On the Right Path

A planned move to a semester calendar—from a quarterly one—will allow Seattle University to further support all students in all ways. 

Some of the most innovative educational experiences have been out of reach for SU students due to calendar constraints as the university operates on a quarter system. But that will soon change as the university prepares to transition to a unified semester calendar, beginning in the 2027 academic year. 

In an ongoing series, we’ll showcase the benefits of a semester calendar on various programs and departments across the university. Here’s a look at how it will impact veteran and military-affiliated students: 

The academic calendar shapes how the year moves. For students on Seattle University’s quarter-based academic calendar, moving to semesters will allow the university to better support veteran and military-affiliated students as they navigate benefits, coursework and post-graduation opportunities.  

For every student, the academic calendar affects the pace of classes, the timing of breaks and the path toward graduation. For veteran and military-affiliated students, it can also shape how they use education benefits, certify classes, transfer credits and prepare for jobs or internships.  

These were among the first considerations that came to mind for Shawn Dodge, director for Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students, when he heard of Seattle University’s transition from quarters to semesters. Dodge, a retired Army officer, is the first person to serve in this specific director role at Seattle University. His work supports veterans, cadets, ROTC students, dependents of veterans and other military-affiliated students as they move through their academic experience.

A Simpler Benefits Process  

For Dodge, the move to semesters creates several clear wins for the students he serves.

One of the biggest improvements is a more streamlined process for students using Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits. Under the quarter system, veterans or dependents using GI Bill® benefits must have their classes certified through the Office of the Registrar each quarter. The process is not necessarily difficult, but it can be stressful and time-consuming as students wait to ensure their classes will be covered and that benefits are in place.  

With semesters, students will go through that process twice a year instead of three times.  

“That is a major positive benefit for this student population,” Dodge says.  

Most students do not have to think about class certification in the same way. But for veterans and military-affiliated students, two systems are often working at once—the university process and the VA process. Navigating two processes can create uncertainty around whether benefits have been processed, whether classes are certified correctly and whether everything is ready for the term ahead.  

The semester calendar helps reduce some of that pressure. It gives students fewer certification cycles to manage and more time to address any issues that may come up.  

Time to Adjust and Build Confidence  

The longer semester structure also gives students more time to settle into the academic environment. Dodge notes that many veteran students are six to 10 years removed from a formal classroom setting.

For some, returning to subjects such as math, English or other foundational courses can be challenging, especially while they are also adjusting to campus, learning what resources are available and making sure their GI Bill® benefits are in place. A 15-week semester helps by giving students more room to integrate into campus life, to connect with faculty, learn about campus resources and build confidence before major assignments and exams arrive.  

Better Alignment with Career Opportunities  

Under the quarter system, students often finish the academic year in June, while students at many other institutions have already graduated, started internships or entered the job market.

For veterans, that timing matters. Many have already served in the military and returned to school to earn a credential. Finishing later in the summer can put them slightly behind when it comes to job offers, internships, government opportunities or summer programs. Transitioning to a semester system creates stronger alignment with professional opportunities.  

Strengthening Support from the Start  

The move to semesters also supports Seattle University’s work with prospective veteran and military-affiliated students. Dodge is helping promote the university’s Yellow Ribbon Program, which supports eligible students using post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits. As Seattle University moves to semesters, Dodge sees an opportunity to show prospective students that the university is not only military-friendly but also working to align its systems more closely with their needs.  

As the transition approaches, Dodge is also collaborating with campus partners including Orientation to identify veteran and military-affiliated students earlier and help them understand the benefits process before they arrive. The goal is to make sure students know where to go, who can help them and what support is available from the beginning.  

Individualized Planning for the Transition  

For students already enrolled during the transition to semesters, Dodge says one early concern is making sure the move would not require taking extra classes or using additional benefits. Since many students using the GI Bill® have a finite amount of education benefits, those numbers matter.

The advising work around the transition is already helping address that concern. Students will receive individualized academic planning and the goal is to make sure they are not negatively impacted by the calendar change, with a focus on keeping them on track toward degree completion and minimizing disruption.  

The transition will also require additional coordination for ROTC students who take military science courses through the University of Washington, which will remain on a different academic calendar. Seattle University is working with affected academic departments and ROTC programs to understand individual student needs and minimize impacts as transition plans are developed.  

Veteran and military-affiliated students are used to change, but that does not mean the systems around them should be more complicated than necessary. The semester transition is a positive change because it simplifies processes, supports the return to higher education and better equips them for what comes next.