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Greek Ups and Downs
Two fraternities lost their UNH recognition last year, but a university administrator says Greek participation is increasing overall.

In October, Tau Kappa Epsilon's charter was suspended by its international organization, which resulted in a similar suspension by UNH. TKE may be recognized by Greek Life as a new fraternity later this year, says MUB director MaryAnne Lustgraaf.

And in November, Alpha Tau Omega was closed after police made a number of drug-related arrests at the fraternity house and deemed it unsafe to live in.

Lustgraaf says five years ago, 540 students were involved in fraternities and sororities. By last year, that number had increased to about 1,000. Also in the same time period, seven new chapters have been recognized, she says, and Phi Mu Delta, which lost its recognition in 2008, may return in Fall 2012. Lustgraaf says community service and philanthropy by Greek organizations have increased as well.

Budget Update
As of early February, 109 staff and faculty opted to participate in UNH's separation incentive program. That savings, plus reduced expenses in supplies and utilities, a salary freeze for nonunionized staff and faculty, and up to $9 million in reserves, enabled UNH to meet its financial goal for fiscal year 2012. A deficit is expected for fiscal year '13, but the exact amount will not be known until mid-year. UNH is cutting administrative costs and working to increase revenue in the wake of a 48 percent reduction in state funding last year.

"UNH remains committed to providing a quality learning experience to all its students," says Dick Cannon, vice president for finance and administration.

"UNH Today" Goes Weekly
In January, the formerly daily email newsletter "UNH Today" changed to a weekly schedule. The new version includes photos, videos, slideshows, tweets and UNH and alumni stories. See www.unh.edu/unhtoday/.