Word: calendars
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...even call it J-term anymore? When the College administration announced its revolutionary calendar reform last year, it included in its statement vague plans for a three-week term to begin in January. Possible conceptions of a “January Experience” included opportunities for students to pursue research, travel, internships, or academic study, as is the case at many peer universities. On Monday, however, Deans Michael A. Smith and Evelynn M. Hammonds issued a campus-wide e-mail confirming what many had feared—that the College had opted against providing any structured programming for undergraduates...
...major arguments in support of calendar reform was the possibility of an extended recess with new opportunities that would present themselves during that time. Many imagined J-term as a chance to explore new topics and non-academic interests on campus without the stresses associated with term-time commitments. By aborting plans for structured programming and forcing a majority of students off campus, the administration will effectively remove a large array of opportunities for students, including those who would have used the time to pursue independent projects on campus...
...proverbial “Harvard bubble” between semesters. Ultimately, uproar over this issue may be out of line, in that few may have taken advantage of officially sanctioned programs anyway. Nevertheless, the abrupt reversal of plans exposes the administration’s unpreparedness with implementing calendar reform. Rather than first creating a clear plan for how the College would utilize the new January recess, the administration announced the change, and only a year later, decided how to approach the new three-week block...
...predictably, many students are crying foul at this announcement as a missed opportunity for further College-directed programming opportunities. A stress-free break—what seemed for me to be the crown jewel of calendar reform—has irrationally become, in the eyes of my peers, yet another epic administrative blunder...
...such, I cautiously applaud the deans’ decision to remain hands-off. Five stress-free, unstructured weeks of time without impending exams around the corner is an exhilarating idea and a welcome departure from the old calendar. The only unfortunate part of the move not to offer classes is that it comes merely as a result of the financial crisis and not out of genuine administrative concern for students’ mental health. The perfect five-week break should be self-determined and uncompetitive—even if the College is able one day to devote money to hashing...