The Reason for the Study

The whole question of the structure of the academic year came up in a rather indirect manner, arising out of the problems of scheduling mid-year examinations, particularly for 1980. It was becoming clear that the existing hybrid system that had served us so well (?) over the last few years, could not accommodate all the changes that departments wanted. For this reason it was resolved to conduct a study, both looking at Victoria and at other universities which would provide the basis for an evaluation of three different structures for the academic year: the three-term proposal; the semester; or the existing hybrid. It was intended that the study would investigate all areas of importance, from administrative costs of the schemes, to staff and student opinion.

When considering something as complex as a university, with all its interactions and interrelations, it is not possible to examine the layout of the academic year without also looking at such matters, from the student point of view, as assessment, at whether full-year courses are superior, in certain regards to half-year courses, at how many hours students spend on their studies compared with their recreation.

It must be emphasised that the question of student opinion and attitudes are only a portion of the study, yet it is regarded as a significant portion by those involved in the study. But to get this information, it is imperative that there be student participation and involvement in the project. Not a particularly onerous task as it will mainly involve simply expressing your opinions through the various mediums that are being set up by the Teaching and Learning Committee (the sub-committee of the Professorial Board that is administering the study) particularly through questionnaires and interviews. The first of these questionnaires is expected to be circulated shortly. It is of great importance that students do co-operate by answering the form (and returning it!!!) — God knows the university doesn't often ask for student opinion (excepting the UTRC of course), let's make the most of it.

At the time of writing, the questionnaire has not been fully drafted, however the general form will be to seek student opinion over almost the entire range of the study. As well as asking for comparisons between full-year and half-year courses, assessment procedures and workload will be evaluated, the time available for student recreation etc. It is a fairly long document, but clearly in the interests of students to fill it in as accurately as possible. No-one can promise that the university will bend over backward to a accommodate student opinion, however if the information is available, students have a much better chance of improving their lot.