The University of Akron has announced a new initiative called “Five-Star Fridays,” eliminating nearly all Friday classes starting this fall.
The university announced the program this week, with most classes moving to Monday-through-Thursday. Fridays will be open for students to seek opportunities for career development. Students can use Fridays to participate in internships, attend career fairs or get academic support.
University President Matt Wilson says the move will save students from making tough decisions.
“Often times students are faced with a difficult decision of, ‘Do I skip class to go to an interview?’ or ‘Do I skip class to go to a career fair?’” Wilson says. “You know, this, because of the way we’re constructing the program, is going to eliminate the need to make those difficult choices.”
Many classes currently taught in 50-minute sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will be switched to a two-day schedule with 75-minute classes. Alternatively, Friday classes could be moved to Thursday.
Ultimately, Wilson believes this will benefit the initiative will benefit the university financially since it will draw more students to the school.
Officials have been considering the move since last fall. A survey of students found support for the idea.
