The Online Reflector

Most students who go to college plan to graduate in four years, maybe even five. In following this plan, they may miss out on possible internships or studying abroad because their course schedules get in the way and they never really had the time.

Finishing up my final semester at UIndy, I think about how I could’ve done things differently. Could I have done less outside of school so I could focus on career plans? Or could I have done more than my usual course load and graduated on time?  This is where the thought of a trimester system popped in my head.

A trimester system is a set 3 semesters per academic year, usually a 10 to 13 week period each semester, requiring summer classes and less break time. Purdue University is currently in the process of implementing this system, given the student body’s approval or disapproval. The trimester system could be in effect there in the coming years. Could UIndy do a good job of using a trimester system, in which the students stay on campus during the summer, make more use of the facilities and graduate significantly earlier? I believe we would and it would help the campus tremendously.

One of the key features of a trimester system, depending on your course load, is the opportunity to graduate in as little as three years. If I were given the option of having the regular two semester system or a trimester system, I would choose the trimester route solely for the purpose of graduating early and experiencing internships, looking for careers early and possibly of even studying abroad, which I’ve always wanted to do. I feel this would benefit students more than the system we use now, and a lot of students would support this system.

However, one concern I have about the trimester system is cost. The trimester system could cause an increase in tuition. Would there be a significant discount for students who want to take courses in the summer semester, or would tuition stay the same? If there were a decrease, I feel many students would make good use of a trimester system and have a better chance to work toward their career goals.

The trimester system could benefit the faculty as well, by having the facilities open to the whole student body during the summer, when normally a lot of the students go home to save up for next year’s textbook and tuition costs.

The trimester system would give professors and students an opportunity to enhance their learning and knowledge in their chosen field. I also feel that potential students who want to attend the university would take notice of the system and possibly enroll.

Ultimately, we don’t know if a trimester system will be put in place at UIndy, but it could be a way to enhance the learning experience even more. If the trimester system were implemented, it should be optional for the students so those who don’t want this system could stick with the regular semester system course load. I, however, do think the trimester system could be beneficial.