Campus Briefs: 04/02/09

Westhampton College students approve new Constitution

On Tuesday, March 24, the majority of Westhampton College students voted in favor of a new Constitution, former Westhampton College Government Association President Generra Peck said.

"We have examined where we have been most successful, where we have fallen short, and how we can change our structure to best represent you," according to the WCGA Web site.

According to the new Constitution, changes include the creation of several new positions: Chair of the Senate, Secretary of the Senate and Finance Committee members. The Chair of the Senate will be in charge of overseeing the Senate, leaving the WCGA President able to focus on the overall workings of the Honor Council, Judicial Council and Class Cabinets in addition to the Senate. The Chair of the Senate will also replace the position of WCGA Vice President. Other positions that will be eliminated are WCGA Treasurer and WCGA Secretary.

The Constitution also calls for a change in the role of the Executive Council so it can more accurately address the needs of each branch rather than just the Senate. A Senate Executive Board will be implemented to help the Chair of the Senate.

The changes will be carried out during the 2009-2010 academic year.

WCGA is encountering a different type of change as well--the transition of officers. The new WCGA President will be junior Elle Carabetta.

Participants set record in Ukrops Monument Avenue 10K

A record number of people registered for the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10K, according to a press release that was released on March 20.

The race, which benefits cancer research, took place Saturday March 28. Of the 32,745 people who registered, more than 26,000 people participated in the race, said Mike McCormick, the communications director of sports backers organization, which runs the race.

Sports Backers executive director Jon Lugbull said in the press release that he was thrilled so many Richmonders and visitors participated in the 10th anniversary of the race.

Ex-offenders to speak about challenges after prison

Three Boaz and Ruth participants will speak at the University of Richmond next week about their lives in prison and their lives since they had been released at an event sponsored by Common Ground, Black Student Alliance and Intervarsity.

Even after a person is released from prison, he or she faces significant barriers to his freedom. Boaz and Ruth's mission is to lessen the obstacles that ex-offenders are confronted with. These obstacles include acquiring a driver's license, keeping a job and eliminating monetary debt.

The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, in the Alice Haynes Room. A question-and-answer session and reception will follow.

Contact staff writer Michelle Guerrere at michelle.guerrere@richmond.edu