Time in class
For each hour of lecture, you should plan on two to three hours of homework.
If you are taking a summer or winter course, this timing reflects the fact that you’ll be completing an entire college semester in just a few weeks.
For example, if you take one three-credit, six-week class, you should plan to spend approximately 1.5 hours in class and up to three hours doing homework each day. If you take two three-credit, six-week classes, you should plan to spend approximately three hours in class and up to six hours doing homework each day.
Course formats
Online instruction modes
Online courses are offered synchronously and/or asynchronously. To determine which method will be utilized, find your course on the roster and look for “instruction mode.”
OL/Online Learning (async+sync)
This course will be delivered completely online. Required class components (such as lectures, labs, discussions, etc.) may be delivered in pre-recorded (asynchronous) and/or live (synchronous) modes. For example, an instructor may provide pre-recorded lecture materials that you view on your own schedule but require that you attend live discussions at scheduled times. Note: You are expected to participate in live, prescheduled (synchronous) sessions.
AD/Online — Asynchronous (async)
This online course features well-designed, pre-recorded (asynchronous) content that you may access at any time, on your own schedule. However, the class will have periodic assignment and/or exam deadlines which must be met. You interact with other students and the instructor via the Canvas online learning system, which may include email, online discussion boards, interactive chat rooms, and/or video conferences. Many instructors also offer online office hours.
SD/Online — Synchronous (sync)
This online course features well-designed content, live interactions, and required class components (such as lectures, labs, discussions, etc.) that you access at pre-scheduled times. For example, during a six-week summer class, your instructor might deliver lectures from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Mondays–Fridays and hold discussions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-2:15 p.m. These sessions will be delivered live via videoconferencing software (e.g., Zoom). Note: You are expected to participate in live, prescheduled (synchronous) sessions.
On-campus instruction modes
On-campus courses are offered synchronously, with class components such as lectures, labs, and discussions. For example, during a summer class, your instructor will host class from 09:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Mondays–Fridays and host discussions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-2:15 p.m.