Flex-semester calendar – focus on implementation planning 

Implementation scoping kicks off for a smooth transition to the new flex-semester calendar.

Following the April announcement of UNSW’s new flex-semester academic calendar to commence in 2028, work is underway to prepare for the transition.

Over the coming weeks, the Academic Calendar Team will continue to meet with staff across faculties and divisions to explore what the change means in practice and how the University can be supported for a smooth transition. This early planning is focused on understanding the changes that will be needed – from systems and processes, to how people work and how we can support our students and staff.  

The calendar will provide a strong foundation for the delivery of our UNSW Strategy: Progress for All and provides an opportunity to align and build on strategic initiatives already underway. A key focus of the project team will be to ensure these initiatives are rolled out with a clear understanding of what is needed for the successful implementation of the flex-semester calendar, prioritising thoughtful planning and key milestones.

The team will also look at how to group and sequence tasks across the University, so work is done in a coordinated and considered way.  

While pre-implementation planning discussions take place, some parts of the University – those who need to move more quickly, such as Registrar and Student Services (RaSS), Future Students and Estate Management – are already working on aspects such as system considerations and teaching space modelling. Planning for course redesign will also commence soon, in close collaboration with Heads of School and the Education Portfolio, ensuring alignment with both academic priorities and the specific needs of each discipline.

Q&A opportunities

Since the April announcement, the Project Team has been attending faculty and divisional Town Halls to update teams and provide an opportunity for questions on the new calendar and planning for implementation. Reaction to the new flex-semester calendar and the process so far has been overwhelmingly positive.  

Following the recent Law & Justice Town Hall, Dean of the Faculty, Professor Andrew Lynch said: “We’re really pleased with the way the Academic Calendar Project has unfolded so far. It’s been an incredibly consultative and considered project, bringing people together across all areas of the University. As a result, the decision to move to a flex-semester calendar has terrific support.  

“The faculty can see so many opportunities to work on program development, assessment innovation and enhancing the student experience as part of the transition to the new calendar. We are looking forward to continued collaboration and are genuinely excited about what we are going to be able to deliver under the flex-semester model.”

You can find information on the new flex-semester calendar on the project website. If you have questions or comments on how implementation might impact you, you can contact the team via the feedback page or speak with leaders in your faculty or division.