Students faced two challenges before the Fall 2020 semester began: virtual classes and conversion to semesters from quarters. Online classes were an option pre-COVID, but have now become mandatory for many classes. Students have missed the ability to physically socialize with past and new classmates. Brenda Salas Melgoza, a junior and transfer student, says, “I’ve had online classes before so I’m used to it but it is way different with the pandemic since I can’t socialize much.” Even though Melgoza previously took online classes, she feels as if this time around she can't have that much of a life outside of school. On the other hand, some don’t mind the conversion. Melissa Loera, who … [Read more...] about Continuation of virtual learning amid the shift to the semester system
Quarter to Semester
A Q2S Guide
The Q2S change is happening in less than six months, and it can be intimidating if you don’t have the correct information. Students worry about not being able to finish on time or taking classes that they shouldn’t need to. Departments set up their own criteria, but as far as general education goes, everyone will have to follow the same requirements. Dr. Craig Seal, who is the former dean of the Office of Undergraduate Studies, spoke about the advantages of teaching on a semester system based on his experience with both approaches. “Quarters are so fast. When you get in and you miss a week because something happens, all of a sudden you’re failing a course and there’s no chance to … [Read more...] about A Q2S Guide
Vox Pop: “What are your thoughts on the quarter to semester conversion?”
Recently, CSUSB has announced that, in Fall 2020, the campus will be converting from a quarter system to a semester system, and some of the students who will be affected by the conversion gave us their thoughts. “I think it’ll mess up people who are going to be in the middle of the conversion. I’m from a semester system in community college, and now I’m getting used to the quarter, but then I’ll have to go back to semester. I think it’ll definitely get confusing. I’ll most likely have to stay a little longer, but I’m fine with that, as long as the job gets done.” “I have mixed feelings about the conversion. In a quarter system, you can take 5 classes each quarter. … [Read more...] about Vox Pop: “What are your thoughts on the quarter to semester conversion?”