Iowa State graduating seniors have plenty to do in the next few weeks to prepare for their exit from college.

This week, they will have an opportunity to say good-bye to professors, socialize with friends and even do some last chance Campaniling during the 1998 Senior Week.

According to Andy Lashier, president of the Senior Class Council and senior in finance, the purpose of Senior Week is to “unite seniors through educational programming and social events, and to promote an understanding of the Alumni Association.”

This year’s celebration kicked off Sunday with a five-kilometer run held in coordination with Veishea festivities.

Throughout this week, seniors can attend farewell receptions hosted by each ISU college. Lashier said these Senior Send-Offs are a new addition to Senior Week.

“We wanted to involve more seniors in our events,” he said. “Lots of the events in the past catered to one group of students, and we want to reach as many seniors as we can.”

Lashier also explained a common misconception about Senior Week — that it is only for seniors. He said all the week’s events are open and free to all ISU students.

“We would just love participation from any students because everybody will be going through this time in their life sometime,” he said.

Other Senior Week events include an educational seminar Tuesday evening at 7 in 1414 Molecular Biology titled “Real World 101: From Backpacks to Briefcases,” intended to assist students in the transition from college to work or graduate school.

Also at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the Maintenance Shop will host Senior Cafe Au Lait, a multicultural extravaganza held in coordination with the Student Union Board.

On Wednesday, the SCC is sponsoring a free ice cream social south of the library at noon. Another food option is a free barbecue near the Campanile at 11 a.m. on Friday, and at 11 p.m., The Shaggy Boys will give a concert there.

All students are invited to “Last Chance Campaniling” at the stroke of midnight Friday. The event is especially designed for those students “who haven’t quite fulfilled the co-ed tradition yet,” said Liza Lucas, SCC vice president and senior in history and Spanish.

“But of course,” she said, “everyone’s welcome.”

A softball tournament is scheduled for Saturday.

Students must register for the tournament in the Student Alumni Association office in the Memorial Union before Wednesday.

The final scheduled event is an informal celebration at Wallaby’s restaurant, 3720 Lincoln Way, on Saturday at 6 p.m.