Answers to common questions about GTCC's eight-week course model



Published on: February 24, 2025
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Starting fall 2025, GTCC will transition most its programs to an eight-week course model, where traditional 16-week semester courses are condensed into two eight-week sessions, allowing Titans to focus on fewer classes at once while completing the same number of courses per semester.

Proudfit

Jeremy Bennett
Bennett

We know that change can be overwhelming and full of uncertainties, so we sat down with Vice President for Student Services, Ann Proudfit, Ph.D, and Associate Vice President of Instruction, Jeremy Bennett, D.P.A., to get some of the most common questions answered.

Below are questions we’ve received the most from students.

If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, there is a list at the bottom of this article that will direct you to specific college departments depending on the nature of your question.

Q: Are there specific strategies you suggest for students with high anxiety about the transition to eight-week courses? Are there resources for those who experience burn out?

A: Take time to reflect on things when you are getting overwhelmed. GTCC offers support including counseling services and the new Titan Assistance Program which offers online and on-ground support 24/7 all year long. Our trained professional counselors are equipped to help you work through anxiety and plan for successfully navigating changes that come with life and school.

Remember there are many benefits to the eight-week course schedule format, here are just a few:

  • The amount of work will still be the same whether in eight-week or 16-week format. With the eight-week format, you’ll be able to focus on fewer subjects and have the satisfaction of completing courses and earning grades in half the time.
  • Taking fewer classes gives you more flexibility to manage unexpected life events while still offering an increased opportunity to complete part of the semester.
  • Taking classes in two eight-week sessions offers financial advantages if you need to take a break mid-semester. Since your courses are split between sessions, you'll only be responsible for half the repayment amount of federal aid compared to a traditional 16-week semester. If you're paying out of pocket, you can adjust your schedule before the second session begins without any financial penalties.
Q: How will financial aid be disbursed in the new eight-week model?

A: Here’s how financial aid will work in the new model:

  • Pell Grants & Loans: Disbursed in two payments per semester (e.g., September and November for fall).
  • Scholarships & Other Aid: Distributed in a single payment per semester.
  • Important Note: Financial aid enrollment is calculated for students enrolled in Session 1 and Session 2 classes at the 10% point of the 16-week semester or, if you are only enrolled in Session 2, at the 10% point of Session 2. Additionally, the second payment for Pell Grants and student loans may be reduced or canceled if you don’t attend all your registered classes.

Aid Disbursement Example: Fall Semester with 12 Credits (six credits each session).  Awarded $3,600 Pell grant at full-time status.

  • First payment date: September
    • Pell Amount: $1,800
    • Tuition & Fees: $1,015
    • Refund: $ 785
  • Second payment date: November
    • Pell Amount: $1,800
    • Tuition & Fees: $0
    • Refund: $1,800

Planning ahead to maximize your aid is essential. If you’re unsure of the best way to do this, please reach out to our Financial Aid department (contact information listed at the bottom of this article). In the meantime, here are some tips to plan ahead:

  • Set up direct deposit for quick and safe refunds.
  • Manage your budget carefully for tuition, books, and any adjustments.
Q: Will there be more offerings online? And what is the difference between online, blended, hybrid, and in-person classes?

A: GTCC is working on effectively scheduling courses to help students complete their degrees, diplomas, and certificates as quickly and easily as possible. Working with your academic advisor and using our advising guides will help you stay on track to complete your credential. GTCC offers a variety of formats to help meet students’ needs including online, in-person, and a combination of the two:

  • Online classes are offered 100% virtually, however they may be asynchronous (meaning there are no set class times, and you work at your own pace) and synchronously (meaning the class is conducted online with set class meeting times that you must log-in and attend).
  • Blended is a mixed modality with up to 50% of the course being taught online and the remainder of the course taught in person.
  • Hybrid is a mixed modality with more than 50% of the course being taught online and the remainder of the course taught in person.
  • In-person courses are taught at a GTCC campus with an instructor in a classroom or laboratory.
Q: When I have questions about my schedule, who or where do I go for assistance?

A: Your faculty advisor can help you with any questions about your schedule. The student success center has coaches and the Center for Academic Engagement (CAE) has academic achievement specialists who can also provide guidance.

Q: How will the Center for Academic Engagement (CAE) support students during the transition to the 8-week course structure?

A: As the college transitions to an 8-week course model, the Center for Academic Engagement is committed to serving as our students’ support community for academic acceleration and excellence. To that end, we are strengthening and expanding our already comprehensive support services.  Here are a few highlights of areas we can support students:

  • We can help students navigate GTCC technology, including assistance with login in and understanding Canvas, Self-Services, Outlook, accessing DayOne textbooks, and setting up the student’s course learning tools, like Pearson’s MyLab.
  • We provide a rich array of one-on-one coaching on time management, developing consistent habits, familiarization with college resources, and troubleshooting general questions and concerns.
  • We connect with students, in a positive manner, when faculty report a student struggling with academic progress.
  • We provide comprehensive tutoring in all GTCC courses, in-person (one-one or group) and online. Additionally, all students have access to Tutor.com, a free 24/7, one-on-one tutorial service that is fully trained in GTCC curriculum.
  • We can provide holistic support to English Language Learners.
Q: Are there any specific implications for international students related to the new eight-week model?

A: International students must enroll for 12 or more credit hours during a semester, and there is a limit of 10 credit hours for enrollment during an eight-week session. International students should consider this and work with their international student advisor to be sure they are enrolled in enough credit hours and in the correct modality to remain in compliance with all visa requirements.

Q: Will I still be able to have accommodations provided through the disAbility Access Services?

A: Yes, there are no changes to the process for accessing disAbility Access Services.

Q: Is there a safety net for students in the eight-week course model?

A: Yes, GTCC has many support services available to help you:

Counseling services and the new Titan Assistance Program that offers online support 24/7 all year long. Our trained professional counselors are equipped to help you navigate mental health and other concerns related to student needs.

Titan Link provides resources and information that assists with non-academic challenges such as housing, transportation, food insecurity, childcare, and emergency loan/grant/scholarship application access for GTCC students.

In addition, GTCC offers free tutoring services, and support from your academic achievement specialist can also support your academic success.

Q: Can I bring my child to class and/or are there resources I can take advantage of related to childcare?

A: While all visitors are welcome at GTCC, the college does have rules concerning children on campus. For the safety of young visitors, anyone who brings children to campus should supervise them constantly and never leave them alone. The college does not allow children in classrooms, labs, shops, or common study areas to ensure a safe learning environment. Students in need of childcare support are encouraged to work with Titan Link to apply for childcare grant support.

Q: What is the impact of eight-week courses on veterans, specifically on stipends?

A: Student veterans are encouraged to work with the Veteran’s Resource Center, the certifying official on campus, to create a schedule that meets requirements for stipends. Full time enrollment is prorated during the eight-week sessions within each semester, enabling student veterans to still qualify for their benefits.

Q: Will students spend the same amount of time in class/online (seat time) in the new eight-week model?

A: While students will be registered for the same amount of credit hours over the two eight-week session as they would in a 16-week model, the amount of time spent in class will change. Since courses will be condensed into eight weeks, students can expect their class times to be longer compared to in the 16-week model. The number of hours overall will be the same, but the class sessions will be longer to accommodate the shorter model. Keep in mind that in each eight-week session you will take fewer classes than during the 16-week model, so while you’ll be in class for longer chunks of time, you will still spend the same amount of time overall in class. For example, you may spend three hours in a lab in the eight-week model, versus 1.5 hours for the same lab in the 16-week model.

Exact class meet times will be determined by the delivery modality/method of the course. See above for a breakdown of different delivery methods.

Q: How will I know if my program of study has exceptions/exemptions from the eight-week model?

Students will need to check with their program advisor to find out if their program of study is exempt from the new model.

Q: Are credit hours affected?

No. Credit and contact hours are not affected or changed.

Q: Will there be more class sections that currently only have one section?

Yes, faculty and the deans will be providing more flexible course offerings throughout the term as they are able.

Q: What is considered full-time status? Is there a difference for full-time status between students on financial aid versus those receiving a stipend?

Full-time is still 12 hours over the full 16-week term. For example, a student could be enrolled for 6 credit hours during the first eight-week session and enrolled for another six credit hours during the second eight-week session, totaling 12 in the term.

For More Information 

If you have a question that was not addressed in this article, please reach out to one of the following departments:

View our official press release about the eight-week course offerings.

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