By Evan Doan, News Editor
The panel portion of Block Party – photo by Valentina Garcia
On Feb. 28 the Aquinas Admissions office hosted Block Party for new students interested in the block program. It served as a place for students to meet other committed students and learn more about the Block program while hearing from current students.
“The Block Party is for any prospective student who has been admitted to AQ and is interested in learning more about the one-class-at-a-time model,” said Joey Dearduff, Director of Campus Visits. “It occurs once a year during the spring semester, and interested students and their families can register on the aquinas.edu/visit page.”
The day started with coffee and donuts while student ambassadors played board and lawn games with students. It even included a cornhole tournament.
After an hour the party shifted from games and fun to an informational panel. The panel included current block professors and students.
“I really enjoyed being on the panel,” said Owen Greiner, a current block student. “The block program helped me get ahead in school and I wanted others to have that same opportunity.” While Block scheduling doesn’t fit every major perfectly, for some majors block can provide a huge advantage allowing students to complete more school work their freshman year and potentially graduate early.
Block Party also highlighted the flexibility of the block program for both students and professors. Due to block scheduling being in the morning students have the rest of their day to themselves for work, athletics or relaxation. Professors can also take classes on field trips due to the longer class period.
“It makes sense, but I never realized how conducive the Block schedule is for field trips. It sounds like different Block classes have gone all over Grand Rapids on various trips, and that’s pretty neat,” said Dearduff. Block classes have already visited historical sites, businesses and museums this year.
“I think the block really depends on the type of person you are,” said Tatiana Carballo, an Admissions Intern. “I think it is a great way of transitioning into college for those nervous about the course load because you only have to focus on one class at a time, which can really help students not to get overwhelmed with 4 different classes.”
The block program is currently in its third year at Aquinas College.
Students in the first cohort of block scheduling dissect a heart in class – photo by Aquinas College
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