ASSU. An acronym for the Associated Students of Stanford University, the undergraduate student government. New ASSU President Elizabeth Heng and Vice President Lauren Graham will take the helm and try to fulfill campaign promises like making Dead Weak dead and reviving the Mausoleum Party.

Band, the. Known less for their music and more for their crazy attire and scrambling antics on the football field, the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band (LSJUMB) provides unconventional forms of entertainment across the campus and sports arenas. The Band’s unprecedented stunts have resulted in bans from places like Notre Dame University, the state of Oregon, Disneyland and CBS, just to name a few, in addition to an extension of their alcohol probation until 2007. But that doesn’t stop students from drunkenly racing across campus on the annual band run, dancing along to Stanford’s fight song “All Right Now.”

Claw. A focal point at the center of campus, the Claw is a nickname for the fountain between the Bookstore and Old Union. A favorite for fountain hoppers on hot days, the Claw draws its name from its contorted shape. Regardless of the brutality its name might invoke, the Claw is a popular spot to lounge and an important marker on campus.

Daily, The. Providing students with the most widespread coverage of campus news and Cardinal sports, The Stanford Daily is home to a dedicated band of sleep-deprived journalists. You can look for The Daily in locations all across campus, particularly rolled up in balls on the floors of MemAud on Sunday nights following the ritual paper fights at Flicks.

Eating Clubs. As an alternative to large dining halls, some student housing gives residents an opportunity to join a themed eating establishment known as an eating club. Available to Toyon and Suites residents, eating clubs have a personal chef for their members and a reputation for some of the best food on campus.

Frat parties. Saturated with the aura of horny and overworked students, these campus-wide events are a popular hangout for fostering fleeting and often regretful relationships. Under the influence of beer and rap blaring across a dimmed dance floor, freshman girls become susceptible to sketchy frat boys and roofie coladas.

Graduate Student Council. Also known as the GSC, the graduate student version of the ASSU has a less controversial, lower-key image than its undergraduate counterpart. It serves the needs of the graduate community on issues like housing and cost of living.

Hoover Institution. A conservative think tank located by the phallic-looking monument on campus, the Hoover Institution is home to eminent political figures like Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice. The Hoover’s political slant has historically been controversial given its ties to a university with a disproportionately liberal student body. During the run-up to the war in Iraq, many students directed their opposition at Hoover Fellows who comprised a quarter of the Defense Policy Board - a key advising group to top members at the Department of Defense. In spite of protests and harsh criticism of the institution for being “hawkish,” the Hoover Institution continues to attract a plethora of politicians, journalists and noteworthy figures for campus-wide panels and discussions.

I-Center. A nickname for the Bechtel International Center, located near Tresidder Union. It provides programming and resources for international and foreign-born students and scholars.

Jamba Juice. A refreshingly smooth drink reportedly a favorite for those recovering from hangovers, Jamba Juice and its wide assortment of flavors are a tempting diversion when walking around Tresidder.

Kairos. Part of the co-op community, which features the rare sight of students cooking and cleaning for themselves. The co-ops range from hippie havens like Columbae and Synergy to the more conventional international co-op Hammarskjold. Look for co-opers dancing naked through Full Moon on the Quad.

Lake Lagunita. The irony of the name comes from the perpetual lack of water in the weed-covered field on the east side of campus. If the rainy season at the beginning of winter quarter is particularly heavy, a few inches of water accumulation will permit a primitive rafting experience. Such evening get-togethers tend however to be broken up by Stanford police concerned with incidents of drunken drowning.

Maples Pavilion. The stadium has been home to many unbelievable come-from-behind victories and fan stampedes. The Sixth Man Club, composed of students holding season tickets to home games, started a riot in 2004 after Nick Robinson made a buzzer-beater 3-point shot during one of most legendary seasons in Stanford’s history.

No dating. The common rumor that there is no dating at Stanford stems from a campus plagued with overcommitted students who either budget their time to invest in a marriage-like relationship or settle for a one-night stand. However, debunkers say that the rumor is only true for those who believe in it.

Okada. The Asian-themed dorm, one of four ethnically themed dorms on campus. The others are Casa Zapata (Latino), Ujamaa (black), and Muwekma-Tah-Ruk (Native American).

Palm trees. Though not indigenous to northern California, the presence of palm trees contributes to a general envy from East Coast schools that must limit their botanical ambitions to conifers. Palm Drive, the scenic entrance to the Stanford campus, is famous for its namesakes. That’s good, as each individual palm tree costs $30,000 for Stanford to maintain.

Queer. A word that incorporates the many different members of the LGBT-CRC - lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Community Resource Center. With dorm and campus programs dedicated to sexual awareness, safe sex, and defining one’s sexual identity, the LGBT community plays host to candid discussions about issues prevalent among young adults.

RAs. Responsible for dorm spirit and organizing social activities, students continually tout their RAs for a balance of compassion and coolness. The dedication of RAs at Stanford is unparalleled, some so involved (and sketchy) with the students that they violate the red light policy.

Shibu. Former owner of Ernie’s, a Stanford favorite for quality beverages. As a friendly store clerk who made friends easily and gave free paraphernalia with purchases, Shibu could often be found frequenting campus-wide parties at Stanford. Shibu went to India at the end of last year, leaving behind him a legend that will live in the hearts of Stanford students with every Friday night Ernie’s beer run.

Tree. The Band mascot, though not the official mascot of the University. Until 1972, the Stanford mascot was the Indians. But it was abandoned because many considered it racist. Though a number of suggestions and student-wide initiatives have since tried to change the mascot from color Cardinal, no official measure has given Stanford a new alias. Nonetheless, the beloved Tree continues to play a de facto mascot role during sports events.

Uncle John’s Band. One of the largest of the off-campus Dead Houses, which are a cluster of houses in Palo Alto named after Grateful Dead songs. Undergraduate and graduate students can sublet rooms and enjoy an alternative social community.

Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. John Bravman is responsible for building partnerships among the various schools and departments on campus. His office focuses on academic programs, as well as undergraduate teaching, advising and research. Bravman also sponsors lavish BBQs for his charges at Freshman and Sophomore College, which he oversees.

Women’s Community Center. Founded in the 1970s and currently located in the Fire Truck House, it is where the needs and interests of Stanford’s female students are met. It is one of six community centers on campus.

Xanadu. One of the most sought-after houses on the Row, a treasured place of dwelling for those who enjoy open kitchens and don’t mind the hashing. With the exception of the Native American-themed Muwekma-Tah-Ruk, a four-class dorm, and fraternities, the Row is reserved exclusively for upperclassmen with good draw numbers.

Yoga. A relaxation technique teaching students all the flexible positions, yoga classes have become increasingly popular among students who now sport yoga mats sticking out of school bags.

Zoo, The. The affectionate nickname for Stanford’s student radio station, KZSU (90.1 FM).