ID230 Modernising the University's Calendar

The Idea

It would be beneficial if the University were to review its annual calendar and adapt its teaching delivery pattern accordingly. The proposal is threefold. First, the University to adopt an annual calendar that commences on the 1st of September and ends on the 31st of August. There are quite a few merits of doing so, including academic ones such as facilitating an earlier preparation for the year ahead, especially semester-1. Second, all University Services, including Faculties, Schools, Professional Services, Finance, Timetabling Services etc. to adopt the same calendar facilitating greater institutional alignment. Third, to introduce mid-Semester weeks across all 3 Semesters focusing on student employability and development by focusing on selected targeted areas, such as short courses on AI, Excel training etc. This could be facilitated by e.g. commencing teaching 1 week earlier in September, i.e. in the third week in September or alternatively, keeping the same delivery pattern and ensuring modules have 1 dedicated week (Week-6 or 7) on employability, effectively  reducing  teaching weeks from 12 to 11.  This would be easier to implement with our new 30-credit module structures. The focus of employability and development weeks from a module perspective, will not be to deliver new content material, but provide an opportunity to students to assimilate the material delivered in the first 5-6 weeks from an employability viewpoint and to relate to its application value. 

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

Updating and modernising calendars is an intervention that Universities have already successfully implemented. Additional advantages include the enhancement of synergies across the different parts of the University, such as Timetabling Services and Schools. In addition, the proposal, if implemented, would streamline the periods of taking annual leave, further enhancing coordination. Above all, it will provide additional support to students in terms of improving their employability skills and providing the opportunity to students who joined their programmes late to catch-up with missed material. Lastly, it will ‘force’ all parts of the University to adjust and plan/work towards key dates. 

How We Would Implement This Idea

Following internal consultation, the idea could be implemented relatively smoothly, and at zero cost, from the 1st of September 2027. 

What Success Would Look Like

Enhanced synergy and cooperation across all parts of the University. Improved Timetables for students (& staff). Improved student satisfaction with timetabling efficiencies and flexibility and additional appreciation of the currency of content material in terms of enhancing their chances of success.