Hi. I was very happy today to hear that Prof. Schroder has thought about moving the test date. Likewise, I'm sure that many other students were happy to hear this as well. As we all know, the Bio 111 test is on the same day, April 4 and unfortunatly about an hour and a half before the chemistry test. Though I can't speak for the class, taking those two tests within that constricted time period will make it very difficult to do well; both tests included. I know this through experience from our first midterm where the Bio 111 test also fell on the first chemistry hour exam.

Though we all can help this problem by studying further in advance to the test date, I'm convinced that its very unlikely and almost impossible to perform our best, whether that is scoring the highest test grade we can or even and more importantly understanding the material, given the situation at hand.

I'm sure that I am not the only one in the class that feels this way and so I urge everyone reading this message to post something in reply. Perhaps we can reopen this discussion that Professor Schroder has helpfully suggested and find a date where we all can be satisfied. Thanks.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2000

Answers

I definitely agree with this....i know that there is also a Physics exam on that thursday, but since those in bio have already suffered through having two on one day it doesnt seem fair for them to suffer again (esp since we are the majority). Regardless of what the date is, I really believe that having two exams on the same day has a very negative effect on performance. So hopefully some revision can be made that pleases at least the majority of the class.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2000

I think that no matter what day this test is scheduled for there are going to be conflicts. There is also a BIO 119 test on friday of that week.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2000

why not the tuesday of the next week? no one has written a problem about that day

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2000

I think that Rich, who has given the previous response has a good idea. Although this would mean pushing the exam ahead an entire week, it might be the best solution Many people have a Calculus exam on Thursday the 30th, and then have Bio 111, or Bio 119, or Bio 199 exams the same week as the Chem exam. Since Bio 119 and 199 are on Friday, and since Bio 111 is on that Tuesday, it would be hard for students to do well on both exams. Although it is true that we should be studying well in advance of the actual tests, I believe the best solution would be to schedule the tests the Tuesday of the next week. Thank you.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2000

I agree that the only proper course of action would be to move the test ahead a full week or leave it as is. It's only fair to please everyone or leave things the way they are. I don't think it is fair to favor any single group of students taking a common course.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2000

would having it just on the tuesday after it was scheduled be possible...or is that a conflict also....cause that might solve everyone's problem.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2000

I feel that next Tuesday would be a perfect day. It seems that most people do not have a conflict with this. I do not see how moving the test day will cause us to delay our class. I think that moving the test one week will not effect us. We did it last semester, did it hurt us then? I don't know about you but it helped me, although I don't know about this semester, nothing really seems to help, but a week would help some.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2000

Last semester, those people that took Bio110 in conjuction with Chem 103 usually had to deal with having a chem test two days after the bio test. That was stressful enough. But having both bio AND chem test on the same day is just too strenuous on our studies as well as our bodies. We have done it once, and I doubt that the majority of the students taking Chem104 in conjuction with Bio111 is willing to have yet another round of tests on the same day. Personally, I do not know of the specifics of other test conflicts, but I think everyone who wrote a response above is in general agreement that having the test on April 4th is a problem. I can deal with test being moved back any number of days (preferrably at least 2 days), but as long as it is moved back to another day.

Professor Shroeder, I hope you read all of the responses and reconsider the test date for the sake of us all.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2000

I totally agree with the people who are saying that it isn't fair to make the bio 111 students take two tests in one day again. The thing is, we already tried taking two tests on one day in the beginning of the semester, and I don't know of anyone who felt too confident about that. So, we already know that two tests in one day is not productive. I also understand how it's unfair to favor one group of students over another, so maybe moving the test a week after it's scheduled could be a good idea. Still, bio 111 students really shouldn't be made to take two tests in one day, especially since we already did that once, so I hope a compromise can be reached.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2000

I just have say that I'm very glad to all those that have read and responded to the message I have posted earlier this week. It's very comforting to know that others in the class feel the same as I do or at least agree. Again, thanks to all for responding =) Hopefully something can be worked out. Thanks

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2000

I definitely think that no matter what date the test is moved to, there will be conflicts. It should just be kept as it states on the syllabus. I have had 3-4 tests in one week before and even 3 on one day. That is just something you have to deal with. There is plenty of time to prepare--2 weeks.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2000

I am in full agreement with the fact that Bio 111 students have already suffered by having two exams on the same day. Also, this is the scenario for the majority of the class. Although I realize we have known about the conflict for quite some time, it does not eliminate the pressure that we will feel the day of the exam. Since Dr. Scroeder asked about moving the date, I tihnk it is only fair that he listen to what the majority of the students have to say.

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2000

I agree with the responses above. I think that it is unfair to have two tests on the same day, and if our test day was April 4th, I would have a BIO 111 conflict. Studying for one test is tough enough, seeing as how we do go to a highly academic school--but studying for two tests is too stressful. Please move the test back at least 2 days, so we can have enough time to adequately prepare for the exam.

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2000

I agree with moving the date back for the exam because of conflicting exams on the 4th. The BIO 111 exam is an hour before the Chem 104 exam. This same situation with the first set of exams occurred and many people were not able to do as well as they could have if the exams were at least two days apart. I am requesting that the date for the exam be changed along with the majority of the class who also have the BIO 111 exam on the 4th. Thank you.

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2000

First of all, let me just start by saying that I'm going to post this letter anonymously. I have read the previous letter that Dr. Schroeder posted about anonymous letters.....but right about now I'm too stressed out to care. This is my first year here at the U of R, and the work load has been tremendous. But, i fully knew that coming in, and have been used to having a rigorous schedule because i went to a high school with a high standing. (Not to sound conceited). As to the problem with the test schedule. I am currently enrolled in BIO 111, and do not by any means wish to take two test, yet once again, on the same day! I am sure that i'm not the only one who feels this way,, as others have written before me. It is true that we go to an academically high standing school......but to have two tests on the same day is ridiculous. First of all, there is a large amount of information to know, and I speak for many when i say that I can not perform well on any kind of test when an hour before hand I have to take a test on plants and other things not at all related to Chemistry!! Second of all, the stress is killing me. I have two tests, and a 12 page research paper, along with a presentation, and lab all on the same day........so I, as much as anybody am feeling stress right now. Now, I'm not asking for any pity mind you, I'm just asking for Dr. Schroeder to understand that we as students have many other reponsibilities besides Chem 104. I don't think it would be so devastating if the test was postponed for two days, or even until the next Tuesday!! I have been studying for this test, as I'm sure others have been. However, I don't feel that i can do well on any of my tests.....there's to much for me to do, so i'm spreading myself thin! I only hope that Dr. Schroeder reads our requests, and decides to postpone the test. I'd hate to do poorly on my exams because I was ill prepared.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2000