The Academic Year Task Force drafted an initial report on its findings regarding changes to the academic calendar to begin as early as 2010.
Based on survey data from faculty and students and calendars of other universities, the task force suggests MSU adopt a 14-week fall semester, to begin after Labor Day. There would be a one-week finals period, according to the report.
There are two models for the spring semester. The first would include a two-week “J-term,” for students to take condensed classes. The J-term would be followed by a 14-week semester and would not affect the length of summer break. The second would simply be a 14-week semester, which would lengthen summer break, according to the report.
Other items being considered are a two-day fall break, a two-day Presidents Day break and a later spring break.
The absolute earliest these changes could be implemented would be the 2010-11 academic year, said R. Sekhar Chivukula, chairman of the University Committee on Academic Policy.
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