Friends of NWTC Magazine Friends Fall 2019 | Page 9

”
I would rather have the
eight-week classes versus
the 15 weeks. There is a
shorter light at the end
of the tunnel.
BRITTANY LAMB
Nursing Student
things
to know
ABOUT 8-WEEK ADVANTAGE
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TIMELINE
  Two programs – Supply Chain Management and
Therapeutic Massage – became part of 8-Week
Advantage in August 2019.
  Beginning in summer 2020, about half of all
programs will be offered in eight- week sessions.

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WHY 8-WEEK ADVANTAGE
It is all about student success— increased course
success rates, persistence and completion rates.

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  In 2021, the rest of NWTC’s programs will be
offered in eight-week sessions.
NEW ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Each semester will have two eight-week sessions,
there will be one eight-week session during summer,
for a total of five sessions every academic year.
MORE PROGRAM ENTRY POINTS
Students may have more flexibility on when they can
begin a program. With the eight-week model, some
programs may accept students in August, October,
January, March, or June.
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BETTER FOCUS
In the current 15-week semester, a full-time student may,
for example, be taking four classes at one time. With
8-Week Advantage, that full-time student could still take
four classes in one semester, but could concentrate on
just two classes during session one
and two during session two.
POTENTIAL TO GRADUATE FASTER
Part-time students who, for example, take two classes
per semester may find they are able to focus on two
classes per session instead, allowing them to complete
programs faster.
STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS
Longer class periods over a shorter timeframe enhances
the student-faculty connection.
NO CHANGE TO FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid practices will remain the same.
FALL 2019 / 9