Committee seeks comment on academic calendar

Committee seeks comment on academic calendarJanuary 17, 2008SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

The Academic Calendar Committee is seeking comment from the Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry communities as it develops its recommendations for calendars beginning in Fall 2009.

The University academic calendar provides structure for the academic year. A committee consisting of faculty and administrators, and chaired by University Registrar Maureen Breed, has developed a draft statement of purpose, guiding principles and a plan for setting future calendars. “We would like our campus constituents to help further develop these ideas, and to and share their perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of various options,” Breed says.

Several potential changes to the calendar have been presented, including:

• an extended (one-week long) Thanksgiving break;
• a post-Labor Day start in fall semesters;
• a longer semester break between fall and spring semesters; and
• elimination of the observance of certain religious holidays as non-instructional days.

The academic calendar website may be accessed through MySlice, by logging on, then selecting the “University Academic Calendar” link in the University Information box. Comments may be submitted through Thursday, Jan. 31, via the website or by mail to Maureen Breed, 103 Steele Hall. The committee will review and consider feedback in formulating its final proposal, which will be submitted to Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric Spina.