His concern stems from the fact that students are dropping classes too far into the semester for other students to get into them, therefore prohibiting students who need certain classes from being able to enroll. Gordon said the problem lies in the timing of when students drop classes. One proposed method of encouraging students to drop classes sooner would involve a progressive fee that increases as the semester goes on. Gordon said he would not be in favor of financially penalizing students. If you drop the fifth, sixth or seventh week, it really makes a difference.
Nobody can pick up that class and do a good job after the first or second week.
Gordon spoke to Student Senate's Administrative Committee last Thursday about some possible angles for reforming the drop policy. Gordon mentioned changing the class fee structure, making an earlier drop date or requiring students to include an instructor's signature on their drop slips. He also suggested putting course withdrawals on student transcripts, gathering student input into course offerings and utilizing computer online technology for both registration and dropping processes. The Assessment Committee in the Academic Affairs Office is compiling a survey to assess student drop behaviors. Student Senate is waiting for the results of this survey to help in drafting a resolution.