For the students manning the activity tables, business ranged from non-existent to frantic. When the noon lecture of Social Analysis 10, "The Principles of Economics," ended crowds of people surged into the room, and the tables were overwhelmed with activity seekers. But the rush soon subsided. When the tables were not too crowded, these volunteers had time to complain about their situation. They said they found the corridor lacking in a few necessities.
"We want a few floodlights," Donald J. Ridings '90 said.
"...and maybe a space heater or two," Clara N. Lee '89 added, before telling two students that Harvard has no systematic AIDS education program, and that they could help organize one.
The registration proctors also said they found their part of the process difficult. "The hardest part of proctoring is that the back of your neck gets really stiff," said Glannon. "I had to give someone a massage on the lower back so he could keep going, he was so stiff and sore."
In addition to complaining, many students suggested ways to improve the registration process. Several said they thought registration should not take place on the first day of classes because it can cause scheduling conflicts, especially for those who have been red-dotted.
"I'm taking two course in which attendance is mandatory, and registering [today] could have caused me to miss lunch," Jeremy B. Rudd '91 said.
"Registration should be on the day before [the first day of classes]," George Goon '91 said. "If you have a problem with red-dotting, it might tie you up all day.
This complaint may become a thing of the past, because College officials have decided to schedule next fall's registration on the Friday before classes start. (See story page 1)
But to some students, the whole process of registration seemed superfluous. "If we just pick up a packet and leave, why couldn't they mail it to us?" Christopher Chabris '88 queried.
"It seems a little primitive," said another student. "After 350 years they're still doing it this way.
But most students said they thought that registration, while it has some drawbacks, should not be lambasted. It works, they said, even if it is imperfect. "After all, you get to see people you don't see often," said Wiviott.