Classes are back in full swing here at Roger. After over a full week under their belts, current Hawks have gotten used to their new routines. For many, this includes 50 minute classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with Tuesdays and Thursdays consisting of 80 minute classes. With the two separate rotations meeting nearly the same amount of minutes a week, does it even matter that some classes are longer than others?

Personally, I find that meeting for a longer period of time in one sitting is more exhausting than going into a class three times a week as opposed to two. As a current sophomore, I learned the hard way that packing my Tuesdays and Thursdays did not work for me (silly freshman me did not realize the error in her ways and proceeded to do the same in the second semester). There was a time where I had three Wednesday classes and only two Tuesday classes, yet I found myself far less engaged during my Tuesdays and more eager in my Wednesdays. I personally can focus diligently for a solid half hour to 40 minutes on one topic before needing to switch it up. With that being the bulk of a 50 minute class, I have an easier time focusing there than in an 80 minute class that disengages me barely halfway through. Because of this, I’ve opted to take more classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays this semester as opposed to Tuesdays and Thursdays to better suit my learning needs and hopefully boost my overall engagement with class materials.

However, some students have a different opinion. Junior Sarah Hardiman believes that the 50 minute classes are too short, not giving adequate time for work to be done. She prefers the longer class format, which, despite meeting less times in a week, meets for a half hour longer each class as opposed to the shorter, but more frequent, class schedule. Hardiman says that she feels more productive, and can ‘get on a roll’ in 80 minute classes, something that the shorter classes simply don’t provide.

Hardiman also provided her insight as an Elementary Education major, saying that the 50 minute classes do not leave ample time for discussion. Depending on one’s major, different class lengths may be more desirable (along with other factors, such as attention span, ability to focus, etc.).

I’m sure the Architecture and Science majors laughed their way through this piece, written by a Creative Writing/Marketing double major who, with one exception, does not have to endure the frequent three hour studio/lab sessions. I have mad respect for all of you, by the way. I could not even fathom that being a routine class.

Regardless of how you prefer to split up your classes, I hope you all have a great first semester and enjoy your classes (even if they are not at the length of your liking)!