If you’re one of those students who is in a rush to get to graduate school or perhaps dive into the real world a bit earlier, then a recent proposal by Western officials might be the answer to your ambitions.

Officials are considering a new schedule that would add five minutes to every class, but more importantly, a three-week January term. The new term would be held during winter break and would allow students to take classes, study abroad or do other university programs. It would also reduce the summer school term by one week, from 13 weeks to 12.

Though it isn’t a done deal yet, Western officials, including Provost Barbara Burch, like it as a way to add flexibility to the current schedule.

The proposed change has received mixed tidings from everyone involved. But though we aren’t too keen on spending five extra minutes in class, we think this thing would be a great benefit to students and faculty alike.

Students surely don’t lose anything. Those who opted to take classes during the January term would still get at least two weeks off for the winter break, and over the course of a four-year program of studies could potentially knock out 12 hours of credit. This would allow students to take more consuming courses in January and take fewer hours during the fall and spring semesters if they chose.

There is an upside for the professors as well. As Potter College Dean David Lee pointed out, faculty would have more time between the end of summer and the beginning of the fall semester. That would equal more time for new faculty orientation and provide extra time for planning. Professors, in theory, could also teach slightly less hectic schedules and concentrate on other things such as research and writing.

This is not a mandatory term being imposed on students. It is just another option and avenue to help secure that all important piece of paper. Burch and others have promised to check this possible addition out from top to bottom. We trust you’ll let us know if it’s too good to be true. But at a glance, it looks pretty swell.

This editorial represents the majority opinion of the Herald’s 10-member board of student editors.