December Exams?

With first term grades recently released and the second semester already three weeks underway, the last thing on most people's minds right now is winter reading period. But for Stephen L. Marcus '86, that Harvard institution is still a burning issue.

The disgruntled freshman is determined to see exams scheduled before winter vacation and is using the Harvard computer system to realize his goal.

Marcus is conducting a survey of all students and faculty with accounts on the Harvard computer system asking for their opinions on the current post-winter break exam schedule. The 41 people who have responded unanimously favor a later fall starting date mid-December finals and an extended four week winter break, he said this week.

Marcus said he used the computer rather than questionnaires to conduct the survey because he felt that the results would be easier to evaluate. He is now working with John S. McCauley '86 to devise a program which analyzes the results.

Although he initially hoped to receive tallest 1500 responses, Marcus said that since he initiated the survey three weeks ago, only 40 have come in.

"Ideally I would still like to seen a longer Christmas vacation," he said, adding. "Radical changes are so far off that I'd be lucky if my children would see them."

Nevertheless, Marcus said he will continue the survey until it yields conclusive results.