GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has made a major shift in how students take classes, moving most programs away from traditional 16-week semesters to shorter eight-week terms.
College leaders say the change is designed to help students stay engaged, balance life outside of school, and ultimately graduate faster.
A taste of team spirit: Packers ‘welcome back luncheon’ unites fans and players
“We saw that within national data students who were taking classes in shortened terms were more successful in courses. They were doing better, more likely to stay in college and more likely to graduate,” said Dr. Kathryn Rogalski, NWTC’s vice president of academic affairs.
Rogalski emphasized the shorter courses still include the same amount of class time and instruction, but the format better reflects the lives of many students today.
“Some are taking care of their families, some are taking care of their own, so we want to make sure the curriculum and the way we offer it matches what students in our communities need,” she said.
Students have mixed feelings about the faster pace. Part-time student Charlz Nash says some classes feel “scrunched up” for full-time students, but he appreciates how the new schedule helps him move through his program more quickly.
“Coming here in the first place I was expecting 16-week courses and in some cases it’s pretty nice and in other cases I feel like some of these classes shouldn’t be eight-week classes. I feel like they’re scrunched up too much, which is probably a lot for students that are full time,” Nash said. “I got other stuff I got to do outside of college to be able to make a living. It’s been a little faster than I thought it would be. I was on a 10-year track, now it’s more like an eight-year track.”
Other students say the format helps them stay motivated.
“I love it. I have been trying to get through things as fast as I can. I am looking at a longer career — the quicker I can get it done as a highly motivated person, it’s nice,” said Addison Conrad.
Packers ‘First Downs For Trees’ program brings 350 new trees to Green Bay area in 15th year
College officials say early indicators show the shift is boosting retention and graduation rates across NWTC programs.
The school also notes that with eight-week terms offering multiple entry points throughout the year, students who didn’t start this week still have time to register for the next session.
