It’s about time Carleton got a fall reading week.
October is one of the most stressful times of the year for students, just like February in the winter semester. A break would ensure that some of the stress is relieved, with students getting time to study, visit their family, or just relax. Many already go home for the Thanksgiving weekend, and with the reading week not only would they be able to spend more time with their family, but students that live farther out would get a chance to go home as well.
There is also a benefit for students who struggle financially throughout the year. Having a week in October to pick up shifts at work would decrease the financial strain that often happens around that time, and make it easier to concentrate on work during midterm and exam time.
Of course, there are trade-offs. Some years, exams would go to Dec. 23, and fall orientation would be one day shorter. The time between the last day of classes and the start of exams would also be cut down by one day. But giving up a couple of days some years is well worth having a week off every year.
Some say that scheduling exams on Sundays isn’t fair, especially for students with religious obligations. However, some students observe religious days on Saturday and other days, and they are allowed accommodation.
Not only should students support fall reading week, but the administration should as well. It is a good decision where the benefits are greater than the trade-offs. Carleton students deserve this.
