Semester Conversion Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Marion Technical College make the transition from a quarter academic calendar to a semester academic calendar?
Marion Technical College will convert to semesters in Fall 2012.
What is the difference between a quarter academic calendar and a semester academic calendar?
Under both the quarter and the semester calendars, an academic year is approximately the same at 32-33 weeks in length. A quarter system is comprised of three 11-week quarters, while a semester system is comprised of two 16-week semesters.
Why is Marion Technical College converting to a semester system?
Marion Technical College is converting to a semester system for a variety of reasons, of which the most compelling are:
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The University System of Ohio, which is comprised of 14 universities with 24 branch campuses and 23 community colleges, must be operating on a semester calendar no later than Fall 2012
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More effective transfer of credits for students to public and private colleges throughout Ohio and the US, most of which are on semesters
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An earlier end to each academic year (May), making Marion Technical College students comparably competitive in the job market.
Which students will be affected by the conversion from quarters to semesters?
Any student who completed courses under a quarter calendar and will not yet have graduated and/or completed a certificate under a quarter calendar by the end of spring quarter 2011 will be affected. Spring quarter 2011 will be the last term that MTC will offer courses under a quarter calendar.
How can I avoid the effect of transitioning to semesters?
To the extent that it is possible, complete your degree, certificate, or other goal at MTC no later than the Spring Quarter, 2012.
How will students who start on quarters but who plan to graduate/complete a certificate on semesters know which courses to take?
Each “transition” student will meet with academic advisor to complete a Transition Plan, which is a complete list of courses required for graduation or certificate completion.
When can I complete a Transition Plan?
Students will be able to meet with academic advisors beginning sometime in 2011 to complete Transition Plans (check back for dates and more information).
When will classes begin and end under the semester system?
The academic calendar for 2012-2013 has not been finalized, but typically colleges on the semester system begin classes in mid to late-August and end the year in early to mid-May.
What will I need to do to prepare for this change?
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Stay informed Check this web page frequently: www.mtc.edu/semesters
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Meet with an academic advisor. If you have questions related to the semester transition, meet with a faculty member (or academic advisor) in your program.
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Meet with an academic advisor to develop you MAPS (My advising plan for semesters) after the new curriculum has been approved. Stayed tuned to this web site for more details on when you will need to get with your advisor.
Will I lose any credit hours under the conversion?
You will not lose any credit hours under the conversion. Your quarter hours will be multiplied by .67 to convert them to the equivalent number of semester hours.
Will I take more classes under the semester system?
Because semester courses are typically 3 credit hours, you will generally take one or more additional course per semester to maintain a full load, however, this extra course will be spread out over 15 weeks rather than 10 week. Semester courses are generally 3 credit hours, which will mean that you might need to take 1 or more additional courses to reach full-time status.
What if I am in the middle of a yearlong sequence of course when the college converts to semesters?
It is best to complete a three quarter sequence of courses under the quarter system or to wait until the sequence is offered on semesters. If you are in the middle of a sequence when the change occurs, you will need to meet with your advisor to determine which semester course(s) you will need to complete the sequence.
Will my tuition and fees be higher under semesters than under quarters?
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. However, because there will be two semesters instead of three quarters, cost for a semester will be proportionately higher than cost of a quarter. Tuition and fees for a full academic year that are now due three times a year under quarters will be due twice a year under semesters.
How will the conversion affect my full-time or part-time status in terms of my financial aid?
| Full Time Equivalency Conversion Chart |
| Quarter Hours |
Semester Hours |
| 12+ credit hours = full time |
12+ credit hours = full time |
| 9-11 credit hours = ≤ time |
9-11 credit hours = ≤ time |
| 6-8 credit hours = ∏ time |
6-8 credit hours = ∏ time |
| 5 credit hours or less = π time |
5 credit hours or less = π time |
This chart verifies that for financial aid purposes, the credit hours for students will remain the same for your full-time, part-time status.
