The Switch to the Semester System

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Over the years, there has been debate about technical colleges converting from quarter systems to semester systems. Some people feel a semester system will be better than the quarter system. Apparently, the Technical College System of Georgia agrees and converts the technical colleges to the semester system. Now students who are on the quarter system have to transition to the semester system. Students will have to cope with the new academic calendar, courses, credit hours, tuition, and financial aid. But will it be as easy as people think. The semester system is used by more than 80 percent of colleges and universities across the country (Crist). The other 20 percent is still on the quarter system. These changes will align the technical schools calendar with K-12 school systems and the University System of GA (TCSG). The quarter system was not aligned with the calendar making it harder for students to transfer to other colleges (Technical College System). The semester system will be better for students transferring because it will be easier and not as stressful. Because of the aligned calendar, the academic year will change. Instead of four quarters in an academic year, it will be divided into two semesters with the summer semester optional. With the semester system, classes will start early around mid August and get out early as well (Semesters vs. Quarters). Students generally get a major break about Christmas time. This will give a scholar time to spend with friends or family during the break. Students will get a summer break if they do not attend during the summer. The quarter system classes will start late in mid September and last until mid June. There is a break in December and a short break in March with the quarte... ... middle of paper ... ...ting to the semester system is not a terrible idea. Works Cited Crist, Carolyn. “Tech Schools Moving to Semesters.” Gainesville Times 13 July 2010. Web. 5 June 2011. http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/35285 “Semesters vs. Quarters System: What’s the Difference?| Xatal 28 August 2008. Web. 25 May 2011. http://www.xatal.com/college/semester-vs-quarter-system-whats-the-differences/ Suggs, Ernie. “New College route Semester system will mean subjects per term.” The Atlanta Constitution 24 August 1998, Southeastern Newspapers, ProQuest. Web. 1 June 2011. “Technical College System of Georgia will convert from Quarters to Semesters by Fall 2011.” Targeted News Service, 27 October 2010. Web. 23 May 2011. “The Technical College System of Georgia Quarter vs. Semester Conversion: Quick Facts.” TCSG Semester411. Web. 25 May 2011. http://www.tcsgsemester411.com/

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