Category Archives: Lobby Book

Originally appeared in the Perkins Lobby Suggestion Book.

Duke, Duke Libraries, Graduation requirements, Lobby Book

Five unofficial graudation requirements

What are the 5 unofficial graduation requirements? [3564B]

Another question about the five unofficial graduation requirements (!), specifically, what they are.  According to TownMe.com, they are:

  1. Drive around the circle backwards (the one connecting Chapel Drive, Campus Drive, etc.)
  2. Go Tunneling (Campus buildings are connected by underground tunnels containing mostly piping and other infrastructure. There are entrances scattered around, with locked doors.)
  3. Climb Baldwin (the dome at the top, that is)
  4. Do “It” in the Gardens
  5. …And in the Stacks

As I said in a recent post, I’m encouraging readers to submit suggestions to replace #5 (primarily so I don’t have to answer questions on the topic anymore, but also so students graduate without a criminal record).

Duke, Lobby Book, Relationships

Improving social skills

Some of the bus drivers need help in personal social skills.  What do you think they can do to help them with a better work environment or relationship? [3560A]

[written in answer space:  If it is the crazy lady from the C-2 then you should buy her an Arizona tea, it worked for me.]

Interesting question, which would be better served if your initial statement contained some specifics.  Many people in our society “need help in personal social skills,” including bus drivers and college students.  I’ve had great experiences with the bus drivers on campus and am grateful they’re here working for us.  This weekend, while walking on Campus Drive, I saw a driver pull over between stops to offer a ride to a student walking over to East Campus, a wonderfully thoughtful gesture.

I love the sentiment of the scribbler above.  Remember, as a bus rider, you’re part of their work environment too.

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!).