Campus briefs

First day back to full day, NFL referee speaks at Convocation

Students attended full class periods this year instead of the abbreviated 25-minute periods on the first day that the university has implemented for the past two years.

The decision came from the provost's office, in part to offer students a full and productive first day.

But some had different experiences. "Most of my teachers let us out early anyway, so my day felt infinitely longer," said junior Jessica de Leon.

Students then attended the opening day events: university convocation, a community dinner that replaced last year's lunch and the slated entertainment for the night: stand-up comedian Jamie Kennedy.

Convocation keynote speaker Mike Carey, head NFL referee and Santa Clara trustee, spoke openly to the students about a range of issues -- from diversity to the importance of their college experience and making mature decisions.

"No more running to Mom and Dad. No more rebelling from Mom and Dad," said Carey in his speech.

BroncoLink replaces BroncoTrak

The online job search system offered by the Career Center is now powered by BroncoLink by Simplicity instead of the previous BroncoTrak by MonsterTrak.

The Career Center decided to make the switch after MonsterTrak began charging employers to post job positions, which employers did not find favorable.

"We were losing job opportunities for students, and we didn't want that to keep happening," said Courtney Budziak, assistant director of employer relations at the Career Center.

BroncoLink offers new features not available on BroncoTrak, such as a calendar to publicize university events, and a database of in-depth company profiles. BroncoLink also offers students a larger pool of companies to choose from, said Budziak.

"A lot more employers are familiar with it," Budziak said, adding that she thinks the new system is "a lot easier to use."

From staff reports. E-mail news@thesantaclara.com.