The quarter system. Many universities operate on a four-term quarter system that requires class registration four times per year as opposed to semester systems that require class registration just three times per year. Recently, the state of Washington has experienced large tax revenue reductions and has severely cut the budget of state universities, resulting in substantial increases in student tuition and fees. Yet the University of Washington continues to operate on a quarter system.
a. Assume you work for a university using a quarter system. Justify that system.
Can your argument be based upon Registration process efficiency? Why or why not?
Can it be based on Registration process effectiveness? Why or why not?
b. Assume you attend a university on a quarter system. Using your answers in questions 1 and 2, write a two-page memo explaining the advantages of converting to a semester system.
c. Considering your answers to questions 1 and 2, do you think it would be wise for universities to convert to semester systems? Why or why not?
Would you recommend a national policy for universities to use the semester system?
d. If converting from a quarter system to a semester system is advantageous, why not convert to a one-term system? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system? Would you recommend one if it reduced your tuition by 25 percent? 50 percent? 75 percent?
e. At present, there is no public outcry to convert the University of Washington to a semester system. There has been, however, considerable public anguish about the increasing costs of tuition. Why do you suppose this situation exists?
f. Given your all of your answers to this question, which type of term system (e.g., quarter, semester, year) does your team believe is best? Justify your answer.