EDITORIAL: Plea for "Dead Week"

Finals have fallen upon us and again a common question has arisen from perplexed students: Why doesn't UNM have a "Dead Week?"

The positives certainly outweigh the negative, and students would benefit greatly from one week of respite before finals - so why not?

I find myself in the disgruntled position of previously attending a college that had a "Dead Week." And if even West Virginia University can grant its students one week's reprieve, it stands to reason that UNM has no excuse not to do the same. One of the only good things during my enrollment at WVU was "Dead Week." Students don't have papers due or any additional tests to cram for before finals week. It allowed me to study more, and to go into the next week comfortable with the knowledge that I was more prepared to take my finals.

Students who are more relaxed perform better on exams. We know the gravity of final exams, as they often weigh more than any other grade received. The University of California at Santa Barbara's "Dead Week" policy states its purpose as allowing "students time to prepare for final examinations without academic obligations beyond the normal class meetings. Administration of examinations is, therefore, strongly discouraged, and mandatory non-instructional activities require advance approval." That's simply one example.

This is standard policy at most colleges and universities. It's not too much to request. As preparations for a new school year, a new presidential search and new policies begin, this is one matter that can be settled with relatively little debate.

So, on behalf of stressed out students all over campus, I ask the University to consider granting us this boon that so many other higher education institutions already provide. Give your hard-working students a "Dead Week."

Angela Williams

Editory in Chief