An Op-Ed from President Kaplan

As a student at the University of New Haven, you are an important member of the West Haven community. Each day, elected officials in our city make decisions that could affect the student body and the University as a whole. To ensure that the student voice is heard, it is imperative that you cast your vote on Election Day – Tuesday, November 5.

Part of the college experience is learning to be an engaged citizen. By becoming active in the community and the political process, students develop leadership skills and an understanding of social responsibility and learn about issues that impact them and the neighborhoods in which they live and learn. These abilities will serve all students well, regardless of their career endeavors.

While you may spend only four years in West Haven as a student, you will be a graduate of UNH for life. Students can play a significant part in conveying to our elected officials the transformational role the University plays in the community. Decisions made by the Mayor and members of the City Council can have a direct impact on the University’s ability to add or enhance buildings – especially residence halls – that are critical to our continued development as a top-notch educational institution and the experience of current and future generations of students.

Every Tuesday and Thursday (through October 24), from 2 to 6 p.m. in Bartels Hall, the University’s student chapter of the NAACP is providing the opportunity to register to vote. I would like to applaud the members of the NAACP for their efforts, and I encourage students to take a moment to stop by to register and learn about the issues that are affecting the community in which we live.

You may also pick up voter registration forms from any of the following offices: Dean of Students, Intercultural Relations, Student Activities, Residential Life and the Bartels Information Desk. For additional information regarding the registration process as well as any upcoming events related to the election, visit the UNH Voter Education and Registration website: www.newhaven.edu/unhvotes.

On Election Day, the University will be providing shuttle service (leaving from Maxcy Hall) throughout the day to the polling location at the Forest School at 95 Burwell Road. I hope that students will take this opportunity to register to vote and ensure that your voice is heard.