The Miscellany News - Meet Vassar College

Vassar Dictionary: your guide to acronyms, nicknames and life on campus—word by word

Your first months at Vassar will without a doubt be some of the most exciting and exhilarating of your life—they may also, however, be the most confusing. Wonder what UpCDC is? Want to know how to find a professor's e-mail address? Or how about where Shipping and Receiving is? Or, better yet, why all the seniors are throwing food at you? Read the Miscellany News Vassar Dictionary and learn the lay of the land. Full story

Learn where you're living before you move in with the Miscellany housing guide

The majority of Vassar students live in one of the College’s nine residential houses during their first three years at Vassar. While all of Vassar’s houses do share the same basic essentials—one kitchen, laundry room, computer cluster, multi-purpose room (MPR), television and, of course, one Steinway piano—each dorm has its own personality and distinct characteristics. Full story

What to expect: the key issues and debates surrounding the 2009-10 academic year

When one considers the issues that lie ahead for the 2009-10 academic year, it is difficult—perhaps almost impossible—to not think first to the economic health of the College; following the global recession last winter, Vassar, like all its peer institutions, was confronted with a significant loss in its endowment: last spring, President Catharine Bond Hill wrote a letter to the campus community explaining that nearly 30 percent of its money would be lost by the end of June. Full story

Year in review: catch up on all the issues, events and debates of 2008-09

Even as Vassar saw the 40th anniversaries of both co-education and the Africana Studies department, the biggest milestones of 2008-09 were the changes set in motion by the financial crisis, which touched all aspects of the College. Although the economic climate put some projects on hold it also opened up opportunities for the College to be a much stronger institution. 2008-09 became a year of fresh starts and as well as some forced adjustments. Full story

Hear from the six members of your Vassar Student Association Executive Board

Every student attending Vassar is a member of the Vassar Student Association (VSA). Six students in particular, however, who make up the VSA Executive Board are instrumental in acting on behalf of the entire student body; the VSA President and the five VSA Vice Presidents work to ensure that all aspects of life at Vassar—from the curriculum, to student activities, to the operation of the College—are running in the way that best benefits the student body and the institution as a whole. Full story

Master the art of reading your first-semester Ask Banner course schedule online

It may seem simple to upperclassman, but—for someone who has never seen "TR," "BH," "NRO" or "Cor Seq1" on a schedule before—deciphering a Vassar Ask Banner schedule the first time might be a daunting, if not slightly confusing, task. Below you will find The Miscellany News' guide to reading your schedule, getting off the wait list, finding the Registrars office, registering for your courses and finding them on campus. Full story

Barefoot Monkeys: Student organization Guide

Find your ideal extracurricular with the Miscellany's guide to student organizations

Vassar College has over 130 VSA-certified organizations offering students opportunities to explore any interest at any level. Almost all organizations are completely founded and governed by students; and, whatever you are interested in—be it singing, finance, debate, writing, photography, activism, juggling, politics or the outdoors—bets are that Vassar has an organization for you. Full story

A play-by-play of Vassar College varsity sports, club teams and intramurals

Athletics have become a fundamental aspect of College life for Vassar students across campus; with 25 varsity teams, a series of club teams and various recreational activities offered throughout the year, Vassar students can find plenty opportunities to be up and active around campus. Full story