Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
The first week of classes is commonly thought of as a time of relaxation, teacher introductions, ice breakers with classmates you most likely already know, lecture on class policies and word-for-word readings of the syllabus.
This nation-wide tradition has come to be known and loved as syllabus week or ‘sylly week‘ by college students.
Yet, contrary to popular belief, Pepperdine is not so big on celebrating this particular tradition.
As time goes on, I’ve noticed some professors prefer to stick to quicker introductions and skip the ice-breakers all together, shifting the student-crafted sense of relaxation during this time, to a harsh reality check.
Professors plan their content to fit the short 16 weeks of instruction and actually use the first week of school to teach important class content.
Although some professors might use syllabus week to discuss expectations, explain class resources and share grading breakdowns, for most professors at Pepperdine, the real work has already started.
I was guilty of believing the ‘sylly week’ myths when I first started college, convincing myself the first week is just a redundant over-explanation of what is to come. I was quickly humbled into realizing that ‘sylly week’ is more ‘read the syllabus for homework.’
The sooner we let go of the ideas we, students, have created around syllabus week, the sooner we will start using that time efficiently and for what it is actually meant: schoolwork.
Now that syllabus week is over and add/drop has passed, people who believed the myth will start taking their classes seriously and realize they are probably behind. Don’t worry, there is always spring semester to try again.
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Contact Karla Suzuki via email: karla.suzuki@pepperdine.edu
