Guelph’s study day: is it enough?
The middle of October is a rough transition period for many students. The return to school after a summer off is no longer fun and new. Waking up for an early class is a lot harder when it’s dark and chilly outside. Cold and flu season is beginning, and many students are swamped with midterms and assignments.
Amidst all this autumnal misery is the sad truth: there’s no fall reading week for U of G students. As many other universities have adopted it, a week off from classes to relax or catch up on courses seems like an oasis in the middle of a desert.
“Visiting family or taking time off are also crucial for student wellness.”
Many universities are starting to recognize that students are very vulnerable to mental health issues and physical illness due to constant stress. Visiting family or taking time off are also crucial for student wellness.
Fall reading week does not magically make the semester shorter, however. For Guelph’s fall 2016 semester, classes began on Sept. 8 and exams will conclude on Dec. 16. This month, University of Toronto Mississauga has implemented their very first fall reading week, but classes began on Sept. 6 and exams won’t end until Dec. 20.
It’s also important to note that winter 2017 courses start on Jan. 9 for U of G, while UTM classes begin on the 2nd.
“But working non-stop really does take a toll, so the trade-off could be worth it.”
It’s clear that without a reading week, Guelph has a slightly shorter fall semester and slightly longer winter break. A fall reading week would result in either starting classes earlier in September, ending exams later in December, coming back to school earlier in January, or all of the above.
But working non-stop really does take a toll, so the trade-off could be worth it. A week in the middle of the semester could mean higher grades for those who need to catch up or prepare, or better mental and physical health for those who take most of the time for self-care or to see loved ones.
There may be no way to know if a fall reading week really is the better option unless Gryphons get to try one for themselves.
Photo by Fatima Buela