Students were caught in a difficult situation on inauguration day, since Missouri State University Spanish classes took place at the same time Barack Obama was sworn in as the President of the United States.
According to associate professor, Jason Jolley, who teaches a Spanish translation class, "We have very few class periods as it is." If Jolley's students skip a class, they may miss up to three hours per semester before their grade is affected. Jolley also stated, "I'm sure the inauguration will be rebroadcast dozens of times, so any students that don't skip class to watch it live will have plenty of opportunities to see it."
A number of students stated they would be recording the event because they needed time for the class and attendance is part of their final grade. Nevertheless, some Spanish teachers considered allowing the students to be absent from class on this historic day, so they could watch the inauguration live.
21 January 2009
