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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH
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UMD embraces student tailgating
BY JIMMY GILLIGAN Sports Editor
The official opening of the grassy area outside Malosky stadium for pregame festivities gives UMD students their first real opportunity for a true college tailgating experience. see story on B1
Celebrating block party style BY LAURA GRUHLKE AND CIARA REUTZEL
Duluth’s Chaperone Records celebrated three years on Saturday, by closing down the block, turning up the volume and throwing a party. see story on B3
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
BY HANNAH BROADBENT News Editor
“The definition of consent in the administrative policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Relationship Violence has been revised to state that consent is an: ‘Informed, freely and affirmatively communicated willingness to participate in sexual activity that is expressed by clear and unambiguous words or actions.’” This was an email sent to all university faculty and staff from the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action on Monday, August 24. The email explains the definition of consent change that will be implemented at all University of Minnesota schools. The previous policy defined consent as “informed, freely given, and mutually understood.” “The standard is improved because both parties in the situation must be affirmatively consenting--both have to say yes,” Dr. Lisa Erwin, Dean of Students, said. The new policy also comes with an extended appendix to make the definition even more clear. Erwin believes that students must pay
U of M schools change definition of consent attention to the appendix as well because it will help them understand that you shouldn’t guess or make assumptions when it comes to sex. The appendix lays out all the factors that will be considered when determining consent.
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For example, being in a romantic relationship does not mean consent is given. If there are drugs or alcohol involved, there cannot be consent and if consent was initially given, it can be withdrawn at any time. These are three of thirteen examples of
factors that do or do not determine consent. Check out the list at https://policy.umn.edu/ operat ions/sexua lassault#appendiceslink. Erwin explains an easier way to understand it as instead of “no means no” the new definition would be more
like “yes means yes”. This statement puts both parties in the picture of consent, meaning that both parties have to say “yes”. The initial proposal for a system-wide definition change was created in November of 2014 and then brought to the Office of Equity and Diversity by the Minnesota Student Association (MSA), otherwise known as the Twin Cities Student Association. The MSA used evidence, or lack thereof, from their own campus to support their fight for a new and clearer definition. This evidence includes the 22 percent of women from the University of Minnesota who reported being sexually assaulted and the fact that the UMPD received only 18 reports of documented sexual assaults while Sexual Assault Support Services received 183 clients. The proposal was approved by the President’s Policy Committee (PPC), executives authorized by the President to make decisions. The PPC will then hand it over the the Board of Regents. The Board of Regents see CONSENT on A3
UMD housing hosts senior residents for summer months BY AISLING DOHENY News Editor
For the 40th year in a row this summer, seniors aged 65 to 90 venture to Duluth from all over the country and grace the campus with their presence. UMD’s annual Summer Senior Program invites senior citizens to Duluth to spend their summer days in a cooler climate. “It’s like a summer camp for seniors,” said Housing Area Director Sarah Hunter. UMD Housing hosts the Summer Senior Rental Program from early June to midAugust. “The Summer Senior Rental Program is an opportunity for seniors from warmer climates to come and spend the summer here in Duluth in our on-campus apartments,” said senior Jackson Rozeske who worked as the Summer Senior Program Assistant. The on-campus apartments that are used are Goldfine A, B and C, and Heaney. According to Rozeske most of the renters come
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from Florida, Arizona, s’mores nights. Texas and Nevada, The seniors though many are from themselves also other parts of the ran programs of country as well. their own, like “Some are actually hiking club and Minnesota -- even card-play ing Duluth -- natives,” nights,” Rozeske Rozeske said. “They said. “UMD can come back to rent just provided the out an apartment for technology and ten, eight or six weeks supplies.” of the summer. We According to get a total of over 200 Rozeske several renters over the course of UMD’s staff of the entire three members have months.” Many people were UMD’ Seniors enjoying Duluth’s recreational activities been a part of involved with the JACKSON ROZESKE/SUBMITTED the program program, including for years. Staff the Housing and work together to Residence Life Staff, create a variety of University Staff and events. Programs members of the Duluth can be strictly community. recreational UMD and the or strictly Duluth community educational. teamed up to host RSOP’s Fitness events and plan and Wellness programs for the Coordinator seniors. Trista Vucetich “Signature events hosted fitness include a Vista Fleet classes and cruise, a Bent Paddle RSOP’s Associate brewery tour and Director Tim dinner events catered Bates hosted an by UMD catering,” dining dollars to renters other staff. e n v i r on me nt a l Rozeske said. “Summer Resident series. UMD Dining that wanted to eat at the Advisors ran weekly “We try and provide Services served the on-campus food court. There were also bingo and hosted them with a lot of seniors meals on given get-togethers events like potlucks, options and just listen days and provided smaller between the renters and arts and crafts, and to what they want,” said
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Opinion:A5
News: A3-A4
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Rozeske. Most of the senior renters come back year after year. “We had a few that have been coming for over 20 years,” said Hunter. “Many call Duluth their home away from home.” Though the Summer Senior Rental Program is only active for the 3 months of summer, planning takes up much of the year. “We start planning paperwork in late November or early December and mail out the information to the renters in late January or early February,” said Hunter. “We arrange events and set dates in spring then.” The effort it takes is worth it, according to both Hunter and Rozeske. “I believe this program is a really valuable asset to UMD,” said Hunter. “We’re already looking forward to next year.” Rozeske will be graduating in the spring; UMD Housing will hire a new Summer Senior Program Assistant next semester.
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