ByGeorge!

Aug. 19, 2003

Academic Calendar Options

Feedback from GW Community Sought, November Deadline Set

By Greg Licamele

The University community has until November to offer feedback about the Alternative Academic Calendar Report, a study that outlines three options for a potential new academic schedule at GW.

Proposed by President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg last fall, the study group of faculty, staff and students spent the spring semester identifying areas of potential and of concern in an effort to increase student engagement and to use GW’s facilities in more efficient ways. Co-chaired by Charles Karelis, research professor of philosophy, and Walter Brown, assistant professor of higher education, the report focuses on research and options, rather than recommendations, therefore relying on the community to offer comments.

“The committee tried to be very conscientious about soliciting community input, and it is obvious that the senior administration of the University is committed to taking community feedback very seriously,” Karelis said.

Karelis and Brown did conclude, however, that many of the issues examined are closely connected, reflecting the complex nature of today’s universities.

“I do not think these sorts of schemes lend themselves to a referendum approach, but comments on the report based on due consideration of the complexities are bound to get close attention,” Karelis said.

Gerry Kauvar, special assistant to the president, said about 75 E-mails have been received, which he described as important contributions to the conversation. Kauvar said that Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Donald R. Lehman has convened a committee to consider the next steps, but noted, “I think it unlikely any decision will be taken that would be mandatory for anyone entering before Fall 2005.”

 

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Alternative Academic Calendar Report

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