Scheduling their way

When Lynn University launched a new block schedule during the pandemic, faculty immediately saw the benefits of its structure, which limited the number of people students encountered each day and provided little academic disruption in the shift to virtual learning. Today the flexibility it provides is still just as important, but "freestyle Fridays" are emerging as a key benefit of the program.

Here's how it works: Classes are scheduled Monday to Thursday, leaving Fridays available for labs, internships and other out-of-the-classroom experiences. Some students spend their free time catching up on classwork and projects while others participate in volunteer activities.

Lynn faculty also provide enrichment opportunities. The College of Business and Management invites business leaders to its Snyder Idea Lab to network with and speak to students. The Donald E. and Helen L. Ross College of Education's guest speakers provide real-world insight. Through the Social Impact Lab, students can take part in the "Impact Series" where they watch movies and read books about relevant social issues. Students also complete related service projects and participate in "real talk" on the same subject.

A few students gave us a look into why they love class-free Fridays.

"Having class-free Fridays has impacted me a great deal because I am able to split my time up. I usually spend my Fridays being productive by completing homework that's due or working for Career and Alumni Connections as a social media intern. Being able to focus my efforts on my internship on Fridays allows me to focus on school earlier in the week."

"I am loving class-free Fridays and they have impacted me in so many positive ways! I am currently the director of recruitment for my sorority, Tri Sigma. Not having class on Fridays gives me time to meet with my sisters, plan events and catch up on work for my organization. I am also a Student Admissions Ambassador for the Office of Admissions. One of my favorite things to do during the week and especially on Fridays is to work in admissions!"

"I'm a part of the men's soccer team here at Lynn, so I still have training on Fridays. But other than that, I usually use class-free Fridays as a way to decompress from the week. The pressures of being a student-athlete can be physically and mentally taxing, so having that day off from class comes in handy and allows me some much-needed rest and recovery."

"I believe having class-free Fridays has made me a better student. As students, we sometimes feel like we don't have enough breaks, and it's a constant cycle of work. I can relate to this being a resident assistant, a full-time student and being in two clubs. Having Fridays free allows students to take a break and focus on ourselves or on our academics."