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Quarter to Semester Transition FAQ

*These FAQ's will be updated periodically as more information becomes available and the transition date gets closer. Please check back often to make sure you are staying informed.

What is the difference between a quarter and a semester?
Why is Clark State changing from quarters to semesters?
When will CSCC make the official change?
How should I prepare for the change to semesters?
How will this affect my…
    Schedule of Classes
    Tuition and Fees?
    Program of Study?
    Earned Credit Hours?
    Credits Needed for Graduation?
    Graduation Date?
When will the semesters begin and end?
What is a MAP (My Advising Plan)?
Clark State currently offers course substitutions and waivers to students on an individual basis. Will substitutions and waivers continue after the semester transition?
Will I be able to repeat a course, to improve a grade and my GPA, after the course has been converted to semesters?
If I create a MAP, but then withdraw and reenter at a later date, will my MAP still apply?

What is the difference between a quarter and a semester?
A quarter is normally 10 weeks of instruction plus a week for final exams. A semester is normally 15 weeks of instruction plus a week for final exams. It takes three quarters to make an entire academic year, but only two semesters. Under either system, there are about 30 weeks of instruction in one academic year. The Ohio Board of Regents (OBR) has established specific seat time guidelines for earning semester credit.

Why is Clark State changing from quarters to semesters?
The University System of Ohio Strategic Plan for Higher Education has called for all State of Ohio public universities on the quarter system to strongly consider converting to a semester academic calendar.

At its September, 2009 meeting, Clark State’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to convert the academic calendar from the quarter system to semesters. Over 90 percent of the universities in the U.S. and nine of the 13 public universities in the state of Ohio are currently on semester calendars. The transition should produce a calendar that is in alignment with these universities to facilitate collaborative academic programs, student transfer, and articulation.

Semester advantages for students:

Makes transferring to a four year university easier
Provides more time for learning course material
Provides more time for summer internships
Requires you to buy fewer books
Gives students a better chance at summer jobs because the school year ends earlier
Allows graduating students to enter the job market earlier
Reduces registration and financial aid activities from three times a year to two times a year.
Allows better scheduling of off-campus learning experiences such as student teaching and clinical
Promotes better scheduling of events involving other universities and colleges such as conferences and athletic events

When will Clark State make the official change?
The semester calendar will begin with the Fall 2012 semester in August.

How should I prepare for the change to semesters?
A great way to prepare for the transition is to graduate before Fall 2012! If you think you are able to accomplish this, meet with your advisor soon to plan your schedule. If you cannot graduate before Fall 2012, be sure to review the information provided under the “Planning for Semester Conversion” section of this Student Semester Transition Guide. In addition, ask questions, talk to your advisor, create a MAP, and stay updated on new information. Please make sure to read and save all information the College provides to students concerning semester conversion.

If there is no way for you to avoid the transition, relax – we are here to help you! All students will be meeting with advisors to create a personalized MAP that will help ensure a smooth transition. Another important way to prepare is to keep yourself informed. Frequently check this website and stay in close communication with your advisor.

How will this affect my…

Schedule of Classes: Each course will remain three to four credit hours and enrollment in 12 semester hours is required for full-time status. Most students should take about 15 hours to stay on track to graduate in a two-year time frame. This means most full-time students will be enrolled in five to six courses at one time. Financial aid will adjust to accommodate this change. Class times will continue to be scheduled based on each department’s faculty schedules and available classrooms. Class offerings will still have morning, afternoon, evening, online, hybrid, and self-paced options.

Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees for the full academic year under semesters will be the same as they would have been for a full academic year under quarters. REMEMBER – your tuition and fees payments will be divided into two semesters rather than three quarters, so one semester’s charges will be proportionately higher than those for one quarter.

Program of Study: a student transition guide will be available to help students through the change. Each student will need to meet with an advisor to ensure they take the appropriate courses before and after the transition. Clark State faculty are working to provide a seamless transition for students who follow advising guidelines.

Earned Credit Hours: All quarter hours will be converted to the equivalent number of semester hours.

Credits Needed for Graduation: The minimum number of hours needed to earn an associate degree will be between 60 and 73, depending on your area of study.

Graduation Date: If you are currently on track for graduation, the transition should not affect your graduation date. Your MAP, which will be completed with your advisor, will project your graduation date based on credits and course requirements already completed and credits and course requirements that you still need to complete.

When will the semesters begin and end?
Fall semesters will begin early in late August and end mid December. Spring Semesters will begin early January and end in late April/early May.

What is a MAP (My Advising Plan)?
A MAP (My Advising Plan) is a specific, individual advising plan created for each student. It is a guide/checklist that the student can use to chart their direction and progress until computerized program evaluations are available through WebAdvisor. This form can be completed with your advisor to project your progress and graduation date on semesters.

Clark State currently offers course substitutions and waivers to students on an individual basis. Will substitutions and waivers continue after the semester transition?
Yes, substitutions and waivers will continue as they do now.

Will I be able to repeat a course, to improve a grade and my GPA, after the course has been converted to semesters?
Yes, you can continue to repeat courses originally taken under the quarter system on the semester system in order to replace grades and improve your GPA. If the course has been changed and merged with other content, the department can review the individual student’s request and determine how the replacement grade will be applied and which equivalent course the student should take to change the old course grade.

If I create a MAP, but then withdraw and reenter at a later date, will my MAP still apply?
No. Failing a class, not taking a class when it is offered, changing your major or not following your MAP may cause delays in your graduation. This will be just as true under the semester system as it has been under the quarter system. Failing to adhere to the outline of classes and timeline specified in your MAP may also lead to an increased cost of your degree or certificate program if your remaining requirements will take longer than originally planned. Students who withdraw from Clark State and reenter at a later date should consult with an advisor to create a new MAP.

Semester Transition Questions?
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