Semester Wins

Some of the world's most innovative educational experiences have been out of reach for Seattle University students due to calendar constraints as the university operates on a quarter system. But that will soon change as SU is preparing to transition to a unified semester calendar, beginning in the 2027 academic year.

An aligned semester calendar supports stronger systems, programming and the long-term stability of Seattle University. It also centers student learning and experiences and aligns with Cornish College of the Arts, which is on a semester calendar.

And the move to a semester calendar puts Seattle University in good company—95 percent of all U.S. colleges and universities operate on a semester system and 93 percent of schools that comprise the AJCU (Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities) are on a semester calendar.

Going to semesters will also benefit many programs and how they operate such as Education Abroad.

Many institutions that operate on a semester calendar find it easier to align academic schedules with common education abroad programs, which are most often structured around semester-long terms. Research shows that students at quarter-system schools can face timing conflicts that effectively limit their ability to participate in a full term abroad, simply because many overseas programs and partner institutions run on semester schedules.

The move to semesters will make these transformative experiences accessible to even more Redhawks.

When Seattle University analyzed persistence rates for students who participated in Education Abroad programs during the 2022-23 academic year, the results were striking—nearly 98 percent of participants either graduated or continued their studies. This outcome—with first-time-in-college students at 97.84 percent and transfer students at 97.3 percent—reflects a pattern seen nationwide and underscores the transformative power of international education. 

For institutions already operating on semester calendars, education abroad participation rates consistently exceed those at quarter-system schools. The removal of structural barriers can translate directly into increased participation, particularly among first-generation college students and those from lower-income backgrounds who cannot afford the additional costs and complexity of quarter-to-semester conversions.

By moving to a semester calendar Education Abroad stands poised to expand its already impressive impact. 

“We’re constantly working to remove barriers between our students and these life-changing experiences,” says Kirsti Ruud, director of Education Abroad. “This will open many doors even wider. When a student tells me they’ve always dreamed of studying in Japan or doing field research in Tanzania but can’t make the timing work with our quarter system, it breaks my heart. This transition means we can finally say ‘yes’ to more of those dreams.”

Broadening the Student Experience

The current quarter system creates unique challenges for students seeking educational experiences abroad. Since most education abroad programs worldwide operate on semester schedules this forces Seattle University students to navigate complex credit conversions and timing misalignments. This can also can make programs prohibitively expensive when students must pay for a full semester abroad compared to a quarter at home. 

The calendar unification removes these obstacles in several meaningful ways: 

• Financial Accessibility: When semester aligns with semester, students pay comparable rates rather than facing the financial penalty of quarter-to-semester conversion. This change alone could save students thousands of dollars.
• Winter Session Possibilities: The new calendar structure will enable short-term programs during winter break that won’t conflict with critical summer employment or internships (particularly important for students who depend on summer earnings to fund their education).
• Simplified Planning: Advisors currently spend significant time explaining credit conversions and helping students puzzle through how international coursework fits into their degree requirements. The semester alignment eliminates this complexity, freeing advisors to focus on helping students choose programs that best match their academic and personal goals.

Expanding Access to High-Impact Programs 

Programs like those offered through the School for International Training—known for their interdisciplinary, community-engaged approach—typically require semester-long commitments that don’t line up well with the quarter system. 

The semester transition also addresses a critical sequencing issue. Currently, students must carefully navigate core requirements that can limit their flexibility for education abroad. With the semester system’s adjusted credit model, students will likely have more elective space built into their academic plans, making it easier to incorporate international experiences without delaying graduation. 

A Vision for Global Engagement 

Students who study abroad return to campus with expanded worldviews, enhanced problem-solving skills and the confidence that comes from navigating new cultures successfully. 

Education Abroad is just one example of a program that exemplifies how this semester transition can enhance rather than disrupt the student experience. By removing structural barriers and aligning with prevailing academic standards, Seattle University is positioning its students to engage more fully and purposely with an interconnected world. 

This is the first story in a series that will feature the benefits of Seattle University’s transition to a unified semester calendar.