The fall 2020 semester has brought about a plethora of challenges. Students are facing a global pandemic, a national social justice movement, and a divisive election cycle in addition to the everyday challenges that come along with being a full time student. The lack of vacation time/days of has taken a significant toll on the health and well-being of our community. 

 A recent survey of around 4500 undergraduate Purdue students representing all campus demographics found that a significant amount of students are feeling exhausted and drained during our 5th week of classes. The concern for students mental health and wellbeing is not isolated at Purdue. A report from the research and advocacy arm of the student services company Chegg.org and four youth mental health advocacy and suicide prevention organizations found that 58 percent of college students surveyed said they were “moderately,” “very” or “extremely” worried about their own mental health. Another report released in August by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month about the pandemic’s effect on mental health identified that a disproportionate number of 18- to 24-year-olds -- about one-quarter of those surveyed -- had “seriously considered suicide” in the last 30 days. Finally, a separate study by the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) found that students are screening positive for depression and anxiety at higher rates than in previous years. 

The national and local data has shown that students are currently struggling. We ask that Purdue administration and the University Senate implement a campus-wide reading day during the month of October in order to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety our students are feeling at this time and give the entire institution a much needed day of rest. 

Purdue students have done an extraordinary job adhering to the Protect Purdue Pledge and making the sacrifices needed to keep our University community open and safe. We have been patient and gracious as the University adjusted to our new state of living and we are asking that they do the same. 

By signing this petition you are conveying the need for a reading day during the Fall 2020 semester and aiding in the advocacy efforts of Purdue Student Government.