• 1st 8-Weeks - First half of the semester Classes start at the beginning of the semester and end around the midpoint. Students can take one or more classes during this session.
• 2nd 8-Weeks - Second half of the semester Classes begin around the midpoint of the semester and continue through the end of the term. Students can take a new set of classes during this session.
• How they work together These two 8-week sessions divide the semester into shorter parts. Students may enroll in one session only or spread classes across both sessions to create a more balanced schedule. 

For lecture courses, students can expect about 2 hours of outside work for every 1 hour in class. That may include reading, homework, studying, writing, projects, or other assignments. Because the same work is completed in fewer weeks, the weekly workload is more compressed. This means a three-unit lecture class in 16 weeks has expectations for 6 hours per week of work outside of class and an 8-week equivalent course has 12 hours per week of work outside of class.

• One of the best ways to succeed in 8-week classes is to spread your units across the semester rather than placing too many classes into one session.

• Although 8-week classes are shorter in calendar length, they require the same total instructional time and academic work as 16-week classes.

• For example, a three-unit lecture synchronous course meets 3 hours per week in a 16-week format, but meets 6 hours per week in an 8-week format.

• You can also combine 8-week and 16-week classes depending on your goals, responsibilities, and schedule. 

This is also a great opportunity to complete sequential courses within the same semester. For example, you may be able to take:

1st 8 Weeks → 2nd 8 Weeks
MATH 103E → MATH 104E
ENGL C1000 → ENGL C1001

This can help you make faster progress toward your educational goals. Just be sure to balance your schedule carefully and avoid taking too many units in any one 8-week session. 

Complete Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Introduction to Psychology in one semester. To qualify, students must complete the BIOL 121 prerequisite (i.e., CHEM 110, 120, or 101) by Summer 2026. BIOL 115 before BIOL 120 is strongly recommended.

1st 8-Week Session (8/31-10/22, 2026)

• BIOL 120 (1059/1060) Human Anatomy, 5 units, in person.

2nd 8-Week Session (10/26-12/17, 2026)

•  BIOL 121 (1061/1062) Physiology, 4 units, in person.
• PSYC C1000 (2792) Introduction to Psychology, 3 units, asynchronous online with in-person exams.

Counselor approval is required, and counselors will provide a program overview and registration support.

Contact Academic Counseling
Email: counseling@glendale.edu
Phone: (818) 240-1000 x5918
Location: Sierra Vista Building, 3rd Floor 

For more information, you can also contact: 

8-week classes cover the same learning outcomes and require the same academic rigor as longer classes. Students should expect a more compressed weekly workload because the course is completed in fewer weeks.

· Attendance is especially important in 8-week hybrid classes. Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Missing the equivalent of one week of class in an 8-week course may result in being dropped.

· For online classes, attendance is based on required coursework and check-in activities, not simply logging into Canvas. In 8-week online classes, students must complete the Check-In Assignment during the first week to remain enrolled.

· This format works well for many students, but it requires planning, steady attendance, and active participation from the first day.

· In an 8-week class, missing one week can have a major impact and puts your enrollment at risk. 

• Deadlines in 8-week classes come quickly. Before you add, drop, or stop attending, review the academic calendar and speak with Financial Aid if you receive aid. For financial aid deadlines, visit the Financial Aid Deadlines site.

• Students are responsible for dropping their classes through MyGCC. Because short-term classes follow different deadlines, be sure to review the dates for your specific class.

• Changes in enrollment can affect financial aid, academic standing, and progress toward your goals. 

Before you drop a class

• Review add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines in MyGCC

• Check your current attendance status

• Ask Financial Aid how changes may affect your award

• Talk with a counselor about your options

8-Week Success Checklist

1. For online classes, log in to Canvas and read the syllabus on the first day.
2. Set aside study time every week.
3. Do not miss the first-class meeting or first assignments.
4. Be in regular communication with your professor.
5. Review deadlines before dropping or stopping attendance.
6. Use tutoring, counseling, DSPS, and financial aid support services early.
7. Always communicate with your instructor, as they are the best resource for your success in the class.
8. Balance your schedule across 1st 8-Weeks and 2nd 8-Weeks when possible. 

Where to Get Help 

• Academic Counseling
  Get help building a schedule that balances 1st 8-Weeks, 2nd 8-Weeks, and full-semester classes.
• Tutoring & Academic Support
  Use tutoring before you need help (like the Math Discovery Center or the Learning Center), labs, and other academic support services early.
• Financial Aid
  Review deadlines before adding, dropping, or stopping attendance, and ask how changes may affect your aid. 
• DSPS & Basic Needs
  If you use accommodations or need additional support, connect early so services are in place from the start.