Why is OCCC switching to 8-week classes?

The goal is to increase student success. Both national and OCCC research shows higher student performance in the 8-week format.

National research demonstrates that exposing students to information more often, an immersion approach, results in higher success for students. 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 rather than multiple courses. 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.

How were faculty and staff consulted prior to the decision to move to primarily 8-week offerings?

The College has been analyzing our data for over ten (10) years and hosted listening sessions and opportunities for input through a variety of means for all College employees. The College transitioned basic skills mathematics courses primarily to 8-week offerings several years ago, and 8-week courses overall reflect higher student performance.

Will this help me graduate earlier?

Yes, for example, a student who may currently take three (3) courses per 16-week semester, could (based on a variety of factors, such as academic success and/or number of credits successfully completed) take two (2) courses each 8-week term for a total of four (4) courses.

Will 8-week courses be easier or more difficult?

All courses will contain the same rigor and content just as they do now for intersession, Fast Tracks, 8-weeks, or 16-weeks. Students will be able to focus on one or two courses at a time instead of multiple classes at once.

Will it affect our learning? How will we fit in so much information in 8-weeks instead of 16?

Students will be in class the same amount of time, just with fewer classes at once. This added focus will allow the student a better chance to understand the information without the distraction of additional coursework.

Research shows that most students drop out of college due to life issues. 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 half-way through an 8-week course versus half-way through a 16-week course, the 8-week offers a better chance for completion.

Will we still be receiving the same amount of coursework just in shorter periods or less coursework in shorter periods?

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.

Is there any advice for students to help with this transition?

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.

Will OCCC credits still transfer to 4-year institutions such as OU and UCO? If so, how would the classes be presented on our transcripts?

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.

Will this make class times longer?

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.

What about specific classes? How will they change?

Visiting with an advisor regarding specific courses is recommended. Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 scheduling information for specific courses will be available mid-March for enrollment.

If a class meets one day a week currently, will it meet two days per week under the new system?

Courses will still meet a variety of days and/or times, just as they do now, depending on the course. There will be one-day per week, two-day per week, etc.

Can we take more than two classes per 8-weeks?

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.

I need the flexibility to schedule my classes around my personal and work life. Will I still have options?

The course schedule will continue to have a variety of options and flexibility. OCCC Student Success Advisors will continue to help students determine a specialized plan that meets the student’s needs. Courses will continue to be taught in the on-campus, online, and hybrid (combination of online and on-campus class time) formats. Courses will continue to be offered in a variety of meeting days and times.

With the 8-week classes, are we able to schedule classes after the first 8-weeks is up?

Yes.

As a part-time adult student, I fear that 16 weeks’ worth of work in 8-weeks is going to be too much for me to handle. I have to balance work and my family with my education too.

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.

With this new format, total time in class should be the same; however, this will be accomplished by students coming to campus more frequently. Do you feel this will disproportionately affect OCCC students who are working professionals?

Keep in mind that the total number of courses taken at one time will decrease. For example, an adult who takes two courses during the 16-week semester will now only take one every 8-weeks.

How can an eight-week semester help a student with a full-time job successfully graduate?

Potentially, a student can cut the time in half for a degree. For example, if a student currently takes one (1) class per semester. The student will now be able to take one (1) class per term; this doubles the hours taken each semester.

How will this impact students who have learning difficulties or disabilities? How will this help students who need accommodations according to federal guidelines?

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.

I have ADHD, will 8-week courses be more difficult?

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.

I am in high school, taking concurrent classes. Will this affect me?

Yes, 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.

How does this effect Veterans Benefits? Will Veterans now be required to have two classes a semester in class instead of the minimum of one a semester with this division into two 8-week terms to maintain full benefits?

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.

How does this affect international students who must take 12 credit hours?

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.

For people like me who struggle with math, how this will be helpful?

Basic skills mathematics courses at OCCC were moved primarily to 8-week offerings many years ago, and 8-week courses overall reflect higher student performance in the 8-week format.

National research supports exposing students to information more often, immersion approach, results in higher success for students. Students will be able to dedicate time to primarily one or two classes during each term (8-week) and will have increased focus time per course rather than multiple courses. Tutoring labs and the Virtual Learning Center are available for all students as are currently offered.

Will this be the same for the nursing program?

The Nursing program already offers 8-week and 16-week modules.

How will this affect the STEM courses like Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Calculus, Microbiology, and Anatomy, and Physiology II? These courses are challenging in the 16-week format, will they now be too difficult in this new format?

Research data in these course areas reflect higher student success rates overall for the 8-week term length. In the Sciences’ areas, most course offerings have been and continue to be offered in a variety of lengths with the 8-week offerings overall showing higher student success.

OCCC also offers online courses with online labs.

Does the 8-week class model apply to programs such as Nursing, Engineering, or Accounting? Alternatively, are they only going to be designated for the basic classes?

All programs will reflect the degree plan across nine (9) terms (two years). OCCC Student Success Advisors will continue to help students look for a combination of classes and program options that meet their personal preferences and needs.

Will the 8-weeks classes apply to the SLPA program?

The SLPA program will continue its totally online program offerings for the fall 2020 year and is evaluating all course offerings for potential term changes.

When can I see the Fall 2020 course offerings?

Summer and Fall 2020 course schedules will be available when enrollment opens mid-March 2020. The OCCC main page has a link for ENROLL NOW.

Where would I find the link to view the 8-week courses to enroll in currently?

For current Spring 2020 course options, enrollment is now open for Intersession, early-8-week, mid-8week, and 16-week. The OCCC main page has a link for ENROLL NOW. Summer and Fall 2020 enrollment opens mid-March 2020 for enrollment.

Will there be a reasonable amount of 16 week courses offered?

The majority of our classes will be offered in the 8-week format, and not all will have a 16-week option. The courses remaining in a 16-week format for fall 2020 will be looked at over the next year for structure considerations. In the Sciences’ areas, most course offerings have been and continue to be offered in a variety of lengths with the 8-week offerings overall showing higher student success.

Will the 8-week courses be worth the same credit hours as the 16-week courses?

Yes. For example, English Composition 1113 counts for three (3) credit hours and is not dependent on the term length.

I often have to purchase 6 month access codes to a site like McGraw-Hill, will those costs be lowered for those materials?

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.

This begins Fall of 2020; having said this when signing up for spring classes for 2020, they will still be in 16-week semesters, right?

Multiple formats are being offered in Spring 2020, just as they have been for many years. For current Spring 2020 course options, enrollment is now open for Intersession, early 8-week, mid-8-week, and 16-week and reflects the variety of formats—Intersession, Fast-track, early-8-week, mid-8-week, and 16-weeks.

With the new change, what is considered full and part time?

Full-time status for financial aid purposes continues to be 12 credit hours. Both the early-8-week and mid-8-week terms will be used to determine a student’s enrollment status. Also, Intersession and Fast-track courses can be considered.

Would students enroll just one time at the beginning of the semester or at the beginning for the first 8-weeks and then again in the middle for the second 8-weeks?

Students are encouraged to register for early-8-week and mid-8-week terms at one time, but it is not required.

Are you expecting to lose many faculty?

No, through the variety of listening sessions and opportunities for input and discussion, many faculty are supportive of the focus toward 8-week offerings and the potential to further assist students in achieving their academic goals.

How will the 8-weeks change effect the way we choose our classes?

Students are encouraged to register for early-8-week and mid-8-week terms at one time, but it is not required. Visit with you Student Success Advisor to evaluate your degree plan.

Is Oklahoma City Community College the only school that does 8-week courses. Or is it becoming a thing across the United States?

Other colleges in Oklahoma offer 8-week courses; however, OCCC will be the first in the state to offer primarily 8-week courses. Yes, other colleges and universities in states like Texas, Tennessee, and Arizona have made this change.

I have my courses fully planned, will I need to go back through and re-plan all of my course work?

It depends on your specific needs. We suggest that you visit with your advisor to discuss your unique situation.

Will there be any assistance programs created to help students acclimate to these changes?

Students should visit with their Student Success Advisor to determine their specific needs.

Was this decision motivated by money?

Helping students meet their academic goals is the focus of increasing the 8-week course offerings. National and OCCC data concerning completion rates as it pertains to 8-week courses, motivate the college to make the change.

Will 8-week courses cost less than 16-week courses?

Tuition is charged by the credit hour. Therefore, a 3-credit hour course will cost the same regardless of how it is offered.

Will tuition go up because of this new system?

Tuition will not increase due to the change to predominantly 8-week term offerings.

I am wondering how the change to 8-weeks will affect my financial aid? Is there anything different we need to do when we apply?

The application process for financial aid will not change. Financial aid will have two disbursements: one (1) for the early-8-week term and one (1) for the mid-8-week term.

To be considered a full-time student for financial aid or scholarships, how many credit hours do you have to take during the 8-week term? Will you still be eligible for financial aid?

Full-time status for financial aid purposes continues to be 12 credit hours. Both the early-8-week and mid-8-week terms will be used to determine a student’s enrollment status. Also, Intersession and Fast-track courses can be considered.

Students are encouraged to register for early-8-week and mid-8-week terms at one time, but it is not required.

Would the student have to enroll and pay for all the courses at the beginning of the semester or the beginning of the class?

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.)

Do the OCCC Board of Regents profit from this change?

Board members are not compensated.