Dead Week. Hell Week. Whatever you prefer.

The once vibrant South Oval sits empty and cold as
students flock to the nearest library to prepare for finals.

Dead week. The words strike fear in every student’s heart as finals approach and the end of the semester draws near.  Unsuspecting freshman could mistake dead week as a chance to catch his or her breath, to finish homework and papers, and prepare for finals.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that at OU. While the University policy states that no more than 10% of a student’s final grade can be assigned or due on dead week, many professors are starting to disregard the rules in order to play catch up, or speed up finals, allowing them to grade and go home earlier.

Many students have taken up writing angry letters to the faculty senate, including UOSA, the student government at OU, who asked for a review of OU’s policy on Dead Week, changing the rule of no more than 10 percent to no more than five percent. The Faulty Senate knocked the bill down, in a vote of 19-12.

            “I wish that Dead Week actually allowed us to catch up on studying and sleep, instead of doing big assignments or tests the week before finals. It’s kind of a let down, to realize that you have so much more to do before school lets out.” said Rachel Barclay, a nursing junior at the OU Health Science Center.

            While some students offer their opinion on Dead Week and how they need a break, others welcome the early work and opportunities to take tests early and finish tasks.

            “Dead week actually gives me a chance to power through the week and finish a lot of things early, and it prepares me for my exams while finishing other work.” Said Ally Rahill, a Letters junior.

            Whether students prefer the way Dead Week is right now or not, the policy of teachers offering early exams or assigning more work on Dead Week is not allowed. Without the chance for UOSA or the University to review the policies until 2014, it looks like things will stay the same.