Miami University - Recensio Yearbook (Oxford, OH)

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TOP: Family members of all ages were present when students returned to com- pus in the fall. BELOW: The cheerlead- ers entertained freshmen at the convo- cation. Also present were odministroto rs such as Dean Lunine and Vice-President Etheridge.

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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.

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It was a time for adjustment. From towns and cities in Ohio, and from many other states in the country, freshman students came to Oxford during August for their first taste of university life. For many, it was the first time they had been completely in- dependent from the family and hometown friends. Students were forced to quickly lea rn to deal with the academic and social conditions of the schooL Freshmen began the year with the traditional convocation in Millett Hall on the evening before the start of classes in the fall. There they were re- ceived by President Shriver and other administrators of the university. The cheerleaders and the band presented entertainment for the new students of the school. The walk to Millett in- cluded the usual ratings of the women 22 CAmPUS NEWCOmERS by fraternity members whose houses bordered Talawanda Avenue. Thus the event was seen as entertainment by many of the upperclassmen as well. For incoming freshmen, one deci- sion which had to be made was whether to join a Greek social organi- zation. Women interested in the activ- ity were present on campus one week before the beginning of the beginning of the academic year to rush the uni- versity so rorities. It was a time ma rked by hurried introductions and brief summaries of pre-college involvement and interests. Men, on the other hand, experienced the hectic activities of rush during the beginning of the sec- ond term. For them, membership of- fered an alternative residence for the sophomo re year. The academic adjustment was for many freshmen one of the most dif- ficult. The intensity of study required for university classes did not always correspond with the work style known previous to entering Miami. The size of some classes was also a source of culture shock. Ultimately, after a few weeks in Ox- ford, freshmen looked for sources of entertainment and non-academic in- volvement. Intramural sports and campus organizations were important for fulfilling this need. The newest students to the university soon ad- justed completely to campus life, set in a path which would define their Ox- fo rd expe riences. Brad McConnell ABOVE: Football games mean spirit as this enthusiastic Emerson Hall cheering section displays.