Students at the University of Georgia returned to the classroom this week to an unfamiliar feeling.
UGA implemented a new class schedule this semester headlined by an increase in class length, later start times, and a reduction of the semester from 15 to 14 weeks.
Students’ feelings vary, with some noting a major shift in the times of their classes from earlier in the day to later.
Katy Cywilko, a first-year biochemistry and molecular biology major, said the new schedule impacted her registration decisions.
“Definitely, I think I found myself registering for classes with more of a gap between them, because the timing was a little bit more off for me,” she said.
For example, last semester, I had a lot of early classes, but now my classes are starting at 10 and noon instead.”
Others complained that traffic feels significantly worse than last semester with the changes; however, this feeling may be due to the increased volume of transit at the start of the semester.
Cywilko said Tuesday it has been more difficult to find parking on campus. She expressed frustration with long gaps between classes and credited later class starts as a factor in the increased difficulty in parking on campus.
Students are also adapting to lengthened class periods. All classes that meet two times a week have increased from 75 to 80 minutes, and classes that meet three times a week are now 55 minutes. The university has also shifted its focus to classes that meet two times a week rather than three.
Haven Somerson, a third-year international affairs major, said she felt a difference.
“It feels about the same as the Tuesday, Thursday block from last semester, but yeah, it definitely does feel longer, especially Monday, Wednesday being 80 minutes, which is longer than the Tuesday, Thursday from last semester,” she said. “It is a little bit odd.”
(Photo/William Jackson)
The University Council, composed of over 150 university students, professors and staff members, voted on and passed a proposal with the schedule changes on March 19, 2025. The vote was nearly unanimous with 149 in favor, and only one professor voting against. The proposition cited “Uneven classroom usage,” between Monday/Wednesday/Friday and Tuesday/Thursday classes as a primary reason for the change.
Somerson said the new times have thrown her off.
“On Monday, I actually went to the wrong class at the wrong time, which is funny, but I’m really grateful to not be having class on Fridays,” she said. “That’s awesome for me.”
William Jackson and Sam Mauldin are journalism majors in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.
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