The University of Toledo considers plan to switch to a 15-week semester

The University of Toledo Faculty Senate is currently debating switching from a 16-week semester to a 15-week semester. According the to Faculty Senate presentation, the aim of altering UT’s calendar is to improve degree time, align with other four-year institutions, expand time for students to strengthen finances and enhance opportunity for faculty research and scholarship.

A number of surrounding schools currently have a 15-week semester, including Ohio State University, Miami University, Ohio University and Cleveland State University among others. However, a majority of these schools do not have a fall break, which is something UT may also have to give up.

“I definitely think that more people would appreciate a shorter semester; it gives people more time to spend with their family,” said Brooke Pickles, first-year biology major. “The negative side to a shorter semester would be students having a more condense workload.”

Some students seem to think that one less week will not change the stress of the semester.

“I think overall the idea is great because many students would love a shorter semester and longer breaks,” said Alyssa Fussell, third year special education major. “It would be an adjustment for the students, but seems to be something that I would be in favor of.”

Lisa Bollman, academic adviser in the Communication department, said that a shorter semester would help students who tend to lose focus throughout the semester.

“Some professors do not follow the exam week schedule and give their exam the week before during normal class time so it’s basically like some of us have a 15 week semester anyways,” said Taylor Burchfield, first-year communication major.

According the 15-week presentation, if UT switches to shorter semesters, it is possible that class times will switch from 50 minutes to 55 minutes and 75 minutes to 80 minutes. This way, students will still spend roughly the same amount of time in classes.

“I feel like we are crunched for time as it is, but also it would help getting school out of the way for a longer break. I just think it would be impossible to have kids work, study and be involved for only 15 weeks,” Taylor Deblair, first year nursing student.

For more information on the proposal, visit the faculty senate page on the UT website.