As Grand Marshal Week approaches there should be a sense of excitement brewing within the RPI student body. However, this is hardly the case as RPI students continue to feel the pressure of a burdensome work load, tests, and the time overlap at which many GM Week events are scheduled.
GM week is supposed to be a time of relaxation and fun for already worn out students, and an occasion where many apathetic students can observe and relish the many activities offered by the Union and the school. The administration, in order to facilitate the enjoyment of GM Week by all students requested that teachers decrease the number of assignments given, and not schedule tests. Unfortunately for the students, many professors have chosen to not heed the administration’s call. Test are still being scheduled and class obligations continue to pile up, preventing students from being able to take full advantage of all the slate of activities scheduled throughout the week.
Poor planning is another setback to GM Week’s ability to give students the pleasant experience they deserve. For example, election results will be announced on Friday night at 10 pm at the Houston Field House. Why was such an unusual time and location chosen? The last thing students want to do on a Friday night is haul themselves up to the Field House to hear election results. Wouldn’t a more central location like the Union be more appropriate and quite possibly better attended?
Overall, GM week is a great time to be an RPI student. The activities provided by the administration and the students give every member of the RPI community a chance to truly take pleasure in all that comprises this institution. However, this delight and satisfaction will continue to be limited until the administration finally holds all professors accountable for not scheduling tests and assigning less homework, and better scheduling of events and ceremonies are chosen.
