Miami University - Recensio Yearbook (Oxford, OH)

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The first weekend of the school year was one of the two most hectic e the other being the last weekend. In Au- gust, students began pouring into Ox- ford, with U-HauIs and loaded cars carrying possessions to their home- away-from-home. For many students, dormitory rooms, were to be the place of housing for the nine-month school year. In this case, a great deal of ef- fort was put into the decorating of the room. Posters, fish net, and black lights were personal touches to imper- sonal rooms. The emptiness of the res- idence hall cubicles gave the imagina- tive and creative the chance to design a unique living space. Without the per- sonal touches of individuality, dorm rooms were a monotonous combina- tion of drany-painted walls and bunk beds. Apa rtment and house dwellers brought furniture to fill empty living rooms. For most, the basic style of de- corating was a hodge-podge one, boasting cast-off sofas and yard-sale items. Nevertheless, these off-campus dwellings offered a more comfortable setting to the many who chose not to live in residence halls. In addition to their task of settling in a dorm room, freshman were obliged to attend the convocation services in Millett Hall on the night before the start of classes. Arranged by the ad- ministration of the university, the con- vocation was highlighted by President Shriver's greeting to new students. En- tertainment was provided by the band, cheerleaders, and other student'repre- sentatives. Upperclassmen were a part of con- vocation, also - though in a more in- formal sense. As freshmen walked to Millett, the fraternity members and residents of North Quad dorms lined the streets to scrutinize the youngest students of the campus. It was a time for visiting with friends not seen during the summer break. For all, it was the mark of another yea r's beginning. Brad McConnell 20 Moving in , Convocation Begin Year ABOVE: Students en route to MiIIett for the convocation were received by the fraternity members. LEFT: Roommates coIIobo rated to decorate rooms.