yourVassar

We've Moved

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:52:31 -0400

Sorry guys, we realized Tumblr isn’t the easiest way to communicate with all of you. Check the new site out.

"Also, we’re almost at 1000 views! That is almost 500 in just 3-4 days! You guys are actually..."

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:13:41 -0400

“Also, we’re almost at 1000 views! That is almost 500 in just 3-4 days! You guys are actually the best. Much love.”

- yourVassar

Cappy and Chris Come to Cushing

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:01:00 -0400

Tonight was another round of town hall meetings. Cappy and Chris stopped by Cushing House tonight to meet with both Cushing and Noyes houses on campus-wide issues and concerns. A lot was touched upon tonight and TONS of students showed up in comparison to other town hall meetings. Issues that were brought up at tonights meeting include: sexism and homophobia on campus, the counseling service on campus, re-installation of the SAVP coordinator as well as sexual assault on campus, community outreach, the structure of meal plans, dorm renovations, admissions policies, a social consciousness requirement being installed in the curriculum, the gender gap at Vassar, getting credit for lab courses, “long-term” Vassar, the international student experience, and student space on campus.

Of these topics there were quite a few highs and lows. There was a pretty vicious exchange of words between a student and Cappy about the gender gap at Vassar in which Cappy more or less was defending herself against charges that were flat-out not her responsibility or caused by her in any way. The student was angered because they felt like there were too many men on campus. Cappy more or less stated that Vassar was not made co-ed to stop at a population of 30% males. Overall, Cappy handled the situation with grace and seemed to come out on top with a student stepping up to her defense in the end.

Another bump was when Cappy stated that lab-based classes have the same amount of work as non-lab classes, which I think we all know is not true. Nevertheless, this matter isn’t really at Cappy’s hands anyway so we can hope that the VSA will try to push this through someday.

The real highlight of the night was when Dan Shaw, Cushing House President, brought up dorm renovations. It was then revealed that this summer, Cushing House would be receiving bathroom renovations (similar to Lathrop House’s this summer) in two parts over this summer and the next. Chris Roellke added that the condition of Cushing’s bathrooms was unacceptable. Cheer broke out among the crowd and everyone seemed to be in smiles. It was also revealed that Noyes House would be having its MPR or “The Jetson Lounge” renovated this summer as well. Congratulations to these two houses for the good news.

Great conversations tonight. Weekend updates coming soon!

Jonathan Kozol Speaks Tomorrow

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:40:00 -0400

For anyone who’s ever taken an education class at Vassar, the name Jonathan Kozol stands out. One of the leading voices for the “savage inequalities” of the American education system, Mr. Kozol will be speaking in the Vassar Chapel tomorrow (November 3) at 5:30 pm.

We’re not sure how well publicized the event has been, but this is a pretty incredible chance to hear from one of the brightest, most passionate advocates for improving educational standards and opportunity. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life announced the lecture on its website a couple of weeks ago and provides great detail about Kozol’s mission and the work that he’s done. While he will discuss in general the structural inequalities that challenge public school systems, Mr. Kozol will speak more specifically to the problems both caused and exacerbated by No Child Left Behind. We encourage everyone to attend and to spread the word about it.

Davison Faces Slurs Once More

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:54:00 -0400

Many students staying caught up on their Vassar controversies will remember the homophobic messages sprawled over a Davison bathroom earlier this semester. Horrified by the anti-gay messages, the Davison house team went well above and beyond to assure its residents that homophobia was not a sentiment to be normalized or encouraged. Their efforts included hosting an open discussion about the issue as well as socially creating an art piece meant to “say no” to anti-gay messages.

Now, according to Dean Roellke, more derogatory language has been discovered in Davison House, this time targeting women. We don’t currently know the extent or the details of the vandalism, but we do hope that this house’s residents catch a break soon. Whether this is the work of a repeat offender or a new culprit, this sort of behavior is completely unacceptable. We have faith that the Davison house team will work hard to deal with this issue (yet again), but we wanted to add our voice to the overall campus message that this sort of hurtful, degrading language can’t be condoned. Play nice, people.

Changes in ResLife Practices: A Danger to Campus?

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:37:00 -0400

So… we’re not sure if any of you checked your e-mail this week, but what we all received from Luis Inoa was a little disturbing. In case you didn’t read the cute little italicized comment on the bottom of the e-mail it reads:

…you should be aware that a logical consequence of causing a disruption along the lines of an unauthorized party in the houses may be reassignment to a different house.

Um… what? Are you kidding me? I know that we are all obviously susceptible to college policy, but ResLife was already drastic enough with its new probation policy that it just enacted this year. This is an incredibly regressive decision and it in no way helps the college control drinking or teaches students to drink responsibly.

Just to be clear, for those of you who don’t know: according to administration, you are considered responsible for hosting a party if there are eight people in your room with alcohol present.

This practice implication simply will force students to collect in smaller groups in smaller timeframes to pre-game events on campus, which in turn will only perpetuate dangerous drinking. Additionally, this practice change will affect a wide scope of student bodies: house teams, the VSA council, fellow groups, etc. as brought up on the VSA council tonight. It gives security WAY too much power and could potentially destroy our historically accepting campus culture.

In addition, students who are reassigned to other dorms will have no incentive to become members of their new community and thus have no incentive to not host more parties. A disconnect from the loyalty embedded in the housing system will only perpetuate dorm damage and poor decision making. Furthermore, this will ultimately push even more students off campus.

On a side note: it’s officially really easy to move out of your house if you don’t want to live there… just throw a party.

What are your responses on this? We need to get some student activism going on this campus. Please let us know what you feel, we would be happy to help a movement.

State of Emergency Lifted, Dutchess County Still Facing Repairs

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:46:00 -0400

As of 12 pm today, the State of Emergency has been lifted in Dutchess County, but warnings about safety remain in place. Power lines, fallen trees, and non-operating traffic lights are some of the issues mentioned in a forwarded message from Dean Roellke this just a little while ago. Several parts of the county have been left without power, but road crews are making their best efforts to handle this. Dutchess officials recommend that everyone stay at home (for us, on campus), but that if you MUST travel, use extreme caution and allow for extra travel time. So, guys, you might want to avoid heading to the Galleria or anywhere on Route 9 today.

Just like with Hurricane Irene, Vassar seems to have been spared the worst of nature’s fury. Let’s hope that we manage to continue this trend whenever unusually bad weather conditions hit the Poughkeepsie area.

Halloween Aftermath

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:43:00 -0400

Well, if you’re looking around campus today you will probably notice that campus looks more hungover than you do. Aside from the fire alarm pulled in Main Building, rumored to have occurred on 5th floor, the Haunted Hollow presented by the Class of 2012 seemed to go swimmingly well. Students still made it out of their dorms (unless lucky enough to live in Main) to celebrate the holiday. Looks like not even snow can stop the Vassar kids from enjoying themselves. Thanks to everyone helped make last night a success.

BREAKING NEWS • Dutchess County is now in a State of Emergency

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:43:00 -0400

As of now, Dutchess County is in a state of emergency. Events in UpC and Villard Room are still moving forward. Power loss is a very possible outcome before the night ends. Too much of this event mirrors the panic and fear that hit campus during Hurricane Irene for our comfort. Stay safe!

Snowball Fight: 9 PM Tonight!

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:05:00 -0400

We’ve heard through the grapevine that tonight at 9 PM there will be a GIANT snowball fight on the Quad. Hope to see you there!

Vassar's Halloween Costume: Winter

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:58:00 -0400

In case none of you noticed, its SNOWING. A lot. Looks like Vassar is trying to disguise itself tonight, too. Here’s hoping that tonight’s events don’t get put on hold!

On a side note, our followers and hits have been skyrocketing (thanks to someone’s post on Say Anything, we guess) and we’re almost at 500 in just a few days! You’re the best, guys!

Happy Halloween!

SAVP Coordinator Position Finally to be Re-Filled, Thanks in Part to Student Voices

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:13:00 -0400

For almost three years, the Sexual Assault Violence Prevention Coordinator position has remained empty, despite an agreement by the College to continue funding the job once a grant from the Department of Justice ran out. Since then, numerous individuals and campus groups have prodded the administration to refill the much-needed position, especially since the coordinator’s duties were split up and delegated to various other administrators. Now, after student groups such as the Feminist Alliance have spent the better part of a semester making sexual assault a major focus of Vassar’s campus life, Cappy has finally relented and decided to give us back a coordinator. It has taken a lot of dedication from several parties to increase education and visibility, but we’re definitely getting there.

What we find interesting is how, this year, students began demanding that someone fill the position. For instance, students became very vocal in challenging the administration’s decisions on this matter at the Town Hall meetings put on by Cappy and Dean Roellke. The website http://breakthesilenceatvassar.wordpress.com further shows an incredible increase in student commitment to this issue. Voices from the Vassar student body began to validate and reinforce what faculty and other individuals have been requesting for years now. The power of our opinions, which we so often feel get ignored by Vassar’s “head honchos,” had a clear, decisive influence on administrative policy. Not only is this something to feel positively about, it is proof that we, as students, can send a powerful message and see change come about because of it.

Check out the SAVP website if you have any questions or want any more information.

Security in Strong, Not Strong Enough?

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:54:00 -0400

I think most of campus (if you have not you should be a little ashamed) has heard of the incident in Strong that occurred earlier this year, in fact over a month ago. But why is it now that the Miscellany News is reporting about this? Not that we are claiming to have reported it before the Misc [we love the Misc], but that is because we’re just starting up here. What we’re reporting now is how long it took to get a report on something that should have been a major campus issue. How much will it take to get the Vassar Campus riled up? When will students finally speak up and push for better campus security? Students should be hearing about things like this as they happen, not in the campus newspaper over a month after the event occurred. Kudos to the security officers involved, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police, as well as the lovely Manning Wu (Strong HP) for handling this situation smoothly.

To read more on this issue: Check The Miscellany News

HALLOWEEN COMES TO VASSAR

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:20:00 -0400

…and the world, but Vassar’s what we care about.

Vassar’s Halloween weekends have traditionally been a campus spectacle over the years, and this one should be no exception. We’ll see the festivities beginning on Friday night with SCARY TALES, the annual haunted house put on by Raymond House. The event will take place on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors of Rocky from 8 pm – 11 pm and promises that “Neither tickets nor promises of your firstborn child are required for entry.” Face your fears and nightmares, go through the house, and then head to the Mug for BLACK LIGHT MUG NIGHT! Co-sponsored by 2013 and 2015, this Mug night is the first big campus event to come from the leaders of the Class of 2015. So, freshmen, let’s set the bar high and see you guys earning some party cred. And if it’s a black light party, you know you’ve got to wear white (regardless of what you’ve got on it). Starting at 10 pm (allegedly) and going to 2 am, it’ll feature 3 DJs:

DJ VERBIVORE (Sam Verbanic ‘15)
DJ PERZ (Camron Tarassoly ‘15)
DJ Come See Vassar Rugby This Sunday (Dan Flynn ‘13) (also known as DJ ManBear and DJ Mike Bodnarik)

While everyone loves the opening Friday of Halloween weekend, we all know that it’s just the warm-up to Saturday night. For those of you into a more traditional Halloween celebration, the Class of 2012 and Campus Activities present THE WITCHING HOUR, toted as UpCDC’s “Spooky Extravaganza” and going from 9 pm to 11 pm. Features include caramel apples, cider and donuts, a chocolate fountain, candy wall, and a professional photo booth. Even more enticing is the Costume Contest, which offers V-Cash prizes for both individual and group winners. The event will then screen The Shining from 11 pm to 1 am. The Facebook event, linked above, can give you more information.

Your other option this Saturday night is, of course, the annual Halloween party in the Villard Room, this year known as HAUNTED HOLLOW!

As always, the senior class is hosting, so members of the Class of 2012 should be out in full force. See everyone’s costumes, whether they’re funny, sexy, or an outright failure. We could all use a laugh. You’ll need to buy a ticket ($5 for seniors, $7 for underclassman), but this party has been pretty worth it in the past. If you’re 21+, there’s even free beer. The event has a lot of important information that you should check out before Saturday, so be sure and click on the link embedded in the name above and don’t forget to buy your ticket! The party will showcase 3 DJs:

DJ WolfPak (Tim Aaron ‘12) from 11 to 12
DJ Lyke Mic (Dylan Evans ‘12) from 12 to 1
DTF (Chris Martel ‘12) from 1 to 2

Get your costume and your crazy on… this night is definitely one that’ll have you untagging photos on Facebook all day Sunday.

BREAKING NEWS • ViCE Fall Concert Announcement

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:20:00 -0400

Well the time of the year has arrived: ViCE has yet again unveiled a series of musical artists that no one has ever heard of. With that, we have high hopes for this show— many an unknown artists have gone on to put on great performances at VC. After much anticipation (and people rumoring that Arcade Fire was coming), ViCE broke the news on WVKR this afternoon. The artists for this years concert will be: Fang Island and Animanaguchi. Fang Island defines their genre (on MySpace) as “healing & easy listening / powerpop / progressive”… whatever that means. Additionally, they are from Brooklyn, NY. Animanaguchi, on the other hand, is a chiptune indie rock band, also from NYC, that makes loud, fast music with a hacked NES from 1985. They are also responsible for the music in the film adaptation of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels.

Fang Island and Animanaguchi will be hitting up Vassar on November 19th. We will keep you updated as news comes to us.

Hi Vassar.

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:22:00 -0400

Welcome to yourVassar, the new unofficial voice of Vassar College. We are here to revitalize the online news community at Vassar College. With that, although we may have a slightly more biased, slightly more “real” version of the news at Vassar, we still look to hold journalistic integrity about everything we report. Although it is a tad late, welcome back to Vassar everyone, this year is bound to be great.

XOXO