2008 Woodie Awards
"Dead Day" revamps students
Improves possibility of academic resurrection
Inga Locke
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Forum
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As universities across the country prepare for finals week students are franticly trying to fit all their studying into their tight schedules.
Some universities will provide a day of no classes before their finals schedule begins for students to use for last minute studying. This day is often referred to as "Dead Day," "Study Day" or a "Reading Day."
Many universities such a Missouri State University, University of Maryland, Norte Dame and others offer anywhere from one to four days of no class as extra study time for students.
There are various opinions both for and against offering a study day from both students and administrations of many universities.
The most common argument against offering a dead day is students will use it as a day just to hang out with friends or sleep in.
"The 'Dead Day' sounds good in theory, but most likely people will do something other than study because it will be the last day everyone is available to get together," said senior Cory Rutledge.
A common rebuttal to that concept is the idea that even if a student is resting on the "Dead Day" and not studying it still allows students to be more focused when they begin to study.
Especially without a fall break, students may experience academic burnout, unable to have the motivation to cram when it is most critical to his/her college career.
"It's a 50/50 thing," said senior Austin Robidou. "Half the students wouldn't use it appropriately, but the other half would use it to study so it would be good because some people do need the extra day to get stuff done."
In every situation there will be a group of people who choose to abuse a situation but if the greater population of students will benefit, then a dead day would be a wonderful use of time.
"During the semesters that I have had an immediate final, 'Dead Day' has been crucial for me," said Missouri State University senior Kevin Moore. "The semesters I didn't have an immediate final 'Dead Day' still helped me to relax and essentially do better on my finals."
Some universities will provide a day of no classes before their finals schedule begins for students to use for last minute studying. This day is often referred to as "Dead Day," "Study Day" or a "Reading Day."
Many universities such a Missouri State University, University of Maryland, Norte Dame and others offer anywhere from one to four days of no class as extra study time for students.
There are various opinions both for and against offering a study day from both students and administrations of many universities.
The most common argument against offering a dead day is students will use it as a day just to hang out with friends or sleep in.
"The 'Dead Day' sounds good in theory, but most likely people will do something other than study because it will be the last day everyone is available to get together," said senior Cory Rutledge.
A common rebuttal to that concept is the idea that even if a student is resting on the "Dead Day" and not studying it still allows students to be more focused when they begin to study.
Especially without a fall break, students may experience academic burnout, unable to have the motivation to cram when it is most critical to his/her college career.
"It's a 50/50 thing," said senior Austin Robidou. "Half the students wouldn't use it appropriately, but the other half would use it to study so it would be good because some people do need the extra day to get stuff done."
In every situation there will be a group of people who choose to abuse a situation but if the greater population of students will benefit, then a dead day would be a wonderful use of time.
"During the semesters that I have had an immediate final, 'Dead Day' has been crucial for me," said Missouri State University senior Kevin Moore. "The semesters I didn't have an immediate final 'Dead Day' still helped me to relax and essentially do better on my finals."
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