TRIMESTERS ARE A WIN FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS AT DEAKIN

After more than two years of discussion, consultation and planning, Deakin University's new Trimester system commenced on Monday 10 November.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor John Rosenberg, said "Students have voted with their feet with growth of more than 700% in the number of Australian Commonwealth Supported (HECS) students enrolling to study in Trimester 3."

"Deakin has offered a short Summer Semester for many years and for the last two years has trialled a full length third semester in the form of an „Early Start Summer Semester‟. Both of these were popular with students but had a number of limitations. The Trimester system removes these limitations by providing three equal sized trimesters with the potential for students to commence study in any trimester, to study in all three trimesters and to choose the trimesters in which they study, providing increased flexibility."

Professor Rosenberg said "The Trimester system seems to be most attractive to students who are working part time – they can spread their enrolment over three teaching periods – and to new international students who can commence their studies sooner."

Trimester 3 has attracted 52% more students overall than the combination of both of the previous arrangements. International on shore student commencements are up by 63%.Professor Rosenberg said "The commencement of Trimester 3 at Deakin University heralds a new level of flexibility in higher education for students and staff and contributes to Deakin‟s aspiration to be recognised as Australia‟s most progressive university."