Short term advances
Michael Simmons
Issue date: 5/15/08 Section: News
After a year and a half of formal negotiations, school administrators and teachers have set a target date of Fall 2009 before a 16-week semester could be implemented at LBCC.
Currently, the school runs on an 18-week academic calendar for Fall and Spring.
A 16-week semester would open up more opportunities for students as they can earn an associate's degree at an estimated year and a half and would make the transfer process to CSUs easier.
Adrian Novotny, chief negotiator for the teachers, said the change is imminent, but other contract issues need to be decided.
"Nobody is objecting to the compressed calendar anymore. All three constituents - teachers, administration and students want this to succeed. We're all open to the change, however there are still negotiations that have to take place before it happens," Novotny said.
A 16-week semester would open up the possibility for a Winter intercession. The Winter term has proven to be a sticking point in negotiations between both sides.
A task force has been established to examine potential issues during negotiations and devise possible compressed calendar models.
Other Community Colleges including Mt. SAC and Golden West have already switched.
Currently, the school runs on an 18-week academic calendar for Fall and Spring.
A 16-week semester would open up more opportunities for students as they can earn an associate's degree at an estimated year and a half and would make the transfer process to CSUs easier.
Adrian Novotny, chief negotiator for the teachers, said the change is imminent, but other contract issues need to be decided.
"Nobody is objecting to the compressed calendar anymore. All three constituents - teachers, administration and students want this to succeed. We're all open to the change, however there are still negotiations that have to take place before it happens," Novotny said.
A 16-week semester would open up the possibility for a Winter intercession. The Winter term has proven to be a sticking point in negotiations between both sides.
A task force has been established to examine potential issues during negotiations and devise possible compressed calendar models.
Other Community Colleges including Mt. SAC and Golden West have already switched.
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