Westhampton College Government Association (WCGA) members conducted a three-week survey to get student opinions about awarding additional credit to science classes with laboratories after many science students voiced how unfair the unit system was for such intensive and time-consuming courses.
The data from the survey was presented at the WCGA meeting Wednesday by Katrina Goulden, chairwoman of the academic affairs committee. The survey received 471 responses.
The presentation reported that more than half of the respondents indicated they had spent over the recommended 10-14 hours per week on a science class with a lab. Data also showed that 50 percent of respondents said they had spent more than six hours per week doing work outside of class.
Based on the survey, 95 percent of students who responded said they felt that classes with a lab requirement were more time consuming than classes without a lab. Approximately 165 students said they spent 14 to 16 hours per week on a science class with a lab, and 85 people said they spent more than 16 hours.
Overall, 94 percent of the students who responded argued that classes with a lab requirement should receive more than one unit.
At the conclusion of the science lab credit questionnaire, WCGA members created a resolution they hope to send to President Edward Ayers and Steve Allred, University of Richmond provost, as well as the deans.
The resolution stated: "The Westhampton College Government Association strongly supports consideration of awarding .25 units of credit for science labs at the University of Richmond."
Contact staff writer Marie Jayme at marie.jayme@richmond.edu
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