There is no better feeling as a college student than knowing you do not have to set an alarm for the following morning, or even get out of bed at all for that matter. In the spring semester, new “Eagle Days” — seven days free of classes — have been implemented into the schedule. At first, this resonated with many students as a wonderful way to get some much-needed rest throughout the semester. However, after seeing them located strictly in the middle of the week, questions have arisen.
Many professors are still assigning just as much work, if not more, because they assume if we have free time, it is more time to be spent on assignments, readings and quizzes. Yet these assumptions go directly against why Eagle Days were implemented. Eagle Days are meant to be used as a time of rest and refueling this spring so we don’t experience the same weariness we did in the fall. They are a replacement for spring break, not meant to be spent doing school work and allowing growing COVID-19 protocols to weigh more on us.
On the other hand, several students said that even if their professors are not assigning work directly on the Eagle Day, then they have stated that they would be sure to give them enough work beforehand to keep them busy. This defeats the purpose of having a day away from class.
As a student athlete, I have an additional perspective. Many other athletes from various teams have stated that their coach will not be giving them off practice on these days. Some have said that they will be extending practice and making it longer to make use of our “free time.” Is it really free time if we do not get to use it how we want it?
On the other hand, some students feel as though the Eagle Days will be beneficial. Junior Bethany Marcum said seeing how many days were given and their placement throughout the semester eased her hesitation. “I think that it will turn out to be a good form of rest for the community,” she said.
