Preamble: The recent decision to move the 2010 Commencement to the weekend prior to final exams to avoid the conflict with the NCAA Track & Field Championships has potential consequences on student exam performance as well as on students' ability to host family and friends during commencement. While there are a variety of opinions both for and against this decision, there is no clear data as to whether it will have a negative impact on students' educational experience.
Whereas, clear qualitative and quantitative data is beneficial in contributing to decisions around the academic/athletic balance,
And whereas, such decisions are likely to be required in the future,
Be it moved that,
The Senate respectfully requests that the central administration openly and clearly collect and report data associated with student performance during years where exams are held prior to commencement to be compared against the one or more years when they are to be held after. In addition, the Senate respectfully requests that the central administration collect and report baseline survey data on student and family perception and satisfaction with the 2009 Commencement to be compared with similar data to be collected during the 2010 Commencement and beyond.
Financial Impact: Depending upon the extent of this undertaking, it is estimated that costs could be as low as $2000 and as high as $20,000.
| Web page updated 4 August 2009 by Peter B Gilkey 202 Deady Hall, Department of Mathematics at the University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403-1222, U.S.A. Phone 1-541-346-4717 Email:peter.gilkey.cc.67@aya.yale.edu of Deady Spider Enterprises |