At the end of each semester, there is period of time before finals week known as “dead week,” which many understand to be a week meant to provide space for students to finish projects and prepare for exams without the worry of new materials or assignments. But what actually is dead week? Some students drown in homework while others are busy taking multiple exams.
The University of Idaho has officially labeled this week as “no-exam week” under the university catalog, with point H-1-a stating that there will be no quizzes or exams given in lecture-recitation periods during the week before finals week. However, exams in lab periods and in physical education activity classes, final in-class essays in English composition classes and final oral presentations in speech classes are permitted.
Historically, many university courses were lecture-based and relied on cumulative exams to test student knowledge, which often called for dutiful studying in the final days of each semester. As the education system has evolved, professors have developed new ways to monitor student progress aside from exclusively utilizing exam-based instruction.
UI Provost Torrey Lawrence said that he recognized that the definition of no-exam week has been affected over the years by how much the education system has changed.
In a survey conducted of 30 UI students, 93.3% (28) of people claimed to understand the meaning of the term “dead week,” while the other 6.6% (2) said they were aware of it, but unsure of the true definition.
After understanding UI’s official no-exam week policy, only 20% (6) of students surveyed agreed that their professors abide by the standards. The other 80% (24) disagreed, noting their previous experiences did not align with the set expectations.
Vanessa Villelli, a second-year civil engineering student, believes there has been a lack of enforcement amongst many of her courses. For her, this has resulted in frustration.
“Pretty much everyone in the engineering department calls it ‘dead week,’ because you’re actually dying when all of your professors assign so much homework during that week,” Villelli said. “You’re supposed to be studying during that week, supposedly, but that’s not what always happens.”
Freshman Emily Shafer shares a similar attitude with regard to the way no-exam week is enforced. Though her experience is limited to her first semester, she believes there is potential in improving the structure.
“I think dead week could be beneficial to students so they can prepare for finals week, but professors typically still are presenting materials and lecturing during this week,” Shafer said. “I believe students should either get the week off or have optional study sessions during this week.”
When discussing student point-of-view, in his six years as provost, Lawrence noted that he has only received two student-driven complaints about the handling of no-exam week. The lack of negative feedback – considering that 5,109 courses are currently offered in the UI catalog – is something he believes reflects well on the university.
“If we only have a couple complaints – one complaint every couple years – I think we’re doing a good job,” Lawrence continued. “That doesn’t mean we’re in 100% compliance, but obviously it hasn’t created a problem with the students. It’s not something we can really check or actively monitor, nor would that probably be a great use of time.”
As provost, Lawrence said he recognizes that while the university has final say over policies, much of the practice and enforcement is left to the professor’s discretion. To combat any misunderstandings of the week, he urges students to look over course syllabuses in advance.
In a final comment, he noted that should any student or staff member be unsatisfied with university policy, there is space for them to address their grievances.
“I encourage students, if they want to see something change, they have the ability to work with the university to try to accomplish them,” Lawrence said.
Paige Wilton can be reached at [email protected].