AU-senesters

1/26/00

AU SEMESTER TRANSITION ON TRACK FOR FALL 2000 IMPLEMENTATION

AUBURN -- Curriculum models are being finalized while students are being advised on credit conversion, course requirements and course loads in preparation for Auburn University's move to a semester system this fall.

"Everything is progressing as planned," says Christine Curtis, coordinator of the semester transition.

Curtis will provide a status report on the semester transition during the Jan. 28 meeting of the Board of Trustees.

The transition to semesters -- approved by trustees in 1996 -- was designed ensure that students, faculty and staff are protected against credit loss and unmanageable workloads, academic standards are maintained, the academic curriculum is being updated and improved and that accreditation requirements are met.

Curriculum development includes the core curriculum, undergraduate, professional and graduate degree programs, undergraduate and graduate minors, establishment of a student appeals procedure and reviews of academic standards, calendars and class schedules.

The semester curricula was reviewed by faculty, various campus committees, the provost and the president, Curtis said.

"Auburn's academic standards also have been reviewed, revised and have received AU Senate approval for the semester system," says Curtis. "Our calendar has been coordinated with AUM, the student information system is being modified to ensure that all active student files are transferred accurately from the quarter to semester system and measures have been taken to eliminate duplication and course overlap."

The semester core curriculum contains 41 credit hours in the sciences, history, written composition, literature, social sciences, philosophy, fine arts and math.

Curriculum models for the semester system for undergraduate programs are based on 120-124 semester credit hours. A major change is the development of the curricula for statistics and biochemistry.

"Statistics will be taught by an Academy of Statistics Faculty composed of professors who teach statistics from throughout the university," Curtis said. "Biochemistry courses have been brought together under a single course prefix, which should make it easier for students to identify the biochemistry course they need."

With the exception of those enrolled in five-year professional programs, the semester curriculum gives students an opportunity to graduate in four years.

"The key is for students to take 15 credit hours in the semester system," Curtis says. "Students who take 15 hours each fall and spring semester, maintain the required academic performance and continue on a constant plan of study, should be able to complete a degree program within four years."

Fall and spring semesters are each 15-week terms -- equivalent to the current fall, winter and spring quarters. Some students may be apprehensive about taking a 15- hour course load, but Curtis says it equals the work load of three quarters.

"During three quarters, students typically will take nine courses for credit in 45 quarter hours," Curtis said. "During two semesters, success in a 9-10 course load would result in credit for 30 semester hours."

Sophomore standing under semesters requires 31-60 semester credit hours; junior standing, 61-90 semester hours and senior standing, 91 or more semester credit hours.

Classes primarily are three-hour courses without labs; four-hour courses with labs. Summer term under the semester system consists of a 10-week full session that can be split into two 5-week mini terms.

New systems were also developed for payment of tuition and housing costs for the semester system.

"Tuition and housing costs for two semesters (fall and spring) should remain approximately the same is for three quarters," Curtis said. "In the semester system, students also will have an option to pay tuition in installments rather than all at once."

Curtis says that developing a calendar for the semester system prompted a thorough examination of instructional facilities, equipment and instructional technology.

"Numerous classroom improvements have been initiated as a result of the transition process, and others are underway," she said.

Auburn opens under the semester system on Aug. 22. The change places it among the majority of other U.S. institutions of higher education that already are operating on a semester system or, are in the transition process.

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jan00:AU-semesters