The Student Center at Eastern Connecticut State University will have the following hours of operation during Spring Break.

The Student Government Association is looking for candidates for the upcoming spring elections. All interested students are invited to attend an informational meeting on March 15, 2010 at 3 p.m. in the Student Center in room 115. At this meeting they will receive more information about the election process and the rules and regulations of campaigning.

Applications are due on April 2nd and must be submitted to the sgaelection@stu.eaternct.edu email account by 5 p.m. The qualifications to run for the various positions are listed below:

• Senator- must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Executive Board Member (with the exception of President) - been a member of the senate for one full semester OR served one full semester as President or Vice President of an on campus student organization that has been around for at least 2 years, have a cumulatve GPA of 2.5 or higher, and have 60 completed credits by the time of elections
• President- been a member of the senate for one full semester
• Board of Trustees Student Representative: have a cululative GPA of 2.67, achieved 45 credits
• Senior Class Committee: President, VP, Secretary, Treasure, Senior-at- Large (2 positions) - anyone interesting in running must be a Senior in Fall 2010, a full time student and have a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.0 There are also 3 Junior-at-Large positions. Students interested in running must be a Junior in Fall 2010, a full time student and have a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.0.

Applications will be accepted on April 5th at the SGA meeting at 3 p.m. in Student Center 107. After the candidates have been announced campaigning will begin. A meet the Candidate Hour will be held on April 7th in the Student Center lobby at 3 p.m.

For more information regarding the SGA Elections, please refer to the Student Government Association web page.

front row (left to right): Saundra Catalina, Michelle Delaney, Jennifer Paradis, Kim Dugan

back row (left to right): Pablo Granado, Jennifer Succi, Alexa Cascio, Steven Bagley, Maureen McDonnell, Suzanne Dowling, Lula Blocton

On February 18, 2010, Eastern Connecticut State University officially opened the new Pride Room on the first floor of the Student Center in room 109. The purpose of this new resource room is to provide a welcoming environment and advocate for the LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Ally) community. Anyone can be an ally and through future events it is the hope that more allies wll be gained through education and understanding.

During the opening, there were several speakers who shared their perspectives. President Elsa Núñez spoke passionately about the importance of the new space and emphasized that it should be seen as a starting point for those in the LGBTQA community at Eastern. Ken Bedini, vice president of student affairs also expressed his support and commitment to the mission of the Pride Room. SGA Vice President Corrine King, alumnus Jennifer Paradis, Professor Lula Blocton and Professor Cara Bergstrom-Lynch all articulated the importance of the Pride Room to the student body and how it shows progress within our society that this room has become a reality.

There was clear support from people who attended the ceremony shown by way of signatures on a banner that commemorated the occasion. Many more individuals have visited the room since the opening and left messages of support and acceptance. This was all made possible due to the dedication, work and support from administrators, faculty, staff and students. The Pride Room is now open so look for events being organized in the near future and feel free to check out the room! 

from left to right: Michael Hislop, Hannah Ojard, Kevin Faugno, Keegan O'Brien, Natalie Ortega, Norma Vivar-Orum (advisor), Katelyn Vaughn, Miles McDonald, Leroy Sirois, Sarah Joy, Monica Rowe  

On Sunday, February 28, 2010, the Eastern Connecticut State University Outdoors Club conquered Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vermont. Starting their day at 6 a.m., 12 members of the Outing Club had seven hours of mountain time. The conditions were perfect for skiing and boarding; warm, party sunny and miles of trails. Students who went only paid $20.00 which got them a lift ticket and rental. The Outing Club's next trip is to Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts. To get involved with the Eastern Outing Club, come to meetings on Wednesday at Noon in the Science Building, room 132. The club strives to inform and educate the Eastern community with events and activities that promote outdoor adventure while observing an environmental ethic.

The Eastern Outdoors Club is sponsored by Student Government Association. For more information on this and all other clubs and organizations, go to the Student Activities web site.

The Competitive Cheerleading Squad at Eastern Connecticut State University have competed in several competitions in recent weeks. On Saturday, February 7, 2010, the Cheerleaders were involved at the Torrington High School's 4th Annual "Compete for a Cure" Competition. Eastern's squad was awarded first place in the college all-girl division and was named runner up grand champion out of 15 teams.

The Student Center and Fitness Center will operate on the following schedule during President's Weekend, 2010.

The Student Government Association (SGA) at Eastern Connecticut State University is seeking input from students on the best department on campus. The departments which SGA is seeking input are:

Bursar's office

Career Services

Academic Services Center (ASC)

Academic Advisement Center

Study Abroad

Admissions

Registrar

Financial Aid

Students are asked to fill out the attached survey to provide feedback on departments. Any questions should be directed to SGA's Issues committee at issues@stu.easternct.edu or at (860) 465-0123.

The Student Center and Fitness Center will operate on the following schedule for the Winter Break in December, 2009 and January 2010.

On Saturday, November 14, 2009, the Eastern Rugby Team fell short of their undefeated season when they lost 10-0 to the Golden Bears of Western New England College in the New England Rugby Football Union (FERFU) Division IV championship game.

While Newport, Rhode Island is often seen as the epitome of beauty, the conditions at Fort Adams State Park were anything but ideal. Heavy winds combined with a steady rain throughout the morning made for muddy and difficult conditions to handle the ball and move up the field for the Warriors. The first half ended in a 0-0 deadlock, an unusual position for Eastern's team who averaged 43 points per game previous to Saturday's match. WNEC scored twice early in the second half and it was a deficit that the team was not able to overcome.

SGA sponsored a student bus to the game and a number of Eastern fans braved the weather to salute their team on a great season. The team's spirits were high despite the disappointment of finishing short of their ultimate goal. Congratulations to the team for a fantastic run!