OUR OPINION: The University is making an effort to make Dead Week less stressful for students, but it needs to do more to ensure the week is used to review for exams.Dead Week is here, and with it comes knowledge that exams are looming.

The University and other on-campus organizations have done some good work in making Dead Week a decent experience for students. In the fall of 2009, the University will introduce reading days after the last day of Dead Week, giving students more time to study.But the University should do more. It should enforce the rules regarding final projects and tests during Dead Week and create more programs to help make the week less stressful for students.The University’s regulations regarding tests and examinations (02.20.14) states:”Lab tests and semester project reports and presentations are permissible during the final week of classes. Papers and homework may have a due date during the final week of classes only if scheduled in the syllabus. However, in order for students to prepare for final examinations, faculty members may not assign other tests, quizzes or additional papers during the final week of classes. Assignments should not have a due date during the final exam period unless the assignment constitutes a part of the final exam.”Student Senate has passed at least three bills regarding Dead Week, all criticizing the University for not enforcing regulations designed to give students an opportunity to use this week for review of the materials.Reading days are supposed to ease this burden by giving students two additional days to study for final exams. The University should give students more time to study and less stress before exams by enforcing this rule. The University should also do more to make Dead Week an enjoyable experience. Programs like the late hours for dining halls and reduced price coffee at the convenience stores on campus are good ideas.Other organizations like Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow and the Union Activities Board also hold events to help students keep stress to a minimum. These and other organizations should look to keep up the good work and consider creating more programs.But for this Dead Week, students should take advantage of the programs and perks the University and other organizations are offering.You may wish you were dead at the end of Dead Week, but the end of the semester is only a little more than two weeks away.