Many Hopkins students seem to feel that there should be a ban on homework over spring break. This situation is very similar to the ban that exists on due dates and exams during reading period.
While the ban aims to prevent professors from assigning work during reading period, it is difficult to enforce and has been a source of biannual concern. The Editorial Board feels that the very idea of a ban, whether it is for reading period or spring break, is innately flawed.
Professors sometimes give exams or collect written assignments during reading period if it is more convenient for their schedules or their students’ schedules. This page feels that the same would happen if a similar ban were imposed for spring break. Professors who want to maximize time and learning will continue to assign work, and there is ultimately very little students or administrators can do to stop it.
It is true that sometimes professors impose inconsiderate assignments during breaks, but it is also true that students frequently agree to work over breaks because it is actually more convenient for them. If the students in a class all agree to a proposed syllabus, they should be allowed to follow it.
The Editorial Staff of The News-Letter believes that instead of petitioning for bans, students should simply accept the amount of work they have over break and budget their time accordingly. If they are truly concerned, they should approach their professor in advance to discuss particularly onerous due dates. Usually professors will consider modifying their syllabi if they are alerted to problems early enough in the semester.
This is Hopkins, after all, and students here are certainly qualified to deal with the amount of work they have over spring break or any other free time. Hopkins is known for rigorous courseloads and many students actually attend Hopkins for this reason. If students know that they will be busy over break, they should naturally try to get their work done earlier.
While this Editorial Board recognizes (and reaps) the benefits of a stress and work-free break, it is both impractical and fruitless for Hopkins to impose a homework ban for vacations.
