In previous years, when Iowa State has not had enough student or staff interest in a class to offer it, a class was canceled weeks before the semester started, so students could find other classes.

This practice seems to have stopped. Several classes have begun canceling recitations and even lab sections after the year has started.

Recitations are useful, but at least in most classes are not required. However, Cpr E 210 (a foundation course, with a required lab section) has done the same thing with a lab section. A Thursday lab section was canceled, and students were told to attend a Wednesday lab.

This is unacceptable. Most students figure out their class and work schedules before the year starts. Having to swap things around once the year starts is often difficult or even impossible. Students from a canceled recitation may be at a disadvantage if they cannot attend a different one, and canceling a required lab section is even worse.

Canceling classes should be done before the year starts, not after.

Russell Graves

Senior

Computer Engineering