First Town Hall of the New Year

The Andrews University Student Association hosted the second town hall of the school year on February 1 at 7:00 pm. Before the event, AUSA posted an announcement on their Instagram stating the time and sharing that “the first 50 people to join us…we have something for you … 🤭🧋.” Upon arrival, attendees were given a voucher for one free drink from BOBA, the new drink shop in the Andreasen Wellness Center. Attendees situated themselves in the Newbold Auditorium, and the program began at 7:10 pm. The event opened with a welcome from AUSA President, Loren Manrique (senior, animal science), and AUSA Executive VP, Morgan Williams (senior, social work) as well as a prayer by AUSA Religious Vice President, Aseel Nazir (senior, theology). Following this, the administrative panel was introduced. The panel consisted of four members of the administrative team: the Provost, Christon Arthur; Dean of the College of Education & International Services and Associate Provost for Graduate Education, Alayne Thorpe; Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, Amy Rosenthal; and Vice President for Campus and Student Life, Frances Faehner.

After introductions were complete, the provost gave a presentation proposing a change to the academic calendar for the following school year. This schedule change was the program's focus, unlike the town hall that took place during the fall semester, in which many different issues were discussed. Provost Arthur explained that there has been a proposal to start school on a Thursday, the same day as convocation, to have a couple of extra days available for students to have one week off for Thanksgiving break. He explained that this is a general idea, but there will need to be tweaking to the schedule before anything is finalized. To achieve this change, the new student orientation will be shortened, and there could be changes to the Labor Day weekend break. According to Provost Arthur, the plan does not include a change to fall break, and the spring semester will remain unchanged.

Once Provost Arthur finished presenting the general overview, the program shifted to a question-and-answer session, allowing concerned students to ask questions or comment.

One major theme that emerged during the Q+A session regarded how the change may affect students’ stress levels and mental well-being, especially if Labor Day weekend is removed and there is a long stretch of classes with no breaks. There was much discussion on mitigating the potential issues associated with the change by still giving students a break. For example, the school has not yet decided that Andrews University will have school on Labor Day, and various alternatives are being considered. Options discussed included retaining the Monday off for Labor Day weekend, going to school on Labor Day and having the Friday before Thanksgiving off for travel, or moving the Labor Day weekend break to a different day of the week. This last option would still provide faculty and students with a mental health day and prevent Monday-only classes and labs from missing three days due to having fall break off, Thanksgiving break, and Labor Day weekend. Provost Arthur also stated that a mental health break in September is “up for discussion,” and faculty have also raised concerns about long stretches with no breaks. Another panel member also added that, for students, the time between Labor Day and fall break still feels long, and “the stress catches up anyway.” Students asked why fall break occurs in October and suggested shifting the date of fall break. Panel members admitted that could be possible, but they also try to match the schedule with local elementary schools so faculty members with children can have the same day off. There are also graduate students with children to consider. A student added that fall break currently coincides with Canada’s Thanksgiving, which allows Canadian students to go home for the holiday. Ultimately, Andrews University does not count weeks of classes but instead considers the total number of instruction days, which means there are many different options they could choose to implement.

Other questions were asked about the projected end date for the semester and if Andrews could shift the schedule so Thanksgiving is the end of the semester. As for the end date of the semester with the current proposal, “that won’t change,” Provost Arthur informed students. Associate Provost Rosenthal also mentioned that this year, Thanksgiving is “the latest it can possibly be,” which means after Thanksgiving break there will only be one week of classes and then finals week. In response to the suggestion for Thanksgiving break to end the semester, Provost Arthur explained that they have discussed it, but it wouldn’t allow the music groups on campus to partake in the rich tradition Andrews University has developed that involves multiple Christmas performances. Rosenthal also stated that we would have to start the semester earlier, which could potentially conflict with the summer graduation. However, if Andrews University were to shift the end to Thanksgiving break, they would also likely add a minimester, so students could take a class over winter break. 

Attendees also inquired about how the residence halls will accommodate students who may have to arrive the previous weekend so parents can come earlier to assist with moving in. VP Faehner answered this question, stating that she wished she could answer the question that evening, and that resident life had been discussing it all week, but she was not able “to respond to it specifically” at that time. According to Faehner, the resident hall team is worried they may be unable to offer the full experience they would like due to balancing staff retreat and preparing the residence halls in time after the summer graduation. As a result, a definitive answer could not be provided at the town hall.

Additionally, students asked how the shortened new student orientation would impact the experience of incoming freshmen and transfers. Associate Provost Rosenthal explained that reflecting on the orientation, they realize there has been a lot of time dedicated to special activities that not all new students need. As a result, they discussed what aspects of orientation they want to preserve, such as the time together for students to start building connections, and they feel they can accomplish those goals in four days.

Last week’s town hall provided students with a lot of information about coming changes regarding the school calendar. Although Provost Arthur stated the final decision would not be made available until two weeks from the day of the town hall, students can have a general idea of the possibilities. Stay on the lookout for an announcement with more details about what next school year will look like.