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8-Week Terms

Year-Round Learning at WCTC Chart

Focusing on Student Success

WCTC's year-round academic calendar offers courses in convenient 8-week timeframes. You’ll be able to build on your academic momentum and complete your education in less time – getting you out into the workforce sooner.

Finish a class in 8 weeks, rather than the traditional 16 weeks.
Complete more credits each semester, and earn your degree faster.
Engage with instructors and classmates for the same number of hours, but in fewer weeks.

Each academic year includes five 8-week terms: one in summer, two in fall and two in spring. Two shorter terms are available in winter and summer. There are short breaks between each of the five 8-week terms. Start dates may vary by program.

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.

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Will I spend the same amount of time in class?

You can expect to spend the amount of 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.