The college's shift from 16-week sessions to 8-week sessions will start in FALL 2025. The shift will apply to most, but not all, classes and will mean TWO 8-WEEK SESSIONS per semester rather than one 16-week session. Below, college administrators answer our questions about the coming change and what it means for students. (Visit GTCC's new Amazing in 8 webpage to ask any additional questions you might have.)
1. Could you walk us through the decision process for this shift, including how student perspectives were considered?
Beginning in 2020, GTCC launched a college-wide Guided Pathways 2.0 initiative that reevaluated the College’s progress and identified processes and practices that required further changes to improve student success outcomes.
Guided Pathways is an institution-wide approach to student success at community colleges. Ultimately, the Guided Pathways framework restructures the community college experience for students by helping them explore, choose, plan, and complete programs aligned with their career and education goals efficiently and affordably.
When colleges adopt the Guided Pathways framework, they use their data, including input from students, faculty, and staff, to develop a Guided Pathways model based on their college’s specific goals and areas for improvement. GTCC’s Guided Pathways 2.0 initiative is focused on four pillars: student interest and onboarding, career and program selection, belonging and communication, and student success in the first 12 credit hours of their college experience.
Over the past four years, the college has reviewed research and best practices nationwide to support the goals of GP 2.0 and improve the student experience and, ultimately, their success at GTCC to prepare them for meaningful careers. To date, areas of the college have been reorganized, and resources have been allocated to support the implementation of the new model.
Students' successful experience in their first 12 credit hours is critical to improving student outcomes. National data for community college students shows significant degree attainment gaps between students who do not complete 12 credits in their first year and those who do. When students pass 12 credit hours and complete one math and one English course within their first year, the achievement gap closes—meaning they will continue their program of study, pass their classes, complete their program, and be ready to transfer to a four-year college or enter the workforce.
To provide context to GTCC’s two-year success levels, the graph below gives peer data to compare the two-year success measure for the latest cohort available, Fall 2020. The data indicates that GTCC compares favorably with peer institutions nationally for all three cohorts but highlights the significantly higher success rate of the Credential-Seeking student cohort.
The 8-week session model was identified as one opportunity to support student success in the first 12 credit hours, helping students stay on track to finish their degree or credential within their optimal timeline.
Most GTCC students attend school part-time because they have competing priorities, like work and family. The 8-week schedule is designed to help students find more balance in their lives. Rather than focusing on 4-5 classes at a time during 16-week courses, students can focus on 2-3 classes at a time and receive the same amount of instruction time.
2. What specific data or studies has GTCC reviewed about student success in 8-week versus 16-week formats?
Many two-year and four-year colleges nationwide have transitioned to 8-week schedules and seen great improvement in student success—better grades, faster completion, and increased student satisfaction. GTCC reviewed multiple case studies and research articles; here is an example. We have also spent time working with and learning from other community colleges that have made the transition with great success like Odessa College, and Amarillo College, the top community college in the US. Through working with colleges in North Carolina, like Isothermal Community College and Durham Tech, we have learned from their transitions to create the best possible experience and outcomes for our students.
3. How will GTCC ensure that course content and learning objectives remain fully covered in the condensed format?
It is worth noting that GTCC is familiar with 8-week course models. Summer sessions have always been taught in this format, and several 8-week sessions are available each year for students during the fall and spring semesters. Some career technical programs, like nursing and welding, operate on 8-week schedule and have seen great outcomes.
GTCC is committed to ensuring that course content and learning objectives are fully covered in the 8-week format.
Although classes will be taught in 8 weeks, the same contact hours will be applied. Classes may meet more frequently during the week to accommodate the condensed timeframe or individual class sessions may be slightly longer.
Rest assured that GTCC administration has worked hard over the past year to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students. Faculty members have received professional development to support this conversion, so students have the best possible experience. This includes incorporating more active learning strategies and teaching methods that promote student engagement.
Currently, 156 full-time faculty members have been hard at work rebuilding 527 fall courses. All courses will be peer-reviewed before the semester begins to ensure that all content and learning objectives are covered effectively. Additionally, the college has been hard at work creating an optimal course schedule so students can enroll in required courses and balance outside obligations.
GTCC will continuously monitor and assess student performance and use student surveys to seek feedback on the model for improvement.
4. How will GTCC ensure student success and prevent burnout in the accelerated 8-week format, and what research supports this transition?
As noted, GTCC has been offering 8-week sessions for many years, so our support services are equipped to support the accelerated sessions.
Focused Course Load
Students can concentrate more deeply on each subject by taking fewer courses concurrently (typically 2-3 per 8-week session). This focused approach reduces the cognitive load and helps prevent burnout, allowing students to manage their time and energy more effectively.
Evidence of Success
Research from other institutions (referenced above) supports the benefits of the 8-week format. Studies have shown significant improvements in student performance and satisfaction when students can focus on fewer subjects at a time. Findings indicate that students are more likely to succeed academically, remain engaged throughout the session, persist to the next session, and graduate on time.
Supportive Learning Environment
GTCC provides a robust support system to help students navigate the accelerated pace:
Advising and Tutoring: The Center for Academic Engagement will offer additional services aligned with the 8-week schedule, ensuring students can access academic support when needed.
Flexible Scheduling: The 8-week model offers multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to adjust their schedules if life events occur.
Active Learning Strategies: Instructors employ active learning techniques to keep students engaged and motivated, fostering a dynamic classroom environment.
5. Will there be any changes to how credit hours are allocated in 8-week versus 16-week courses?
Each 16-week semester will be divided into two 8-week sessions. The maximum credit hour load per session will be 10-11. This equates to 2-3 courses per 8-week session instead of 4-5 courses over 16 weeks (for full-time students).
6. How will the 8-week model affect financial aid distribution and the registration process?
Financial aid distribution will be adjusted to align with the 8-week format. Pell grants and loans will be split into two payments per semester. Students must register for all courses before the semester starts if any courses begin in the first 8 weeks. For courses only in the second 8-week session, registration must be completed before that session starts.
Financial Aid Distribution
Pell grants and loans will be split into two payments per semester:
Fall: 50% in September, 50% in November
Spring: 50% in February, 50% in April
Summer: 50% in June, 50% in July
Registration Process
Students taking any courses in the first 8-week session must register for all their semester courses before the semester starts. They can also register for both 8-week sessions, giving them a full semester schedule.
For students only taking courses in the second 8-week session, registration must be completed before the second session begins.
7. Will students need to register once or multiple times per semester under the 8-week model?
Students will only need to register once per semester. If they are taking courses in the first 8-week session and need to adjust their second 8-week session courses, they will be able to do so.
8. How will GTCC maintain student engagement and support services (such as tutoring and student groups) with more frequent schedule changes?
GTCC has experience with 8-week course models. The college is committed to maintaining and enhancing student engagement and support services throughout the transition to 8-week courses in the Fall ’25 semester. By adapting these services to the 8-week model, GTCC will provide a seamless transition that supports student success while offering the benefits of a more focused and flexible academic schedule.
The 8-week format offers several advantages for student success:
Enhanced Relationships:
Students will have the opportunity to develop stronger connections with their classmates and instructors due to more frequent interactions over a shorter period. This increased contact can lead to a more collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Support Services:
The Center for Academic Engagement (Tutoring) already supports the 8-week course structure. Students can expect the same level of comprehensive tutoring support as they received in the 16-week format, tailored to the new schedule, and new services to help with topics such as time management.
Consistent Student Services:
Key student services will continue to operate as they currently do:
· Academic advising will remain available to help students navigate their course selections and academic progress.
· Titan Link will continue to provide essential resources and information.
· Student life activities, including clubs and events, will maintain their regular schedules, offering opportunities for engagement outside the classroom.
Focused Learning Environment:
The condensed format allows students to concentrate on fewer subjects at once, potentially leading to deeper understanding and improved academic performance.
9. Who should students contact now with questions about these changes?
GTCC has rolled out a webpage dedicated to the 8-week schedule. Visit Amazing in 8 for resources and updates.
Additional note:
Our tagline, Make Amazing Happen, is more than a marketing tool: It is a challenge. To ourselves. To our students. To our community. We are fully committed to ensuring our students have the best possible experience with successful outcomes that lead them to rewarding careers. That commitment applies to this transition as well.
The college will formally roll out the 8-week course plan college-wide at the beginning of the spring semester, with the 8-week course schedules beginning in the Fall 2025 semester. Additional resources and subject matter experts will be available to support students through the transition.
Comments