Where Do We Go Now?

This being examination period, the imminence of second semester seems hard to believe. But even as students sit in Lamont cubicles, surrounded by Core readings that had been assigned in September, the first day of shopping period looms just over two weeks away. Courses need to be selected, and academic plans need to be formed. Faculty members can assist students with this process by doing something that’s both remarkably easy and enormously helpful: posting the syllabi of spring semester courses online during reading period.

Students can shop only so many courses during shopping period, and the rapid pace and short duration of this week are not ideal for thoughtful consideration of academic options. By posting syllabi earlier, professors can help students avoid having to piece together shopping lists the night before classes begin from vague and unhelpful “Courses of Instruction” summaries and CUE ratings. Even tentative syllabi that are subject to change are far more helpful than nothing at all.

Given the chance, many students would begin consideration of their plans for next semester well in advance of shopping week. But without syllabi, students face a void of information and guidance that makes meaningful advance planning virtually impossible.

It’s time for Faculty members to upload their syllabi during reading period. This small step would make all students—especially finals-weary procrastinators slaving away in Lamont cubicles—most grateful.