"I thought it would be interesting to see the results," she says.

But Woodruff adds neither Harvard Students for Bush nor the Harvard Republican Club are planning a group excursion. Several members have made their own plans; others will be stuck in Cambridge for exams, particularly for "Presidency."

The course, taught by GOP heavyweight Roger B. Porter, IBM professor of business and government at the Kennedy School of Government, held its midterm exam on Election Day. Porter has worked with the Bush transition team.

"The course will be remembered if for no other reason than for those two dates," Porter jokes.

"I don't know if it is fate or coincidence or what," says Ian T. McClure '01, who is taking the class.

The fortunate few who will be attending the inaugural gala will be entertained by celebrities like Drew Carey, Marie Osmond, Rick Schroeder and Meat Loaf, who will act as celebrity emcees at some of the eight official balls. Visiting students will have to scramble for tickets, since Republican dignitaries and contributors will get top priority--tickets sold for $125, though scalping will drive prices much higher.

The celebration officially begins tomorrow with an opening ceremony that will include, among other things, a performance by pop star Ricky Martin.