EVE University has had an interesting 7th birthday. Coming out of a three and a half week period of almost continuous war, students were greeted this morning with a notification that war had been declared against Ivy League by Holding Corp One – a one man corporation headed by an alt character.

EVE University CEO Kelduum Revaan was available for comment. “I am saddened by this latest turn of events. It has been brought to my attention by the sole member of Holding Corp One that this war declaration has an ulterior motive – one designed to cause trouble and hassle for the University population.”

Kelduum referred to the correspondence he had received from the one-man-war-declarer, which seemed to hint towards a general dissatisfaction with EVE University leadership, culminating in the odd decision to harass the student population itself.

“I have put a very specific process in place for approaching and contacting me about any members of staff who are acting in an inappropriate manner. This process has never been a secret and I am severely disappointed that this individual has sought such a disruptive method of trying to get his point across.”

It is of particular worth to note that the individual in question has opted to using a two week old alt to arrange the operation against the University. The lack of using their main character to voice their concerns detracts severely from their credibility, making any complaint or demand they make very difficult to address. The University maintains a policy of neutrality and any words of criticism from external sources is always received warmly and fully considered without prejudice.

EVE University Teacher and Events Manager, Qato Vollan, was particularly agitated. “The University had arranged a terrific event to for it’s 7th birthday to allow students to relax and partake in some light hearted fun. Sadly this quick succession of wars has hampered such plans greatly.”

And such is the sad truth. Often while people don the mask of anonymity and go forth to enact some form of vigilante justice, some kind of innocent bystander is left in the lurch. In enforcing their scheme to bring pressure onto the EVE University directorate, the members of the so called “gang of sixteen” have directly had a negative effect on the gameplay of almost 1500 young players new to EVE University, all to introduce a war that has little to no promised substance.

As it stands, EVE University remains staunch, their channels of communication still open to any diplomatic ties that Holding Corp One may want to make, should they realise the true ramifications that their war declaration is having. However, with the countdown to the war start up time fast ticking, it is becoming rapidly apparent that the University students will be subjected to yet another week of war.

However – EVE University does not forget. The ILN is ever vigilant and ever probing, their agents and eyes already investigating the dark corners of New Eden for signs to point them in the right direction. Like a pack of hounds they will chase those shreds right to the true source, and they will strike hard, and they will strike true. It has happened many times before and it will happen many times again.

The war may go on. But EVE University will prevail.

Fanfest VII is the in-person EVE Online player/CCP convention in Reykjavik, Iceland, held between March 23-26. Folks get to mingle, visit, party, and see the sights, and several thousand have attended and enjoyed past Fanfests. Events scheduled to happen at this year’s include presentations and round tables, the PvP Tournament, Dev Track 2011, fun competitions, and more.

What if you can’t make the trek to Iceland and see and feel Fanfest live? You’ve got options for joining in too. You can check out highlights of events & roundtables, live coverage of many of the fest’s major presentations, and see commentary and interviews from the folks who are there. Streaming is free at at the Fanfest Stream site, with a paid HD option that grants you a special in-game clothing item. Plus, the free program book can also be downloaded. Continue reading →

EVE University today celebrates it’s 7th Birthday. It was around this time seven years ago that Morning Maniac established a humble teaching institute, with the aim of helping players learn and develop their EVE Online skills and knowledge. Today the University has grown – with multiple departments and facilities and over 1500 students, EVE University is the largest institution of it’s kind in New Eden, and still immensely popular.

With this joyous occasion on hand, EVE University is proud to announce today that after the retirement of the former Director of Education Dierdra Vaal, CEO Kelduum Revaan had approached Teacher Manager Neville Smit to take up the mantle, which he did so formally on March 13th. Neville Smit has seen a successful spell as Teacher Manager, handling much of the department’s duties and organization – an asset well appreciated by former Director Vaal.

Neville Smit - Director of Education

Director Smit was gracious enough to speak to us briefly about his new appointment and give us a small insight into what he has planned for the Education Department – one of the cornerstones of the University.

Zeroniss: First of all Neville, a big congratulations. How are you feeling currently? Excited by the task at hand?

Neville Smit: Absolutely! The University has been very good to me, and I’m delighted to be able to give something back.  The opportunity to help new pilots gain their footing in EVE, and to go on to succeed in whichever career they choose, is something that gives me a lot of satisfaction.

Z: The new position carries a lot of responsibilities. Are you worried at all?

NS: I’d be silly to not be at least a little bit intimidated – with over 1500 members, E-UNI is one of the largest and most well known corporations in EVE Online.  I have a lot of experience in the University though – having been a teacher, a mentor, a recruiting officer, a professor, and a manager in my time here,  so I think I am as equipped to step up to the Director job as I can be.

Z: Any exciting changes you have planned immediately for the department? Continue reading →

The Council of Stellar Management 6 voting polls have opened – starting March 9, 2011. There are 57 candidates from various alliances, factions, corporations, and independents. Some are new to the game, others have played for years, and some previous CSM members (this year and others) are also on the list.

Our own Dierdra Vaal has developed a useful Vote Match web-tool, where you can answer a few questions in a poll about your game interests and preferences, then see the results of how your own preferences match with the stated goals/inclinations of the candidates. It is a starting place to help you research who you want to vote for. You can then find more information about the candidates at Jita Park Speakers Corner and Council Candidates Views.

During the open polls, EVE University will host impromptu CSM talks as candidates become available and show interest in sharing their experience and goals with E-UNI. EVE University does not back any specific candidate but you have a great chance to check out some of the front runners on our Mumble. Keep an eye on your EVEmail for Corporate announcements of impromptu chats.

You can vote HERE; all paying accounts older than 30 days at the time of their vote are entitled one vote. Voting for CSM6 ends on March 22, 2011 at 23:59 UTC.

Many who were online during this last Saturday had the distinct privilege of attending a guest class given by Vonqueesha Shenaynay and Akay Quinn. The premise of the class was both simple and complex – balancing a healthy amount of profanity with some very enlightening looks at the darker side of the EVE Universe.
Today we get a chance to speak to Vonqueesha Shenaynay, up close and personal, to find out a little bit more about him and the distinct role he plays in game.

Zeroniss: So how long have you been playing EVE? And what did you hope to accomplish when you were fresh and new?

Vonqueesha Shenaynay: I started around Christmas 2009. I immediately knew I wanted to be a spy – to destroy agroups will to play. Continue reading →