Here at The University of Memphis, students are allowed 15 minutes to get from class to class -- and some say the allotted time just isn't enough.
Alex Covarrubias, a sophomore international business major, said he is often late to classes because he socializes with his friends. He said The University should extend the time from 15 minutes to 20 minutes.
"I don't think it is enough time," Covarrubias said. "Time flies when I am chatting to my friends, and then I end up being late for my class. They should extend it -- I need more time to socialize. What if I need to go to the bathroom?"
For students who have classes near or across the railroad tracks, an occasional wait on a crossing train could further delay their efforts to get to class within the 15- minute limit.
Michelle Goldsby, a junior accounting major, said she also believes the allotted time should be extended to 20 minutes so all students have a chance to get to their classes on time.
"I have no problems getting to class," Goldsby said. "Maybe they should extend it because I know a lot of people do have problems, especially coming from where the tennis stuff is, then coming to a building all the way over here. I think they should extend it maybe five minutes."
To ensure they get to class on time, some students said they try to arrange their schedule so their classes and buildings are close to one another. Michelle Valldejuli, sophomore business major, said she planned her schedule so all her classes are close to each other.
"For me, it is enough time to get from class to class," Valldejuli said. "I schedule my classes so the buildings are close to one another. This way, I am never late and have plenty of time to talk with friends."
Getting to class on time is very important, not only to students but also to teachers. Often, teachers enforce strict attendance policies and keep record for each tardy, thus lowering a student's grade.
"All of my teachers this semester are lenient about coming to class late," Covarrubias said. "But I have had teachers with strict attendance policies before. They would count off from their attendance grade every time someone was late."
Detrick Osler, junior business major, said there is enough time to get from class to class, as long as students do not make any stops.
