Rainy Thursday
It has been a gray, rainy, and quite windy day for much of today. The storms that have been plaguing folks to the west of us were making their way through North Carolina today, though thankfully these storms were milder. It’s a good thing to get rain at this time of year, because it helps wash some of the pollen away; before the rain started this morning, our cars in our driveway were covered in frothy green pollen droppings. For folks with allergies, they know that any pollen removal is a good thing 🙂
In campus news, a Community Safety Advisory was sent today, and we shared it with parents and families as well: “University Police are investigating reports by two students who were hit with pellets from airsoft guns in separate incidents. Airsoft guns are toy guns used in airsoft sports that shoot non-lethal, plastic pellets. Both reports occurred this week, one near North Campus Apartments and one near Olin Physical Laboratory. Neither student was injured.” You can read the full message here.
Earth Month 2022 has officially begun: from mid-March to late April, the Office of Sustainability is highlighting the roots of education for sustainability, historical and inspirational educators, and sustainability-focused engagement while enjoying fun experiences and cultivating a renewed sense of community along the way. Your Deacs can see the Earth Month Calendar here.
The Intercultural Center invites our campus community to celebrate Asian Heritage Month throughout April. There is rich variety of culturally-immersive experiences for students, which you can view at the Asian Heritage Month website. I’ll highlight one program that might be of special interest: the Asian Student Interest Association hosts Taste of Asia every year, and I am told this has become a beloved tradition among students. Your students can join in on the Mag quad (aka Manchester Plaza) on Monday, April 11th where we’ll kick off Taste of Asia week with food trucks, boba tea, and more!
Fall course registration for current students (’22-’25) is taking place (note: incoming ’26 students register in the summer). I always like to remind my advisees to be open to possibilities during registration: that may mean being willing to take a class in a different time slot, or with a different faculty member, than they originally planned, and to be open to interesting classes outside their intended major area. At the end of the day, every credit-bearing class helps move the ball down the field towards graduation, and there is always the drop-add process and wait lists (for applicable classes) if you want to make changes.
And for those who are keeping their eye on the academic services calendar (which lists key academic dates of note), classes end one month and one day from now. How is that possible? How did this year speed by so fast? P’22s, I know you must be feeling it especially, with your Deacs about to graduate!
— by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)