Reading week is a time to take a break from assignments, de-stress in the middle of the semester, and maybe even catch up on some readings.
If that’s the case, then why should there be one during the winter and not one during the fall?
Both semesters are the same length, so it’s logical to have a week-long break to even out the workload of both semesters.
On top of that, a reading week in fall would especially benefit first-year students. They are just getting started with their university careers, and could use the break to collect themselves.
On Nov. 12, the University of Waterloo held a referendum on the introduction of a fall reading week, and 74 per cent of students were in favour of bringing it in.
The University of Saskatchewan also announced they were going to start with fall reading week.
After two trial years, the referendum results at Carleton should reflect what the results at other universities have shown: a reading week during the fall is something students want.
It should be consistent across the province. For this to happen, Ontario schools should congregate and decide on one collective week. That way students can go home, see their friends, and there is no confusion with dates.
An ideal week would be connected to the Thanksgiving weekend, it’s the most logical choice as a good mid-way point.
With a fall reading week, everyone benefits.
