         return {students:v, num_omitted:num_omitted, num_deleted:num_deleted}
 
     render_students: (students) ->
-        for x in students
-            <Student key={x.student_id} student_id={x.student_id} student={@props.students.get(x.student_id)}
+        for x,i in students
+            <Student background={if i%2==0 then "#eee"} key={x.student_id}
+                     student_id={x.student_id} student={@props.students.get(x.student_id)}
                      user_map={@props.user_map} flux={@props.flux} name={@props.name}
                      project_map={@props.project_map} />
 

- [ ] (8:00?) #unclear way to show other viewers that a field is being actively edited by a user (no idea how to do this in react)

DONE:
- [x] (1:00?) (1:07) save status info (so know if not saving due to network, etc.)
- [x] (1:00?) (5:36) fix bugs in opening directories in different projects using actions -- completely busted right now due to refactor of directory listing stuff....
- [x] (1:00?) (4:00) #now ensuring opening and closing a course doesn't leak memory

        return v

    render_basic_info: ->
        <Row key='basic' style={backgroundColor:@props.background}>
            <Col md=2>
                <h5>
                    {@render_student()}
