The Student Senate’s first public forum of the year had a disappointing turnout, with one student attending, but the conversation was animated and the senators expressed enthusiasm over the discussion. Jennifer Trowbridge, a senior Economics major, spent an hour with most of the senate’s executive board talking about a range of topics, most of which concerned the senate’s continuing efforts to increase its visibility on campus and to get students involved in groups.

For those who came to give blood last Thursday, an abundance of donors meant waiting periods of up to forty five minutes. This was good news to Julie Hart, a Red Cross donor recruitment representative. The event was a success, exceeding its collection goal of 40 pints for the day.

The Senate met last Thursday for just over two hours to discuss a wide field of issues including rape, building renovation, parking, events planning, and library systematization.

As the Senate began discussion over last week’s alleged date rapes, President Pattenaude had strong words:

“I find that a cowardly and sick act,” he said.

Sept. 19

Criminal Mischief: A dorm room in Gorham was entered and the door was damaged in the process, requiring a locksmith’s attention. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 21

Todd E. McArthur, 21, a Gorham resident, was arrested behind Dickey-Wood after arguing with USM police over a parking ticket and running from them.

UMaine admission hits all-time high

The seven schools of the Umaine system have a record 34,752 students enrolled this fall, an increase of 663 students, or 1.9 percent, over last year’s enrollment. This is the second year in a row that enrollment has increased by a record-setting margin.

Within the past month more than four assaults of young women in Maine have shadowed summer’s end. The attacks began August 12 when a man attempted to push a woman into her vehicle at University of Maine, Orono and escalated with the murder of Colby student Don Rossignol on Sept.

USM will be highlighting environmental concerns throughout the year in a series of educational events, many of which will be organized and run by students. The events are being held under the auspices of the Provost’s office, which has dubbed this year’s convocation “Environmental Sustainability.

An Internet worm called “sobig” and variants, called “lovesan” and “nachi” are making the rounds at USM, and the latest versions of Microsoft Windows are vulnerable , according to Carl Helms, Director of Software Services.

“Virus software can’t protect you,” Helms explained.