University to implement new streamlined academic calendar
The University of Newcastle has announced a new academic teaching calendar, which will be introduced from 2026.
The new teaching calendar was finalised following a co-design process and will increase flexibility for students, simplify the teaching calendar and streamline business processes.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Hoffman said the new calendar would include two semesters with a long, flexible mid-year break.
“Under the new model, we will still have two existing semesters of teaching, with a longer, flexible mid-year term,” Professor Hoffman said.
“This mid-year term can be used in a variety of ways, including allowing students to undertake placements, participate in overseas study tours, study extra subjects, or take a break.
“The new model maintains the preference for postgraduate students to have a trimester model and undergraduate students to continue their preference for semester-based learning. Two of the three terms will align with semester commencement dates
“In doing so, we can maintain a steady pace of learning, improve timetabling, reduce administrative and teaching workload overall, and better enable focussed research time for some of our staff.”
The co-design process included input from more than 11,500 students and 2000 staff, as well as industry and community, with Professor Hoffman thanking everyone who contributed to the co-design process.
“Our current calendar is outdated, complicated and has been in place for many years. The way we live, work and study has changed a lot during that time, so we needed a new teaching calendar that is modern, financially sustainable and provides the flexibility to help our students and staff juggle the demands of life and study,” Professor Hoffman said.
“Our student group is diverse and the feedback we received provided critical insights into the different needs of our university community, particularly for those balancing work, caregiving, and long commutes which helped to inform the end result.
“While it’s impossible to create a calendar that everyone will be happy with and we’re confident the new calendar will be better for our students overall.”
“It’s really important to remember that the current calendar dates and teaching schedule will remain unchanged in 2025.”
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.