Click here to view the Summer Task Force Report (January 2007).

The summer task force was charged to investigate the interest in and possibilities of pursuing alternative teaching formats other than the standard Fall and Spring semester courses.

Alternative Options

·         Janterm offering: A class between January 1 and January 21, meeting for 15 days of intense study

·         Mayterm offering: A class between May 15 and May 31, meeting for 10 days of intense study

·         Summer Class of 8 weeks

·         Summer Class of 10 weeks

·         Compressed Summer Class of 4 weeks

·         Compressed Summer Class of 5 weeks

·         Courses with more hours per day and fewer days

·         Courses on the weekend

 

Survey of Students

A survey of the students at UCD was conducted at the first of Fall semester, 2006. Over 2,000 students responded. Click to view a pdf file of the student survey summary results.

In addition, summary statistics were compiled by college and assembled in spreadsheet format. Click to view the spreadsheet of the summary results by college.

 

Summary of Results

·         Students are very interested in alternative offerings.

·         Most preferred alternative offerings was for "4-week class half of summer."

·         Next most preferred alternative was for "5-week class half of summer."

·         Next most preferred alternative was for "classes with more hours per day and fewer days per week."

·         Moderate interest was expressed for a "Mayterm."

·         Primary reason for not taking a class was "The class is not offered."

·         Tuition and Fees is an issue with taking condensed offerings.

 

Narrative Comments

·         Reasons for taking summer class was to "graduate early" or "on time." Also to complete core requirements.

·         Changes requested include: more online, core, classes in major, more condensed offerings, lower tuition and fees.

·         Mayterm / Janterm interest predominately due to actual course offered,time offered, and whether there would be a reduction in tuition and fees.

·         Global comments included more online, more weekend, more evening, and more required classes.

 

Survey of Faculty

A survey of faculty at UCD was conducted during the middle of Fall semester, 2006. 114 faculty, instructors and lecturers responded. Click to view a pdf file of the faculty summary results.

In addition, summary statistics were compiled by college and assembled in spreadsheet format. Click to view the spreadsheet of summary results by college.

 

Summary of Results

·         Faculty are not nearly as interested in alternative offerings as are the students.

·         Most preferred alternative was for "classes with more hours per day and fewer days per week."

·         Next most preferred alternative was for "4/5 week class first half of summer."

·         Next most preferred alternative was for "special off-campus classes."

·         Slight interest expressed in a "Mayterm" offering.

·         No interest in a "Janterm" offering.

 

Additional Conclusions

·         School of Education most "on board" with summer offerings.

·         Interest by faculty strongly influenced by compensation.

·         Faculty also like condensed format.

 

Narrative Comments of Faculty

·         Influence in decision to teach in summer influenced by better or more compensation, what the students want and can afford, and number of days class is offered. Also influence by ability to conduct research/creative work in summer. Faculty recognize that some courses are better suited to condensed format than others.

·         Comments about trimester included positive interest in the flexibility, could be problematic in smaller departments, would need to equalize service obligations. Comments on both sides about being helpful or problematic for students. Would need to be aware of 12-month appointments for department chairs.

·         Global comments included recognition of impact of change on library requirements, need more assistance with online development, concerns about impact on scholarly activity.

 

Recommendations of the Task Force

·         Investigate a "Mayterm" offering for Summer 08.

·         Investigate condensed course offerings during first half of summer as alternative to 8 or 10 week offering.

·         Develop compensation policies within colleges consistent with strategic goals.

·         Continue to monitor opportunities for serving students.

·         This is not a money generating effort. It's intended to better serve our students.

If you have any questions or comments about the surveys and/or results and conclusions, please contact the task force co-chairs, Laura Goodwin and Louise Vale.