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Late classes are a double standard

September 17, 2010

by Michael D’Angelo

I’m full of pet peeves like a dictionary is full of words, but you know what really grinds my gears? Professors who stress to me the importance of being on time to class and then follow that up by letting class out late.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I have three back-to-back classes. The problem I have is not with my schedule, but with these professors. All of my teachers are very strict on tardiness, and yet they all let their classes out late. This drives me crazy like the White Album drove Charles Manson to insanity.

I start my first class promptly. Then it lets out five minutes late. With only five minutes left until my next class, I rush to the destination. I zip past backpacks, people, and doors. Then, with no seconds to spare, I make it to my class exhausted, breathing loudly and partially dewed with sweat.

This vicious cycle is then repeated again. Instead of leaving at 11:30, I’m let out at 11:37. Three minutes till my next class. Zip up the backpack, loosely throw it on one shoulder, and bolt. Miraculously, I make it to my next class, with no time to spare and, again, exhausted.

Now let’s Quentin Tarantino this situation, and start over with a hypothetical. Had my professors actually let me out on time, I would have ten minutes between classes. With 10 minutes, I wouldn’t have to rush to my next class. I would actually be able to take my time and walk to my next class without having to rush!

Hell, I would have enough time to feed my nicotine addiction at one of the DSAs along the way! Happy day! No longer would I be exhausted. And no longer would I breathe loudly. And best of all, I wouldn’t be sweating, something the person sitting next to me in the next class would be thankful for!

Furthermore, if you are one of those professors that find tardiness unacceptable, then think about this: If I am let out late, you are subjecting me to possible tardiness in my next class. Think about your colleagues.  Why subject your fellow professors to something you hate yourself?
I make a reasonable plea. Please, let your classes out on time, I know that the discussion is still unresolved, but the class is ended and its time is over. Simply leave the discussion ‘to be continued’ and let us venture to our next responsibility.
And, if anything, please think about the poor person that has to sit next to me, sweating, exhausted, loudly breathing. Joyous is that person’s day when they no longer have to be subjected to a rushed, sweaty Michael.