Rationale & Benefits

All undergraduate programs in the School of Continuing Studies will be converted from the semester system to the quarter system beginning with fall 2005 classes. This change is being conducted in order to improve the educational experience for all students of SCS. The move to a quarter system will bring numerous benefits to our students, such as:

• Faster progress toward earning a degree in most programs.
  A student starting at SCS under the quarter system in fall 2005, taking two classes per quarter and one during Summer Session, could finish 1.5 years sooner than under the semester system.
  
  
• No credit lost.
  All the work done previously at the School of Continuing Studies or that has been accepted as transfer credit will be converted into "units" under the quarter system. The full value of the work completed will be reflected in the conversion.
  
  
• Virtually no change in the cost of a degree:
  The total cost of your SCS degree under the quarter system will be comparable to the total cost of your SCS degree under the semester system. Standard yearly price increases, which would have gone into effect even in the old system, will still apply. The tuition per term will be reduced as we convert to the quarter system to enable the total cost of the degree to be consistent. The total cost of your education will be affected plus or minus 1%.
  
  
• Closer alignment of SCS programs to their "day-school" counterparts.
  To prepare for the quarter conversion, all SCS undergraduate degrees, majors, minors and courses have been systematically reviewed and updated to conform to the high standards of Northwestern University. Northwestern department chairs, program directors and deans have assisted in this review to ensure that our programs meet the Northwestern University standard of excellence.
  
  
• Greater involvement of distinguished Northwestern University faculty.
  Now that SCS will be following the same schedule as the "day school," it will be easier to increase the involvement of day-school faculty. Already, new faculty members have been recruited and new quarter course ideas have been submitted.
  
  
• Better access to Northwestern University facilities and services.
  The University infrastructure - including the libraries, bookstores, cafeterias and the intercampus shuttles - are designed to serve a population on the quarter schedule. SCS students will now be on that same calendar.
  
  
• Enhanced variety of courses.
  With greater involvement of Northwestern "day school" faculty, a greater variety of special topics and courses will be available to students.

Transitioning from semesters to the quarter system may seem confusing at first, but our goal is to help you understand the benefits of this change and the ease with which it can be managed. Students will be impacted differently, depending on program and graduation date. It is imperative to us at the School of Continuing Studies that any questions or concerns you may have are fully addressed. Please carefully review the conversion information on these pages and consult the Frequently Asked Questions section if something seems unclear. Please note the Quarter Conversion Information Sessions established to respond to your individual questions. Of course, we at SCS will be available to help further, if needed.