Dunn on the Run: Finals and final thoughts

President John Dunn (Chyn Wey Lee/Western Herald)

A student asked me the other day about final exams and my experiences as an undergraduate student. I told him that I recall very well the process of preparing for and taking finals. There was the anticipation of the exam, completing the final, and then waiting in great anticipation for the outcome. In between the test and the grade there was, of course, endless discussion about the test – was it hard, easy, fair, surprising, etc.

To this day, I occasionally have a dream, nightmare would be a better expression, that somehow I managed to sleep through the exam or that I missed the exam because I thought it was at another time. In one of these dreams, I see myself walking across the campus at Northern Illinois University as a freshman on my way to take the Biology 101 exam. While cutting through the field house parking lot, I encounter one of my fellow students from our residence hall. She greets me and says, “How did you do on the Biology test?” To which I reply, “I don’t know but I will find out soon.”

Then it hits me; she is in the same class and same section, and she has taken the exam. I realize, with her help that I got the right day, but the wrong time. Fortunately, I normally wake up at this point – sweating, but happy to learn that it was a dream! I am even happier to realize that I have no more exams to take.

I share this story with you to let you know your administrators and faculty have similar experiences about exams and finals week. We know the stress associated with final exams. We have been there. Final exams are a necessary part of the university experience. They provide students an opportunity to share their knowledge. For the faculty, the exam offers feedback about student learning and outcomes.

I am pleased that we try to do it right by administering the exams prior to the winter break. This allows you to have a real break so that you can replenish your energy levels and be ready for another successful semester as a Bronco. During my era, the winter break was followed by two more weeks of classes, then final exams. I spent many a holiday in the library working on a term paper and doing other end-of-semester projects. It was not a relaxing time.

My wish for you is that you make all of your exams on the appointed date and the right time. In addition, I encourage you to study hard, be confident and do well. I am confident if you have been attending classes, asking questions, paying attention, and studying alone and in study groups, you will do well.

Upon completion of your tests, I encourage you to do what I used to do. Find a good book to read, enjoy the holiday break and appreciate your family and others who are steadfast in their belief and commitment to you and your future. Good luck with your exams and continuing best wishes to you and your loved ones for a Happy and Healthy Holiday and New Year!

Prez

John M. Dunn, Ph.D., is the president of Western Michigan University.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=13267

Posted by heraldstaff on Dec 12 2009. Filed under Blogs, Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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