GREENVILLE, S.C.—For the first time in 40 years, Furman University will be following a new academic calendar and curriculum during the 2008-09 school year.

That means the university will be starting classes in August rather than September and ending in April rather than May.  The university will have fall and spring semesters, each 15 weeks in length, in addition to an optional, three-week term in May.  Furman previously had fall, winter and spring terms.  Full-time students will take four classes each semester.

The new curriculum features General Education requirements that fall into three major categories: First-Year Seminars, Core Requirements and Global Awareness Requirements.  Every Furman student will take two first-year seminars.

Approximately 700 freshmen will report to campus Friday, Aug. 22.  Freshman orientation runs Aug. 23-26.  The rest of the university’s 2,600 students will begin arriving Monday, Aug. 25 and classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 27.

The fall term ends Dec. 9, while spring term begins Jan. 12 and ends April 28.  Commencement will be held Saturday, May 9.  The optional May term will run May 11-29.

For more information, contact Furman’s Office of News and Media Relations at 864-294-3107.
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