The Senior Dinner Dance, usually held during Senior Week (the week before commencement), will be held a few weeks earlier this year. The event is scheduled for April 16, 2005.

The Senior Dinner Dance is an annual affair held for the senior class. It is a formal dinner and must be planned almost a year in advance, especially because the location must be booked early.

The dance is being held at the Atlantic City Convention Center, where it has been held for the past few years. It was site of the dance which instigated the decision to move the event earlier in the year.

The Atlantic City Convention Center was not available during Senior Week, and a decision had to be made on whether to have the dance during Senior Week at another location, or to move the date of the dance.

“Atlantic City offers the seniors a greater experience after the dance is over, and more choices in accommodations. The seniors have truly enjoyed the dance in Atlantic City,” Chrissy Faistl, assistant director of Student Development, said.

Informal focus groups of seniors were formed to discuss the situation, and the groups agreed the dance should be held in Atlantic City.

They also looked into other locations, but found it very difficult to find a place that could accommodate such a large group.

Because of the earlier date there might be more scheduling problems.

To allow for this, and for some extra traveling time, the start time of the dinner has been pushed later than usual. “We hope that the majority of seniors will still be able to attend,” said Faistl.

For students or guests who wish to stay in the area overnight, the Atlantic City Sheraton at the Convention Center is holding a block of rooms for the University at a discounted rate.

“I’m really looking forward to spending the night in Atlantic City,” senior Jabree Brooks said.

Senior Week is in the planning stages now.

Temporary plans have been made for a trip to a Phillies game, a trip to Great Adventure, an event at Finnegan’s Wake, a senior picnic on Mendel field and a golf outing and a senior luau.

“Senior Week is a time for the seniors to celebrate and relax before graduation,” Faistl said. “Several events are chosen each year to give the seniors a chance to have fun and enjoy the last week of college.”