Senior Week line up announced, passes on sale

From trips to Jillian's Nightclub and Mohegan Sun to the Presidential Reception

Senior Week, a time of entertainment and celebration leading up to commencement, will be hosted by the Department of Student Activities beginning Friday, May 13.

Students may purchase a pass that covers the cost of the entire week's events from the Office of Student Activities in Shapiro Campus Center and Usdan Cafe for $50, or purchase individual event tickets. There also are many free events.

A senior class Shabbat dinner will be sponsored by Hillel at Brandeis in Sherman Dining Hall beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 13. It will be a complimentary meat meal with vegetarian options available by request. To attend, RSVP by noon on May 10.

Senior representatives of Student Sexuality Information Services (SSIS) will discuss safe sex practices at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, in Sherman Function Hall. The event is free and all attendees will be provided a coupon to SSIS. There will also be a complimentary sundae bar courtesy of Student Activities.

Beginning at 10 that night, also in Sherman function hall, is a dance with free beer and refreshments. Without a senior week pass, price at the door is $5. Students must bring a valid state ID (such as a driver's license) as well as a Brandeis ID to drink.

On Sunday, May 15, at 11 a.m., there will be brunches held in freshman quads to reconnect with former first-year hall mates. Bagels, muffins, donuts, coffee and other refreshments will be provided. The brunches will be held in Polaris Lounge and Shapiro A/B Lounge. Transfer students will gather in Massell Quad.

At 2 p.m.Sunday on Chapels Field, students will have the opportunity to go slip and sliding, water sliding, surfing and have a water balloon fight.

At 10 p.m., the seniors may head to Lucky Strike at Jillian's nightclub near Fenway Park. The club features a bowling alley, billiards, DJ. and a cash bar. Brandeis ID is suggested. Buses leave at 9:30 p.m. from the Spingold Theater parking lot. Without a senior week pass, tickets are $25. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, May 16, free sittings for commencement photos will be offered in the Shapiro Campus Center Art Gallery. The sitting will last about five minutes and six poses will be taken. There is no sitting fee and complimentary proof photos will be mailed to home addresses. To schedule an appointment call Arielle at 978-851-5924. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis.

At 3:30 p.m. on May 16, the annual Faculty Staff Recognition Appreciation Event will be held in International Lounge. Students may invite faculty and staff members to the reception by simply sending an email with the day, date, time and location of the reception. Paper invitations may also be picked up from the Academic Services office in Usdan. Students may also RSVP with the names of guests.

At the reception, the university will also honor Tory Fair of Fine Arts, winner of the Michael L. Walzer Award for Teaching; Eileen McNamara of American Studies, winner of the Louis Dembitz Brandeis Prize for Excellence in Teaching; and Richard Gaskins of American Studies and Legal Studies, winner of the Lerman-Neubauer '69 Prize for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring. Questions may be directed to Natacha Cesar.

The local band Groove Authority will play at 10 p.m. in Levin Ballroom. The concert is co-sponsored by the Office of the Registrar and the Office of Institutional Research.

A trip to Mohegan Sun Casino will be offered on Tuesday, May 17. Attendees will get transportation to and from the casino, a coupon for a discount on food and a free $10 bet. Buses leave at 7 p.m. from the theater parking lot. Without the senior week pass, cost of the trip is $25. RSVP is not required.

On Wednesday, May 18, commencement rehearsal will take place at 1 p.m. in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center. Seniors will go over how the main ceremony will play out. The senior class photo will be taken at this time. The Office of Alumni and Development will contact students over the summer about receiving a copy of the photo.

At 4 p.m. in Rapaporte Treasure Hall, Kathy Lawrence, the wife of President Fred Lawrence, will be hosting the Thelma Sachar tea, an afternoon tea celebrating the accomplishments of the senior class. Tea and pastries will be served. The tea has been a longstanding tradition started by the founding First Lady, Thelma Sachar.

That evening, beginning at 9 p.m., there will be a cruise in Boston Harbor. Buses leave campus at 7:30 p.m. from the theater lot. Without a senior pass, tickets are $25. Students must have a valid state ID to drink on the cruise.

On Thursday, May 19, the Sixth Annual Mods Cookout will take place beginning at 5 p.m. Grills, meats and other snacks will be served with kosher food available. This event is co-sponsored by the Student Union with Student Activities.

The Presidential Reception for the Class of 2011 will be held Friday, May 20, in the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium. Seniors and their families are invited. Casual dressy attire suggested. Refreshments will be served.