This session was centered around the many factors that come into play when trying to build the academic calendar. Assigning key dates such as beginning and ending dates of terms, fall and spring breaks, and common and final exams can be very difficult. The presentation outlined the political and non-political factors that must be considered in developing an effective calendar.
Political factors can come from both outside as well as inside the institution.
Outside influences include entities such as state legislatures and boards of regents, local school boards, major local sporting and entertainment functions, etc. On-campus influences include such areas as upper administration needs, the homecoming committee, the alumni office, and athletics. Also, legislative parameters governing the definition of contact and credit hours add another dimension to the complexity. Non-political perspectives include such things as the changing student body, weekend courses, multiple night and segmented classes, internet classes, and attendance patterns. The discussion included a methodical approach to prioritizing the interests of the stakeholders while maintaining an effective academic calendar.