HISTORY OF THE PROPOSED TRIMESTER
UNIVERSITY SENATE, October 15th, 2012
SYSTEM
• April 24th, 2010: Draft concept paper “Balanced Trimester Plan for
Purdue University” (TD Sands and LP Sands)*
• May 18th, 2010: Memo on “Balanced Trimester Plan” from Keith
Murray, SMAS Director, to TDS*
• March 2011: Decadal planning process initiated
• March 2011: “Blue Sky/Blue Ocean” ideas solicited from all Purdue
faculty and staff; ~60 proposals received.
• April 2011: Three faculty roundtables organized to discuss proposals
• April 2011: Decadal subcommittees established; deliberations
through June 2011
• June 27th, 2011: 43 Big Ideas vetted by steering committee before
retreat, identifying “Balanced Trimester” as one of top three (along
with “Doubling Philanthropy” and the “24/7/12 University”)
• June 29th, 2011: Steering committee retreat
*Document available on Senate website
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HISTORY OF THE PROPOSED TRIMESTER
UNIVERSITY SENATE, October 15th, 2012
SYSTEM
•July/August 2011: Auxiliary and Service Center Subcommittee* and
Physical Facilities Subcommittee* offer initial analyses
•August 2011: Discussion with the Board of Trustees
•Fall 2011: Further development of financial models
•January 11th, 2012: News Release - “Purdue trimester plan will
accelerate time-to-degree, enhance educational opportunities”*
•January 23rd, 2012: provost (TDS) presents decadal update (including
Trimester) to University Senate*
•January 24th, 2012: “Decadal Update” memo to campus community
from provost TDS*
•August 2012: Prof. Frank Dooley chosen to lead build-up of summer
and transition planning for Balanced Trimester (3 yr. appointment)
*Document available on Senate website
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SUMMER STATUS
• Purdue – WL campus largely idle in the
summer; 6,000 undergraduates; 7% of fall credit
hours
• Disincentivizing budget model; lack of course
offerings; compressed schedule
• Lack of summer academic options limits
fall/spring internships for students; fall/spring
travel and research for faculty
• Only 42% of baccalaureate seekers complete in
four years
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From TDS report to University Senate on January 23rd, 2012
A PLAN FORWARD
• Build summer credit hours
from 7% to 35% of fall.
• Flip calendar in ~2020 from
two semesters of 15
instructional weeks to three
trimesters of 13 instructional
weeks.
• Build summer trimester to
70% of fall, with >20,000
students in residence and an
annual increase of 25% in
student credit hours
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From TDS report to University Senate on January 23rd, 2012
BENEFITS
• More flexibility for students; Increased 4-yr graduation rates
• More flexibility for faculty
– Some may teach three trimesters for additional compensation
– Some may choose fall or spring as a “research” trimester
– Minimal disruption for those who stay on fall-spring cycle
• Net revenues estimated at $40M annually
– revenue of $190M – cost of $150M
– Better utilization of fixed assets
– Faculty numbers will need to increase
• Enhanced local economy
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From TDS report to University Senate on January 23rd, 2012
CAVEATS AND CONDITIONS
• Current momentum in enhanced undergraduate
applicant profile and demand must be maintained
• Budget model must incentivize summer for both
students and faculty
• Calendar will not be altered until summer
utilization is substantially enhanced (target: 35%
of fall)
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From TDS report to University Senate on January 23rd, 2012
UNIVERSITY SENATE ROLE
• Building Summer (2012-2020)
• Calendar change to Trimester (~2020)
– M-F scheduling (e.g., move to 60 and 120 minute
standard periods; accommodating blended learning)
– Academic Calendar (e.g., start fall after labor day, end
spring in late April; breaks; holidays; exam schedules;
modular trimesters).
– Definition of faculty academic year and compensation
options
– Definition of full load for faculty and students
– Timing of transition
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From TDS report to University Senate on January 23rd, 2012