Last spring, administration at DU decided to implement the change of requiring all departments to schedule classes for students on Fridays. In previous years, Friday classes were more an anomaly than the norm; however, this mandate is coercing students into class, a change that isn’t beneficial for a student population that values the freedom of Friday for activities that range from skiing to internships.
This alteration was officially announced in a university letter this past May, citing concern for student well-being and campus image as the main reasons for the change. It is thought that classes on Friday, especially morning classes, will help to decrease the amount of student alcohol abuse that occurs on Thursday nights, as well as decrease incidents of sexual assault. On a related note, classes on Friday would help prepare students for a five-day work week in the ‘real world’ after graduation. It is also reasoned that Friday classes would improve the image of DU as an academic community with more students and professors visible on campus for five days of the week instead of four.
While the intentions of having classes on Friday are logical and thought to be in students’ best interest, the reality of the change isn’t as positive as administration envisioned. According to a petition on change.org, 1,500 students oppose having class on Friday, with good reason.
For prospective students looking at DU, the quarter system and its alternate scheduling pattern is a major selling point. DU’s academic culture is more intense because of the 10-week system combined with lengthy classes (which last for nearly two hours) that typically meet twice per week. Students are attracted to DU because of this rigorous environment, along with the reassurance that classes aren’t typically held on Friday, allowing for an extra day to balance the heavy workload from earlier in the week. Most classes meet on either Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday; throwing a class on Friday into the mix further skews the week’s balance.
In addition, holding classes on Friday takes away opportunities for students to participate outside of the classroom in DU events and the beauty of Colorado. Friday is often counted on as a full ski day during the winter, allowing students to experience new adventures. Easy access to the mountains is a large attraction for DU students, and a lack of Friday classes provides the opportunity to capitalize on Colorado itself without the hassle and madness that comes with the rush of people on the weekends.
Experiencing all that Colorado has to offer is a part of DU’s student culture, plus, 3-day weekends allow time for students to explore beyond Colorado borders in Utah and Wyoming, or to even travel home for a quick hello to family. Though this isn’t part of DU’s academic image, it is still a highly important factor for many students. Plus, the freedom of not having classes on Fridays provides students with the opportunity to seek out internships and jobs that may not be available on weekend days.
Despite the positive intentions for this change, Friday classes are not beneficial for the student population. Though the implementation has been finalized for the coming quarter, many students will try their best to avoid Friday classes, even if that means skipping class in favor of other activities whether it be skiing, internships or partying on Thursday night. Maybe the future will hold opportunity for a compromise between DU and the students, restricting Friday classes to being held solely in the morning or something along those lines. Until then, don’t expect students to be overly enthusiastic when they enter the classroom on Fridays.
