University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

Page 29 text:

My m u i ' Registration Day Times Two in ' 68 Registration 1968 can be remembered with less grief than ever before. The ultimate confusion and the irritation of eternal lines to reach the course rosters can be placed in the archives. The new two-day policy by student number was characterized by a separation of function. The purpose of Day 1 was to allow formal registration: the bulging packets of course schedules and multi-colored cards were distributed and filled out. The innovation is called Day 2 — Change of Courses. The student was given 24 hours to overcome the shocking schedule problems delivered by IBM and to contemplate solutions. Organization was maintained by continued adherence to student numbers, add-drop cards were rationed and stamped with ID ' s at the entrance, and the overall absence of confusion meant fewer battle scars for the students. New ID-punch system was used to ration add-drop cards.

Page 31 text:

Books, Books, Books — the Means to an Education The Student Union Commonwealth Room was transformed from a make-shift snack bar to the student ' s bi-annual nightmare as the cartons were unloaded, the contents priced, the book lists posted, and the doors opened to admit hoards of onrushing students in eager anticipation of buying the tangible means to a not-so-tangible goal of knowledge. The lists appear lengthy, the piles of world intellect in individual bindings seemingly insurmountable. The student chooses his tools, bewails the weakness of his biceps, and trods in bewilderment to the cash register. He leaves in a strangely ambivalent state of poverty and wealth.