MSU-Detroit College of Law students spent last week telling their professors to “can it.”

The Journal of International Law at DCL sponsored its fourth annual Can-a-Professor Program, which allows students to bring in a canned good or other nonperishable food item in exchange for not having to participate in class.

Professors who agree to participate in the program may not call on students who bring cans of food to class.

For some law students, the program, which began last Monday was convenient.

Daniel Olson, a second-year law student who participated in Can-a-Professor, said the because he was out of town two weeks ago, the program saved him both some reading and from answering questions.

“I was at a law review symposium in Washington, D.C., got back late in the week and didn’t feel like reading a lot,” he said.

Olson said being able to avoid questions “especially took the stress off for exams in a week and a half.”

That’s exactly why the program is so popular, said Connell Alsup, DCL assistant dean of student affairs.

“A law student, like a lawyer, should always be prepared,” he said. “You are never to pass, you should be able to respond.”

Alsup said not having to be ready to answer questions gives students more time to prepare for final exams and relieves pressure in the classroom.

So far students have collected more than 500 cans, which will be donated to the Salvation Army today.

Some students said they wish they knew about the program earlier.

Sean Parks, a fourth-year law student, said he would have donated food for the cause.

“My professor never calls on people anyway, but I would have participated if I had known about it,” he said.

Journal member Sujey Kallumadanda, a co-organizer of Can-A-Professor, called the program a success.

“It’s a great program,” he said. “Considering the amount of food that we donate from just this one week, I’m sure it helps out the Salvation Army quite a bit.”