Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Use this FAQs page to learn more about what’s changing and how the new schedule will impact daily life on campus.
Frequently Asked Student Questions
Q: Will the new schedule make it harder for students who need morning DLAs to get the classes they need?
A: No. The updated schedule is actually designed to align more closely with both course requirements and student availability. It ensures equitable access to required classes without creating scarcity.
Q: Are there actually more DLA class sections, or are they just spread out differently?
A: Class offerings are still based on student demand and graduation requirements, which naturally vary each semester. The new predictive software (AdAstra) will help us better match offerings to real-time needs, improving access and reducing scheduling conflicts.
Q: Why was Intermission moved to a different time?
A: This decision was based on extensive student feedback gathered through published survey data. Many schools reported that requiring students to start and stop classes midday was disruptive and counterproductive. The adjusted schedule minimizes interruptions and supports deeper focus and more consistent learning blocks.
Q: Will classes now start as early as 8 a.m. even for undergraduate students with afternoon arts classes (like D&P and Film)?
A: No. Undergraduate and graduate classes may not begin before 8:30 a.m. High school classes begin at 8:00 a.m. One of the goals of the Integrated Scheduling Initiative was to establish standardized start and end times for courses. This was implemented beginning in the 2024–2025 academic year. All courses are scheduled so that students are engaged for no more than 10 hours within a 13.5-hour day, ensuring balance across academic and artistic commitments.
Q: Why are Bridge Days required, and how will they be meaningful to students?
A: Bridge Days were developed directly from feedback in the Spring 2025 Collaborative Scheduling Initiative (CSI) Survey. These days are designed to create hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that connect academic and artistic curricula, helping students apply what they learn in meaningful, practical contexts. They are not meant to take away rest but to deepen engagement through creative, applied learning experiences.
Q: Can High School students take SPOT courses?
A: No. SPOT courses are part of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum and are not available to high school students.