The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Academic Assembly sent back a survey regarding student opinion of the drop/add period last night for further investigation.

Because many of the members felt the survey didn't accurately represent students, the assembly voted to send the report back to Academic Research and Action (ARA), which submitted the survey at the meeting.

The members also said they were concerned students weren't presented with adequate information to make an educated response.

The survey, conducted last year, consisted of nine multiple-choice questions and one open-ended question.

It analyzed 405 responses from a random sample of 5,000 students at University Park and all other commonwealth campuses via Webmail. The students ranged in majors and semester standing.

The report showed that 54.5 percent think the drop period should be longer than the add period, 18.3 percent think the add period should be longer than the drop period, and 25.7 percent think the period should not be changed.

Danny Wallmuth, a senator for the division of undergraduate studies in the assembly who submitted the survey, said the report found most students satisfied with the current drop/add period.

Jeff Timmerman, representative from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, said the results of the survey did not make sense. "The student body won't realize the implications unless you explain it to them," he said.

Timmerman said the survey showed students felt extending the drop period would help them, when really extending the add period would allow them to pick up classes after dropping others.

Chris Hanson, senator for the Smeal College of Business, said the results could be because of drop/add late fee.

Council of Commonwealth Student Governments Vice President George Conway said because only 0.5 percent of the student body was surveyed, "the numbers may not be as accurate as you think they are."

Ricardo Torres, senator for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, suggested a two-day extension of the add period and a possible poll of the student body in person rather than over Webmail, and to explore more technology possibilities.

Torres suggested creating a waiting list regulated by seniority because seniors have less time to obtain graduation requirements. He added students could also know exactly what number they are on the waitlist to help determine their chances of getting into the class. He said he also wants to challenge the late fees and educate students about extending the add period.