For many University of Wisconsin-Madison students, the beginning of September is a time to reacclimate themselves to Madison before classes start and take advantage of the remainder of summer to enjoy campus. But some say the first day of classes, usually the middle of the week after Labor Day, arrives too late.
“By Aug. 15, I’m already mentally prepared to start school — everyone else has started,” UW-Madison junior Laura Bush said.
And she’s not the only one. Other UW-Madison students told The Daily Cardinal they think classes should start a little earlier since the current scheduling restrictions leave little room for Thanksgiving break and have finals pushing right up to Christmas Eve.
State law mandates a fall start date for the UW System after Sept. 1, barring a few exceptions. However, Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, plans to reintroduce legislation allowing Wisconsin state universities to start classes on Sept. 1, in line with K-12 schools.
Roys previously told the Cardinal the current start date lacked a public policy justification, and while the legislation does not necessarily mean classes will start earlier, this one-word change would allow more flexibility for the university to evaluate its calendar.
Jack O’Meara, a lobbyist for UW-Madison lobbying group PROFS, said the organization not only supports the legislation, but asked for it.
“We see it as necessary for the university to be able to coordinate its schedule and accommodate student needs,” O’Meara told the Cardinal.
The legislation preventing classes from beginning on Sept.1 has its roots in the tourism industry and agricultural economy, which want students to be able to work and travel until Labor Day, according to O’Meara.
“I’m not sure that’s as big of a concern anymore,” O’Meara said. “I think we need to evolve and make the laws consistent with today’s world.”
Roys tried to pass this legislation last year but it was unsuccessful due to introducing it late, according to O’Meara.
However, O’Meara is optimistic this year will be more successful due to the fact the legislation is expected to be introduced earlier this year, and Roys is trying to secure bipartisan support.
Many UW-Madison students expressed optimism the earlier start date wouldn’t have a drastic impact on the student body.
Senior Olivia Schmidt said a majority of students are already back in Madison before the current start date, adding that making classes a day earlier would not drastically change people’s travel plans.
This legislation could have many possible implications, such as discussion of a fall break in the interest of student wellbeing or getting out less close to the holidays, as finals have historically gone as late as Dec. 23, UW-Madison spokesperson John Lucas told the Cap Times.
“A lot of people are international, or out of state, making it hard for them to travel home for the holidays,” Wynveen said.
Wynveen said Wisconsin weather leads to travel delays, so having an additional buffer at the end of the semester could be beneficial for students to get home on time.
