charity tennis match for the Huntsman Cancer Institute on Saturday. The institute conducts cancer research and depends on donations for more than one-third of its funding. Saturday's stakes were higher than those of most tennis matches, however, as the loser had to shave his head.
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