Definition

The week immediately before final exams when no new material is taught and no major assignments are due, theoretically allowing students to study. In reality, faculty ignore the policy and students cram everything they avoided all semester.

Example Usage

Dead week is supposed to be review only, but three of my professors scheduled presentations and papers.

Origin

Student vernacular, formalized into academic calendars at many institutions

Fun Fact

Some universities enforce dead week policies through official sanctions, though enforcement remains spotty and unpopular with faculty.

Source: Student culture and academic calendar terminology

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