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By Jayla Smith, Editor-in-Chief
Students nationwide are well aware of the dreaded finals week.
The intense 17th week in a semester is one of the most important weeks for faculty and students filled with exams, exhaustion, and an occasional eye twitch. However, starting Fall 2025, Moraine is shaking things up by not mandating a final exam week, giving teachers freedom to decide how, or if, they want to conduct a final.
The Fall semester was originally a traditional 16-week course with a mandatory additional week for final exams. However, with a boost in online courses and a desire for consistency alongside the spring and summer semesters, the change was designed to normalize and regulate exams for students and their desired program. This change also takes time off of the academic calendar, which can be dedicated to give incoming students an extra week to promote a smooth transition to registration and prioritize students to start their courses on time.
The next semester is full of options and opportunities to get ahead. Dr. Ryen Nagle, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Moraine Valley Community College, gives more clarification on this new semester stating, “The elimination of week 17 and the final examination schedule beginning in Fall 2025 will first bring consistency across modalities and academic terms. Secondly, it increases faculty autonomy to make assessment decisions that make the most sense for their disciplines, providing the college an additional week to serve incoming students prior to Fall semester start dates, and lengthen the summer term from 11 weeks to 12 weeks to provide more flexible course options for students.”
So what does this mean? Instead of a mandatory finals week, teachers will now have the flexibility to do what is best for their class. Some professors may still choose to have a traditional final, others may issue a final project, presentation, or may just have an early finish. That isn’t the only thing Moraine has been up to. There are also ideas being introduced in the upcoming semesters including new and expansions of our medical programs, a new mechanic program specifically designed for electric vehicles, and so much more!
Whether this is a stress relief or yet another challenge, big changes are coming in the Fall 2025 semester. As Moraine evolves, students are encouraged to do the same. Dr. Nagle reminds current and incoming students to get involved around campus. Whether it be participating more within classes or joining a club, staying active and engaged as a learner is the best way to remind anyone of their purpose and why they came to college originally. Stay focused, determined, and open to opportunities to make the most out of your college experience.
