8 A.M. Classes: Students and Faculty Weigh In

For the first time since pre- COVID-19, St. Lawrence University is offering 8 a.m. classes to students. Despite the initial worries of professors and students, so far, they seem to be providing more good than bad. 

Wendi Haugh, associate professor of anthropology at SLU, was skeptical at first of 8 a.m. classes and their effects on students. “All of a sudden, it’s a new thing,” said Haugh. She mentioned that in previous years, 8 a.m. classes were the norm. “Everybody was used to it,” she said. 

But to Haugh’s surprise, the 8 a.m. classes have not proved to be challenging so far. “People are really showing up and engaging,” said Haugh. However, the professor noted that this could be in part due to the class itself. “This is a class where most students are in it out of genuine interest,” noted Haugh. 

Students also seem to agree that they can overcome the challenge if they want to take an interesting class. “For me, the benefit and the subject of the class outweighs how early the class is,” said Poppy Hanson ’25. Hanson is currently taking Politics of Climate Change, a class that she is passionate about. However, this is not her first 8 a.m., and she feels differently about others. “Last year, when I took accounting, it was not worth it,” said Hanson. 

Similar to Haugh, other professors have had good experiences so far. “Attendance is good, and people are alert. They’re doing the work I’m asking them to,” said Neil Forkey, associate professor and chair of the Canadian Studies department. Forkey noted that his situation is a little different because he commutes from Montreal. However, the advantages do not go unnoticed by him. “The advantage, of course, is that particularly for faculty, it creates a portion where we’re able to do our committee work,” said Forkey.

Having earlier classes means professors can go home earlier, creating a better balance of work and home life. “That may sound petty, but those kinds of things add up,” said Forkey. 

Forkey also mentioned that the benefits do not end with professors. “Some sort of event we want everyone to attend, we’ve got the space for it,” said Forkey. Sometimes, student-led clubs want to bring in speakers or host special events, but not everyone goes because they have late classes. Having more classes earlier in the day can help combat that. 

In addition to professors, some students are also able to see these benefits. “I like my 8 a.m.; it’s a productive start to my day and forces me to go to bed early,” said Emmons Whited ’27. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Whited starts his day at 8 a.m. with Abnormal Psychology. “It’s super manageable, only two days a week,” said Whited. 

However, not all students feel the same about getting a head start on the day. “It’s been kind of hard to adjust to the sleep schedule,” said Henry Hagen ’27. Hagen noted that he finds that none of his friends worry about their bedtimes. “People’s social calendars are not tailored to 8 a.m. classes,” said Hagen. 

So far, students and professors are looking on the bright side of waking up early to teach and learn at 8 a.m. As Whited pointed out, a class at 8 a.m. “keeps me practiced for waking up early to ski,” something many SLU students love to do. Although the transition to waking up early can be tough, and not all friends are in the same boat, it seems that SLU is consistently waking up on the right side of the bed.