Howdy Portal to Implement Course Trading Feature
Texas A&M University recently announced plans to introduce a new state-of-the-art course trading and bartering system into their administrative program, Howdy. This collaboration with IBM’s advanced artificial intelligence system, Watson, allows for students to select certain courses and assets, such as dining dollars, meal swipes, and parking passes, to exchange with other students. This comes after increased student complaints in regards to the difficulty of registering for courses needed for graduation. The platform cost the university system $15 million to develop and will be fully released to students by the start of the spring 2022 semester.
Mays Business School freshman Kathleen Mohan was a member of a private beta testing group this past fall. After struggling to get into her accounting course, Mohan was able to barter on Howdy with another member of the beta test to get into her preferred section. “I was so relieved to stay on track,” Mohan said. “I had to give up all my football tickets through 2023, but I generally left before halftime anyways.”
Texas A&M is the first school to implement a program of its kind. Several other Southeastern Conference schools, such as the University of Alabama and Mississippi State University, are following Texas A&M’s lead and launching similar programs for their students. This new initiative is all in the name of improving student life by allowing students to serve one another in a way they never before could, embodying the core value of selfless service.
— Century Swingers
If there’s one thing the members of the Century Club know better than soliciting donations, it’s swinging. Regardless of age, gender, or income, these people are serious about cutting loose and swinging to their hearts’ content. And by swinging, we do mean swing sets. The Association’s master swinger, Century Swingers, is a pro at installing any type of swing: tree swings, rope swings, porch swings, sawhorse swings, you name it. Rumor has it he once went the full loop around a swing set, but we’ve yet to see it happen.