8-6-96
STARTING IN FALL 1997, PENN STATE'S ACADEMIC YEAR TO BEGIN LATER, GIVE
LONGER SUMMERS TO STUDENTS, FAMILIES
University Park, Pa. -- Starting with the fall 1997 semester, Penn State's
academic year will begin about a week later in August than it currently
begins. The change means that students will have more time for wrapping
up summer jobs, work/study programs, or internships -- or even going on
vacation -- before they and their families have to pack their bags for the
trek back to State College or other Penn State locations.
Under this permanent change, fall 1997's arrival day for new students will
be Aug. 23 and classes will begin on Aug. 27 -- in both cases, six calendar
days later than in fall 1996.
"Before we made the decision to push back the start of the academic
year, we consulted widely with students, faculty and staff," said John
Brighton, the University's executive vice president and provost. "We
believe this change will better accommodate the needs of students and their
families, by giving them as much time as possible for work, study, and family-related
activities during the traditional summer months."
Despite the later start, the fall semester will continue to include a full
15 weeks of classes, followed by two study days and a six-day final examination
period.
Other key dates on the new calendar include:
- Thanksgiving holiday, 1997: Nov. 27-30.
- Last day of classes, fall 1997: Dec. 12.
- Commencement, fall 1997: Dec. 21 (Sunday).
- Arrival day for new students, spring 1998: Jan. 7.
- First day of class, spring 1998: Jan. 12.
- Spring break (spring 1998): March 9-13.
- Last day of classes, spring 1998: May 1.
- Commencement, spring 1998: May 15-16.
In summer 1998, intersessions will begin May 11, eight-week classes will
begin June 10, and six-week classes will begin June 24. Summer 1998 commencement
ceremonies will be on Aug. 8.
"Because of the consultation process we went through, we're convinced
that the change in the calendar is going to ease the transition from summer
to fall as the academic year gears up," Brighton said. "As the
new calendar takes effect, we will welcome comments from students, faculty,
and staff, and other segments of the University community."
A web version of the calendar is maintained by the Registrar's Office under
the Student Action Guide
and Calendar.
*aj*
|
Contacts: |
|
Alan Janesch |
Christy Rambeau |
|
(814) 865-7517 (office) |
(814) 865-7517 (office) |
(814) 867-3621 (home) |
(814) 237-9046 (home) |
axj12@psu.edu |
cmr7@psu.edu |