By Katie Aurand
Editor in Chief

Students living in the campus dorms or even off-campus apartments will tackle roommate issues during the school year. Resolving conflicts with roommates helps students develop social skills that will help them secure jobs post-graduation, according to Becky Cornell, Hall Director for the Palmerton and Connolly dormitories. Continue Reading

By Jerika Ihnen
Aurum Staff

The School of Mines received word this summer from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that it has been accepted as an NCAA Div. II institution. The Hardrockers applied to become NCAA affiliated June 1, along with Black Hills State University and 10 other NAIA institutions. Continue Reading

By Loryn Schuetzle
Aurum Staff

Two of the most life changing events in a senior’s life at the School of Mines are M-Week and the fall Career Fair. M-Week is the time where seniors wear their senior hats with pride, hunt for garters at local bars and march up M Hill to set up their plaques all while welcoming the final chapter of their schooling. For some, the fall Career Fair is crucial in tying up a grown-up job before they walk across the stage to receive a diploma.
Continue Reading

By Darrell Sawyer
Guest Writer

Career fairs, which the School of Mines has been holding for more than 20 years, are win-win situations for both students and employers. These events provide students the opportunity for direct contact with employers. The connections students make with employers can lead to interviews and result in job offers. For employers, career fairs offer an excellent way to get to know students beyond their resumes and to identify those students who are a good fit for their organization. Continue Reading

By Jerika Ihnen
Aurum Staff

Every year hundreds of thousands of bikers travel from all over the world to be a part of the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  For 2010, an estimated 600,000 people traveled to the Black Hills between Friday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 15.

Needless to say, extra workers are hired at area restaurants, campgrounds and at arriving vendor booths.  Some say attending the Rally is an experience of a lifetime, but a number of School of Mines students can vouch that working at the Rally is just as much of an experience as attending it. Continue Reading

By Jim Farris
Raver Intern

Amongst the hustle and bustle of beginning a new semester there are many things happening around campus.  There are several construction projects in progress around the campus as well as a few planned for the future. These long overdue updates will allow us to move forward and remain at the cutting edge of research and education. The Chemical Building is being completely renovated, as well as the Paleontology lab.  A much needed upgrade to the King Center and a road connecting St. Patrick Street to St. Joseph Street are coming in the future.  All projects are slated to be finished by 2012. Continue Reading

By Louisa Burden
Raver Staff

As students on this campus well know, there have been dorm renovations going on for some time now. Connolly Hall has been undergoing massive changes, and Palmerton is set to start its transformation in mid-January.

Due to space limitations, most juniors and seniors are required to live off campus, so that there is enough space for all the underclassmen to live on campus, since they are required to do so under the BOR policy. As Maureen Wilson, the Residence Life Director here at Mines, said, ““As the freshmen and sophomore [numbers] are growing, we have had to shift to accommodate their needs because they are required to be here.” Continue Reading

By: Loryn Schuetzle
Raver Staff

Where are all the parking spots? The School of Mines parking office is trying to develop more spots around campus. Every student, faculty, staff and visitor is required to have one of the parking permits in order to park anywhere on campus. Along with a parking permit, the student or staff member must have his or her vehicle registered with the parking office. Continue Reading

By Belema Boyle
Raver Intern

The School of Mines may create more sports teams according to Dr. Richard Kaiser, the new Athletic Director.

Although specifics as to when these changes will become a reality are sketchy, Kaiser believes that adding sports such as baseball, softball and men’s and women’s soccer would boost enrollment and increase student diversity.

Kaiser also looks forward to the new facilities that are currently still under construction. Continue Reading

By Thomas Jones III
Raver Intern

Comedian Groucho Marx once said, “While money can’t buy happiness, it certainly lets you choose your own form of misery.” Eight months and six million dollars spent students are questioning the Surbeck renovations. Their concerns are not about the new look, but rather the amount of choice and quality of food in the renovated cafeteria. Leaving the question: was the result worth the cost? Continue Reading