Comments on: Fall reading week coming in 2013

By: Brittany

Brittany — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:04:23 +0000

I think this is a great idea, especially for students who get behind in their readings because we all know how difficult it can be to catch up once you get behind. Other universities enforce this policy as well and since they haven’t revoked it, I’m assuming that it has not caused problems as of yet.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:41:59 +0000

Will the Teacher Education program get this break as well?

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:49:13 +0000

I would just like to say something to everyone who is saying that the ‘real’ world is harder than University. Yes, in the ‘real’ world you have to work, buy groceries, clean your house, pay your rent/mortgage, car payments. Sometimes you have kids to look after or relationship issues to deal with etc. I would like to point out that many students are doing all of these things already. Going to school everyday, bringing hours of homework home with them every night… and paying way more money than we have to be here! Saying that University is not part of this ‘real’ world is insulting to those of us trying to juggle all of this. It’s not easy.

By: marlene (parent)

marlene (parent) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:38:47 +0000

I feel having a week off is fantastic as the university year is a stressful year and will give extra time to complete assignments/study, etc to help reduce the stress/workload… …my concern is jaming the exams into 10 days instead of 12 days having exams 4 times throughout the day rather than 3 times a day will be even more STRESSFUL for students having the exams closer together not leaving much time to study, as there is not enough time now. This will create more of a stressload at exam time, but reduces stress at the fall break. So how is this solving the problem??? One problem is solved creating another problem. Maybe more thought should be given before changes are made.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 23:59:05 +0000

@ Stella, Let me begin by saying I also am a mature student, I have run my own business, and had a career in marketing. I have a family, mortgage, bills, and so on. I also suffer from a severe mental illness. I do not think that anybody implies a week of is going to fix a mental health issue, however, it is a much appreciated rest for many, and positive for everyones mental health. No the “real world” is not more stressful than university. In the “real world” we get paid vacation, paid to work, and if we are lucky enough many extra perks that go along with working. Perhaps you have a high stress tolerance and that is great for you. But, the majority of the students I know find that “mere” month and a half into the term, the most stressful part of the term. The workload is intense, midterms are taking place, and the pressure is on. And as far as the “you must go to university stigma.” Just because somebody struggles through university, does not mean they are in over their heads. It is a fact that having a degree will get anybody further, should they decide to put it to use, than those that are uneducated or those that go into a trade. People with mental health issues deserve the right to educate themselves and be successful too. We are not any different than you, research top executives and CEOs that have bipolar. I’m sure they struggled through university and they are some of the most brilliant, and highest paid people. I for one greatly appreciate having a week to collect my thoughts, mentally prepare for the remainder of the term, and enjoy time with my family. If you feel it is a waste of time, spend the week in the library educating yourself on just how stressful university can be for the majority of students.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:06:27 +0000

Jaimie,
It’s fairly simple - exams currently run at 3 times through each exam day (9am, 2pm and 7pm, I believe) and the entire exam period is 12 days…. the new exam period will be shortened to 10 days and exams will run at 4 times through the day.

By: jaimie

jaimie — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:26:07 +0000

So exams will not be going longer this coming fall?

what does 10days/4 periods mean?

By: Ghislaine Clouthier

Ghislaine Clouthier — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:52:20 +0000

You will not lose course days. There will still be 60 teaching days, same as a normal Fall.
However, we will no longer need the extra 2 lab days for sciences, and instead of 12 days/3 periods, exams will run over 10 days/4 periods.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:59:20 +0000

I’m happy to see this implemented. I am a mature student that has lived and worked in the “real” world. I coped well in the work force and I cope well in university life but a break will be welcomed in the fall as it is in the winter term. I juggle school, a family, a home, bills, etc on my own and having a week to keep up on readings, write essays or just enjoy my daughter sounds like a great plan to me!

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 06:09:26 +0000

Well it is about time. I think we’re the last university to do this.