Navigating the Academic Calendar at Point University
Point University operates year-round on an academic calendar, and understanding its structure is crucial for students to effectively plan their academic journey. The academic calendar is published prior to the fall term of each academic year, running from Fall (August) to Summer (July). Future years are published as available. It is important to note that academic calendars are subject to change, and all changes will be communicated to the university community in advance.
University Calendar Structure
The university follows a specific structure, dividing the year into three main terms:
- Fall Term (16 weeks)
- Spring Term (16 weeks)
- Summer Term (13 weeks)
These terms are further divided into shorter sessions:
- Fall Term: Fall 1 (8 weeks), Fall 2 (8 weeks)
- Spring Term: Spring 1 (8 weeks), Spring 2 (8 weeks)
- Summer Term: Summer 1 (5 weeks), Summer 2 (8 weeks)
Each calendar year includes two 16-week “terms” and one 13-week "term" (excluding special events and school holidays). “Spring Term” typically extends from early January through early May, “Summer Term” from early May through late August, and “Fall Term” from late August through mid-December.
Course Lengths and Program Types
Within this framework, Point University offers courses of varying lengths to cater to the needs of different academic programs:
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- Traditional undergraduate students: Typically enroll in four to six courses during Fall 1-2 and Spring 1-2 (the traditional academic year), with optional “summer school” courses during the Summer Term. Traditional courses are 16 weeks in length.
- Dual Credit Enrollment (DCE) courses: These courses are also offered in a 16-week term-length format aligned with the calendar of the host school.
- Non-traditional students (undergraduate Point Online or hybrid programs): Typically complete two courses each session year-round. Non-traditional courses are 8 weeks in length, with the exception of the courses offered for 5 weeks in the Summer 1 session.
- Non-traditional students (online graduate programs): Typically complete one 8-week course each session year-round.
"Getting Started Week"
The first week of an 8-week session or 16-week term is called “Getting Started Week.” It always begins with new student orientations on Monday and Tuesday followed by a half week of courses extending from Wednesday through Sunday. Most instructors do not make major assignments during “Getting Started Week” to give students time to get oriented and plan their educational strategy.
The remaining course “weeks” always begin on Monday and end on Sunday and include a variety of focused learning activities. If a major holiday (most often July 4 or Independence Day) falls on a day of the week when a Point Connect live class session normally meets, Point cancels the synchronous class session and conducts all learning activities in asynchronous online format during that week.
Registration Information
Registration for On-Ground Students
New on-ground students at West Point participate in Starting Point events on campus before registering for their first term. Returning students register online for the next term during the registration period. Students who have not registered previously may do so during the drop/add period. See the academic calendar for dates. Students may contact the Registrar's Office or Academic Advising Center for questions or directions on registration.
Depending on the student’s program, registration may also include other preparations, such as participating in orientation sessions and making financial arrangements. Students who do not complete necessary arrangements will be withdrawn from the University by the add/drop date.
During the first year, most undergraduate students schedule their courses in keeping with the General Education Core courses. In later years, they select courses appropriate for their major program of study. Students may consult with the Academic Advising Center and faculty advisors, but students themselves bear responsibility for enrolling in required courses at the appropriate times in order to reach graduation.
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Through Colleague (the online enrollment management system used by Point University), students may track their degree progress, view courses scheduled for upcoming terms, and plan their course of study. Registration for the next term typically begins shortly after the midpoint of the current term.
Registration for Online Students
The Advising Center and/or Registrar's Office register online students for courses prior to the beginning of each term or session. See the academic calendar for dates.
Depending on the student’s program, registration may also include other preparations, such as participating in online orientation sessions and making financial arrangements. Students who do not complete necessary arrangements will be withdrawn from the University by the add/drop date.
At the time of their initial enrollment, Academic Advisors assist online students in developing a course schedule, or plan of study. Such advance planning is necessary to achieve optimum scheduling and course sequencing for a given student. Academic advisors check with students prior to each session before registering them for the next courses in their plan. Students typically complete foundational General Education Core courses first before progressing into more advanced professional courses and general electives.
Through Colleague (the online enrollment management system used by Point University), students may track their degree progress, view courses scheduled for upcoming terms, and plan their course of study. When registering for courses, students should weigh multiple factors, such as the time required each week to complete those studies, the length of time to graduation under a lighter or heavier course load, and the number of credits required for full time status and financial aid. Helpful information appears under Credit Hour Definition and Time Commitments and Course Loads, Overloads, and Full-Time Student Status. Academic Advisors stand ready to assist students with their academic planning.
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Modifying Your Plan of Study
Students may change their course schedule, or plan of study, during the registration period and at the beginning of the new session or term. You can access the academic calendar here.
Key Dates and Financial Aid
The Academic Calendar specifies course start and end dates, add/drop/ withdrawal deadlines, holidays and breaks, and key events for students operating within the 5- and 8-week session structure. 5-week courses offered in summer 1 start on a Monday and incorporate "getting started" activities into the first week of the course.
For purposes of state and federal financial aid, Point is an attendance-taking school and students are considered to be on a “standard term semester system.” For undergraduate students, 12 credits per term constitute “full-time” status for purposes of financial aid. For graduate students, 6 credits per term constitute “full-time” status.
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