Financial aid will continue to be awarded based on how many credits you take each semester. Because you will sign up for classes for both 7-week terms at the beginning of each fall and spring semester, any financial aid you are eligible for will be available at the beginning of the semester.

If you drop, withdraw or stop attending your classes during the semester, you will be required to repay some or all of your financial aid. Please speak with your advisor before making any changes to your schedule.

7-week terms allow part-time students to focus on one to two classes at a time while having an opportunity to accumulate more credits each semester.

Full-time students are able to maintain their current class load each semester, but spread out over two 7-week terms.

Some classes in select degree and diploma programs will continue to be offered in the 15-week format. Apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs will also continue in a 15-week term.

The amount of total class time will be the same in 7-week classes as it is in traditional 15-week classes. The new 7-week terms will combine in-class time and online work help you complete your class in a shorter time period. Class schedules will maximize your time on campus to complement your online coursework.

Some classes may meet for longer intervals each day. Studies actually suggest that student-to-teacher and peer-to-peer relationships improve in the 7-week class format because more time is typically spent together.

Instructors have redesigned class assignments and assessments so you can learn the same material more efficiently and with a reasonable amount of online coursework. Full-time students may feel their workload is more manageable because they have fewer classes to concentrate on at a time.

With your advisor, you will create a balanced schedule and sign up for both 7-week terms prior to the start of the semester. Please speak with your advisor before adding or dropping a class, as any changes to your schedule could affect your financial aid.

7-week terms allow you to focus on fewer classes at once, which means you’re able to dedicate more time to each class. If you need to complete five classes in a semester, you will take just 2 (or 3) classes the first 7-week term and the remaining 3 (or 2) classes the second 7-week term.

Here are some tips to help you stay on track in your classes:
• Read the syllabus for each class.
• Use a planner to keep track of assignments, tests and deadlines.
• Attend every on-campus class.
• Take good notes.
• Complete online coursework on time.
• Actively participate in class discussions.
• Study a little bit for each class every day.
• Get to know your instructors and classmates.
• Visit our Student Success Center for free tutoring and study skills help.
• Take advantage of our Library resources and workshops.

Each 7-week term is followed by a one-week break. Please see our academic calendar for a complete list of breaks and campus closures.

Please reach out to your academic advisor to explore class schedules specific to your program of study. Your academic advisor can be easily reached through EAB Navigate. Questions can also be emailed to askme@octech.edu.