Here at Berkeley we have the same thing. For example, I had a computer-oriented discrete math course where the professor decided a fun time to have homework due

Here at Berkeley we have the same thing. For example, I had a computer-oriented discrete math course where the professor decided a fun time to have homework due would be 8:00 AM. Naturally, you could pop by the lab next to the turn-in box at obscene times in the morning and see a bunch of people working. One benefit of this is that sometimes great discussions about completely random--although usually technical--subjects emerge as everybody is procrastinating. It really makes even the most annoying homework assignment bearable.