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."

*aj*

Contacts:

Alan Janesch Christy Rambeau

(814) 865-7517 (office)

(814) 867-3621 (home) (814) 237-9046 (home)

axj12@psu.edu cmr7@psu.edu

For other Penn State news, please visit the Penn State University Relations home page at http://www.psu.edu/ur. For related news, please visit the University Relations calendar page at http://www.psu.edu/calendars.html. A web version of the new calendar will be posted soon. For more information on the new academic calendar, contact the registrar's office at registrar@psu.edu