By Dana Al-Qadi
Gargoyle news editor
Posted Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, The OG, news

WHEN UNI STUDENTS come to school next Thursday and Friday, they will encounter a new schedule. Instead of the usual eight periods of 50-minute classes, each day will be divided into four 90-minute periods, with 20 minutes between classes.

Why the change? It all goes back to Uni's new method of calculating grade point averages.

The revamped GPA system

For the first time in Uni history, student GPAs will be calculated by semester rather than the year as a whole. This means that instead of having one final grade for yearlong classes, there will be a final grade at the end of each semester.

In order to accommodate this change in grade calculation, and in response to requests by several teachers, Uni students will take finals next Thursday and Friday using the new schedule of four 90-minute classes per day. (This schedule only applies to fall semester finals; the school day will revert to eight 50-minute classes when spring semester begins Jan. 16.)

Giving teachers an option, giving students more time

While some classes have always been semesterlong courses with finals at the end of the semester, the majority of Uni classes have been full year.

However, especially with the introduction of the new semester English courses for juniors and seniors, there is an increase in the number of teachers who would like to give their students a final.

“Not all teachers are giving finals, but those who would like to now have that option,” says Assistant Director Sue Kovacs.

There has also been an increase in voiced concerns that one typical 50-minute period is not adequate time for a student to take a semester cumulative final.

“The adjustment is not going to be that difficult,” explains Kovacs, “but this policy will also help prepare Uni students for college. Most colleges that Uni students look at run on a semester schedule.”

Classes that are not giving final exams will have an extended, regular class period. Students who have free periods are expected to remain quiet in the halls and courteous of their testing classmates. There will be a 20-minute break between each 90-minute class period.

Final exam schedule

Thursday, Jan. 11
8 to 9:30 a.m. — first-period classes
9:50 to 11:20 a.m. — seventh-period classes
noon to 1:30 p.m. — eighth-period classes
1:50 to 3:20 p.m. — second-period classes

Friday, Jan. 12
8 to 9:30 a.m. — third-period classes
9:50 to 11:20 a.m. — fourth-period classes
noon to 1:30 p.m. — fifth-period classes
1:50 to 3:20 p.m. — sixth-period classes

According to Director/Principal Kassie Patton, the class periods were reordered to match PE classes with the availability of Kenney Gym to the extent possible.

RELATED

— Gargoyle article: New GPA system goes into effect

— Uni High site: Atypical bell schedules