Story by News Editor Grace Wilson
As we get back into the school year, returning students may notice changes on campus that occurred over the summer. If you’re anything like me and hate change, it can be overwhelming to adjust to these differences. Below we have created a guide to the main changes around campus and how to best accommodate to them.
Over the summer, Aquinas transitioned from a 3-credit model to a 4-credit model academic system. This means that classes will each be worth 4 credits. While this may seem like an arbitrary change, it actually has many benefits. For example, rather than taking 5 classes to receive 15 credits each semester, students only have to take 4 classes to receive 16 credits, which will reduce workload. Additionally, students will be in their classes for about an hour lounger each week. This allows professors to change their curriculum and pursue a wider range of topics in each class.
This fall, the college is also piloting an experimental block schedule with a group of incoming freshmen. In this schedule, groups of freshmen will take one class from 9am to noon every day for 3 weeks. Once that class is finished, they will transition to their next class for another 3 weeks. Other schools that offer block scheduling include Cornell College and Colorado College. For now, students who are not participating in the experiment do not have to worry about their own schedules looking different. However, they may want to steer clear of Wege after noon when 80 freshmen are released from class at once.
Another significant change at Aquinas is the revamped website. The Aquinas Website received a significant makeover during the summer. Check out and admire the page when you get a chance! There is also a new Aquinas Dashboard that offers easy access to any link a student, faculty, or alumni might need. Examples include links to the Aquinas Library, CourseConnect, the sports schedule and the AQ Advantage Center.
There are also a few changes to the hours held at buildings throughout campus. The library now opens at 9 a.m. on weekdays as opposed to 8 a.m. like last year. The weight room hours are now 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Saint 