From Semesters to Quarters
UCLA was not always on the quarter academic schedule. Actually, the first time the undergraduate college adopted this system was in the mid-1960s. Before then, UCLA, like Berkeley, was a semester school, much like most of the rest of the universities in the United States.
The semester system was much different than what is presently in place:
The Semester Schedule: (example: 1923-24)
Fall Semester September 3----Application for first semester due
September 12----Subject A Examination
September 13---Registration new students
September 14---Registration of old students and re-entrants
Septermber 1--- Instruction Begins
October 27---Last day of first midterm period
December 15---Last day of second midterm period
December 17---Christmas Recess
January 18-27---Final Exmainations
Spring Semester January 31----Application for admission for second semester due
February 8---Subject A Exam
February 9---Registration new students
February 11---Registration old students and re-entrants
February 12---Instruction Begins
March 22---Last day of first midterm period
April 14-19---Spring Recess
May 10---Last day of second midterm period
June 20---Commencement |
The Quarter Schedule (Sample 1984-85):
Fall Quarter September 24---Quarter Begins
September 24-28---Registration in person
October 1---Instruction Begins
December 10-14---Finals week
December 14---Quarter ends
December 24-January 1---Christmas Recess
Winter Quarter January 2---Quarter Begins
January 2-4---Registration in person
January 7---Instruction Begins
March 16---Instruction Ends
March 18-22---Finals week
March 22---Quarter Ends
Spring Quarter March 27---Quarter Begins
March 27-29---Registration in person
April 1---Instruction Begins
June 10-14---Finals week
June 14---Quarter ends
June 16---Commencement |
On the quarter system, it was argued, the university had the budget for a summer quarter that best fit the students’ needs. The student fees were also more suitable. In a document from 1966, which prepares the faculty for the new academic schedule, Chancellor Young states:
“The fee for a quarter is two thirds of the semester fee, rounded to the nearest $0.50 for semester fees less than $10, and rounded to the nearest whole dollar for semester fees of $10 or more.”
The regular tuition fee for one semester was $400.00 compared to $267.00 for one quarter.
The commencement ceremony fees would also drop since it was decided, that on the quarter system, only one commencement ceremony would be conducted.
Chancellor Young also prepares the faculty for the change in course credits and grading systems. For instance, “Under the quarter system calendar, no midterm grades will be assigned or issued; instead, a procedure to verify enrollment in classes will be instituted.” Also, course credit would change. Some courses became 2 courses on the course listings in terms of credit. Some were half credit (like Anatomy 100) to adjust to the quarter grade point system.
It was also argued that a quarter system would maximize the use of UC facilities in the time of enrollment growth as it would allow for four regular periods of academic instruction.
The debate on the academic calendar has continued since the switch in 1966. In 1971, David Saxon, UCLA Vice Chancellor (later UC President), appointed a committee to consider a return to semesters. However, because of the divided faculty vote and students’ opposition, the decision to return was not successful.
Again, in 1976, 1977, 1985, and in 2002, the idea of a return to the semester system was resurfaced. Each time, however, the Academic Senate Vote favored remaining on the quarter system.
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Sarah Mohajeri, 24 May 2005
Bibliography
Young, Charles E. Semester Schedule Change Report. 1965.
Attachment: 1966-67 UCLA Catalog Extract.
University Archives Subject Files. (Reference Collection)
Academic Schedules. UCLA 1923-1924, UCLA 1984-1985
University Archives Subject Files. (Reference Collection)
"The Report of the Joint Academic Senate/Administration Committee to Study the UCLA Academic Calendar".
1 November 2002.
Sandbrook, John. Personal Interview. 23 May 2005