As a Union student, have you ever felt like “midterms” aren’t really in the middle of the term? The exams and assignments often occur every other week during the trimester. Why does Union do this and what are the positive and negative effects? Personally, I believe this period between midterms is so short because we are confined to a 10-week period using a trimester system. As Union students, we typically only take three classes, but in a shorter period of time than the common college semester system.
Due to this accelerated time period, students usually end up learning content at a more rapid rate than most students, resulting in more frequent exams to test how well we retain the fast-paced learning environments.
This fast-paced academic environment can be stressful for a lot of students. For example, Veronica Schmit ‘28 stated, “I feel like I don’t have much downtime, and they [midterms] always feel very sudden.”
On the flip side, some students actually enjoy the faster pace and find it “fun.” Joey Ceruli ‘28 stated, “It’s fun that there are so many weeks of midterms because I can say, ‘Oh, I have a midterm!’ And it doesn’t matter when it is.” With these two opinions, we can see there is some divided opinion across the student body.
The question is, what should change about this midterm system? Or, if there should be a change at all. Personally, I don’t think that this process should change as it allows Union students to be held to a higher standard. Union has a notorious high-level expectation for academics, and this midterm process ensures students not only comprehend the material, but must understand it enough to apply it in an exam. This faster-paced learning gets us better prepared for the real world and the careers we choose to follow.
With this, I do believe that the faster pace should be taken into account when thinking about individual stress, especially because this occurs in multiple classes at a time. Even if the midterm process can benefit you, it’s okay to be stressed. I would suggest that teachers make sure to address that midterms come quickly early on, and give students support accordingly by being open and understanding.
Overall, the truth is that our “midterms” may never really feel like midterms, but what is important is that we are able to recognize the pressure and difficulties, which allows us as Union Students to thrive.
