STCC announces ‘Flex Terms’ for fall 2019
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College this fall will offer two “flex terms” which allow students to begin and end classes on dates outside of the regular semester schedule.
At seven weeks, the terms are half as long as the traditional 14-week semester. This means students can complete two courses in the time it takes to finish one traditional course.
For fall 2019, the first flex term runs Sept. 3 through Oct. 22. The second flex term runs Oct. 23 through Dec. 13.
STCC Dean of Academic Initiatives Matthew Gravel said there are a number of reasons why students may want to enroll in one or more flex-term courses:
- The later start time for the second session might appeal to students who are not prepared to begin a fall or spring term when classes customarily start.
- Flex terms might be ideal for students who want to more productively complete coursework by focusing on fewer courses at a time.
- Students may want to increase their credit load during the semester.
Students enrolled in the shortened terms also have the option of completing a two-course sequence within a single term. For example, they can complete Accounting 1 and 2 over the course of the two Flex Terms.
Because each course meets for only seven weeks, daily class time for onsite classes is doubled that of a traditional class, but online and hybrid options (for example, onsite classes with an online component) are also available.
Students can choose from among 17 courses for Flex Term 1, and from 19 courses for Flex Term 2.
To see the full schedule of classes and to enroll for the fall, visit stcc.edu/flexterms. For questions, call STCC Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
Flex Term Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a “Flex Term”?
A “flex term” is a term that offers flexibility to students. These are seven week semesters that begin at the start of a traditional semester (for example, Fall 1) or that start in the middle of the traditional semester (for example, Fall 2).
What is “Late Start”?
“Late Start” is what we refer to as the flex term that begins in the middle of the traditional academic semester (for example, Fall 2). We call it “Late Start” because it allows students who may decide to begin or return to college to do so half way through the traditional semester and not have to wait for the start of the next semester. It also allows students that run into issues registering for courses (for example, due to holds on their accounts) to resolve those and not miss an entire semester.
Why should I take advantage of the Flex Terms?
There are a lot of reasons. Do you do better focusing on fewer courses? Take two courses each flex term as opposed to four courses at once during a traditional 15-week semester. Life events sometimes get in the way. Will you be having a medical procedure during the semester? Take courses during the flex term so that you do not miss out on the whole semester. Planning a wedding or delivering a baby? Take courses for only half the semester and focus on these important life events.
What kind of student would benefit from the Flex Terms?
All kinds of students. Students who focus better on fewer classes at once. Students who need extra help and benefit from more concentrated time in the classroom. Advanced students who want accelerated courses to more quickly complete degrees or prerequisites for competitive programs. College graduates trying to finish prerequisites for professional school programs (for example, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or Medical School programs). Students who prefer online courses. Students who want face-to-face instruction. Hybrid students who want a little of both. Flex Terms are just that- flexible.
How are courses delivered during the Flex Term?
All courses meet for the same number of hours as a full semester class. The modes of delivery are different.
Face-to-Face
Some courses meet for twice the amount of time face-to-face in a week but for half the number of weeks as a traditional semester. These meetings may be back-to-back periods. Some may meet five days a week.
Hybrid
Another mode is the hybrid model of instruction. Student will meet for the same number of hours in a week as a traditional course however, approximately half of the course work will be facilitated online using our learning management software known as Blackboard.
Online
The final mode of delivery is completely online. Online courses create a community that exists in the virtual space. Like hybrid, this mode uses Blackboard to convey content though readings, activities, interactions with the instructor and other students, multimedia, and a variety of other methods.
What courses are offered during Flex Terms?
We offer a wide variety of courses during Flex Terms. Courses from Accounting, Business, English, History, Anatomy and Physiology, Math, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Health Sciences are just a few.
Check out our course offerings here: https://www.stcc.edu/explore/
How do I sign up for a Flex Term?
If you want to apply for admission into a Certificate or Associate degree program, you will need to begin the STCC Admissions application process by applying to the College here.
If you want to register for classes without applying for admission into a Certificate or Associate degree program, or want to improve your skills with a course, or if you are enrolled as a degree-seeking student at another institution and want to take a course at STCC to transfer back to your institution, you can call the Registrar’s Office, located on the 1st Floor of Building 19, at 413-755-4321, or, if you already have a WebAdvisor account, register online using WebAdvisor.
If you do not have a WebAdvisor account and want to enroll as an undeclared, nonmatriculated student, click here.
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 7,400 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu