Spring Break
Editorial: Books over wallets
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
12/04/08 - It's crunch time. Final exams are looming around the corner.
The problem is, so are the holidays ... along with final papers, projects and all of the busy work that magically appears in stacks at the end of the semester.
It's almost too easy to get distracted with everything going on, but this is the last chance students have to focus on education without worrying about being completely on their own with an ever-growing mountain of responsibilities and hardships. While the non-academic problems students face day-to-day might seem more important right now, in the great scheme of things, it would be a great disservice to put them ahead of studying for finals.
The grade at the end of the semester is what is going to propel students forward when looking for a job after graduation. The key to life is to think in the long-term - don't concentrate on the quick fixes.
Some ways to shut out the distractions, including television, Facebook and noisy roommates, is to find your "zen" place. It doesn't have to be the library, either.
Some students absorb more information on comfy couches in Brewed Awakenings or in the airport lounge of the Memorial Union than in the quiet basement of the University Library. It's important to recognize learning styles - some perform better with a completely silent environment while others ace their philosophy tests with help from their iPods and their living rooms.
It's also good to take breaks in between studying segments. Walk around, get some air or grab some juice and popcorn from the kitchen. If students choose not to study at home, it's always good to have refreshments and sustenance on hand for those desperate moments. Just don't overdo it on the coffee and remember that caffeine pills have a devastating crash-effect after they've fulfilled their purpose.
Lastly, don't cram. Studying becomes easier if you take it in pieces. It's also helpful if a question comes up before the exam - it leaves ample time for a professor's response.
It's the hardest feat for a procrastinator, but with the amount of time the university gives for exams, students are bound to have some that are spread out. Also, final exam policy states that if students have more than two exams scheduled in one day they can request to take the exam for the class that meets latest in the week on another date.
Professors cannot unilaterally and arbitrarily change the date of final exams posted on the university calendar either. They must first receive permission from Enrollment Services to make any definite changes.
The rules also attempt to protect students from professors who feel like administering "exams" during the last five days of classes that are in session. Exams during reading days are not permitted.
The problem is, so are the holidays ... along with final papers, projects and all of the busy work that magically appears in stacks at the end of the semester.
It's almost too easy to get distracted with everything going on, but this is the last chance students have to focus on education without worrying about being completely on their own with an ever-growing mountain of responsibilities and hardships. While the non-academic problems students face day-to-day might seem more important right now, in the great scheme of things, it would be a great disservice to put them ahead of studying for finals.
The grade at the end of the semester is what is going to propel students forward when looking for a job after graduation. The key to life is to think in the long-term - don't concentrate on the quick fixes.
Some ways to shut out the distractions, including television, Facebook and noisy roommates, is to find your "zen" place. It doesn't have to be the library, either.
Some students absorb more information on comfy couches in Brewed Awakenings or in the airport lounge of the Memorial Union than in the quiet basement of the University Library. It's important to recognize learning styles - some perform better with a completely silent environment while others ace their philosophy tests with help from their iPods and their living rooms.
It's also good to take breaks in between studying segments. Walk around, get some air or grab some juice and popcorn from the kitchen. If students choose not to study at home, it's always good to have refreshments and sustenance on hand for those desperate moments. Just don't overdo it on the coffee and remember that caffeine pills have a devastating crash-effect after they've fulfilled their purpose.
Lastly, don't cram. Studying becomes easier if you take it in pieces. It's also helpful if a question comes up before the exam - it leaves ample time for a professor's response.
It's the hardest feat for a procrastinator, but with the amount of time the university gives for exams, students are bound to have some that are spread out. Also, final exam policy states that if students have more than two exams scheduled in one day they can request to take the exam for the class that meets latest in the week on another date.
Professors cannot unilaterally and arbitrarily change the date of final exams posted on the university calendar either. They must first receive permission from Enrollment Services to make any definite changes.
The rules also attempt to protect students from professors who feel like administering "exams" during the last five days of classes that are in session. Exams during reading days are not permitted.
