Like a Pro: UNH Traditions

Have you ever wondered what types of traditions truly exist at UNH? During my time as a student in Durham I have really felt that UNH lacks time-honored traditions that are prevalent at hundreds of universities and colleges across the country. UNH doesn't have huge bonfires at homecoming, we don't have a naked mile, and we don't have a cold-water swim or anything of that nature. I did some investigative journalism on the matter and by simply google searching "UNH traditions" I found exactly what I was looking for on the UNH admissions website.

It says, "The University of New Hampshire has a rich history of time honored traditions dating all the way back to its founding in 1866.  From University Day to Homecoming, hockey games to undergraduate research, these traditions are a part of what makes UNH a unique, fun and exciting place to learn." The site also specifically lists the fish toss after the first goal of a hockey game and family weekend as UNH traditions. Um, what? If you ask me the only true tradition listed is the hockey fish tossing, but that is extremely common among hockey teams. Another "tradition" is the "White Out the Whitt" hockey game against Maine, but most college crowds do that for every home game. Both the fish and whiteout game are awesome, but I don't think hockey games have been the same since they got rid of "Black Betty."

I mean does the university truly think that undergraduate research is a tradition that makes "UNH a unique, fun and exciting place to learn?" The funny thing is that the admissions page was missing a few key traditions that no one on campus can deny, like being arrested for underage drinking. It has become so commonplace that you would think UNH is the filming location of Campus PD, which is my new favorite show. Watching it makes me feel better about myself. Other unwritten traditions include the hockey team having great season and then losing in the NCAA tournament and fans calling for Coach Umile to be fired.  Also, don't forget how after the first snow, students always complain about how UNH never cancels classes.

In all seriousness, traditions can help build the UNH community; there is even a student organization, CommUNHiversity, dedicated to "enhance the sense of community and school spirit on the UNH." When they wanted to burn a wooden bear before the Maine hockey game, something that students were very excited for, the administration shut it down. Rumors have gone around saying burn-a-bear is supposed to happen at next year's homecoming though, and hopefully that will evolve into an annual event. I feel the administration cares too much about our "prestige" or "appearance" to allow certain traditions to exist. Even Ivy League schools such as Dartmouth have huge bonfires. With proper planning and rules, safety should not be an issue surrounding bonfires at homecoming and other events.