In addition, she agrees that the student polls are a good idea because the faculty definitely does not discount the voice of the student body. She describes the faculty as divided about the issue because many professors prefer both calendar systems for similar reasons. Dean Sorum prefers the semester system because, as a teacher of literature I teach long things and there is more time for reading and discussion. She pointed out that many other professors argue for the trimester system because it allows for a more vigorous and intense study of the course material. The most complicated part of this argument is that a change of our calendar system will affect every aspect of Union College.
People generally prefer the status quo and oppose any large type of change.
On the pro-semester side, the change will allow Union College to coordinate with the calendars of many other schools. This, in turn, will make it easier for students to take summer courses while they are home on break, for professors to take part in summer workshops, and for many students to compete for internships and jobs. As it stands now, professors cannot participate in many workshops over their summer break because they are expected to be here until well after the programs begin. This same effect occurs with students who plan to take summer courses at home. However, it should also be recognized that many students would not be able to take a term abroad if it was not for the trimester system.