Category Archives: Duke

Duke, Graduation requirements, Lobby Book

Fulfilling graduation requirements in Perkins Library

Where in Perkins is it easiest to fulfill (with a partner) one of the five graduation requirements? [3558B]

I think you mean five “unofficial” graduation requirements.  Believe me, I’m no prude and was quite rambunctious in my undergraduate days (some would say I am still).  But since forty percent of these so-called unofficial requirements are “doing it” in two different places on campus – Duke Gardens and Perkins Library – I suggest a new fifth to replace “doing it” in Perkins Library.  Answer Person will consider all suggestions and promote the best (please come up with a new fifth: I’m tired of answering this question!).

Duke

Unique features of architecture on Duke University's West Campus

Dear Answer Person,

It’s me again…I asked you a few months ago about the story behind the crests and shields of other universities that adorn various West Campus buildings, but due to some technical glitch, your answer was missing from the suggestion book. Now I’ve graduated and am far, far away from Duke, and the only way that my curiosity regarding the matter of the university crests will be satisfied is if you answer my question on your blog!

As you might know, Answer Person was on a much needed hiatus for several months.  So thanks for your patience.

The crests and shields you refer to actually make the buildings on West Campus some of the most unique academic buildings in the South.  They represent institutions with significant similarities to Duke’s association, purpose, and ideal.  So, for example, the seals of Haverford College (a Quaker institution) and Millsaps College (a Methodist institution) decorate the southern elevation of the West Union Building.  These hark back to Duke’s origins as Union Institute, the academy in Randolph County, NC founded by Methodists and Quakers.  For a complete list of all represented institutions, I refer you to the appendix of William M. Blackburn’s The Architecture of Duke University (Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1936, 1939).

Duke, Lobby Book

Sense of entitlement

Does the amount that I’m paying for this education give me a right to a sense of entitlement? I realize it’s not like paying for a toaster or some other consumable, but I feel as though I am the client here, and deserve to be treated as such. Legitimate? [3551A]

[written in answer space:  Nah]

Magic Eight Ball says: “Concentrate and ask again.”

Duke, Food, Lobby Book

Best food in Durham

What it the best food in Durham? [3552A]

Because “best” is so subjective, that’s impossible to answer definitively. It’s true, though, that Durham has developed a reputation (at least within the Triangle) of having outstanding restaurants. As a result, it’s difficult to go wrong. On campus, though, Answer Person is obliged to give props to Billy in the Faculty Commons, especially for his Tomato Bisque.

Culture, Duke, Entertainment, Lobby Book

Hot Fun in the Summertime

I am going to be here over the summer to take a class, but I want to take advantage of some of the things Duke has to offer that I normally would not have time for.  Can you give me some good suggestions? [3552C]

Answer Person apologizes for not returning from hiatus earlier and answering this question. Duke Performances had a terrific concert series this summer in Duke Gardens, Wednesday evenings at 7.00 pm, culminating with a sublime set by Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey. But you can still check out “Beyond Beauty: Photographs from Duke University Special Collections Library” at the Nasher Museum of Art. Each Wednesday evening in August, popular movie musicals will be shown for free in Duke Gardens. The series kicks off on August 5 with “The Wizard of Oz.” Shows start at roughly 8:30 pm. Summer is also an excellent time to get to know Durham, which has lots of entertainment possibilities throughout the summer. Check the Independent for ideas the suit your tastes.

Duke, Study

Duke graduation rate

What is the undergrad graduation rate for each class from 1937 to 2008?

A knowledgeable archivist isn’t so sure that the University consistently tracked graduation rates.  You may need to calculate this yourself from raw numbers.  You should first check with the Registrar’s Office to see if they kept that stat on a regular basis.  The University Archives has statistics from the Registrar’s Office back to the 1920s, and you could go in and look through the records. See the Inventory of the Office of the University Registrar Records, 1853 – 2000.   For instance, the annual statistical reports they used to publish included number of attritions, and would tell how many students withdrew.  From the total enrollment, you could subtract the attritions, then figure out a graduation rate.  (You should probably consult with a statistician to make sure you’re making a valid calculation.)

There is a web page on on Graduation and retention rates – Undergraduate that starts in the mid-1990s, provided by the Provost’s Office of Institutional Research.