Editorial | Hey Day on Tuesday

Tomorrow, Penn's juniors will pick up their canes and march their way into senior year.

But since the last day of classes falls on a Tuesday rather than a Friday, many juniors this year won't be able to participate in Hey Day festivities because of class presentations or exams.

That's a shame, because Hey Day isn't just any tradition. It's something that uniquely defines the Penn undergraduate experience and serves as another common link between generations of alumni.

Administrators shouldn't force students to choose between Penn's greatest tradition and class.

Officials should modify the calendar to have the last day of classes fall on a Friday.

Since fewer students have class on Friday afternoon than on Tuesday afternoon, more people would be able to participate in Hey Day. This change would also push the move-out deadline closer to the weekend, making it easier for parents.

Other options include modifying the University's Reading Days policy so Hey Day can occur on the first Reading Day.

It's unfortunate that class leaders and administrators couldn't figure out a solution in time for this year.

And this problem isn't going away - Penn's current Spring 2009 calendar indicates that classes will end on a Tuesday.

Let's hope this year's sophomores aren't stuck in the same situation next year.

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