Results of an assessment of the efficacy of changing from a quarter to a semester calendar at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are presented. The study committee investigated the changes required for a calendar conversion, and identified the most serious problems and probable transitional costs. Site visits were made to three other campuses that had converted their calendars. Principles for the change include the following: students should not be harmed by the transition process, adequate time should be allowed for the transition, and other changes should be kept to a minimum during the transition period. Guidelines for semester conversion are provided with attention to areas such as course credits; the fall, spring, and summer calendars; adjustments to the advising system; and special programs. In addition, guidelines for the transition process cover procedures for student appeal, information dissemination, and use of existing structures for curriculum revision. Information on the coordination of the transition process is also included. Appended materials include committee reports on: teacher loads, student affairs, the impact of calendar change on chronic student problems, financial impacts, curriculum change and evaluation, and cooperative education. Semester calendars and exam schedules for 1987-88 through 1990-1991 are included. (SW)