NQR

I've been at this school for four years -- three in practice. Yet by Jove, I still don't comprehend this masochistic ritual that everyone raves about nostalgically. NQR -- "Naked Quad Run" -- happens on the last day of classes (today).

An explanation for my international visitors: a large part of the student body, 90% inebriated, shed all clothing on this snowy and rainy December evening, and, altogether, run around the academic quad as a nudist colony. Most wear sneakers. Some wear a scarf. I had the audacity to watch it from my window during my sophomore year, and it's possibly the weirdest thing I've ever seen. Lots of naked people. Running. Townspeople also often come to watch this exhibition, and videos and photos of it usually end up on the Internet in a metter of minutes.

Supposedly, it takes place to relieve stress before final exams (explain that one to me!).

Every year, we get this email:

Dear Fellow Jumbos,

Monday, December 10th is the fifth annual Nighttime Quad Reception (NQR) [euphemism for Naked Quad Run]. Here's all the information you need to know about this event, please read carefully:

NQR falls on the last day of classes this semester, which is a great time to celebrate before finals begin. However, it is important to remember that this night is no exception to state laws and the university's standards of conduct for the student body. Laws regarding underage drinking and open containers in public must be observed and they will be fully enforced. If you do choose to drink, use common sense: drink in moderation, be aware of your limits, and surround yourself with friends. Throughout the night, members of TEMS, NQR volunteers, RAs, and police officers will be readily available in case of emergencies. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you or someone you know needs help.

If you decide to be athletic and participate in the night's festivities, do not forget that that this event attracts many onlookers and that pictures and videos can be easily distributed throughout Internet sites such as Facebook or YouTube. For this reason, we ask that students do not bring cameras.

Also, this year, due to recurring problems with overcrowding, access to West Hall will be limited to residents and their guests. Every West Hall resident will receive four wrist bands--one for him or herself and three to give away. That evening, people will not be allowed to enter West unless they have a wrist band. Yet regardless of wristband status, should the Fire Marshall decide to shut West down, re-entry will fall to the discretion of the Police and priority will be given to those with wrist bands. So unless you live in West, please avoid leaving your belongings there if you choose to leave throughout the night. These protocols are only to ensure your safety throughout the night.

To help runners, a large changing tent will be located on the Academic Quad between West and Ballou Hall. Individuals are responsible for the safety of their own possessions left in this tent. Once you begin your run, please remember to confine your path to the quad, as there will be consequences if you wander off into neighboring areas.

In addition, thanks to Programming Board, there will be a great reception in front of Barnum Hall. Starting at 8 pm, hot chocolate, donuts, and snacks will be served. At 9 pm, there will also be music provided by DJs from GrooveBoston. Come unwind and enjoy!

And as in years past, free t-shirts will be distributed throughout the evening. If you happen to be near a volunteer handing out the shirts, please be patient and do not push or shove others for a shirt. T-shirts are strictly limited to one per person. If you are not given the size you want, please consider swapping with someone else.

Should there be inclement weather, Facilities will do their best to sand the course and put up safety barriers. However, regardless of weather conditions, it is CRUCIAL that if you run, you wear appropriate shoes to protect yourself and others from falls and pile-ups.

Finally, in the spirit of NQR, we'd like to remind you that we are having a clothing drive to collect winter clothing for those who are less fortunate. We encourage you to donate warm clothes that will be given to local Somerville homeless shelters. Drop-off bins can be found in Carmichael, Dewick, the Campus Center, and Hillel.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact [bla bla bla]. We hope you all have a safe and fun night and good luck with finals!

Sincerely,

TCU Senate and Programming Board

There are some things I will never understand. Maybe it's because I'm a "nice Russian girl", but the first thing I think of is... you'll get a cold! Don't sit on any stone surfaces! Oy.