What is Syllabus Week?

I have heard friends from other universities brag about how enticing the first week of class can truly be. This is all thanks to the trusty syllabus. For those of you who don’t know a syllabus is a fairly large packet that gives all of the course related information including but not limited to: office hours, assignments, attendance requirements, rules and procedures. At many school’s syllabus week is a time to stay up all night, sleep all day, and barely make it to class on time. I for one am very jealous of these students because I have never experienced a syllabus week at my university.

This week is known as syllabus week where professors discuss the syllabus with students for a few minutes and dismiss them shortly after. Syllabus week is known for countless parties and late nights.

As my first day of class has come to a close I am already overwhelmed- while my friends attending other universities have no idea how I am feeling. Although I only attended two classes today I am also taking two online classes which are never a walk in the park. If you ask me online courses much harder than in-class ones; but that’s a topic for another time.

My first day of class included two syllabus quizzes (yes, you heard that correctly. I was quizzed on the syllabus, not once, but twice), two lengthy lectures, extensive note-taking, my first writing assignment, and I was also assigned the first ten chapters of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A mundane introduction to a course is worthwhile when the student is not required to do anything besides show up to class on time.

I couldn’t imagine a week of freedom that involved showing up to class without a care in the world- I doubt these students even bring writing utensils to class.

I will always be jealous of those college students that get to experience syllabus week. While you are all out enjoying yourselves please take a drink for me.