The Clarkson Jolt FAQ

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. What is this?

1.2. What is The Daily Jolt?

1.3. Who runs The Daily Jolt?

1.4. How do I get something onto the Jolt?

2. General

2.1. What cell phone provider is the best?

2.2. What's the best place to go get textbooks.

2.3. What's a Schoolie?

2.4. What's the IRC?

2.5. What's the ERC?

2.6. What's with the marker by the IRC that says "Trick?"

2.7. What is SLU?

2.8. What is RPI?

2.9. I'm a Freshman, and don't even have my schedule. How do I get my books?

2.10. Who is "The Bobcat Bandit?"

2.11. Where is the "Rape Trail" and why is it called that?

2.12. I hear that there are Clarkson buildings downtown; what are they used for?

2.13. When is the mailroom open?

2.14. Speaking of mail, where the hell is my package? USPS says it's been received!

2.15. Is there anywhere that will cash checks on campus?

2.16. I lost my ID. Now what?

2.17. What is "Portside?"

2.18. What is "Son of Portside?"

2.19. I hear there's a garage on campus where I can work on my car. Where is it?

2.20. Where is Walker Arena and what is it?

3. Geek Related Stuff (Tech)

3.1. How do I get onto the Internet?

3.2. What's the IP Address for DC?!!

3.3. I can't get my XBox to connect to the Internet.

3.4. Why is the Internet so slow?

3.5. I'm awesome, the RIAA can't catch me pirating music and movies.

3.6. My game of ______ is lagging badly, what's up?

3.7. I got an e-mail from administrator@clarkson.edu telling me to run this attachment. What should I do?

3.8. How do I set up my e-mail in Outlook, Thunderbird, etc?

3.9. What is Microsoft Active Directory and how do I use it?

3.10. How do I get to my S: and U: drives off campus?

4. Clarkson Urban Legends

4.1. Once Clarkson builds a new library and gets all of the fraternities on campus, then we'll be Ivy League!

4.2. Is it true that a Nightmare on Elm Street is based on Elm Street in Potsdam?

4.3. Is it true that the Science Center was supposed to be built in New Mexico?

4.4. The library is sinking because they didn't take into account the weight of the books.

4.5. The Science Center will slide down into Woodstock.

4.6. Who is Joe Bushey?

4.7. Is Holcroft House haunted?

4.8. Is there really a nuclear reactor in CAMP?

4.9. Is there a Level 10 Clean Room in CAMP?

4.10. What's on the 4th Floor of CAMP?

5. Housing

5.1. Riversides have basements! That's pretty sweet right?

5.2. What is Congdon House and where is it?

5.3. Do the Dorms Have A/C?

5.4. What's the Quad?

5.5. What's the Pit?

5.6. How do I move off-campus?

5.7. What's the Housing Lottery?

5.8. Do I have to be on the meal plan?

5.9. Can we have pets on campus?

5.10. What if I need more garbage bags or my room vacuumed?

5.11. What if something doesn't work in my room?

5.12. How do I turn on/off my heater in the Quad or Pit?

6. Student Life

6.1. Which Meal Plan is the best deal?

6.2. What are the hours for Open Skate?

6.3. What is Broomball?

6.4. Do I have to pay for hockey tickets?

6.5. What's the deal with the bell at the hockey games?

6.6. Is our hockey team going to be any good this year?

6.7. I want to see x perform at Clarkson, who do I talk to?

6.8. What is the Meal Exchange and what are the hours?

6.9. Can I use Meal Exchange at a hockey game?

6.10. What's the deal with Greek life?

6.11. It is the beginning of April and all the showerheads disapeared, what happened?

6.12. Why do people scream "Lets Go Tech!" at hockey games?

6.13. My friend and I want to play pool in Club 99, but there's no staff at the bar. How do I get the equipment?

6.14. Where can I find the dining hall menus?

6.15. Why are the dining hall menus on the Jolt never right?

7. Academia

7.1. What is GFI?

7.2. Is Physical Education a requirement?

7.3. What is "First Year Seminar?"

7.4. What is a Pass/Fail?

7.5. What should I do if I'm failing a class?

7.6. Alright, I took your advice, now how do I drop a class?

7.7. Where can I find extra help for my classes, like tutoring?

7.8. I heard there's a machine shop on campus. How do I get access to it?

8. Jolt Related Lore

8.1. What is the Professor Deathmatch?

8.2. Who is Jolt Man?

8.3. Who was/is Dr. Jolt?

8.4. Who was Jackal Sucks?

8.5. Is there a Jolt Forum Hall of Fame?

1. Introduction

1.1. What is this?

The Clarkson Jolt FAQ is the Daily Jolt's best effort at trying to put every single annoying question that's been asked over and over again in the forum into one handy little document.

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1.2. What is The Daily Jolt?

The Daily Jolt is a website network that is at over 100 schools and universities across the country. The Daily Jolt has all sorts of random stuff including calendars of events, dining hall menus, ride boards and more. Clarkson's Daily Jolt started in the Fall of 2000.

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1.3. Who runs The Daily Jolt?

The Daily Jolt is run by a headquarters, usually referred to as Jolt HQ in Cambridge, MA. Each individual Daily Jolt site has student administrators, affectionately known as Jolt Gods, on campus. The current students who run the Clarkson Jolt are Kimo Brandon, Andrew Foster, and Mary Konecnik. Past Administrators sometimes show up to add witty commentary or update the site as well. The Alumni Jolters are Ron Ayers, Rich Bellamy, Nate Dudek, Adam McIntyre, Chris Catucci, Michael Powers, Lindsay Hoffman, Nelson Greening, and Erich Brandt.

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1.4. How do I get something onto the Jolt?

If you just want to post an event, announcement, job listing or marketplace listing, click here.

If you have news, pictures, idiocy, poll requests, or events that you think need special attention, click here.

If you would like to place a local ad on the Jolt, click here.

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2. General

2.1. What cell phone provider is the best?

A heavily debated question. According to a recent poll, Verizon Wireless seems to work best on campus, but for most students it is just a matter of personal preference, and also where outside of Clarkson they might be using the cell phone. It's been agreed upon that for most if not all cell phone providers, reception is extremely horrible in some areas of the Pit and Woodstock (at the bottom of hills.)

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2.2. What's the best place to go get textbooks.

The answer as always is "it depends." There are many comparsion services online such as DirectTextbooks which will take ISBN and compare 20 or 30 online retailers for you. Locally, the Computer Guys and the University Bookstore both sell used textbooks. Because of fierce competition, the University Bookstore has been forced into line especially with new textbooks.

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2.3. What's a Schoolie?

A "Schoolie" is the term for a student attending The Clarkson School, which allows high school seniors to get their final year of school and first year of college done in one fell swoop. Contrary to popular belief, Schoolies are relatively normal, but sometimes are stereotyped due to the actions of a few individuals.

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2.4. What's the IRC?

The IRC is the Indoor Recreation Center. Students tend to use this as the general term for all of the athletic facilities.

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2.5. What's the ERC?

The Educational Resource Center, which is home to Clarkson's library, as well as the Office of Information Technology, the Career Center, and the Honors Program offices. The ERC is a general study area with lots of couches and tables, and also has Java City, a coffee shop. Interesting fact: it used to be a gym way back in the day.

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2.6. What's with the marker by the IRC that says "Trick?"

Trick was the beloved horse of Thomas Clarkson, the founder of the University. Trick is rumored to be buried there outside the gym.

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2.7. What is SLU?

SLU is short for St. Lawrence University, Clarkson's arch-rival. SLU is based down Rt. 11 in Canton, and is known for being a pricey liberal arts school.

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2.8. What is RPI?

RPI is the Rensselaer Polytechnic Insititute. Another rival of Clarkson's in sports, and also usually compared to Clarkson in academics as well as a strong engineering school.

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2.9. I'm a Freshman, and don't even have my schedule. How do I get my books?

Clarkson conveniently pre-packages books for you during orientation. If you're wise, you won't break them open until you compare prices online. Once your books are opened, you can't get a full refund.

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2.10. Who is "The Bobcat Bandit?"

The Bobcat Bandit is normally referenced by old-school Jolt Users when the university accidentally destroys something on campus, especially when one of the snow removal Bobcat vehicles is involved. In a single semester, the bandit managed to destroy a pillar in front of Cheel and then follow it up in the spring by drilling into a gas main.

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2.11. Where is the "Rape Trail" and why is it called that?

The Rape Trail is the trail through the woods between Moore/Snell and the Pit. It is called that because at night it seems like one of the more likely places on campus that someone could get raped, although to our knowledge no one has. With the President's House now in the immediate vicinity, this name will likely change. Golf Cart hijinx have also occured here. Also called The Pit Path.

Submitted by Kyral

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2.12. I hear that there are Clarkson buildings downtown; what are they used for?

Clarkson University (or Clarkson School of Technology as it used to be known from 1897 to 1984) used to be located downtown. The two buildings that will pique your interest are Old Snell and Old Main, sitting across from each other on Main Street (Congdon sits between them, and is still used as dorms). Old Snell was used for classes up until a few years ago, when New Snell took over, and now is home to some random clubs, unlucky professors' offices, and maintenance. The Clarkson Theatre Club still holds performances in Snell Auditorium, and you may find yourself taking a random final there as well. Old Main was used for classes up until the mid 90's, until CAMP opened, and classes were moved there.

For the urban explorer, Old Snell and Old Main are very interesting to explore (you probably shouldn't though). Old Snell is connected to Congdon via some underground rooms (Congdon runs off the boilers in Old Snell) and located underground between them is the "hell room" where leaks in the pipes cause the room to always be eeriely hot and humid. The basement of Old Snell contains a few workshops and an area where the old woodchip-fed furnace used to sit. In the above ground floors of Old Snell you will find the theater (above the theater one can find huge ventalation shafts and 10' fans that used to push air through them. Other interesting areas are the old computer labs and empty professor's offices. Old Main has a large high bay on one side, still filled with old mechanically driven machines and seems to be used mostly for storage (of more large machinery) now. Going to the higher floors you will find a bunch of large lecture halls, a room with all of Clarkson's old student records, and 1 door on the 2nd floor that is locked with 2 padlocks and a high security deadbolt (never did find out what was in there). Sadly, in the recent years more and more students have gone exploring, which means the old locks have been replaced with new and certain easy ways in have been fixed.

The Physical Therapy Department is the major academic fixture remaining in the Downtown area. Other Clarkson owned buildings are currently leased to local businesses.

Submitted By Mars-X

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2.13. When is the mailroom open?

Never when you need it is the glib response of most students, but the supposed hours are:

Monday-Friday: 9:00AM-3:30PM
Saturday: 10:00AM -12:00PM

*These times may be subject to change.

Submitted by Monoufo

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2.14. Speaking of mail, where the hell is my package? USPS says it's been received!

Packages at Clarkson arrive at the receiving center down by Walker, and then are brought up to Cheel. The mailroom then processes packaging slips and puts them in the mailboxes. Then you can pick up your item.

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2.15. Is there anywhere that will cash checks on campus?

The Aramark Office in the basement of Cheel cashes some (but not necessarily all) checks. Be sure to bring your Student ID. HSBC, Keybank and several local banks are available in Potsdam.

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2.16. I lost my ID. Now what?

Since the locks on the dorms rarely seem to work, you shouldn't have a problem getting in after the first week or two, either that or bash on the door until someone lets you in. Unfortunately, that won't get you any food or into hockey games. If you need a replacement, you'll need to go to the campus safety office on the 2nd Floor of Cheel, and fork over some dough. ($30 we think.)

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2.17. What is "Portside?"

Portside is the white "sculpture" (and we use that term loosely,) that inhabits Cheel Lawn. Apparently on a certain day of the year, at a certain time, the shadow cast by Portside is a schooner. A sailboat. A schooner is a sailboat dummy. Portside is also the scene of many pranks.

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2.18. What is "Son of Portside?"

The "Son of Portside" is the nickname given to the structure between the ERC and Rowley, which is used as an educational tool. The Integrator had a bold moments during its April Fools issue, the Instigator, a few yearsback when they claimed the structure casts the shadow of a swastika.

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2.19. I hear there's a garage on campus where I can work on my car. Where is it?

The garage (which used to be where Tony Collin's new house is) is now behind Walker Arena and is run by the Auto Club. You need to be a member of the Auto Club to have access to it, and can contact autoclub@clarkson.edu for more information.

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2.20. Where is Walker Arena and what is it?

Walker Arena is Clarkson's old hockey arena. It's located across Clarkson Ave. from the Pit. Currently it has some pretty horrendous astroturf installed, and is generally used for storing the University's junk as well as intramural sports. Due to its wooden structure and "cozy" atmosphere, it was one of the most imposing arenas in college hockey.

Today Walker is best known for being an overflow parking lot that has a Campus Safety vehicle running in idle at all times, though renovations are in the works.

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3. Geek Related Stuff (Tech)

3.1. How do I get onto the Internet?

Once you plug in your Ethernet Cable or connect through Wi-Fi you should be good to go. If you can't get onto the Internet, you'll probably be redirected to a Network Registration Page. Once your MAC address has been registered, you should be all set.

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3.2. What's the IP Address for DC?!!

The forum boldly recommends that you ask OIT like some foolish students did rightbefore it got shut down. The true answer is there isn't any. And if there was, we wouldn't advertise it.

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3.3. I can't get my XBox to connect to the Internet.

You'll probably need to register the XBox's MAC Address at http://netreg.clarkson.edu.

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3.4. Why is the Internet so slow?

Probably a million different reasons. In the past it has been primarily because of excessive P2P sharing, especially off-campus, and also viruses and worms which over-run the network. Due to new policies by OIT including mandatory Anti-Virus and implementation of the "PacketShaper" which can restrict certain types of network activity, this has been reduced significantly.

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3.5. I'm awesome, the RIAA can't catch me pirating music and movies.

Wrong. In fact, Clarkson has sent out warning letters to numerous students about their file transfer habits. While the RIAA hasn't gone after anyone on campus yet, they probably could if they wanted to.

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3.6. My game of ______ is lagging badly, what's up?

Chances are the port that you game is using is being restricted by Packetshaper, Clarkson's network activity restriction tool. If you ask nicely and the port doesn't open any critical security flaws, OIT might loosen the restriction for you.

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3.7. I got an e-mail from administrator@clarkson.edu telling me to run this attachment. What should I do?

More than likely this is a virus or a worm. If your virus scanner is up to date, you shouldn't be harmed to begin with, regardless you shouldn't open the file. Clarkson forces patches and AV updates through Windows Update.

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3.8. How do I set up my e-mail in Outlook, Thunderbird, etc?

All of the information is here:
http://www.clarkson. edu/oit/students/lotus_notes/getting_started.php

Basically, you'll need to set your SMTP and POP servers up as follows:
If your last name starts with letter A thru K: lms1.clarkson.edu
If your last name starts with letter L thru Z: lms2.clarkson.edu
Then use your iNotes Username and Password. Your e-mail is @clarkson.edu

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3.9. What is Microsoft Active Directory and how do I use it?

Microsoft Active Directory(AD) is used at Clarkson primarily for storing files on the network. It recently replaced Novell, so if you're trying to get on Kronos, stop. Go to http://myfiles.clarkson.edu to store your files on the U drive without logging onto a computer. Unless your professor requires you to store data on AD, we recommend bringing a USB Flash Device for convenience.

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3.10. How do I get to my S: and U: drives off campus?

Use AD at https://myfiles.clarkson.edu, which recently replaced Novell and Kronos.

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4. Clarkson Urban Legends

4.1. Once Clarkson builds a new library and gets all of the fraternities on campus, then we'll be Ivy League!

False. The Ivy League is simply an athletic conference, and admission has nothing to do with new buildings and such. The Ivy League doesn't exactly invite any school into its ranks either, but if it ever were to, Clarkson would have to move all sports to Division-I and drop all scholarships to start. Part of the confusion with the Ivy League myth springs from the fact that the Ivies play in the ECACHL.

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4.2. Is it true that a Nightmare on Elm Street is based on Elm Street in Potsdam?

True! Wes Craven was actually an associate professor at Clarkson was back in the day. A student project was the basis for the movie that made Freddy famous.

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4.3. Is it true that the Science Center was supposed to be built in New Mexico?

False. While the Science Center sticks out like a sore thumb, this is an urban legend that seems to be passed along on EVERY campus. (Ed; Note: Someone at Potsdam State told me that their dorms were all supposed to be in New Mexico as well.

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4.4. The library is sinking because they didn't take into account the weight of the books.

False. This is another one that is heard on nearly all campuses. Even Snopes covered this one.

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4.5. The Science Center will slide down into Woodstock.

Undetermined. This sounds like another one of the typical college urban legends, except that the Science Center is built onto a hill. Chances are it's moving MM or CM a year but no one really knows.

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4.6. Who is Joe Bushey?

Joe Bushey is a mythical Clarkson Student who apparently attended the University in the early 1900's. His name is sometimes seen as the author of Integrator articles, and he has been snuck onto graduation lists (although he's been foiled each time).

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4.7. Is Holcroft House haunted?

Legend has it that Holcroft is haunted by Elizabeth Clarkson who was Thomas Clarkson's sister. Seriously tho. You believe in ghosts?

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4.8. Is there really a nuclear reactor in CAMP?

No, but the reactor reference is a Jolt favorite. Apparently there was some sort of nuclear activity in the Chemistry building near Old Snell back in the day, but no sustainable reactions or anything crazy like that.

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4.9. Is there a Level 10 Clean Room in CAMP?

You would think with the amount of sand on this campus that it would be impossible, but yes, there is a Class 10 Cleanroom in CAMP. It's even promoted in Clarkson's marketing materials.

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4.10. What's on the 4th Floor of CAMP?

While we've never been there, the 4th Floor of CAMP has legendary status. You can check out some unconfirmed pictures of the 4th Floor here.

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5. Housing

5.1. Riversides have basements! That's pretty sweet right?

Yes and no. Riverside Basements have been locked up for a couple of years now. Those who are caught breaking into their basements have been fined. How they expect to keep engineering students out of a basement with a padlock and some spot welds is beyond us though.

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5.2. What is Congdon House and where is it?

Congdon House is a residential dorm in downtown Potsdam near Old Snell Hall. It was closed by the administration after the Spring 2006 semester, though it could potentially be reopened someday.

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5.3. Do the Dorms Have A/C?

Nope. In fact, air conditioners are prohibited from the residence halls.

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5.4. What's the Quad?

The Quad consists of Cubley, Ross, Brooks, and Reynolds Houses. Until a few years back it was simply the Freshman Quad, but now many sophomores live there as well.

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5.5. What's the Pit?

The Pit refers to the Hamlin and Powers dorms, which the university insists on calling the Hamlin Powers (HP) Community (it will always be The Pit.) These dorms are located at the bottom of the hill heading towards downtown Potsdam. Whether the Pit is known as such because it's at the bottom of a pretty ruthless hill or because until the renovations a few years ago it was some of the worst housing on campus is unknown. The Pit houses freshmen almost exclusively, though upperclassmen can choose to live in Hamlin on the substance-free floors.

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5.6. How do I move off-campus?

You'll need to apply for an off-campus exemption for with the Residence Life office, preferably around the time that the housing lottery is. When housing is tight, you're more likely to get an exemption. Exemptions are also granted for married students, students with children, and local residents.

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5.7. What's the Housing Lottery?

In the Spring, students receive a lottery number. The lottery number dictates the order in which residences are picked for the following school year. Students who will be Seniors get 0-999, Juniors 1000-1999, Sophomores 2000-2999. With housing becoming tighter and tighter on campus, the lottery has lost its importance amongst underclassmen.

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5.8. Do I have to be on the meal plan?

As long as your residence does not have its own kitchen, you have to be on a meal plan. Woodstock, the Townhouses and Riverside Apartments all have their own kitchens. You do not have to be on the meal plan if you are living off-campus.

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5.9. Can we have pets on campus?

Clarkson says no to absolutely all pets. We say that if you're careful, you can have just about anything you want, particularly if you have an RA who doesn't care. Those that can breathe underwater are almost invariably safe, but please, don't test a cat's ability to breathe underwater!

Submitted by Triumph

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5.10. What if I need more garbage bags or my room vacuumed?

Most of the custodians in Freshman housing will leave their closet open with the garbage bags and stuff in them. If not, catch one when they're cleaning your floor and they will help you out. Most of them would like you to ask questions or say hi. If you're nice to them, they'll be nice back especially Don on Rey 1 + 2 and Izzy on Hamlin/Powers 3. Don't know about the others but most will be happy to help. The custodial staff are generally known as the unsung heroes of Clarkson.

- Submitted by Rachel R.

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5.11. What if something doesn't work in my room?

If you're in good with custodians, tell them and they can usually relay it to the right people. You can also drop the maintainence staff an e-mail directly at workorder@clarkson.edu. Be sure to include all of the important contact and room information.

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5.12. How do I turn on/off my heater in the Quad or Pit?

There is a little knob on one end of the heater underneath it. You might need to crawl on the floor with a flashlight, but there's an arrow on it telling you which way to turn it.
They're not really adjustable, so chances are you'll be cracking a window open or having a sauna when they're on.

- Submitted by Rachel R.

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6. Student Life

6.1. Which Meal Plan is the best deal?

Without a doubt the Gold Plan provides you with the best bang for your buck. While the other plans provide you with declining balance, the amount of DB does not seem to be in line with the price per meal of the Gold Plan.

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6.2. What are the hours for Open Skate?

There's a schedule on the front of the Jolt in the Quicklinks section.

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6.3. What is Broomball?

Broomball is one of Clarkson's most popular intramural sports. It's basically Ice Hockey without skates. Instead of a hockey stick, you use a broomball stick (looks like a big ice scraper), and instead of a puck you use a ball.

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6.4. Do I have to pay for hockey tickets?

All students get free general admission seating to hockey games just by showing their student ID at the door. The exceptions are for parent's night and playoff games, which the ECACHL requires a ticket charge.

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6.5. What's the deal with the bell at the hockey games?

The bell was salvaged from a school house and is operated by the Karma fraternity. It is rung mercilessly through out the game to cheer on our team and to annoy everyone else. Students have a love/hate relationship with the bell, as sometimes they feel it's rung at inappropriate times (when the people who ring the bell show up.)

When asked about his most enduring memory of college hockey and his days with the Cornell Big Red, Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden has long been rumored to have answered, "That damn bell at Clarkson."

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6.6. Is our hockey team going to be any good this year?

An instant flamewar question amongst students. The most logical debates about this question occur on the Golden Knight Roundtable Our answer: We'd definitely like to think so.

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6.7. I want to see x perform at Clarkson, who do I talk to?

The Clarkson Union Board handles the majority of entertainment activities on campus, including the Spring Concert.

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6.8. What is the Meal Exchange and what are the hours?

If you don't feel like eating at Ross-Brooks or Empire Diner, you can go to Cheel and use your meal there for a meal exchange worth $4.75, except for Subway where fifteen cents magically disappears.

Meal Exchange Hours are;
Main St. Cafe are: 7:30AM-9:30AM; 10:30AM-2:00PM; 4:30PM- 8:15PM
Our Place: Monday-Friday: 7:30AM-9:30AM; 10:30AM-2:00PM; 4:30PM- 8:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10:30AM-2:00PM

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6.9. Can I use Meal Exchange at a hockey game?

Yep.

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6.10. What's the deal with Greek life?

Clarkson has 11 fraternities and 3 sororities, although Clarkson women may pledge a Potsdam State sorority if they choose. To be eligible to pledge, a student must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good academic standing. Female students may pledge a sorority in their second semester, and male students must have sophomore standing, which is possible in the second semester if he has brought in transfer credits. All recruitment events and new member periods (commonly known as pledging) are alcohol-free.

Greek threads in the forum usually result in an immediate flame-war. Greek life has recently come under fire at Clarkson, due to several violations of the regulations by some fraternities, resulting in the revoking of recognition for two fraternities.

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6.11. It is the beginning of April and all the showerheads disapeared, what happened?

It is an elaborate competition to determine who can craft the best showerhead out of cans, bottles and duct tape. As the winner you get to pay the bill for the 'stolen' shower heads just like everyone else, but at least you wont smell as bad.

Submitted by Monty

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6.12. Why do people scream "Lets Go Tech!" at hockey games?

Clarkson used to be known as the Clarkson College of Technology until 1984. It's also the reason why you'll see the initials CCT on old things around campus.

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6.13. My friend and I want to play pool in Club 99, but there's no staff at the bar. How do I get the equipment?

Just go to the information desk at Cheel, and they'll trade your ID or Keys for a cue or anything you need.

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6.14. Where can I find the dining hall menus?

Aramark typically supplies The Daily Jolt with Dining Hall Menus. If they're not online, chances are it's because they're not available yet.

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6.15. Why are the dining hall menus on the Jolt never right?

Many times during the year, Aramark changes their menu cycles, usually due to shortages of different types of food. During finals Aramark is known for throwing together what's left in the freezer.

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7. Academia

7.1. What is GFI?

GFI is the commonly used acronym for Great Ideas I and II, which used to be required courses for all students at Clarkson. You're a college student, you can guess what the 'F' is for, although some professors don't appreciate the acronym as much as others. GFI is now known as Clarkson Seminar, but the course itself hasn't changed too much.

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7.2. Is Physical Education a requirement?

No. Clarkson waived it's physical education requirement a few years ago. There are PE courses available, but are not mandatory.

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7.3. What is "First Year Seminar?"

Formerly known as "Physical Wellness," FYS is a mandatory 10 week course for all students at Clarkson. It is worth one credit, and you automatically fail if you miss a class. You work in groups along with an upperclass peer and talk about fun things like safe sex and alcohol abuse. Highlights include the condom on the banana class.

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7.4. What is a Pass/Fail?

You can usually designate specific classes as a pass/fail. You earn credits for these courses, but they do not affect your GPA. As the name insinuates you can only pass or fail.

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7.5. What should I do if I'm failing a class?

Become a business major. Just kidding! Seriously: do the math. If you can work hard enough and pull off a decent grade in the amount of time left in the course, fine. If you can't, drop it as soon as possible. A word to the wise: if you drop below 12 credit hours, you become a part-time student and could lose your financial aid, so it might be in your best interest to remain in the course and try to pull off a passing grade.

Submitted by Monty

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7.6. Alright, I took your advice, now how do I drop a class?

You need to fill out an Add/Drop form or do it online in Peoplesoft. If you drop a class within the first two weeks of class, you can do it yourself in Peoplesoft and it doesn't even show up on your transcript. After that, you can drop the course right up until the last day of classes. In that case, it will appear on your transcript as a dropped course, and you need a signature from the professor or department chair to do so.

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7.7. Where can I find extra help for my classes, like tutoring?

There are lots of ways to get help at Clarkson. You can ask a friend to study with you, but if that isn't enough, you can request a tutor. Clarkson provides tutoring free of charge, so there's no need to hire a tutor on your own unless you want to. Student Support Services (SSS), which is located in the center core of Price Hall, can help set you up with a tutor, and also provides help with study skills and test preparation. If you need help with a paper or thesis you can go to the Writing Center, which is on the first floor of Snell, where a tutor will help you come up with ideas or brush up on grammar skills. As always, you should feel free to drop in on your professor or advisor, and they may be able to help out as well!

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7.8. I heard there's a machine shop on campus. How do I get access to it?

The Machine Shop is located in CAMP. Once you pass a safety course given by the shops managing professor, you can use it for academic related projects when the shop is open. You may need to pass special courses to use certain tools.

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8. Jolt Related Lore

8.1. What is the Professor Deathmatch?

The Professor Deathmatch is a tournament to decide which professor on campus has got "it." What is "it?" The ability to destroy all other professors on campus. Each year, Professors volunteer to become combatants in this tournament. They're outfitted with spiffy photoshops, videos, and witty saying, and then voted upon by the community until there is only one. The Professor Deathmatch has been featured in several national publications.

Past Winners:
Professor Deathmatch I: Kathy "The Queen" Wears
Professor Deathmatch II: Tim Barcomb*
Professor Deathmatch III: Dave Wick
Professor Deathmatch IV: Jim Peploski
Professor Deathmatch V: Michael "FELLAND IS LORD" Felland.

*TAs were declared ineligible after his victory.

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8.2. Who is Jolt Man?

Jolt Man was the unofficial mascot of The Daily Jolt in 2000-2001. Dressed up as a slick commando ninja with a plastic ball shooting cannon, Jolt Man would dash around campus shooting professors with the cannon (with their permission) and handing out prizes. Jolt Man officially retired at Spring Fest 2001, when campus safety intervened with his cannon firing antics.

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8.3. Who was/is Dr. Jolt?

Nobody knows, but his/her advice was indispensable.

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8.4. Who was Jackal Sucks?

Jackal Sucks was the arch-nemesis of The Jackal, one of the original members of The Daily Jolt Forum. It is believed that Jackal Sucks boosted forum traffic single-handedly by roughly 20%.

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8.5. Is there a Jolt Forum Hall of Fame?

Unfortunately no, but when the time comes, there will be plenty of names to choose from. Rumored inductees include ajm316, crass751, bqsauce, borq, jackal, jackal sucks, SquirrelMaster, Pyrotechnik, Yardwork, Cannon Fodder, and of course Gard Meserve.

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