8-week terms
So as you think about what’s next for your life and career, ask yourself:
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH 8?
YOU HAVE (A LOT OF) QUESTIONS.
It’s cool. We have answers. Let’s roll.
National and OCCC research shows higher student performance in the 8-week format.
Exposing students to information more often – a more immersive approach – results in higher absorption and retention. OCCC students will be able to dedicate time primarily to one or two classes during each term (8-week period) and will have increased focus time per course. Tutoring labs and the Virtual Learning Center are available for all students who need additional help.
The research also shows that concentrated learning systems better support individual student needs, emphasize fewer distractions, and allow students to focus intently on an area of interest rather than multitasking.
Sure. Sometimes. But the purpose of 8-week terms isn’t necessarily to graduate faster, it’s to focus on fewer items at once. In theory, a traditional “full load” over 16 weeks would just be cut in half; you’d take two classes every 8 weeks, rather than four classes for 16 weeks. It’s all about how you slice the pizza – the size of the pie hasn’t changed.
People learn differently. We think, generally, 8-week terms will offer a better experience for most students. But we still offer traditional 16-week semesters for many courses, especially those where learning material more slowly, over time, is valuable.
Course content, objectives, and rigor will remain the same just as courses currently offered in a variety of lengths (intersession, Fast-Track, 8-week, and 16-week) meet the same course objectives.
We recommend speaking with your student success advisor (SSA) to develop an academic plan to finish your degree at OCCC. Even though the Fall 2020 schedule will not be available until March, your SSA can help you determine what courses you should be considering.
Yes. Institutions throughout the country offer courses in various formats, including other institutions in Oklahoma. The length of the terms is not notated on the transcript. Public colleges and universities in Oklahoma have transfer agreements in place to make sure courses transfer between institutions.
It depends. Some classes will meet more frequently; however, seat time overall, will remain the same for each course. Some classes might transition to online, and others may become hybrids—which is a mix of both in-class and online and meets seat time requirements.
Yes, just as enrollment is currently dependent on multiple factors, the number of classes per 8-week term will be dependent on a variety of factors, for example, academic success and/or the number of credits successfully completed. OCCC Student Success Advisors will continue helping students look at options that work best for them. Please reach out to your Student Success Advisor for your specific considerations.
During a 16-week term, more opportunity for life to interfere with academic progress can occur. An 8-week term offers increased flexibility for course completion and attention to personal issues. For example, if a student has an emergency halfway through an 8-week course versus halfway through a 16-week course, the 8-week offers a better chance for completion.
Costs for course materials remain the same per course. OCCC continues to look for ways to reduce costs for course materials. Open Educational Resources (OER) is one such option being explored further. Some courses currently use OER materials. OER provides free access to materials and carries the benefit of reducing book costs.
Students are encouraged to register for early-8-week and mid-8-week terms at one time, but it is not required.
All students qualifying for accommodations will receive accommodations. There are no changes to the accommodation process.
OCCC continues to offer hybrid (a combination of online and on-campus class time) and online course offerings that may be preferred options for individual student needs.
Research shows that concentrated learning systems better support individual student needs, emphasize fewer distractions, and allow students to focus intently on an area of interest rather than multitasking.
Yes – positively. Concurrent students will receive the same benefit from taking fewer classes at one time, allowing students to focus more. The College is currently working with our high school partners to determine what works best for each school based on the courses taken at the high school location.
It does not affect Veteran Benefits. The requirements are 6 hours per 8-week term for full-time status. Essentially, a veteran will need to take two (2) classes per 8-week term to remain full-time.
The change to 8-week will not affect the eligibility status of international students. The College will use both early-8-week and mid-8-week to determine eligibility.
Payment options are flexible and can be made throughout the term or at the beginning of each term (first 8-weeks and mid 8-weeks.)
