What constitutes a dead week violation?
According to Student Government President Darrell Broussard, dead week is the five-day period before finals. The University designated this week as a concentrated study period.
The study period officially begins Wednesday, Broussard said. However, some students have expressed problems with the amount of work that still takes place during dead week.
Last semester SG and the Faculty Senate both approved resolutions to clearly define and strengthen the campus policy. The resolution updated the policy in the General Catalog for the first time in years.
Now, during dead week, professors can assign no graded coursework that is worth more than 10 percent of a student’s grade. However, assignments included on the course syllabus at the beginning of the semester are exempt from this rule. Lab courses also are exempt, and students in lab courses take their exams during dead week.
What can a student do if his or her instructor commits a dead week violation?
Broussard said students who feel their instructors have violated the University’s policy can call the dead week hotline SG set up to report violations. The number is 578-TSAT. Students also can fill out forms detailing the violation, he said.
SG evaluates all forms and gives them to the Office of Academic Affairs, which investigates the complaints.
The complaints then are discussed with the instructor and if necessary, steps are taken to change the policy. But often times complaints are just miscommunications.
SG also has displayed several red fliers on campus to remind students how to report violations.
How are the dates and times for final exams determined?
Ruby Brown, administrative specialist in the Registrar’s Office, said the office uses a special formula to determine the times for exams.
However, students often have exams at times different than their scheduled class periods because the Registrar’s Office has to make sure each class has a two to three hours exam period.
Reveille reporters were unable to reach a Registrar’s Office official to give the exact formula for exam times before this issue went to press.
What happens to extra meals on meal plans and Paw Points at the end of the semester?
According to Dining Services marketing director Aprille Wright, the Yearly Tiger 1 and Yearly Tiger 2 meal plans will carry any extra meals and Paw Points over to the spring semester.
However, students on a semester meal plan must use all meals and Paw Points before the end of the semester. Otherwise, they will be voided. Students are allowed to use their extra meals to buy food for friends who are not on their plan. Many students use this option to use up the extra meals before the holidays.
When do campus dining facilities close for the semester break?
Highland and Pentagon dining halls close Dec. 13. Tiger Lair, the food court on the second floor of the Union, will remain open until Dec. 20. The Union McDonald’s, the Mini Mart, the Vet School Snack Bar and Foster’s Cafe all will remain open until Dec. 23.