The week before finals, known by most students as Dead Week, got its name for the eerily quiet atmosphere that it brings to campus, according to UA spokesman Chris Bryant. But for many students and faculty, it’s the busiest week of the year.
According to the Faculty Handbook, the week immediately preceding the final examination period each semester is reserved as a time for students to concentrate on completing course work and preparing for final examinations.
During Dead Week, only laboratory examinations omitted from the final examination schedule are permitted and the University prohibits all other examinations and extended assignments, the handbook states.
Mark Nelson, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for academic affairs, said that some mistakenly believe that absolutely nothing can go on during this week, which is not the case.
“For example, a standard reading quiz or pop quiz may be administered during this week,” Nelson said. “Those are not the types of things that students extensively prepare for—they are part of the standard preparation for class. Likewise, if there is an assignment that requires work throughout the semester, then the due date may be during this week.”
Nelson said professors should keep in mind that the majority of the work should ideally be done before study week, and the due date must be noted on the syllabus from the beginning of class. That work should not come as a surprise to the students that they have an assignment due during this week, which would be a violation of the policy.
“But, as the policy states, no other examinations or extended assignments should be made during this time. It is a time for completing one’s course work, concentrated study and preparation for final exams,” Nelson said.
However, Chris Tucker, a sophomore majoring in English literature, said his political science professor cancelled class for the entire week.
“My professor said that he was giving us the week off to prepare for finals,” Tucker said. “It’s nice to know that some professors still respect all the work that students have to do to prepare for the end of the semester.
“I have one class that I have to turn in assignments for on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I feel like that’s just over the line. Professors should recognize that this week is already stressful enough without the extra assignments.”
Lauren Wells, a junior majoring in nursing, said that dead week is one of the most stressful weeks of the year.
“I only have one exam and a writing assignment due this week,” Wells said, “but next week I have two cumulative exams and that I’ve been studying for all semester. It’s definitely a stressful, and I completely understand why it’s called Dead Week. But once finals are over it’s worth it.”
