In preparation for Aggie Ring Day on April 17, when more than 4,800 Aggies will receive their rings, the Association of Former Students has announced some changes to the pickup process.
The Ring Plaza, where guests and students have typically gathered, will only be open to the numbered group on deck to enter the building and receive their rings, according to an announcement on the Aggie Network Facebook page. Because of this, the Haynes Ring Replica in the center of the Plaza will not be open as a photo station.
Kathryn Greenwade, vice president of the Association of Former Students, said other students and guests are welcome to gather on the lawn and around the building. The area around the ring itself will be the only area marked off. The decision was made to better manage traffic control for the largest Ring Day to date.
“We want to limit the amount of traffic that’s around the ring at any one time, so that we can make sure that we have easy access for everyone getting their ring, for all of the guests that they have with them,” Greenwade said.
The drop-off point for the Aggie Ring Shuttle has also shifted. People can board at Houston St. on the west side of the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center instead of on Throckmorton St., although the other stop is still at West Campus Garage.
Greenwade said there will also not be professional photographers at the event.
“We will still have multiple photography stations, but we’re encouraging everyone to do their own personal photography because really now with your smart phones, you can take the same quality of photos and you can have it sooner,” Greenwade said.
In preparation for April 17, Greenwade said she encourages students to check the weather forecast beforehand, referencing a storm that hit during September Ring Day for which a number of students were unprepared.
“If it’s raining, maybe time your arrival a little closer to your actual ring pickup time so you’re not having to be out in the weather,” Greenwade said. “And maybe you’ll want to adjust your wardrobe.”
