Oct. 24, 2024–Missouri Western State University has decided to end its Gold Friday initiative, a four-day class schedule intended to provide one day a week for learning activities outside the classroom. Beginning in Fall 2025, Missouri Western will return to a five-day class schedule.
“Gold Fridays was an initiative begun with great intentions. Although we have had some very valuable events on Gold Fridays, unbiased review of both the pros and cons has indicated that discontinuation is the best path forward,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Missouri Western’s president. “While the four-day class schedule has given some of our students more flexibility, it also has made it more difficult for us to build the sense of belonging and community that represents our student-focused, vibrant and engaging campus culture.”
Earlier this year, Dr. Kennedy asked Dr. Joel Hyer, interim provost, to lead a task force charged with evaluating the effectiveness of Gold Friday. The task force unanimously recommended that Missouri Western return to a five-day class schedule beginning in Fall 2025, and the Board of Governors approved that recommendation during their regular meeting Oct. 24.
The Division of Academic Affairs will roll out a Fall 2025 class schedule in the next few weeks, with most classes scheduled either Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday. Advisement for the Fall 2025 semester begins Feb. 19, with registration opening March 10.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.