Students in Dr. James Bowe's math class

The 177 members of Erskine's Class of 2007 join Erskine College transfer students and returning upperclassmen as the school's 165th year begins today. The formal opening of Erskine College and Seminary will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9. Seminary classes start on the Due West campus this Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Erskine College freshmen have been immersed in nearly a week of orientation activities and a number of upperclassmen, including Student Government Association and Student Christian Association leaders and Student Life Assistants, have also been on campus for the past week.

Dr. Robyn Agnew, Erskine's Dean of Students, who has spent the last several days with the entering freshmen, anticipates a good semester. "I have been impressed by the friendliness of these students," Agnew said. "They are excited about being here."

"The start of the fall term is always an exciting time," said Erskine Vice President and Dean of the College Dr. Donald Weatherman. "This year, students and faculty return to see renovations in progress at Memorial Hall, classes in the renovated Reid Building, a new major in Art, and a new Information Technology minor. All these changes create an auspicious mood that permeates the campus."

Important dates for Fall Semester 2003 include:

– Annual Signing of the Book, Wednesday, Sept. 3

– Drop/Add Day, Friday, Sept. 5

– Back-to-School Bash, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5-6

– Fall Break, beginning after classes Friday, Oct. 17 (classes resume Oct. 22)

– Thanksgiving Holiday, beginning after classes Tuesday, Nov. 25 (classes resume Monday, Dec. 1)

– Final Examinations, beginning Monday, Dec. 8 (ending Friday, Dec. 12)

– Christmas Holidays, beginning after exams (Winter Term begins Monday, Jan. 5)