Classroom scheduling guidelines have been published following a decision by the Office of the Provost to alter the spring 2013 course schedule that will introduce Friday courses into many students' schedules, largely eliminating the previous 75-minute Monday and Wednesday courses.
According to the new schedule, classes will meet either Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 50 minutes per period, or Tuesday and Thursday for 75 minutes per period. The Monday and Wednesday 75-minute option is offered in one time slot only, from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The schedule, revised on Aug. 30, states that "schools, colleges and units have been advised of the number of classrooms that can be scheduled per semester in a given time slot," and the schools, colleges and units must adhere to the quota.
Evening classes can be held on Mondays or Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or 7:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., and on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 7:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m., as published in the schedule.
The Faculty Senate will meet on Friday, and according to the published minutes for Friday's meeting, "the Faculty Senate objects to the lack of faculty consultation on the proposed class schedule changes to take effect for the spring 2013 semester. This lack of faculty involvement constitutes a violation of the spirit of shared governance since the new schedule will have a direct impact on instruction and on faculty life."
Junior Drew Holden, academic affairs chair of the Student Government Association, addressed faculty reactions to the new schedule at the Aug. 26 SGA meeting.
"The sentiment is negative, from what I've gathered, for two reasons. First, the proposed changes ... were done with an apparent lack of understanding of the complexity and intricacy of individual department functions," Holden said.
"Further, the faculty and student populations were never consulted or contacted, which not only fosters resentment but, according to the faculty senate, also goes against the ideal of shared governance," Holden added.
Holden asked that students voice their opinions on the matter by reaching out to the SGA Senators.
"We are putting almost everything else on hold to pursue this," Holden told the Setonian yesterday.
In other action, SGA President Joseph Donato urged members to be especially welcoming to all students, including the freshman class.
"We should be their older brothers and sisters," Donato said. "Even if we can't help them we'll take them to someone else. I can't stress how important it is for us to win over these freshmen; they are the next [SGA] senators."
The 2012-2013 budget was also passed by the SGA after the Senate approved it 23-0.
According to Treasurer Ashley Jefferson, there were 13 clubs that did not receive any money for programming due to inactivity last year. She allotted them $100 each for this year's budget as token money.
Advisor Sarah Clifford also announced to the SGA a new policy regarding posters on campus. Effective immediately, posters in the University Center need approval and proper authorization. Other buildings, she noted, may have their own poster regulations.
Clifford also noted the launch of a new online system, 25Live.
25Live will be used for clubs and organizations to submit proposals and obtain meeting spots, according to Clifford.
Clifford said initially, 25Live was set to launch early this semester, however, unforseen circumstances have put plans on hold and for now, the old proposal system will be used.
The SGA will meet again on Monday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chancellor's Suite. All are encouraged to attend.
Charlotte Lewis can be reached at charlotte.lewis@student.shu.edu.
Jessica Card can be reached at jessica.card@student.shu.edu.
