The organisation of the academic year: trends, implications and issues

The structure of the academic year is changing in Australian universities in response to the desire to achieve greater efficiency in the use of expensive infrastructure and a perceived demand from students for flexibility in their study schedules. The trend towards extended teaching in Australian universities appears likely to continue, mostly in the form of increased offerings in summer sessions without disruption to the two standard semesters. This report contributes to the discussion of alternative models by exploring the implications for the core activities of the university, i.e. teaching, learning and research. The report reviews relevant research and discusses the implications in five sections: international models and trends; emerging models and issues in Australian universities; implications for teaching and learning practices; implications for the quality of the on-campus student experience; implications for academic work satisfaction, effectiveness and career development. The reports concludes by recommending some issues requiring further empirical research: the changing study and work practices of students; student motivations for study; student views of the on-campus student experience; and student interest in accelerated programs and summer enrolment. The report also recommends a number of principles upon which planning of structures for extended teaching periods should be based. Show less