MCT campusA letter to all instructors: When it comes to the end of the semester, we all assume that the work for classes will pile up. It is expected and we try to plan accordingly. You the professors just need to do one simple thing: Let us know in advance!
There are some of us who lead extremely active, busy lives and because of this I ask professors to be aware of this. I’m not saying I do not want to do the work; I just need more notice and not what you think is “plenty of time.” And, please, no add-on, last-minute assignments.
From many professors, each semester, I always hear that famous line: “you will have plenty of time to finish this assignment.” Plenty of time? Time? What is that?
I feel that professors are not aware of the fact that along with their one class, we as students have at least four others. As for me, try seven, and yes, I am actively involved in my major on top of that.
Now I do understand, we as college students are expected to put in a great deal of work and effort into each class, and I do. I am an overachiever, not a slacker, and because of this, I can say I have little to no time for these “unexpected” assignments given with “plenty of time” to accomplish.
I am the type of person who lives my life on a strict schedule that cannot be broken. If my schedule is broken and these extra assignments are added on, well we can basically say, I am screwed.
My typical day usually starts around 8 a.m. and this is not because I have taken all 8:15 classes, it is because I have this much work on my plate.
Now one would assume that maybe I am just a morning person, and the type of person that goes to bed early. I wish!
No, I live at school. Literally I live at school. Just look for me around Founders Hall in the Communications Wing, and I can be found.
I spend so much time in the radio station, newsroom and editing bays.
I am the one who informally opens and closes Founders Hall. Still professors find it oh so important to stress me out assuming to believe I have only their class and there is no problem with adding on assignments.
Now maybe it is my fault and I am too nice. I say yes to helping out others, yes to being the group leader of projects, yes to doing more work and yes to making the assignment better than assigned. What can I say? I am a perfectionist, and feel the only way to get things done is just to do them myself.
I do not want to feel like a complainer, or a person who hates work. Do not get me wrong. I love being busy! But being busy so much to the point that I have no life is not fun!
Professors, there is only one thing I ask of you. Please just be aware that not all students sit around in the dorm with all the time in the world. Not all students are twiddling their thumbs waiting for you to give an unexpected paper or project.
Most of all, if you are giving an assignment, do not just mention it. Write it out on the syllabus at the beginning of the semester.
And most of all, if you plan on having a final, please let us know on the syllabus and not just inform us a week before the semester is over.
