The time may have been inconvenient or students may have thought their opinions would not have made a difference, he said. Although low student turnout was disappointing, Baum said the quality of comments made by students who attended will help the committee in its study. Most students wanted to maintain the quarter system because of OU's six-week winter break and a wider array of courses. I have time to earn money for tuition and books. Employers wouldn't want me to work for just three weeks.
Many students use their winter breaks for extra internships.
Under a semester system, many students could intern once a year, said Cendi Eblin, a junior advertising major. Many students feared fewer courses would detract from the quality of their education. He was concerned semesters would diminish the quality of the tutorial program because of fewer courses. However, some students favor the semester system because of increased job opportunities upon graduation and longer class time. Some students said semesters are advantageous because May graduates have first access to the job market, said Josh Woolley, Student Senate president and committee member.