Students have been frustrated semester after semester by the overlapping schedule for courses. These issues are extremely annoying, especially when registering and trying to participate in clubs and athletics.
Ithaca College has seen changes to its system and course curricula, like the 3-credit to 4-credit curriculum revision put into effect in 2023 which increased class durations and deepened material to decrease the number of classes required for graduation.
Another change is a revised scheduling grid, which had been on hold for over two years, that will finally go into effect in Fall 2025. This new schedule resulted from the college recognizing that students have been forced to weigh necessary or desired courses and miss out on extracurricular activities to meet academic requirements.
Keen to be student-centered, this new and improved scheduling grid respects students’ course interests and life outside the classroom. Out of the previous attempts to make things less stressful for undergrads, the updated schedule grid is the best solution presented by the college thus far and should remain untouched. It is impossible for any grid to meet the needs of every student on campus, but this one comes closest.
The new schedule grid maintains a common hour but extends it slightly to be from noon to 1 p.m. instead of 12:15 to 1:05 p.m. A noon break is important so students have a chance to eat something, catch up on assignments and recharge before going to their next lecture or lab. The standard 10-15 minute gap between classes is not enough time for those things, but an hour is more than plenty. The mandate for single-section courses to not schedule anything between 4 and 6 p.m., during the athletic practice time block, remains in effect as well. Even those who do not participate in athletics benefit from this rule for single-section courses. This is fantastic because now athletes can make it to and from practices without interrupting their education; there is a balance.
There is also a rule that classes must end by 5:15 p.m. on Fridays. Students can get an early start on their weekends and more time available to juggle responsibilities, including athletic competitions. However, it is important to note departments decide whether courses follow the grid. No matter what, they should try their best to accommodate the new schedule it.
This new scheduling grid resolves the concerns and complaints made by students about the consistent challenges faced when course planning. They can have a balance between education and socializing, as well as have more options for course selection. There is no longer a need for people to run out the door the very second class gets dismissed or take a course they do not want to because it is the only thing available. This scheduling grid is exactly what students need and should be the last major change to the curriculum for the ease of students, faculty and staff.
