We’re sure you’ve noticed the phenomenon. Crowds converge on campus like swarms of locusts. People are packed everywhere, sardine style. But why?

The first day of classes is a free-for-all. The first week of classes is a  brawl. Students usually tone down their daytime activities once the add/drop deadline hits. Not this year, though.

Around the Forum yesterday, one person occupied every square foot  (only a minor exaggeration). To avoid bloodshed, bikers dismounted their bicycles and cars stopped in the streets.

In Simmons Dining Hall today, the entree line stretched out the door. Many people simply skipped the hot foods and hit the salad bar instead.

What’s going on? Maybe someone drugged the water supply with appetite accelerators. Maybe people acquired a fresh sense of school spirit  and a zest for learning.

We need to solve this mystery. Any educated guesses?

[Photo courtesy of flickr.com]