Kennesaw State freshmen gave their honest, critical opinions about the new block scheduling system following the past fall semester.
Starting in August 2024, KSU freshmen were required to follow a “block scheduling” system to register for their classes. This meant students traveled from class to class with the same group of people each day. Due to the restrictions that arose from the new scheduling system, it was met with overwhelmingly negative feedback from the class of 2028.
“I found myself picking the blocks of classes that fit best with my schedule, leaving me with classes that didn’t benefit me and classes I otherwise wouldn’t have taken,” freshman Nolan Frachiseur said.
Before August 2024, Kennesaw State freshmen were able to freely choose their classes according to their own preferences. Individually, students registered for classes that best aligned with their personal passions and their everyday schedules.
Many of the new students complained that the block scheduling not only made registering for classes confusing but also made it more difficult to switch courses if they needed to. If they needed to drop one class, they would be required to drop the entire block. This caused significant stress and frustration among the new class of KSU.
“It was hard to find classes that would fit in all the blocks,” freshman Grace Mctyre said. “It was hard to find times that fit with the other two classes you were already put in.”
While many students did not enjoy their experience with the new system, a few students seemed to have a different view of it. Some freshmen felt the system was put in place to create a sense of community by being surrounded with the same peers in every class. However, many freshmen may argue that the cons outweighed the possible benefits.
“I don’t think it’s worth taking away the freedom of students to choose their classes individually,” Frachiseur said.
Starting this spring semester, the freshmen class no longer needed to abide by a block scheduling system when they registered for their classes. Overall, the students felt that a sense of freedom was brought back to their scheduling abilities.
“Registering for class was much easier because I was able to modify my schedule to what I need more efficiently,” freshman Dylan Hayes said. “It gave me the most desired outcome for the semester.”
The majority of the freshmen class was excited to begin a new semester without the block scheduling system. Between increased freedom to choose their desired classes and the flexibility to create a personalized schedule, many freshmen were relieved to see the block schedule go.
While the polarizing system was met with widely negative feedback, it has neither been confirmed nor denied that it will be continued for the freshmen class of 2029. Despite the largely critical opinion of the class of 2028, the future of the block scheduling system remains uncertain.
