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The slacker in me may regret writing this column. The consumer in me will not.

I'm in my seventh year of post-secondary education. In all those years, I have always loved the first day of the semester. I love it because it is the one-day when I get out of nearly every class early.

The first day usually involves the distribution of a much-too-long syllabus, introduction of expectations, and then students being set free to spend hundreds of dollars on books. In a world full of the unexpected, the first day has offered stability and comfort.

This semester was no different. I went to class, received my syllabus, listened to expectations and was let out early. This should have left me thrilled. It didn't. In fact, I left my classes feeling a little gypped.

I felt gypped for a few reasons.

Multiply sixteen weeks by three hours (the standard class length) and you get a whopping 48 hours of in-class time. I'm taking four classes, so this semester I will spend 192 hours in class. This semester I will also pay approximately $1,200 in tuition. While I'm happy that I'm attending one of the best-priced universities in the country, $1,200 is still a hefty chunk of change.

I'm going to be spending a lot of time and energy on my classes. My professors are experts in their fields and I need their knowledge and instruction to help me learn. On a practical level, the consumer in me wants the most "bang for my buck."

I asked a few of my fellow students if they got out of class early on the first day. A lot said they did. When asked how they felt about it, they laughed. Feeling thankful was the common sentiment.

I wanted to be like the students who were happy to get out of class early, but I was conflicted. I needed another perspective. I attend a Research One institution. I'm a graduate student.

So instead I was drawn to conducting a slightly scientific but also highly informal survey.

I e-mailed 45 random professors at ASU and asked them this question: "On the first day of class, do you let people out early? If yes, why? If no, why not?"

I received responses from seventeen of them.

Dr. Charles Corbin, a professor in exercise science/physical education, keeps his students.

"Students pay money in the form of tuition. In return, they expect a full 'deal' not part of the 'deal,'" he said.

Dr. Sandra Houston, a professor in civil and environmental engineering, may delay the start of class due to students needing to find the classroom but she does not let students out early.

"I generally need this time to cover the introductory material and to make sure that all students have their questions answered about course operation," said Houston.

A theme was emerging. The majority of professors who responded to my informal survey said they do not let students out early.

Their rationale was simple. Students are paying money and there is an abundance of material to cover.

But if that is the case, how have I and other students come to expect shorter classes on the first day?

Karen Adams, a professor in English, doesn't let her students out early but understands why some professors may.

"As some students are checking out a variety of courses on the first day, there can be some difference in the class rosters later in the week. That means repeating material on the next day, and perhaps even the third one."

Other professors stated that the normal class structure involves students having completed readings before class. This is not possible on the first day.

My desire to be kept in class this semester is directly tied to my re-investment in consumerism. Hopefully when I graduate, the United States will be out of the current recession and jobs will be plentiful. I can't be sure that will happen, though.

Currently, I am a reflection of the times. Money seems to be tight for a lot of people. When I graduate, I want to know that I have spent my tuition money well. I want to apply for jobs with the confidence that, just as I put forth my best effort, my professors have done the same.

Rosie McSweeney is a social work graduate student. Reach her at rosie.mcsweeney@asu.edu.


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