Students of this University have been calling for reading days for several years. Now thanks to the initiative of Amber Joyner and other members of the Student Senate, a proposal is in the works to implement reading days for the 2009-2010 school year. It’s refreshing to see student leaders accomplishing the desires of their constituents, and the success of this proposal should serve as an example of the kinds of realistic goals Student Government representatives should set in the future.

As part of this effort, we have seen outstanding collaboration between Student Government and the Registration, Records and Calendar committee. The committee approved the proposal for reading days unanimously and has expressed its support to the rest of the administration. This department has listened to students’ requests and should be commended for its cooperation.

According to Joyner, reading days would take place during Dead Week and there would be no formal classes held. She said it would be an opportunity for students to study for upcoming exams. As part of this day off, students would have the opportunity to attend special review sessions.

Joyner said her committee is currently drafting a proposal to present to Provost Larry Nielsen. And after meeting with Nielsen on Tuesday, she said he expressed a willingness to approve whatever proposal the academics committee developed. Nielsen is expected to voice his decision within the next four or five weeks.

One factor in the success of this initiative was online and paper petitions, which were signed by more than 1,700 individuals. This is truly a cause that the students have gotten behind and the administration has, thus far, responded accordingly. It is evident that if properly organized, students cannot be ignored by campus officials.

In considering the merits of this plan, Nielsen should bear in mind the large body of support, both student and administrative, that is already backing the reading days proposal. Registration and Records has already listened to the student body’s desires on this matter, so Nielsen should follow suit and act in our interest. This is an initiative that will surely benefit future generations of University students.