Reading Days provide time for significant review and study before the start of final examinations. The guidelines for Reading Days are intended to promote an academic value that is parallel to a scheduled class day. Reading Days are intended to be unscheduled to provide time for students to pursue academic work which is most appropriate for them.

The following are considered appropriate activities for students on Reading Days:

1. Reading and review of course material in preparation for the final examination.
2. Work on a take-home final exam, term paper, or project due during the final examination period and assigned in lieu of a sit-down final exam.
3. For laboratory courses, an informal equipment “check-in” session, scheduled at convenient times.

Policy regarding final exams, including take-home finals, is described in the Examinations policy. Policy regarding deadlines for end-of-term assignments is described in the End-of-Term Deadlines policy.

The following are not appropriate for Reading Days:

1. Formal class meetings.
2. Exams.
3. Due dates for any assignments (including written assignments, reading assignments, etc.).
4. Required review sessions, presentations, poster sessions, or any other required class activity.
5. New assignments.

In addition, there should be no required college committee meetings or required extracurricular events.

See also examinations and end of term deadlines.