It only occurs twice a year and happens at the end of each semester and has become a tradition for all students. No, we aren’t talking about the Hillsborough Hike, we’re referring to Dead Week. For as long as some people can remember, the week of classes prior to final exams has been named Dead Week in an attempt to aid students in their preparation for final exams.

The University has even gone far as stating in official policy (REG 02.20.14) that “in order for students to prepare for final examinations, faculty members may not assign other tests, quizzes or additional papers during the final week of classes.” However, before that statement in the policy it says, “lab tests and semester project reports and presentations are permissible during the final week of classes.”

With the confusing language on what professors are allowed and are not allowed to assign and when, the University should scrap the current Dead Week formula and instead schedule reading days. Administrators need to consider taking the last Thursday and Friday of the last week of classes and give students time to study and prepare for their final exams.

During these two days off, the University should encourage professors to hold optional review sessions for students to attend so they may be prepared as best they can for the final exam. These review sessions would give students additional instruction time with the professor to review material that they may have not gone over since August. Also, since the review sessions are optional, the professor can see who is putting in the extra effort, which could be reflected in students’ grades.

For many students, Dead Week stresses them out more than the actual week of finals. Having these days off will allow students to manage their stress in the way that is best for them. The University could see an increase in the stress-buster program it puts on by having these two days when students can come and go at their leisure and get their minds off books for a little while.

It’s clear that Dead Week, in its current form, is failing students. Now is the time that University administrators must examine and come up with a new approach to the last week of classes.

The students have spoken through the amount of stress they have incurred during the week. The question now is will their voices be heard?