Eau de Frank: UMass' signature scent

"You just came from Frank, didn't you," my friend turns to ask me, her face distorted in a kind of disgusted but sympathetic expresision. Sheepishly, I smile and confirm her suspisions, leaning my head down to smell the sleeve of my coat. Franklin (or Frank to those in the know), one of the four main dining commons on campus is easily one of the most avoided, despite its relative convenience, due to its distinctive odor. For those who have never entered the building located at the base of Central and across the street from the Fine Arts Center, this scent is something along the lines of old lady breath mixed with wet dog in stagnant air. I am confident that students twenty years ago smelled the same thing when they ate there. Currently under construction, I am hopeful that the smell will disappear once renovations are complete. However, until that time I will have to resort to Fabreezing my jacket and washing my clothes after visiting Franklin for any period of time. Just do yourself a favor: don't go right after you shower. You will just need another after your visit to Frank.