As the semester comes to an end, some students may be feeling a strain. Semesters are six weeks longer than quarters and are said to benefit students in the end; however, as we approach the end of our first term on semesters, some students are questioning just how beneficial the extra six weeks and combined classes are to students.
Denny Wilson, operations coordinator of Student Leadership Development said that some things got better and some things got worse with the change. He added that some classes increased course material, making it overwhelming for students. However, the extra time in class helps students familiarize themselves with the teaching style of the professor as well as the course itself.
Other students aren’t as optimistic about the change.
“I’m not happy with this change,” Nilofar Gagan, Business Administration major said. “It’s hard to stay focused.”
Gagan went from taking 48 credit hours per year to taking 24. She understands that the reasoning could be the combined classes. However, Gagan said she feels she doesn’t need some of her classes and that they aren’t helping her in learning material for her degree.
In addition, she said classes feel like they are taking longer and that she’s noticed more students skipping class.
Patricia Broderick, an Accounting major, said that it’s an adjustment. Personally, she feels that going longer is better.
Ahmad Ishtewi, former Civil Engineering major, left Sinclair in 2006 to attend the University of Dayton. Although he had to face the switch to semesters, he said he feels relieved to have left Sinclair before the switch because he thinks he didn’t take as much time to complete his program. However, he added that with more time to spend in classes, it cleans up cramming a bit and gives professors the chance to go over details in class they otherwise would have skipped with a shorter term.
Bobby Kunst, an undecided major, graduated high school in 2012 and came to Sinclair this fall.
“I wasn’t here when we had quarters,” Kunst said. “Semesters are longer [but] better so we can learn more.”
Overall, students feel that classes are taking longer. Some are relieved for that, others are not.