Spring Semester Kicks Off

Students will be turning in their cards and shamber for registration cards and fresh notebooks today as the spring semester gets underway.

While many scholars said they are looking forward to rushing head first to the books, some students said they could have used more than a five-day breather.

"I really wish we had taken finals before Christmas break," said Amy C. Ho '96. "We don't really get time to veg and get it all out of our system."

In all, 6,691 undergraduates are expected to register today, said Thurston A. Smith, the associate registrar. He said approximately 128 are students "returning from leave."

Smith said the registrar's office has made a concerted effort to expedite the process this spring.

"We are now using the bubble forms which are much faster," Smith said. "Almost all the details are already on the sheets, so most students will just have to sign them."

Students can register today between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Memorial Hall.

Red Dotted

But things will not be so smooth for those whose registration packets are marked with the dreaded red dot.

"The dot means that the students still owe money to the University, and they have to make their payments before they can register," said Susan L. Schnare, supervisor of the Student Billing Office.

Although a number of students made their payments yesterday, Schnare still expects about 1,200 red dot packets. She said that figure doesn't change much from year to year.

Late Registration

Students who fall to make their payments by 4 p.m. today will be charged a $50 late registration foe. All students who miss today's deadline must register tomorrow at 20 Garden Street, Smith said.

The registration packets themselves, according to Smith, will contain basically the same materials as usual, including study cards and notices from various academic departments.

Many students said they are satisfied with the arrival of the new semester.

"I think the timing is perfect," said Joshua S. Barrow '95. "We've had Super Bowl weekend and I'm happy."