University Seeks Feedback on Changes to Academic Calendar
Bluefield University is considering changing its academic calendar to end the fall semester before Thanksgiving. To gather feedback on the proposal, the administration distributed an electronic survey to students to find out how they feel about the proposed change.
Provost Michael Salmeier said the proposal stems from the growing number of requests from students to finish the fall semester remotely because of the challenges of returning to campus after Thanksgiving only to go back home less than two weeks later for Christmas break.
The survey distributed to students was designed to get their feedback on a proposed shortened fall semester. The survey also asked the students about their preferences regarding face-to-face versus online classes; their satisfaction with the availability of classes needed to graduate; and their thoughts on a four-day instructional week (Monday through Thursday).
Regarding the shortened fall semester, 73 percent of BU students “strongly agreed” or “agreed” with the idea of the fall semester ending before Thanksgiving, while just 13 percent “strongly disagreed” or “disagreed” with 13 percent being neutral.
“I prefer that we end the semester before Thanksgiving,” said BU student William Croft during an interview with The Rampage. He added that he didn’t like worrying about finals during Thanksgiving or traveling back home and returning for one to two weeks after Thanksgiving.
“It took away from my Thanksgiving,” he said, “which was supposed to be focused on family.”
The university wanted to explore different ways to end the semester earlier. Toward that end, students were asked if the fall semester should start earlier so that it can end by Thanksgiving or if the fall semester should be shortened (from 16 weeks to 15 weeks) so that it can end by Thanksgiving.
About 48 percent of students said they prefer the semester to start earlier so that it can end by Thanksgiving. About 28 percent “disagreed” or “strongly disagreed” with that option. About 22 percent were neutral.
Regarding the second option, about 66 percent said they prefer the fall semester be shortened from 16 weeks to 15 weeks so that it can end by Thanksgiving. About 19 percent said they “disagreed” or “strong disagreed” with that option with 13 percent being neutral.
Members of the BU faculty received a similar survey to gather additional feedback about the proposed changed. Results of that survey are not yet available. In the meantime, faculty member Allen Roberts, department chair and assistant professor of graphic communication, said he wants what’s best for the students.
“If it benefits the kids, I would be good with it because I could adapt my schedule for the changes,” Roberts said about the proposed shortened fall semester. “I think it would be good for the students not to worry about returning after the break.”
Regarding the shorter instructional week, Roberts said, “I would like the university to adopt a Monday through Thursday schedule.” Students concur with about 73 percent agreeing or strongly agreeing in the survey with only eight percent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing.
“I would like to see this change (a Monday through Thursday instructional week) because it would give everyone a three-day weekend to get work done,” BU student Buzz Greenman said. “It would also help with athletes traveling not to miss class on Friday. There are really a lot of benefits to this proposal.”
In conclusion, the survey showed that students have a strong preference for ending the semester by Thanksgiving, also potentially an earlier start or shortened semester. After hearing the opinions of students during the survey; the final decision will come from administration and the president after they review everything that has to come with it.