Bilge Uz was supposed to face a "Thermodynamics of Fluids" exam on Friday, the first morning of Spring Fling.
But instead, she will take the test today. After discussing the test with Uz and her classmates, their professor rescheduled so they could enjoy Fling worry-free.
The class was "relieved ... They thought it was better to have it before so they didn't have to worry about it Friday," the Engineering sophomore said.
Uz isn't the only one who managed to escape an exam during Fling. With projected low attendance rates on Friday, many professors say they are willing to move exam dates.
But the University's official stance is to keep classes going regardless of the annual spring festival, leaving both students and teachers with an age-old conundrum: how to reconcile Fling and class.
Most teachers do hold classes as usual on Friday, Director of Academic Affairs Kent Peterman said.
"I've never heard of anyone cancelling classes for Spring Fling," he said.
Mathematics professor Ed Crotty said that he had no intention of losing class time to Fling.
"I will not be canceling or rescheduling my classes to avoid a conflict," he said. "I need every minute of class time that is scheduled."
Others are willing to accommodate requests to reschedule exams, but still are protective of their class time.
Chemistry professor Michael Topp polled his students and, based on their responses, shifted the midterm to today because of Fling.
He still plans to hold Friday classes, though he added that "based on random feedback from the students, I expect the [Friday class and recitation] turnout to be light."
And many students agree.
College sophomore Steve Biggans said that most people he knows don't attend their Friday classes during Fling.
"It's not really a realistic option if you're drinking heavily all of Thursday," he said.
Other students plan on attending class -- but not necessarily sober.
"I won't skip, but there is a good possibility I'll be drunk," College freshman Steven Baer said.
Incoming Class of 2009 President Brett Perlmutter said that he will attend his Spanish seminar, but has yet to decide to go to his Economics recitation.
"My personal obligation is to go to Spanish because I like the class ... as hard as it is going to be to stay inside when there is so much fun happening on campus," the College freshman said.
Spring Fling co-Director and College senior Jake Chanin said that the Fling committee has never asked anyone to cancel classes and that attending class should be students' primary obligation.
And some students don't see classes as a major inconvenience.
"It's a couple of hours out of the day," College freshman Denise Bailey-Castro said. "It's not that big of a deal."
