How Students Feel about ‘Free Periods’ At Rutgers—Camden
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“I think it’s a good idea but I only take one class per day so I don’t think it’s necessary for me to take a free period.” This is a quote from an Art Education Major at Camden County College named Ariella when asked about her opinions towards the idea of free periods. This is what a student who does not attend Rutgers Camden thinks of free periods, but what about students at a college that has them required? At Rutgers Camden, free periods are a required part of any student or professor’s schedule, but why, and what do people even think about it?
A free period is a timeframe where lectures are not held to create a designated time where all students and professors are free. The things that people do during these free periods differ, with students being encouraged to eat lunch, attend club meetings, or hangout with peers. On Mondays and Wednesdays free periods are from 11:20am to 12:20pm while Tuesdays and Thursdays are from 12:45pm to 1:45pm.
A Rutgers Camden student who wishes to remain anonymous commented: “I like the free periods because they build a set time for lunch, I don’t love how it changes everyday, especially how the Tuesday/Thursday free periods are later. But overall I do like it since it gives me time to hangout with my friends on campus between classes.”
When asked what they think about the idea of picking when your free period is, the student had this to say “I prefer the free periods as they are right now because if people were to pick it, it would make having club meetings harder because some people in one club might have free periods on a specific day or time while others won’t.”
Rutgers Camden is unique in its use of free periods, which do not occur on many other college campuses. This is due to Rutgers Camden being primarily a commuter college, meaning most people live off campus and take some sort of transportation here. This makes having a time where everyone can interact and rest essential, since some people might not have time after they arrive on campus to eat or catch up with friends. Many clubs hold their meetings during the free period, meaning students don’t have to stay on campus late into the evening. Most commuter students want to go home or get to wherever they need to after their classes.
A quote from Mia, an English and Criminal Justice Major, explains what she thinks on the matter: “I love free period! I wish it was longer, it’s such a nice break in the day and is a good time to get to know the campus.” As the president of the English Club she also explains why she thinks it’s great for clubs, “This is my first semester as president and I do value free period because it gives me time to connect with my students during the school day.”
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