I don’t know about you, but spring fever seems to be kicking in big time recently for me. Toward the end of spring quarter every year a wave of laziness and desire to play around outside in the sun seems to sweep across campus.

This could be a definite result of the beautiful warming weather, or it could be because of the seemingly endless days of classes. Having such an extended winter break only allows for a short spring break, leaving less than a satisfactory amount of time between winter and spring quarters.

Instead of 10 weeks of school, many students feel that an almost continuous 20 weeks of class time is not only overwhelming, but results in feeling extremely burnt out by the beginning of May. As if this spring fever weren’t overwhelming enough, the fact that all surrounding colleges and universities are finishing up their academic year makes spring quarter at DU even more of a challenge.

Nothing is harder than having to listen to a friend from CU or CSU talk about how their summer has begun when we are still a month away from that reality.

The surprising reality about spring quarter, however, is that teachers seem to be completely oblivious to the fact that their students are unmotivated, uninspired and bored. Many teachers continue to conduct their classrooms despite the low levels of participation among lazy students, without even realizing why the classroom seems to be so dull.

It is understandable to expect the same level of student excitement and dedication year round, however it is not necessarily the reality around campus these days. Spring quarter may show the lowest GPA’s around campus, as well as the least busy school schedules. Many students spend the spring quarter planning and partaking in events outside of classes, as well as creating plans for the summer.

So much energy is withdrawn from the seminars because students find it near impossible to stay focused in the darkness of a classroom while they can hear laughing and see playful events on the other side of the windows.

Hopefully teachers around campus do not get offended by the lack of attendance or participation in their classes-in my opinion, it would be fun for them to get involved and try teaching some classes outside in the sun!

The more sunshine on campus, the happier the students are. Why not try to stimulate this happy atmosphere by moviing lectures to the Campus Green? If nothing else, at least the students will be smiling. The sunny, warm days draw people to the outdoors where they can socialize, sunbathe and relax.

After weeks of studying and cold, students look forward to the month of May as a time to unwind and re-energize for the summer ahead.

There is also a packed schedule on campus with many university and Greek events. Who would be able to resist the temptation to ride on a see saw in the sunshine?

Overall, springtime may be an academically unmotivated time in the year for students, but it is definitely a plus for the well being around campus.

Head out to the Campus Green to throw a Frisbee, participate in a campus event or even whip out those textbooks and get some studying done. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy the gorgeous Colorado springtime.