The Undergraduate Chair

[With this issue, the occupant of TheUndergraduate Chair becomes William B.Rotch '37, of Milford, N. H., the son ofArthur B. Rotch '08. Among many campusactivities, Rotch is undergraduate publicity director for the Outing Club.—ED.]

HANOVER welcomed the Class of 1940 with that September atmosphere always sure to arouse nostalgia in the hearts of Dartmouth men. Used furniture advertisements, newspaper salesmen and slightly disillusioned freshmen all blended with the sound of rugs being beaten and echoes of "J'a have a good summer?" Only the numerals "1940" are still hard to believe.

President Hopkins' convocation address, a more or less impromptu discussion of the problems facing Dartmouth and the steps taken to overcome those problems, left little doubt of the administration's wholehearted cooperation with the undergraduate body. Curricular changes, primarily the new freshman course Social Science 1, are a frank recognition of the growing demand and need for a knowledge of the background of social problems. The undergraduate appreciation of the administration's attitude is shown by the almost total absence of complaint at the increase in tuition. Any tendency to object to the additional expense was far offset by a realization of the value of what the President describes as probably the most adequate health service offered by any college.

The renovation of College Hall is the immediate result of the attempt to better eating conditions in Hanover. A more desirable philosophy of eating is expected in the freshman class. The only possible regret is that the Class of 1940 will never share in the disparaging humor showered on the old dining hall.

Announcement of definite plans to be gin construction of an upperclass dining hall in back of Commons on Sanborn Lane was the big surprise of the President's address. The College has long recognized such a need, he explained, and has also recognized the irrational undergraduate tendency to look on any meal served in a general restaurant as superior to food served by the College. The anticipated result is the elimination of the poorer local eating places, with no great loss to Hanover. Feelings aroused in upperclassmen by the changes in curriculum, the health service, and eating facilities are tinged with regret that those changes could not have taken place a few years sooner.

College Hall Living Room Revamped for Freshmen