December 11,2003 60LCR#2
Reading Day
Sponsored by: Joseph
Kaiser Engineering
Co-Senator
Eugene
Pearson Arts &
Sciences Co-Senator
Authored by: Joseph
Kaiser Engineering
Co-Senator
A
Resolution
Resolution
History
The University of Colorado at Boulder removed the
break between the end of classes and the beginning of the Final Exam period. Historically, reading days existed at CU but were lost as Maymester and fall break were added. The CU Law School currently has a reading day before
their finals begin, yet no such reading day exists for undergraduates at the
University of Colorado at Boulder. Some
professors have resorted to eliminating their final day of instruction in order
to give students an opportunity to benefit from a reading day. In 1998, when implementation of fall break
was being discussed with the BFA, Representative Council Chair David Daniel
expressed to the council that the UCSU did not desire to have the reading day
eliminated to get Fall Break.
Resolution
Summary
This resolution asks that the University of Colorado
at Boulder reinstate reading days because the lack of a reading day is
detrimental to the learning environment at CU.
This resolution also lists some of the grievances of the student body
which are a direct result of the absence of a reading day.
Whereas: Students have an extremely limited time to study for final exams; and
Whereas: Final exams start on the day following the last
day of class during Spring and Fall academic semesters, thus allowing less than
twenty-four hours to study; and
Whereas: Final exams have a tremendous impact on course
grades; and
Whereas: It is very stressful for students to study for
final exams under even the best of conditions; and
Whereas: Less than twenty-fours hours to study for a final
exam is not enough time to study for
a final exam; and
Whereas: The elimination of Reading Days limits the types of finals that professors can administer to their class, thus damaging the integrity of this academic institution; and
Whereas: Allowing for a minimum of two calendar days for the purpose of studying for final exams would dramatically reduce the negative stress and related health impacts for students.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the
Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union, THAT:
Section 1:
The UCSU demands the reintroduction of
reading days.
Section 2: The student body stands to benefit from the positive health benefits of reading days.
Section 3: The academic environment at the University of Colorado at Boulder stands to benefit from the reintroduction of reading days.
Section 4: Copies of this resolution are to be sent to President Hoffman, Chancellor Bynny, the Dean of every College and School at the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Boulder Faculty Association, the Vice-Chancellors of Student Affairs, Administration, and Academic Affairs, the Board of Regents, and the Colorado Commission of Higher Education.
Section 5: This resolution takes effect upon passage by the Legislative Council and signing by the Tri-Executives.
12-11-03 Passed Acclamation
1-15-04 Passed Acclamation