It's that time of year again: the week before finals.
For those in the UNM community who are experiencing their first semester at the University, the editors at the Daily Lobo have a little tradition. We write a little editorial begging for a Dead Week. This semester is no different. As a reputable University that respects its students, it should provide a week of respite before finals.
What is a Dead Week? Many of us who have attended other colleges and universities (such as myself) know that it is a week where no new material is to be discussed, no assignments are due and no new projects or papers are to be assigned.
As one of many institutions who have such a policy, Iowa State University reminds its instructors that most students are enrolled in several courses each semester and violating Dead Week guidelines "can cause student workloads to be excessive as students begin their preparation for final examinations." The statement also reminds students that, "their academic curriculum is their principal reason for being in college and they have a responsibility to study in a timely fashion throughout the entire semester."
I see no reason why UNM should not adopt a similar policy. Perhaps it's something for our undergraduate student government to chew on for next semester. I know the Associated Students of UNM Senate has done several beneficial things for undergraduates and a Dead Week would be something just as constructive to the student body it serves.
It's time for the University to give its students a respectful nod and we, as students, should take up the call and ask our student body representatives to help give us a Dead Week to preserve a little of our sanity before finals.
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Angela Williams
Editor in Chief
