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Students, faculty gauge merits of 'Flunk Day'

Date 5/5/2005 12:00 AM | Topic: Features

Imagine waking up to seniors pounding on your door at 5 a.m., only to tell you that classes are canceled for the day. You go out to the library lawn at 10 a.m. and start drinking with your friends.

For many students this might be hard to imagine at Luther, but at Coe College it happens every year. The event is called Flunk Day, and this year it occurred on April 14.

On the Coe Web site, the parent handbook page describes Flunk Day as a "Coe tradition begun in 1911. Classes are canceled for a day in the spring so the student body can enjoy an all-school picnic, outdoor activities and fun."

One anonymous Coe student has a blog in which he describes the event as "unbelievable." It also mentions how there is a big debate every year about whether this event should be abolished.

Greg Griffin, dean of campus life at Coe, acknowledged that some faculty, staff and a small number of students oppose Flunk Day. He cited the argument of the day's disruption to the academic schedule of courses.

"Some students [also] use Flunk Day as an excuse to drink excessively," said Griffin. "Some think it is inappropriate for the college to sanction a large event that involves alcohol."

Would an event like this ever take place at Luther? President Torgerson doesn't support the idea.

"In Luther's mission statement you will find a phrase which refers to helping students 'connect freedom with responsibility,'" said Torgerson. "From what you describe about this 90-year-old tradition at Coe, I envision a good deal of freedom with too little responsibility."

Dean Craft agrees.

"Speaking for myself, I do not think it smart for a college to call off classes and provide alcohol," said Craft.

However, many students support the idea of adapting a day like Flunk Day at Luther. Kim Williams ('05) thinks it could be a good break for students.

"I think people need a break from homework to function," said Williams. "People are so stressed that they need to relax."

She thought that perhaps the administration would not support it because they don't see how hard students work.

"I don't think the administration really sees us work hard," said Williams. "If you come into the library, it's packed all the time."

Andrew Heggen ('07) agrees that the administration might not have a clear view of the student body.

"I think a lot of the administration only see the bad people because that is who they've been dealing with all the time," said Heggen. "It's going to skew their view of the student body as a whole."

Mary Jorgensen, instructor of education, is not supportive of the idea of having a day like Flunk Day at Luther.

"That's why we're not Coe," said Jorgensen. "We don't want to be like Coe. We already have Trout Fry."

Lise Kildegaard, associate professor of English, isn't completely opposed to the idea, but doesn't like the name 'Flunk Day.'

"The name has a negative connotation," said Kildegaard. "The idea of cancelled classes for a day could also be a positive thing."

She had other ideas about days that Luther could adopt.

"I would like a day where everyone came with brilliant ideas to share in the classroom," she said. "They could call it 'Lise Kildegaard Day'."

"The purpose of the day is not to get drunk," said Griffin. "The beer garden is a very small area isolated from the main Flunk Day grounds. This really is about rebellion. For one day the student body can thumb their noses at the faculty and the administration and not do what they are supposed to do. I can think of many more rebellious and potentially harmful things students could do in the name of tradition."

The Flunk Day Committee, comprised of 30 selected seniors, raises money for the event through T-shirt sales and advertising on the back of the official shirt to fund the beer. The FDC hires a third-party vendor to serve the beer. No college funds are used for the purchase of alcohol.

Ethan Grev ('08) thinks Luther could have a 'Norse Day,' when classes are cancelled.

"I think they should look into it because I know a lot of people get stressed out with school, especially lately with first-years' research papers," Grev said.

However, he isn't in favor of being forced to get up so early in the morning.

"Getting woken up at five would suck, but if it's to have a party it's worth it," he said.

"College is an in between time where we don't have to be completely responsible adults yet," said Williams. "We still should have the ability to have fun and enjoy our young adult life."

"Coe students take great pride in this day," said Griffin. "It is an honor to be on the FDC and most students look forward to this one day. 800 students participate; there are no other activities that draw the majority of the student body."

Despite student interest in starting a day like Flunk Day at Luther, they also don't seem optimistic about it happening any time soon.

"I would see a lot of fights from certain people, from faculty as well as students," said Heggen.

Grev agreed that even some students might not be supportive of the idea.

"People who don't drink might be offended," he said.

Alcohol is not the only concern about a day of classes being cancelled.

Jorgenson feels that an unannounced cancellation of classes would affect her schedule negatively.

"There is a lot of thought that goes into a syllabus," said Jorgensen. "I'm not opposed to changing the syllabus if it's for a good purpose."

Griffin acknowledged this disruption of the academic flow.

"Another drawback," Griffin said, "is that some people go too far. They drink too much and cause trouble. This is less than one percent but still it is problematic."

However, the surprise element of Flunk Day - since its date is decided by only three people at Coe - is an overall satisfactory tradition.

Several events take place on the big day, such as an outdoor BBQ, large inflatable games, a DJ and an evening outdoor concert accompanied with free hot dogs and soda.

"The planning of Flunk Day is extensive and many, many safety measures are planned," said Griffin. "It may be one of the best organized events at Coe."

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Lynn Juve

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