Most students attending the panel on calendar reform yesterday at the Institute reform yesterday at the Institute of Politics said they supported the Undergraduate Council's new proposal to change the academic schedule.
Among other changes, the council's proposal sets the beginning of the academic year a week earlier in September and schedules fall semester final exams before a month-long winter break.
Most vacations and semester final exams under the current calendar do not match those of other universities, making it difficult to see college friends back home and secure summer jobs, students said.
"Many summer emeployers want people who can start early," Quang T. Tran '97 said. "Having our school year end sooner would help us compete for summer jobs and get interviews done."
Many students said they support the calendar reform plan mainly because it schedules final exams before what would become a month-long winter break.
Students said they would rather sepnd a "carefree" vacation than one dominated by the prospect of exams.
"It's annoying having your exams hanging way over your head throughout the break," Susan F. Herzlinger '95 said. "A lot of professors assign papers due at the beginning of reading period and that takes away winter break for many people."
Many students who live far away said they find going home for just two weeks an inconventience. But others said they had qualms about the lengthy vacation.
"The month break is actually worse, because after having been home for a month, I don't think I could motivate myself to study again," Tran said.
Other students opposed the calendar change because it lacks a set intersession period.
"During intercession, everyone is basically still here, and it was nice just to be able to hang out with friends for a few days," Robert C. Hyman '97 said.
Most students said they found yesterday's debate helpful and a "I'm disappointed at the turnout," Ravi S.Kamath '97 said
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