8-Week FAQ

Published or Revised August 17, 2022

PJC Is empowering students to Focus on Success with a unique approach of shortening most courses from 16 weeks to 8 weeks. Fall and Spring semesters will include two 8-week terms: Fall 1 and 2 and Spring 1 and 2.

Students will take two or three eight-week classes in each term of the fall and in the spring semesters.

Though only taking two to three classes at one time, you can be in classes as a full-time student and qualify for financial aid.

You focus on just two or three courses during each of those eight-week terms and finish them before moving on to the next term.

Because of this:

• You won't feel overwhelmed with 4-7 different courses and their assignments and deadlines;
• You won't feel the traditional 10-week burnout.
• You won't have time to get bored with a subject or forget an assignment.
• You'll have a quality course experience, not quantity. Work smarter, not harder!

To qualify for financial aid and scholarships, students will register for both Fall 1 and 2 or Spring 1 and 2 at the same time. Students will also need to buy all books and course materials at the beginning of the semester for both terms. Payment plans may be set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this affect part-time students?

Allows students to become full-time, while still only concentrating on two to three courses at once.

How does this affect full-time students?

Full-time students may maintain their current course work, but have less stress and avoid the 10-week burnout period many students experience in a 16-week course.

How does this affect my financial aid?

Financial aid is awarded based on how many credits you take each semester. To be eligible, students should register for both 8-week terms in a given semester at the same time. A student should register for Fall 1 and 2, for instance, to receive a full-time credit loan.

How does this affect course registration?

In the fall and spring semesters, be sure to register for both 8-week terms (for instance, Fall 1 and 2) at the same time. That way, you stay on track to complete your program, and ensure you have the correct credit load to maintain financial aid eligibility. Also, avoid registering for sequenced courses in the same semester (for instance, do not register for English 1301 in Fall 1 term and English 1302 in Fall 2 term - instead, do 1301 in the fall and 1302 in the spring).

Will I spend the same amount of time in class?

Expect to spend the amount of total class time 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.

When should I buy my textbooks and other course materials?

Financial aid is only available in the Bookstore in August, January and June. You should purchase your books and other required materials for both 8-week terms at the beginning of each semester.

Are there any classes that will not be affected by the new academic calendar?

Some classes will continue to be offered in the 16-week format, including some STEM courses and health occupation programs with clinicals.

Is class workload affected by the 8-week format?

Instructors have redesigned course assignments and assessments so you may learn the same material more efficiently, with a reasonable amount of take-home work. Your workload may feel more manageable, because you only need to concentrate on fewer courses at one time.

Balance courses to ensure you do not have both reading and math intensive courses at the same time (example: don't take a math and chemistry class in one 8-week term; spread them out between terms).

Can I mix 16-week and 8-week courses?

If graduating on time means you need to mix 16-week and 8-week classes, be sure you do not take three courses in an 8-week term while you are taking the 16-week term.

Who can I contact if I have questions about 8-week terms?

Contact Admissions at apply@parisjc.edu/903-782-0425 or the Advising and Counseling Office at counseling@parisjc.edu/903-782-0426, the PJC - Greenville Center at 903-454-9333, or the PJC - Sulphur Springs Center at 903-885-1232.