Post
In 2022, there was confusion regarding announced and retracted changes to the 2022 summer semester start date, specifically that there would be a week of time between the end of spring finals week and start of summer classes. This change was announced, but apparently did not get Faculty Senate approval in time for the 2022 Summer semester, and was thus retracted.
Looking at the current 2023 Summer Academic Calendar, it seems that there is once again no gap between the end of Spring 2023 and the start of Summer 2023. Have plans for adding this week of much needed downtime (which allows for grade submission, syllabus updates, and prerequisite checking) been abandoned?
Ryan Learn
Mathematics & Statistics
Response
We did some investigation to find out the status of this proposal. Initially, Global instituted the schedule change, but then withdrew it as it required Senate approval. Global then collected data from faculty and staff regarding the proposed change. Advisors liked the proposed change and felt it was better for students; most faculty did not. In our follow-up conversations with the Vice Provost Bill Davis, it became clear that this issue is more complex than it appears on the surface. This seemingly minor changes has follow-on consequences and requires coordination with other timelines. Therefore, at least for now, the schedule is remaining as is.
Christine Horne
Faculty Senate Chair
Comments
I think this is a serious concern for faculty and students; down time after spring semester is sorely needed for all parties to rest and be ready for summer learning.