Changes in weekly class schedule ahead

Beginning in autumn quarter 1997, the University will institute changes in the weekly class hours schedule for the divisions and the College.

The changes are being made in response to problems in the current schedule that have created course conflicts for students and unnecessary restrictions in student course choices, according to Robert Zimmer, Associate Provost for Research and Education.

"Over the years, more and more courses have been taught outside of standard hours, making it increasingly difficult for students to enroll in the courses they need," Zimmer said. "There have not been enough usable 90-minute classes in the formal schedule, so many faculty have chosen to teach 90-minute classes outside this schedule on Monday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Friday. The new changes will create extra 90-minute time slots and should make all the class times more useful. An analysis of autumn 1995 College courses indicated that almost one-third of all College courses were being held outside of standard time slots."

The new class schedule incorporates three primary changes:

_ all Tuesday and Thursday classes will be shifted to start 30 minutes later, beginning at 9 a.m.

_ a new flexible time slot of 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday will be added to be used as either a 60-minute time slot three times a week or a 90-minute slot two days a week

_ each day after 3 p.m., there will be complete flexibility in class scheduling

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 60-minute classes will be held at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and at 12:30 p.m., with the new 90-minute time slot from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Classes will be held for 90 minutes Tuesday and Thursday, beginning at 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.

The Provost has instructed the Registrar to list courses in the College and Divisions only if they conform to the new schedule. Scheduling of labs should conform in spirit to the new schedule to the extent possible.

The Divinity School and the Pritzker School of Medicine will cooperate to the full extent possible in making their schedules compatible with the new hours.

Questions may be directed to Robert Zimmer at 702-1383.