HD49 - Feasibility and Costs of Alternative Scheduling Practices in Virginia Public Higher Education


Executive Summary:
How colleges and universities schedule classes and use their facilities is important as Virginia prepares for enrollment increases and adjusts to diminished state general fund support. Recognizing this imperative, the Honorable James M. Shuler crafted legislation to study the feasibility and costs of providing night classes and of implementing three-semester academic years at Virginia's public colleges and universities. In addition to giving students greater flexibility in scheduling courses, colleges and universities can get more productive use of their facilities by increasing their program offerings at less traditional times.

This study describes the evolution of the academic calendar and activities currently underway related to alternative scheduling practices. It details specific changes Virginia's colleges and universities are undertaking as part of their restructuring. Finally, it discusses some of the opportunities and challenges Virginia higher education faces as it considers alternative schedules. Specifically, it encourages Virginia's colleges and universities to pursue creative academic scheduling, wherever possible. It states that not only should course schedules meet the demands of students, these institutions should also make efficient use of academic space and resources. The study concludes with a list of administrative, fiscal, and operational issues that colleges, universities, and other higher education participants should consider when examining the academic schedule.