UNITED FOR UGANDA'S junior/senior lock-in, originally scheduled for last weekend, will now take place on either Feb. 2-3 or Feb. 9-10. The decision is yet to be made by UFU officers.

Before it was canceled, more than 40 lock-in tickets were sold. Organizers anticipate that in February the tickets will be the same price, $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Also, the hours will remain the same, from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The lock-in was postponed due to a predicted ice storm. Early Saturday afternoon frozen rain began building up, and Uni's administration made the decision to call off the event.

This was a disappointment to students, especially those who made quite a bit of effort to organize the event throughout the past two weeks.

"We were disappointed that our organization didn't pay off like we expected it too, but this gives us more time to work on other things," said senior Marika Iyer, one of the UFU officers. "The upcoming lock-in will include all original plans, like dodgeball in the lounge and slip n' slide down the hallways. Also, we just want everyone to know that we really appreciate their support, and that the lock-in should be something to look forward to."

If you are among those who paid in advance and are wondering where your money is, full refunds are available. If you would like a refund, talk to Iyer, senior Shara Esbenshade, or junior Sheri Grill.

However, you might want to consider waiting it out until February. One good thing about the cancellation is that in February seniors won't have college applications to worry about.

In 2006-07, UFU organized two lock-ins: one in November for juniors and seniors, and the other in January for underclassmen. The events raised nearly $4,000 toward helping former child soldiers in the East African country.

Proceeds from the February 2008 event will go to Come Let’s Dance, a grassroots organization that rehabilitates former child soldiers from Uganda's 20-yearlong civil war.

“It’s Ugandan-based,” Iyer told Gargoyle reporter Laura Dripps last week, explaining why UFU decided to support CLD and its programs. “It’s more direct.”

Added Esbenshade, another of the UFU organizers: “The focus is on empowering the community and the children. Not like, ‘Here, we’ll build you a house and then we’ll leave.’ They’re actually going there, and maybe they won’t stay there forever, but it’s a long-term project. They’re helping the community help themselves. The community has control.”