UC: River Residents Face Mean Streets

The Undergraduate Council moved to address “unsafe conditions” facing pedestrians travelling to and from Dunster and Mather Houses, four days after a Dunster sophomore was struck by a car and briefly hospitalized.

The measure passed by the council last night calls for a crosswalk at the intersection of Mount Auburn and DeWolfe streets, near Tommy’s Value and Daedalus Restaurant, where an undergraduate, Madeline I. Shapiro ’09, was hit by a car Wednesday. The council sought another crosswalk at the intersection of DeWolfe, Mill, and Grant streets outside of Leverett Towers. “[I]t is only a matter of time before someone is hit” there, the resolution read.

UC Treasurer Benjamin W. Milder ’08 said that council members will meet on Nov. 29 with the College Safety Committee, a group including police, administrators, and students, to discuss the crosswalks.

In addition to its focus on local matters, the council also passed an act seeking to promote “global awareness” by funding distribution of The New York Times in dining halls.

The Crimson is partnering with the UC to distribute newspapers during a trial period. Crimson President William C. Marra ’07 said the paper is still considering whether to continue the program on a permanent basis. The trial period for Times distribution lasts until the end of the month, according to Marra and the bill’s sponsor, council member Soren Rosier ’10.

“This program has been a success at other Ivies, and that’s why we want to do it here.” Rosier said. “We are trying to encourage people to keep up with what’s going on in the world.”

If the bill is passed, 30 newspapers will be delivered to each House daily, according to Rosier.

In another move to improve the dining hall atmosphere, the council voted to allow non-traditional advisors such as clergy members or sports team coaches to eat for free with students.

According to Matthew R. Greenfield ’08, the lack of non-traditional advising methods at Harvard is a major problem.

“Right now you have to talk to all sorts of people in the House and get permission” to bring a non-traditional guest to dinner, Matthew R. Greenfield ’08 said. “It’s a problem when students have to pay money for advising.” The UC will seek funding from the Freshman Dean’s Office for the plan.

The meeting was preceded by a costume contest in which representatives dressed up as colleagues. Vice President Annie R. Riley ’07 donned the navy blue Harvard sweatshirt that is the trademark attire of her running mate, President John S. Haddock ’07. Meanwhile, Haddock shed his sweats for a pink t-shirt and a blue vest—Riley’s favorite flair. Rosier decked himself out in a tight white tank top, a close-fitting aquamarine jacket, and a hot pink coat—which, he said, was meant to mimic Andrea R. Flores ’10.

—Staff writer Rachel Banks can be reached at banks@fas.harvard.edu.