Several wanted to know how big the issue is and wanted further discussion of what problems our schedules really create. Therefore, it seems appropriate that much of this first Chancellor's Update address these issues. Attached is a report from University Planning that summarizes our current situation with regard to scheduling. Preliminary analysis suggests, further, that if it were not for general education courses the drop-off would be even greater. College classes are difficult.
Teaching is hard work, and good teaching is wearing work.
Teaching two or three courses in a row just adds to the stress. Some of the most important time that a faculty member and student can have together is the few minutes before and after class while everything is fresh. When students take courses back to back they lose this special opportunity. Likewise, exciting discussions and informal learning are curtailed if students have to run off to the next class. There are many other of these types of issues that could be raised, and faculty have raised each of them with me over the last year.