This is a big, really positive change. Very student-friendly, from my perspective. It offers choice and flexibility, and also makes summer work more feasible.
@bluebayou - how would this actually increase intensity? Profs could try to cram in more in 9 weeks, but the number of instructional days decrease, in favor of breaks/study days. As I recall from my Chicago experience, it wasn’t just the out-of-class work that was tough - the in-class experience was grueling, too. Moreover, if there is more break (like a week for thanksgiving), more reading period days, and flexibility to take 3 rather than 4 classes, this all seems to strike a nice balance between rigor and awareness about the student experience.
I love the idea of a 3 week September term - and the ways it can lessen the crunch during the full academic quarters in Fall, Winter, and Spring. Overall, this seems so positive - I’m almost surprised the Chicago admins and faculty came up with this!