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8-Week Terms

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Year-Round Learning

Our year-round calendar is designed with your busy life in mind. Most WCTC classes are offered in convenient 8-week terms, meaning you can complete more credits each semester, earn your degree faster and start your career sooner. We encourage our students to take a course load that works for them, whether that is full-time, part-time or just one class at a time.

How 8-Week Terms Work

An 8-week course is an accelerated equivalent to traditional 16-week courses. This format allows you to focus on fewer classes at a time while earning the same number of total credits over a traditional college semester.

  • Spend the same number of hours engaging with instructors and classmates but in fewer weeks.
  • Courses may be offered in person, online or hybrid. Learn more about class formats.
  • While the vast majority of WCTC classes are 8 weeks long, some programs may include shorter or longer courses. Review your academic plan for program specifics.

8-week term schedule graphic

8-week terms are offered year-round. Classes start in January, March, June, August and October.

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Tips for Success in 8-Week Courses

We understand that 8-week terms may be different from what you've experienced in the past. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Preparation and Study Habits

  • Check your email and Canvas regularly.
  • Purchase any required supplies and materials by the first week of class.
  • Log into Canvas one to two days before your first scheduled class meeting to review the course syllabus and expectations.
  • Pay attention to assignments that may have specific due dates throughout the week, such as discussion boards.
  • Plan your daily and weekly tasks and allocate enough time for studying, reviewing and completing assignments.
  • Connect with your instructor if there's content you don't understand. Seek out peer support or tutoring if needed.

Communication and Relationships

  • Ask questions early about major assignments. Don't wait until the last minute.
  • Work to build relationships with students and the instructor early in the class.
  • Take care of your well-being, and take breaks when you need them.

Scheduling

  • Follow the academic plan outlined for your program; don't exceed the recommended number of courses/credits in an 8-week term.

Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

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How does this affect my financial aid?

Financial aid will continue to be awarded based on how many credits you take each semester. In order to be eligible for financial aid, program students should register for both 8-week terms in a given semester at the same time. For example, you will need to register for both Fall 1 and 2 to have the equivalent of a full-time credit load.

How does this affect course registration?

During the fall and spring semesters, be sure to register for both 8-week terms (e.g. Fall 1 and Fall 2) at the same time. This will help keep you on track for the most efficient course sequence to complete your program.

Registering for both 8-week terms at the same time will also ensure that you have the correct credit load for financial aid eligibility.

When should I buy textbooks and other materials?

Keep in mind, financial aid is only available in the Bookstore during August, January and June. You should purchase your books and other required materials for both 8-week terms at the beginning of each semester.

Will I spend the same amount of time in class?

You can expect the total class time to be the same in an 8-week course as in a traditional 16-week course. This may come in the form of more online work and/or longer individual class meeting times.

Is class workload affected by the 8-week format?

Instructors have redesigned course assignments and assessments so that you can learn the same material more efficiently, with a reasonable amount of take-home work. If you are a full-time student, your workload may feel more manageable, because you will have fewer courses to concentrate on at one time.

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