The last day for University of Memphis students to add a class for the fall semester is Sept. 1. However, some students feel that the early deadline makes for insufficient time to adjust their schedules.
“Well, that’s only a couple of classes,” said Sidney D’mello, a graduate student studying computer science. “And really that’s only long enough to walk in and go over the syllabus. It would be nice to have a couple more days just to make sure that you don’t need to switch sections or something,” he said. “When I went to Christian Brothers University I think we got a little longer to decide, more than a week at least.”
Many students want the deadline extended to accommodate changes that may arise in their schedules or personality conflicts with their teachers.
“I really wish that we could switch sections after more than just two classes because I have had some teachers that I absolutely hated and knew after a very short time that it just wasn’t going to work,” said Audra Farmer, a sophomore education major. “It would be really helpful if I could switch sections instead of dropping.”
Not all students think that pushing back the final add date is a good idea. Some believe that many students attempting to add or switch sections after the first week of class will simply generate more confusion during an already hectic time of year.
“It seems to me that teachers have a pretty hard time just trying to figure out who is supposed to be on their rolls as it is, especially in the really big classes,” said Michelle Scott, a sophomore undecided major.
“It wouldn’t be a very good idea for me anyway. If I started a class two weeks behind everyone ... I’m probably not going to do very well. And if I’m not going to do very well, I might as well drop the class.”
Whether or not students agree with the predetermined add date, they will have to abide by it for this year at least. The final word on setting this date rests with U of M registrar Noel Schwartz.
“Historically, the final day to add a class has always been the fourth day of the semester. At least it has been in the 10 years I have been here,” Schwartz said. “All we are trying to do is to give students the opportunity to attend class at least once to ensure that they meet all of the prerequisites,” she said. “I don’t really see that changing at this time.”
