The Perks of DU's Quarter System

Only about 5% of universities across the U.S. operate on the quarter system—and DU is one of them. The quarter system may feel different to prospective students and parents who are accustomed to semesters, but there are significant advantages, both academic and personal. 

The DU Newsroom talked with students, professors, and staff about the benefits of the quarter system and what students can do to take advantage of its unique structure. 

What is the quarter system? 

The quarter system splits up the academic calendar year into four terms, or quarters: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, with an additional four-day examination period at the end of each quarter. The quarter system allows for a lengthy winter break that’s about six weeks long, beginning before Thanksgiving and ending after New Year’s Day. 

This extended break allows students to pursue seasonal jobs at home or participate in various interterm travel courses. The break also relieves financial burdens for out-of-state students. 

“I’ve been able to make a steady income because I could work for up to six weeks,” says Lily Baeza, a senior majoring in criminology. “It’s beneficial to buy one plane ticket and to celebrate all of the holidays that happen in November and December with my family.” 

Benefits of a 10-week term

The quarter system schedule means that students fit a semester’s worth of learning into 10 weeks. Having three quarters versus two semesters allows students to add multiple majors, minors, and extracurriculars to their plate without extending their graduation date. 

Baeza, who is minoring in history and psychology, says it’s easier to take a wide variety of classes, which allows her to explore her interests further. The shorter term lets you “learn enough about the topic to say that you have knowledge of it, and if you're truly passionate to learn more, you can dive deeper,” she says. 

Arden Ensor, a political science and Spanish major, agrees and says the pace is a motivator to stay on top of schoolwork and not procrastinate, as deadlines tend to creep up quickly. 

“I feel like I've been more on top of my stuff since I transitioned to a quarter system than I was when I was doing the semester system,” Ensor says. Baeza agrees, saying, “I feel like I learn something new each week—and that motivates me.” 

Elizabeth Suter, interim chair and professor of communication studies, says the pace is motivating on the teaching side as well.

“I’ve learned to become more specific in my classes and recognize what I can and cannot accomplish in 10 weeks,” she says. “Everything I do in class—every reading, every assessment, every learning activity—there's a reason I'm doing it. There's nothing in there that's just fluff. It's made me a better teacher, a better more focused professor.”

Suter notes that 10 weeks leaves little wiggle room in the course schedule, and students who have an emergency or get sick may find themselves falling behind.

While life circumstances are unavoidable, she says, DU has “a culture of care and support” and offers resources like the University’s Health and Counseling Center to help students get back on track. She adds that professors like herself are understanding and work with students in these cases.

Supports for first-year students 

The University knows the quarter system has a bit of a learning curve. Frank Laro is the associate director of undergraduate admission and says DU’s goal is to help families and students with the transition.   

“DU is very supportive of our students, meeting them at their learning styles no matter what when adjusting to the quarter system—from our free tutoring resources that are included with your tuition fees all the way through to our Learning Effectiveness Program for neurodiverse students,” says Laro. 

Other students recall how their first-year seminar professors served as support systems and helped facilitate their transition from high school to university life. As part of DU’s 4-Dimensional Experience, professors provide guidance not just on the quarter system but also on navigating college-level academics, addressing well-being, embracing one’s own character, and developing careers and lives of purpose.

Ultimately, while the quarter system may seem a little daunting at first, all incoming students go through the experience together and soon learn how to take advantage of the many benefits it offers.