Ohio University deans are discussing the possibility of changing from a quarter system to a semester system - but nothing is set in stone yet.
Provost Stephen Kopp said he raised the issue of a switch to semesters to coincide with other major policy changes currently underway. Because the university is revising the general education requirements and conducting a major upgrade of the student information system, Kopp said this would be an opportune time to change calendars also. To not raise the issue would be irresponsible
he said. But it's still very early in the process. First we need to study it.
Because OU is on a quarter calendar, Kopp said the study abroad program does not align very well with other institutions, and students seeking internships are sometimes disadvantaged. Students may also be disadvantaged regarding job placements, because OU students finish classes in June instead of May.
Pros and cons exist for both systems, Kopp said. On a semester calendar, students would be able to gain a more in-depth learning experience, but with quarters, students can take more courses.
Ann Fidler, dean of the Honors Tutorial College, said a semester calendar would be fantastic for students. It would give them academic opportunities they don't currently have she said. Ten weeks is too short a period of time to undertake certain projects.
Kopp said the work involved in such a change would be enormous and it will cost the university, but costs may be outweighed if administrators and faculty think long-term benefits will come from a calendar switch. However, no specific cost has been determined.
Students voiced concerns that changing to semesters would foul up the course credits needed for them to graduate. The OU system is based on quick turnover said sophomore Sarah Strobhar. That's why we have so many requirements. I would transfer out of OU
not because I don't like semesters; I just don't want to mess up my requirements.
Fidler said this transition has been made at a number of other universities, all successfully. We are very sensitive toward not delaying anyone's graduation
she said. We are quite confident we can follow the model of other universities.
Kopp said credit hours would be adjusted to a semester system and the change would not affect any students' paths toward graduation. He also said the change would in no way affect the university's early retirement program. We've discussed this with the faculty and staff
and we need to talk to students too
Kopp said. By no means is this a secret.
Other students, like sophomore transfer student Laurie Banyay, like the idea of changing to semesters. I came from a school on semesters
and I don't like quarters
she said. It makes studying abroad harder and getting an internship harder.
Kopp said the earliest date for the change would be fall 2006, and that is very ambitious. I would like to have a recommendation prepared for the new president to study
and ultimately make the decision as a university community
Kopp said. We don't want to look back and say
