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James Cook University pauses study week removal after student outcry

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • James Cook University has paused its decision to remove study week for trimester students following student concerns.
  • Students argue that the study week, known as SWOTVAC, is crucial for consolidating learning, especially in the condensed trimester format.
  • The university plans to gather more student feedback before deciding on future steps regarding study week and traditional lectures.

James Cook University (JCU) has temporarily halted its plan to eliminate study week for trimester students after a strong backlash from the student body. The university's decision, made without consulting trimester students, sparked widespread concern, with many international students like Sona Sojan, a second-year occupational therapy student, expressing shock.

When I heard about it, I was really shocked because it was the only week I had to scramble and actually study.

— Sona SojanAn international student expressing her dismay over the university's decision to remove study week.

Sojan explained that study week, or SWOTVAC, was the only dedicated time for focused study, particularly vital given the trimester system's increased workload. "When I heard about it, I was really shocked because it was the only week I had to scramble and actually study," she said. The transition to a trimester format a year ago meant students faced 30 weeks of content annually, compared to the previous 26 weeks.

It's clear that many students have strong feelings about the changes; we are taking the concerns of students seriously.

— JCU spokespersonThe university acknowledging student feedback and pausing the decision to review the changes.

Michelle De Faveri, a second-year engineering student, echoed these sentiments, stating, "I have not actually met one student who is happy with this change." She emphasized the importance of SWOTVAC for consolidating learning and highlighted the value of traditional in-person lectures, which JCU also proposed reducing or removing. The university has stated it is taking student concerns seriously and will review the changes after hearing directly from students.

I have not actually met one student who is happy with this change.

— Michelle De FaveriA second-year engineering student highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction among students.

In addition to the study week issue, JCU is considering replacing some traditional face-to-face lectures with smaller, more interactive sessions led by lecturers. However, students like De Faveri believe the structure of traditional lectures aids focus. The JCU Student Association has been actively providing feedback to the university.

That week is very important for consolidating your learning.

— Michelle De FaveriExplaining the academic importance of the study week.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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