NovemsBer 1, 2005

THE CADRE @ 13

ON CAMPUS

Registrar’s Office Ponders New Schedule

The Registrar’s Office has completed a review of the current scheduling system and found it to be highly inefficient. This led the university to research the systems in use at other schools and ultimately led to the determination that the system developed for Queen’s University in the 60’s would be the most effective system to adopt here at UPEI.

The proposed changes involve adopting what is referred to as a “block” system.

Under this system, the bulk of classes

(especially first year classes), would be of uniform 50 minute duration. The main reason for this is to simplify the system and to allow for optimal use of space. Apparently, the current “fit-’em-where- you-can” approach is becoming increasingly difficult to administer as the university grows in population.

“As itis,” says one faculty member who chose to remain anonymous, “class times are dictated by professors and whenever it is they want to teach their courses.”

Under the proposed new system, class times would be dictated by a central coordinating body that would place them where they are deemed to be most beneficial to students. A basic component of the plan includes the division of the five school days into four three-hour blocks: (1) Morning Block: 8:30 - 11:30(2) Midday Block: 11:30 - 2:20(3) Afternoon Block: 2:30 - 5:20(4) Evening Block: 5:30 - 8:20

Classes scheduled within the morning block are to be restricted to this block; classes occurring in other blocks must likewise stay within their three-hour time frame.

One of the reasons for this is to allow two days a week for science students who have labs during midday and afternoon blocks to be able to organize their schedule to include non- science courses without encountering scheduling conflicts.

By restricting certain classes to certain blocks, the system has more

structure. ccording to the university’s administration, the idea is not to complicate the lives of students, but rather to create an orderly system which will give students more choice. It is also hoped that a new scheduling system will fix the current problem that many upper- year students face in trying with make electives and minors fit into their schedules.

To allow for a more efficient system, the Registrar’s office is also considering alternating course times within their blocks; for example, English 101 which is currently offered at 8:30 in the morning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday might be offered at 8:30 on Monday, 10:30 on Tuesday, and 9:30 on Thursday. The idea behind this is to avoid scheduling lectures for any given class on three consecutive days. This way, students are able to take classes that begin at the same time as their other classes on any of the four other days of the week.

The proposed changes are not intended to affect students who are taking longer, upper-level classes, nor should they affect labs that require a two hour duration. Rather, the changes will facilitate the ability of such students to fit other courses into their schedule without encountering course allocation conflict.

The Registrar feels that the proposed plan better permits students to take the courses they want in the timeframe they want, meaning that a four year degree can be completed without difficulty.

One of the key figures in the debate surrounding this system is the Faculty Association which has yet to make an official statement on the matter. It may be some time before the association comes to any decision as to what, if anything, to do about the proposal. Individually though, a number of professors have expressed their concerns about the proposal, leading to the belief that the Association may be forced to adopt a negative stance.

UPEI Exchange Program Information Session

Interested in Studying Abroad? Want to combine your love of travel with your desire for an education? If so, come attend an information session about the UPEI Exchange Programs. For either a semester or a year, you can study in countries like Sweden, Australia, and the USA while paying your UPEI tuition! The information session will outline the requirements for an academic exchange, explain the program, and go over the details of each host institution. There will also be previous exchange students available to answer all your questions about what to expect when studying abroad.

Date: Wednesday, November 9", 2005 Time: 4:30 -5:30 p.m. Location: Student Services Boardroom, 2™ Floor W.A. Murphy Student Centre

If you have any questions call Ryan at 566-0674 or e-mail assistants@upei.ca

Did you know...

The maximum number of first year

(100 level) courses is 16 used towards your

undergraduate degree. In order to take a

17th first year course you must obtain

permission from Cathy Toombs (Records Supervisor) in the Registrar's Office who is authorized to grant permission. Should you wish to take an 18th first year course you

must obtain permission from the Dean of

~ your faculty.

This feature is brought to you by the Department of Student Services located in “The Loft” above the Bookstore.