ERIC Number: ED205100
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1981-May
Pages: 25
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Academic Effects and Cost Benefit of a Four-Day Week at College of DuPage, an Illinois Community College.
Wallace, Carol C.
The implementation of a four-day week (Monday-Thursday) for on-campus classes at the College of DuPage, an Illinois community college, was assessed in terms of student registration; class enrollment; student success rates; instructional quality; and savings resulting from driving differences, energy use, and building maintenance. Withdrawal and failure rates and grade point averages in the four-day week implemented during the summer quarter 1980 were compared to those occurring during the regular schedule of the previous summer, and the reactions of students, college faculty, and nonteaching employees were considered. It was found that the shortened week did not affect student success rates, and class enrollment and grade point averages were normal. The four-day summer schedule received general support from students and employees. Approximately 72 percent of the respondents liked the four-day schedule and 15 percent had no preference, while approximately 13 percent did not prefer it. More employees (20 percent) reported problems with the schedule than students (5 percent). Reaction to a proposed four day schedule for the whole school year was less favorable: 69 percent of the employees and 58 percent of students favored the option. Savings were realized from the reduction in driving and electricity usage during the 12 weeks of the four-day schedule. Cost savings due to a reduction in miles driven was estimated at more than $30,000, and savings from reduced building maintenance was in excess of $23,000. (SW)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Academic Failure, College Buildings, College Students, Community Colleges, Comparative Analysis, Cost Effectiveness, Electricity, Energy Conservation, Enrollment Rate, Flexible Working Hours, Grade Point Average, Higher Education, Institutional Research, School Maintenance, School Personnel, School Schedules, Student Attitudes, Summer Schools, Teacher Attitudes, Withdrawal (Education)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A