As a member of the Pharmacy Class of 2028 at Richmond, Virginia, it is imperative for us to balance our academic and financial commitments effectively. Many of us are working students relying on part-time or even full-time employment to support our educational expenses and daily living needs. The current Monday class schedule significantly challenges our ability to do so efficiently.

Currently, our upcoming Monday schedule conflicts with typical work shifts, making it nearly impossible for us to maintain jobs that are crucial for our financial well-being, as well as important pharmacy real-world experience. If our Monday classes and exam blocks could be scheduled either early in the morning or later in the evening instead of mid-day, or even presented in an asynchronous format, it would greatly enhance our capacity to schedule work without compromising our academic responsibilities.

According to labor statistics, approximately 70% of students in higher education maintain part-time or full-time employment to finance their studies and living expenses. With the cost of education continuously on the rise, it becomes essential for students to have flexible schedules that accommodate their dual roles. A 2019 report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) highlighted that students working more than 20 hours a week reported better financial stability, which reduced their student loan dependency.

Adjusting our Monday class schedule is a small change that can have a significant impact. It will not only provide us, the dedicated students of the Pharmacy Class of 2028, the time necessary to focus on our studies but also sustain our financial support through our jobs. With this adjustment, we would demonstrate a commitment to creating an educational environment that respects and uplifts the need for economic independence as much as academic success.

We kindly urge the administration to understand the importance of a flexible Monday schedule for the Pharmacy Class of 2028. Please sign this petition to support us in our journey for a balanced student life, where academic excellence and financial sustainability go hand in hand.