Freshman Camp is barred at UNH
Counselors cited for having party with alcohol
DURHAM, N.H. -- The student-run Freshman Camp at the University of New Hampshire will be grounded for one year, not two, because of an underage drinking incident at a party whose organizers included three camp counselors.
A UNH appellate board reduced the camp's two-year moratorium, meaning the orientation camp for incoming students will be canceled next fall and be back in business the following year.
UNH said its decision will allow Freshman Camp to give it enough time to bring itself in line with school policies and procedures. Some of the sanctions include probation until 2008 and the creation of an advisory board to monitor Freshman Camp's progress through several other changes.
"We're still not really happy about it, but we'll be able to manage a bit better," said James Burns, outgoing co-director of Freshman Camp.
The UNH Judicial and Mediation Programs Office had suspended the camp because of an off-campus party in August where a first-year student who attended the camp was allegedly offered alcohol.
The party was thrown by 13 students, three of whom were Freshman Camp counselors. The counselors have since been removed.
The 72-year-old organization takes about 200 incoming freshmen each summer on a retreat to Lake Winnipesaukee for several days. The group concentrates on activities meant to help ease the transition into college.
UNH said Freshman Camp must now provide a list of potential staffers for the adviser position, who will be selected by the advisory board or the vice president for student and academic services. The group also must participate in events that support a nonalcohol theme.
