Reader Question: "Do I REALLY need to do the Freshman Reading?"

With Vassar just a couple weeks away for the Class of 2014, I've gotten a few e-mails asking about the freshman course reading. Do we really have to do it? Will everyone else have read it? When will we talk about it?

Each year, Vassar selects a book to be read by the entire incoming class. This year, it's Gerald Graff's acclaimed Clueless in Academe: How Schooling Obscures the Life of the Mind (Yale University Press). After discussing the book with your fellow group and in your Freshman Writing Seminar, you will hear directly from the author at a large event known as the William Starr Freshmen Course Lecture.

How often do you get to read a book, discuss it in depth, and then engage the author in a dialogue? Pretty amazing.

My freshman year, the Class of 2010 read Shalimar the Clown, and then were treated to a lecture by the world-renowned author, Salman Rushdie. The next year, freshmen heard from Tim O'Brien, author of the famed Vietnam War-era memoirs The Things They Carried and In the Lake of the Woods. Then it was Elizabeth Kolbert (journalist for The New Yorker) who discussed her Catastrophe: Man, Nature and Climate Change. And last year (one of my favorites) the freshman class were treated to Billy Collins, Poet Laureate of the United States.

My advice: you should absolutely read Clueless in Academe. No, you won't be tested on it. Vassar isn't like high school. But trust me, you'll be happy that you did. Not only do you get the obvious intellectual benefits of reading the book (it's supposed to be hysterical!), but the assignment gives you an instant bond with your future classmates. Just think: No matter how different you and your roommate might be, you'll be able to quickly break the ice by asking, "So, what'd you think of the book?" It's an instant conversation starter.

What's also cool is that when you arrive at campus, virtually everyone will have read the book over the summer -- the staff, the professors, the deans, and of course, your classmates. In a school filled with unique perspectives, the freshmen reading provides common ground for the whole community. So happy reading!

Watch President Obama give Presidential Citizens Medal to Vassar grad

Obama awards the Presidential Citizens Medal to Class of 1955 Vassar graduate

Check it out on Vassar's InfoSite and on the White House Web site. The prize was awarded for the founding the Student Conservation Association (SCA).

On August 4 in a ceremony at the White House, President Barack Obama awarded Student Conservation Association (SCA) founder and Vassar College alumna Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam ’55 the 2010 Presidential Citizens Medal for “performing exemplary deeds of service for her country and fellow citizens.”

The original idea for the SCA, for which the alum won the award, began as her senior thesis at Vassar. Putnam was a Geology major (a department we now call Earth Science & Geography). Congratulations!

Reader Question: "Which Freshman Writing Seminar should I take?!"

Many incoming freshman are curious about Freshman Writing Seminars (FWS). These Seminars are open exclusively to first-year students, and allow new Brewers to focus on becoming superior analytical writers. These small classes are also perfect for making your first friends in the Class of 2014 outside of your dorm. Many of the students in my FWS stayed close friends for all four years.

Unlike many schools, which offer these classes exclusively through an watered-down English or writing program, virtually every Vassar department offers a FWS. (This sends the strong message that first-rate writing is required and taught regardless of your major). I had friends who took their writing-intensive courses in Biology, Physics, and even Math. I took Early British Literature in the English Department.

With pre-registration looming, many students have e-mailed asking for advice on which FWS to take. So many to choose from! There are almost five-dozen offered in the fall semester alone. Which to choose? With well over 200 faculty members at Vassar, I can't pretend to know all of the courses and professors. But that said, I'd definitely highlight the following teachers based on my own experiences:

Robert Brigham (History/International Studies)
Robert DeMaria (English)
Marc Epstein (Religion/Jewish Studies)
Hua Hsu (English/Asian Studies)
Kiese Laymon (English/Africana Studies)
Ken Livingston (Psychology/Neuroscience)

Of course, your selection should depend on your academic interests and intended major (if you have one yet). A couple incoming students have asked me which course I would pick. If I were choosing myself -- as a proud History major -- I would choose Bob Brigham's course on "The Kennedy Years." Mr. Brigham is unequivocally one of Vassar's best professors. He's often featured in major newspapers, scholarly journals, and on television programs as one of the world's foremost experts on American foreign policy, the Vietnam War and the current conflict in the Middle East. But beyond that, he's an incredibly inspiring professor. I took two courses with him during my time at Vassar and loved them both.

But that's just me! The good news is that there are very, very few 'bad' classes at Vassar. All of our professors are outstanding teachers (with an occasional exception), and FWS in particular are very well-constructed courses that allow tons of contact with faculty. If you're curious about other courses as you're signing up, feel free to e-mail me, and I'll put you in touch with a friend who knows that particular department. Good luck and happy choosing!

Reader Question: "What sorts of computers do students bring to campus? Do students bring laptops to class? What about accessories?"

Alongside questions about packing and residential life, I've gotten half-a-dozen or so questions about computing at Vassar from incoming members of the Class of 2014. Here, I'll try to provide concise answers to some of the most common questions that 2014ers seem to have.

I would also encourage prospective/admitted students to check out Vassar's Computing and Information Services Web site, which has a special section for incoming students. Note also that the Computer Store at Vassar offers great student discounts on laptops; they are also able to advise students on low-cost solutions, if purchasing a new computer isn't an option. Here's my own take on some of the most common questions I've received from students and parents:

1. Laptops or Desktops?

Many high school students are accustomed to using desktops. But you'll quickly find that laptops are the predominant type of computer on most college campuses. Can you have a desktop in your dorm? Absolutely. But for a couple reasons, if you're buying a new computer for college, I'd suggest choosing a laptop. First, all dorms already provide about 6-8 desktops in their computer labs (located on the first floor of every residential house). Many more desktops are also available in the Library. Second, because Vassar's campus is 100% wireless, many students like to work outside or sit inside academic buildings with classmates. Laptops give them the ability to move around, studying and writing wherever they're most comfortable. Having only a desktop in your room forces you to stay in your dorm.

2. Mac or PC?

The inevitable question! Vassar supports both. It won't matter if you bring a Mac or a PC to campus, in terms of internet access or ability to use Vassar's internet applications/services. We have both types of computers available in the Library and in most academic buildings. With that being said, though, Macs are definitely more common. Most students I know have a MacBook or MacBook Pro. These are certainly the most common types of computers one sees in classrooms and around the dorms. Why? Well, in addition to being stylish (disclaimer: I've been a loyal Mac user and Steve Jobs groupie all my life), Vassar actually has a certified Apple Store and Apple technician on campus. This means that if you ever have a problem with your computer, getting it fixed is very easy. Our computer store also stocks all sorts of software and accessories for Macs.

Anything else to know about the Mac/PC culture? If you plan on studying Computer Science, Physics, or Earth Science & Geography, you're going to end up working with PC software fairly frequently. Academic programs like Biology, Film, and Media Studies make frequent use of Mac software. Outside of the classroom, if you plan on joining The Miscellany News (our student newspaper), The Vassarion (our yearbook), Contrast (our fashion magazine), or Helicon (our literary journal), you're going to end up working with design/layout software on Macs.

3. Computers in the Classroom?

Using a computer in class depends on the course and on the professor. Some classes really lend themselves to laptop use, but the vast majority don't. Vassar classrooms are very discussion-intensive. With very few exceptions, you'll be expected to speak, argue, and defend your opinions—not just passively type notes. You'll be expected to really engage in conversation, much more so than in high school. Vassar really tries to train its students to think on their feet. Laptops, some professors feel, can distract students from doing that. So before you whip out that laptop, check with the professor. Often, they'll explain their feelings on laptop use on the syllabus, which they distribute on the first day of class.

(As a side note, you may find that this changes dramatically when you get to graduate school. From my first day as a law student at Cardozo, I found the norms are very different. Everyone brings a laptop to every class, without exception. Exams are given online, and papers are submitted electronically. Many of the readings are online too. So enjoy that pad and pencil while you can!)

4. Printers? Scanners? CD Burners?

A few 2014ers have asked whether they should bring printers, scanners, external hard drives, and other accessories with them. My answer: most external gadgets aren't really necessary. Vassar provides large printer/copy machines in all dorms and in the Library (color and black and white available). Every student can wirelessly print to these machines. In my experience, having your own inkjet printer is costly and only takes up space in your room.

What about other equipment? In the Library, students also have access to the Media Cloisters. The Media Cloisters is an incredible resource. It's a large room that features computers with very large monitors, state-of-the-art software, high-resolution scanners, CD/DVD burners, and all sorts of video production equipment. (The room is often used by Film and Media Studies students, but all students have access). My suggestion would be to use these sorts of shared tech resources, rather than schlepping tons of computer accessories with you to Poughkeepsie.

That said, I would strongly encourage you to bring a backup hard drive with you. You can buy cheap ones online that can backup your files quickly via USB or Firewire. Every semester, some poor student inevitably forgets to save a term paper and suffers a horrible computer crash. Professors will have little sympathy for students who don't create backups of their work. Don't be that person!

And in general, remember that some crazy expensive/powerful laptop definitely isn't required. More often than not, you'll just be writing papers in Word and researching online. Incoming students shouldn't feel pressure to go out and try to buy a state-of-the-art machine before August. (And remember, student discounts on computers and hard drives).

Hope this helps! Feel free to e-mail me about any other tech questions—although if you have really specific computing questions, I'd suggest contacting helpdesk@vassar.edu.

Reader Question: "What exactly will my Vassar dorm come with?"

I've been receiving quite a few e-mail questions lately from members of the Class of 2014, who will begin their incredible Vassar journeys this August (so jealous!). I'll try to post answers to some of the most common questions I've been hearing—starting with "what will my dorm come with?" and "what should I bring or not bring?":

I remember wondering the same things in the summer before Vassar. Hopefully I can take some of the mystery out of packing...

When you arrive in your dorm (regardless of which of the nine residence houses you're placed in), you'll find some basics: two single-sized bed with mattresses, two closets, two dressers, two desks, and two chairs. You'll also have two trash cans. Where I lived, Cushing, we also had a full-length mirror in every room.

Remember that these aren't your only resources. Each residence house has many other amenities that are shared by all the residents. These include common areas with couches and a beautiful flat screen television, a large kitchen (with an oven/stove/microwave/fridge/freezer), and a computer lab with about six-eight desktops and a printer. Most dorms have at least four vending machines, usually two with food/candy and two with water/soda. Thanks to the Sophomore Class Gift a couple years ago (an annual effort by the Sophomore Class to raise money for a gift to the Vassar community), most of these machines allow you to pay by simply swiping your student ID card.

Vassar's Residential Life Office (who will be in touch with all of you about half-way through the summer) publishes a suggested list of "what to bring." I would just add a couple pieces of advice to that list:

1. You shouldn't bring anything of great emotional value—family heirlooms, autographed baseballs, one-of-a-kind photographs, etc. Of course, almost all students bring valuables like laptops and iPods, and the dorms are very safe, but it's not the best idea to bring items that can't be replaced.
2. I would suggest getting an inexpensive mini-fridge. Residential Life works with a third-party company that allows students have their fridges installed before they even arrive on campus. (And they remove them after your final exams in the spring). Talk to your roommate about this when you receive his/her contact information—only one fridge is needed per room, so you want to make sure you're not both renting one!
3. Don't bring a television/video game system. Most of my friends who brought them regretted it, for a couple reasons. First, they're a pain to schlep back and forth. But more importantly, they ended up not using them very often. There's SO much to do during your four years at Vassar—bringing a television or video game system will tempt you to miss out on a really transformative experience. Vassar is all about getting out of your room, joining a Varsity team, writing for the award-winning campus newspaper, or getting involved with one of our 120+ student organizations. It's a school of active people. Don't waste your time by sitting in your room playing Mario while your classmates are figuring out how to start businesses, run governments, and solve the world's problems.
4. Do bring a laptop instead of a desktop, if possible. I've already gotten several questions about computing at Vassar from incoming students, so I'll write another post about this later in the week. But for now, here's my take-away advice: If you're going to buy a new computer for Vassar, I would strongly suggest a laptop. Our entire campus has wireless Internet, allowing students to study together anywhere—by Sunset Lake, outside the dorms, in the dorm's parlor areas, or in any of the academic buildings. If you have a desktop, you'll find yourself 'restricted' to working in your dorm room. Laptops are much better suited for the academic culture at Vassar.

Alright! Hope this helps incoming 2014 students as you begin to pack. If you have more questions, shoot me an e-mail at brfarkas@alum.vassar.edu. Happy Fourth of July!

Vassar's famed Powehouse Theater in Wall Street Journal

Check out this article about Vassar's famous Powerhouse Theater in The Wall Street Journal! For more than 25 years, Vassar has collaborated with New York Stage and Film to create of America's best summer theater seasons. Every summer, we attract the most talented actors, directors and writers in the country. In years past, renowned talents like Steve Martin, Lewis Black, Meryl Streep, Edie Falco, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, have all come to Vassar to hone their craft. This summer, John Patrick Shanley is directing!

Read more about the Powerhouse, and if you're a prospective student (or an incoming member of the Class of 2014), contact the Office of Admissions to see if you can reserve a ticket.

Watch Vassar's 146th Commencement

Coming to Vassar next fall? See what you have to look forward to in four years! Watch Vassar's 146th Commencement! It was a really incredible ceremony—lots of tearful parents, proud brothers and sisters, and spirited faculty members to send off my class.

Among the highlights: Lisa Kudrow (Vassar Class of 1985, and Emmy Award-winning actress) gave a hysterical and inspiring speech. (Her speech begins around 81 minutes into the video). And, if that isn't enough for you, watch me and Rachel Gilmer present the INCREDIBLE results of the 2010 Senior Class Gift. Rachel and I were the chairs of the Senior Class Gift, a student created endowment to support financial aid. We raised $22,849 from 92% of our class! Not only did 2010 make history at Vassar, but our results also crushed the senior class gifts of virtually all of our peer institutions. Wesleyan should just give up now. (The results start at about 35 minutes into the ceremony).

Questions about Vassar? Are you starting in 2014, or thinking about applying? E-mail me (brfarkas@alum.vassar.edu) with questions over the summer!