Saturday Classes Have Unexpected Upsides

Returning to campus amidst the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new set of challenges and major changes to the school’s usual operations, one being the introduction of classes on Saturdays. This seems like a student’s worst nightmare, but it can actually benefit their educational experience immensely.  

Since the majority of classes this semester follow a hybrid structure, meaning they are half online and half in-person, there had to be an addition to class time somewhere. If students immediately view this change as inherently negative, it probably will be. In my personal experience, you need to keep an open mind. I endured a few Saturday classes and after the initial cringe of setting an alarm on a Saturday morning, I realized that not only was having class harmless, but it was actually beneficial. These classes have exceeded my expectations and actually promoted stronger student-faculty relationships. In the three Saturday classes I’ve had, all of them just felt like meeting with a professor during virtual office hours.

Extra classes are worth the Saturday wake-ups for a number of reasons, one being the need for classroom interaction. While many students didn’t realize this until classes moved online in March, time in the classroom unites the student body. Moving home to finish remote classwork prevented students from being on campus and seeing their friends and professors. Many were left craving interactions with one another, even if it meant virtually.

Another benefit of Saturday classes is the free time it opens up during the week for students to work, participate in clubs or take time for themselves. By not having to attend in-person class every day, the amount of time students spend away from their dorms is significantly reduced. This can award them with time they previously lacked, which in turn also forces them to improve their time management skills.

It may sound like Saturday classes are the end of the world, but my opinion is this: despite what you hear about something, you have to first experience it before judging it. Despite its stigma, Saturday class has actually improved the educational experience while also abiding by state and local guidelines to protect students during the pandemic.

Students on their way to classes, which are also held on Saturdays this semester. Source: Greta Stuckey ‘23