Converting universities to semesters a ‘mammoth undertaking’

Wright State among schools switching calendars

Nicole Petricevic, a senior political science major, studies for a test while inside the Student Organization Complex at Wright State. The university soon will switch to semesters. Staff photo by Ron Alvey

Ron Alvey Nicole Petricevic, a senior political science major, studies for a test while inside the Student Organization Complex at Wright State. The university soon will switch to semesters. Staff photo by Ron Alvey

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By Dave Larsen, Staff Writer Updated 8:59 PM Sunday, April 19, 2009

Converting from quarters to semesters is a “mammoth undertaking” for area colleges and universities making the switch, said Tom Huguely, Sinclair Community College associate provost.

Wright State University, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati and Ohio State University in recent weeks have adopted resolutions to change their academic calendars to semesters starting in fall 2012.

The four institutions were the last public, four-year institutions in Ohio still on the quarter system.

“Ninety percent of the schools in the country are on semesters, so it was time,” said Lillie Howard, Wright State senior vice president for curriculum and instruction.

Two-year institutions still on the quarter system include Sinclair, Clark State and Columbus State community colleges. They are expected to follow the four-year schools, where many of their students matriculate to complete degrees.

“We will likely recommend that we convert to semesters effective fall of 2012,” Huguely said.

The University System of Ohio recommended the transition to semesters in its “Strategic Plan for Higher Education.”

A common calendar would facilitate shared academic programs, ease of transfer between institutions and students’ ability to undertake internships and co-ops.

The transition is projected to cost nearly $2.4 million at Wright State, and from $8.7 million to $11.2 million at Ohio State, for such expenses as technology modifications, course redesign and curriculum alignment, officials said.

“The fact is that every course in the university will have to be revised,” said Tim Gerber, chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Semesters at Ohio State.

From quarters to semesters

Four-year Ohio schools changing: Wright State, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Ohio University

Regional two-year schools expected to follow: Sinclair, Columbus State, Clark State

Quarters involve: 10-week classes followed by a week of tests. There are three quarters per school year, not including summer

Semesters involve: 15-week classes followed by a week of tests. There are two semesters per school year, not including summer.

When Wright State plans to change: Fall 2012

Before then: WSU will offer more courses during the 2011 and 2012 summers to allow students to complete requirements before the semester calendar.

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