A new policy instituted by Registration and Records has inserted two Reading Days in between the end of classes and the start of exams. Their dates are Dec. 7 and 8. According to the Registration and Records Web site, the purpose of Reading Days is to allow for review and studying before the start of final exams. Classes and other formal meetings will not be held during this time.
David Boyd, a senior in international studies, said when one’s exams are determines if the days are helpful or inconvenient.
“It’s good for people who feel like they need extra days. It’s bad for those who have exams much later and therefore have to wait that much longer. It depends which group you fall into,” he said.
The three-year academic calendar, which can be found on the Registration and Records Web site, has Reading Days for the next three years, meaning the change is permanent for the next three years.
Alex Donne, a sophomore in business administration, said he is not really affected by the addition of Reading Days.
“I don’t think it’ll change much of my exam or studying schedule, I’ll study just as much as if I didn’t have those two days,” he said.
In a report to the Board of Trustees students recommended that Reading Days be added to the calendar on March 25, 2008.
The report stated the Academic Policy and Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate worked to find a calendar that fits all colleges’ schedules.
“The Faculty Senate [has worked] with students, the registrar and professors of large multi-section lab courses in an effort to develop a calendar that can accommodate both Reading Days and affording the maximum number of days for lab course offerings,” the report said.
Professor of psychology Amy Halberstadt said the idea of Reading Days is beneficial but the reality of their execution might differ.
“In theory I think Reading Days are wonderful. Students are so bedraggled by the end of the semester that having some time to review and consolidate what they have learned seems like a good idea. Turning a good idea into reality, however, may pose a challenge to another important goal, which is to not overburden students with too many exams on the same day,” she said.
During exams D.H. Hill is open for 24 hours which will not change for Reading Days.
Rob Rucker, head of research and information services for University libraries, said during exam week there will be opportunities for refreshments for late night visitors.
“We will be offering late night coffee and doughnuts during exam weeks on days that will be announced closer to exam days. We do not have anything specific planned for Reading Days besides the extended hours of operation,” he said.
Carly Fancher, a junior in nutrition science, said the pros and cons for Reading Days vary but when asked if she will be studying in the library she said she will not.
“It’s nice to not have class for two extra days, and having exams pushed back a little. I won’t be coming to the library though because I think everyone will come and I’m not sure how much room there will be,” she said.
Rucker said the library expects many students during it’s 24-hour service for finals.
“We regularly have over 1,000 people in the building late in the evening and expect lots during Reading Days as well,” he said.
Lisa Davis, a freshman in animal science, said she would continue to come to the library during the time leading up to finals.
“I’m in the library a lot already so during Reading Days I’ll keep coming back,” she said.
Jeffrey Allen, a graduate teaching assistant in the Foreign Language department, did not have Reading Days at James Madison University, his alma matter, but thinks the idea is worth a try.
“I have always been curious about Reading Days’ effectiveness. In theory, I do agree with the idea and I think there are some students who would actually use this opportunity to study while others may simply squander their time away. Personally, I don’t think it would be a bad idea to poll the student body to see how useful they found the Reading Days, the answer might be surprising,” he said.
