For the past few years, December graduation rates have increased. Later this month, more than 800 students will receive their degrees, a university official said.

Kristi Harrison, manager for academic progress, said 885 students will receive their degrees during this month's commencement ceremony. This number includes students who finished their degree requirements this past summer and students who completed their degree requirements during this semester.

The degrees that TCU student-athletes are pursuing are quite diverse, counter to a study by USA Today that found student-athletes in some schools cluster in not-so-demanding majors, an athletics official said.

According to the study, 83 percent of the schools have at least one team in which at least 25 percent of the juniors and seniors have the same major. For example, seven of the 19 players on Stanford University's baseball team major in sociology, according to the study.

The ultimate frisbee club will participate in the Jingle Bell Hell Tournament on Saturday and Sunday in Denton.The tournament will benefit Santa's Helpers, a toy drive that collects holiday toys for children...

So here I sit feeling guilty after purchasing a plane ticket that in three months will whiz me half-way around the world. It is not purely for pleasure or play but rather the environmental education that is offered by Australian universities that I feel justifies my monster carbon footprint. I danced around the ethical issues that I was feeling, for if it wasn't for the amazing institutions and unmatched educational experiences that Australia is heralded for, I wouldn't be going. But is that enough?

So Americans aren't walking textbooks, according to a recent study.

The Intercollegiate Studies Institute recently questioned Americans about their knowledge of America's founding principles, political history, international relations and market economy. Those surveyed received an average grade of 44 percent, and more than 1,700 people failed the test. The institute supports a traditional curriculum for students.

The Frogs had 18 players named to All-Mountain West Conference teams this season, a school record.

Eight of the Frogs' 11 starters on defense were named to either the first- or second- All-MWC team, including junior defensive end Jerry Hughes, who was named All-MWC defensive player of the year.

The first-team players are Hughes, senior linebackers Jason Phillips and Robert Henson, senior safety Stephen Hodge, senior center Blake Schlueter and sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Kerley as a return specialist.

I'm all for Think Purple, Live Green, but don't take my Frog Calls away.

I've changed my light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights. I even have an LED flashlight - it's not very good, but I use it. I've inflated my tires, several times, but they still look low. I bring my drinks from home in a reusable container, and I wash my clothes in cold water. I recycle paper in my department and at home. I eat less sugar and drink more water. But if you take my Frog Calls away, you'd be robbing me of a very valuable tool.

Some faculty remain optimistic about student community involvement despite a recent study on American civic literacy, which revealed a major void in civic knowledge among the nation's college students.

The report, "Our Fading Heritage: Americans Fail a Basic Test on Their History and Institutions," is the third study conducted by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting a traditional curriculum.

Just a few more days until the university sidewalks are packed with students, ready to storm the steps of the library. 50-pound backpacks and totes, hoodies accompanied with UGG slippers and a can of Red Bull in whatever hand or pocket is available will invade TCU. The time has come.

The time to pull all-nighters and fill your stomachs with caffeine and sucrose. But is the usual ritual of staying up late and poisoning your body with energy drinks worth it? Maybe. But it certainly is not the right way to get the grade you want.