Do Great in 8: Frequently Asked Questions
- Will all classes be offered in eight-week terms?
Many courses will be offered in an eight-week format, but some programs and courses will remain in a 16-week format due to high contact hours or other factors. Check regularly with your Academic Advisor for any questions you may have about class offerings.
- What will be the delivery format of eight-week classes?
Eight-week classes will be offered in all delivery formats: in-person, in-person combined with online (blended or hybrid), and completely online.
- Will eight-week classes be more difficult?
Academic expectations for eight-week classes are the same as for 16-week classes. Assignments are due more frequently, and there will be more work to complete weekly, so it can feel more challenging. It is important to remember you should only be taking half the number of classes at any given time, so your overall workload per term will be comparable to the 16-week term. We recommend taking no more than two or three classes in each eight weeks.
- What is considered a full-time student for financial aid?
A minimum of 12 credits is considered a full-time student in a semester. That means 12-16 credits per semester, so the college recommends registering for 6-8 credits in Term A (the first eight-week term ) and 6-8 credits in Term B (the second eight-week term).
As long as you register for a combined total of 12 credits in one semester, you will still be a full-time student.
- Will I have to take four classes in the first eight weeks and four classes in the second eight weeks?
No, if you are taking 12 credit hours in a semester but plan to take courses in Term A and Term B format, you will just divide your courses into two eight-week terms.
- How many classes must I take to complete an associate degree in two years?
If you average two 3 credit classes per eight-week term, you will need to take a couple of classes in the summer to complete a degree in two years. Alternatively, you could take one additional class in two of your eight-week terms. Be sure to talk to your Academic Advisor about the best approach to building your course schedule to reach your goals.
- What if I am taking science classes that have labs?
You might have a class with higher contact hours per week than the listed credit hours because of a lab component. The number of contact hours tells you how much time you can expect to spend either in the classroom/lab or working online in addition to reading and homework. Most science classes with labs will be 16-week courses.
- How will the registration process change?
You will always meet with your Academic Advisor to plan your 16-week semester. But now, you will break down your classes into two eight-week terms: Term A and Term B. You will register for both terms at the start of the semester.
- If I drop a class in the first eight weeks, can I take it in the second eight weeks?
Yes, if it is offered, which is another advantage of eight-week terms. If you are using financial aid and register for courses that are 16 weeks or begin in the Term A, adding extra courses may impact your financial aid.
- How will my financial aid be affected by the change?
You will still register for all courses (eight-week and 16-week) at the start of the semester. If you don’t have your financial aid file complete, please turn in any missing documents and missing information to the Financial Aid Office so that you can be awarded financial aid and avoid the risk of losing your registered courses. If you are a new student after the full-term census and register for a Term B course, you may still qualify for financial aid by filing your FAFSA. Visit the Financial Aid Office for one-on-one assistance with your FAFSA and to check on your financial aid eligibility for Term B courses. After the semester has started, adding extra classes may require you to pay for those courses out of pocket, and dropping classes may result in owing the college money.
- Do I pay tuition and fees twice per semester now?
Students who sign up for Term A, Term B, and 16-week courses before the start of the semester only pay tuition and fees once. However, students who add a Term B course after the beginning of the 16-week semester could potentially face additional tuition and fees to cover the cost of that course. Please check Durham Tech’s Registration webpage for important dates.
- Will I be able to take eight-week classes as a dual enrolled high school student?
A CCP student can register for an eight-week course. However, they will need to consult first with their College Liaison and high school counselor.
- Will my VA benefits be affected if I take eight-week classes?
Certification processing will remain the same, however, if you have questions, contact your VA Certifying Official at 919-536-7209, ext. 1502, or email vaservices@durhamtech.edu, for additional information.
- What if I have more questions that are not listed here?
If your question was not included above or if you need further clarification on a question, contact your Program Advisor or feel free to visit Advising Services. You can also email at advising@durhamtech.edu or call 919-536-7200, ext 1124.