University of Cincinnati College of Law: Flexible Time Enrollment Option

The University of Cincinnati (UC) is committed to providing a dynamic and collaborative environment for its students, faculty, and staff. Recognizing the need for flexibility in today's world, UC offers various alternative work arrangements and academic options to cater to diverse needs. Among these is the Flex-Time Program at the College of Law, designed to accommodate students with specific circumstances that make a traditional full-time schedule challenging.

Understanding the Flex-Time Program

The Flex-Time Program at Cincinnati Law is not a part-time program but rather a reduced full-time, day program. It is specifically tailored for students who have family, financial, or health circumstances that make a regular, full-time schedule more difficult. This option allows students to pursue their Juris Doctor (JD) degree while maintaining a manageable course load.

Key Features of the Flex-Time Program

Reduced Course Load: Flex-time students typically take an average of 12 credits each semester, although this may vary based on individual needs.
Individualized Curriculum: Students work closely with an academic advisor to develop a curriculum that aligns with their educational goals and accommodates their specific circumstances.
Access to a Wide Variety of Classes: Flex-time students can choose from the same wide range of classes available to all JD students.
Day Program: It's important to note that the Flex-Time Program is a day program, meaning classes are held during regular daytime hours. While UC values face-to-face interaction, the flex program makes and exception to that rule.

Admission to the Flex-Time Program

Application Process

To be considered for the Flex-Time Program, applicants must complete the Regular Decision application before the specified deadline. When applying, it is crucial to select 'JD Flexible Time-Day' as the application type.

Admission Standards

The same rigorous admission standards apply to both Ohio residents and non-residents seeking admission to the Flex-Time Program. The admissions committee, consisting of the Office of Admissions, faculty members, and current Cincinnati Law third-year students, begins its review process each fall. Annually, the College of Law receives approximately 1,000 applications for the first-year class. Due to applicants often applying and being admitted to multiple law schools, the College admits more applicants than ultimately enroll.

Important Considerations for International Applicants

International applicants are encouraged to carefully review the admissions requirements, particularly requirement nine, for specific instructions and documentation needed for international students.

Navigating Enrollment and Registration

Using Catalyst for Class Registration

Catalyst is the online platform used by students to manage their class schedules. Students can add classes via Catalyst, and any errors encountered during registration should be noted. To override a Catalyst error and register for a class, students need to document the error message. It's essential to complete the registration process and receive the green check mark to confirm enrollment.

Open Enrollment and Schedule Changes

Students can make changes to their schedule during Open Enrollment. The Swap functionality in Catalyst allows students to drop one class and add another in the same transaction, which is particularly useful for waitlisted enrollments. The date on which the swap is made determines how the student is charged for classes and what appears on their bill. Classes taught in different sessions (e.g., First Half Session, Full Academic Session) within the same term will have different Open Enrollment and 100% Refund/Drop dates.

Important Deadlines and Refunds

The 100% Refund/Drop Deadline and the No Refund/Withdrawal Period are listed on the Dates and Deadlines Calendars. Dropping a class after the 100% Refund/Drop deadline is considered a withdrawal, even when using the Swap function in Catalyst.

Auditing Classes

Undergraduate students attempting to audit a graduate class, or vice versa, should first verify if there is a class option that aligns with their career of study, as some courses may be taught for both undergraduate and graduate credit under different course numbers. In some cases, a department may remove the audit option from a particular course.

Section Changes

Section changes can be made during Open Registration using the Swap link under Add/Drop Classes in Catalyst. If section changes are needed after open registration has closed, a completed Add/Drop Form is required.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Alternative Work Arrangements at UC

While the Flex-Time Program focuses on academic flexibility, the University of Cincinnati also offers alternative work arrangements for its employees. These arrangements include telework, remote work, hybrid work, incidental telework, and flexible schedules.

Types of Alternative Work Arrangements

Telework: Performing job duties off-site while connected to the workplace.
Remote Work: Working 100% off-site at an agreed-upon location.
Hybrid Work: A combination of on-site and off-site work.
Incidental Telework: Short-term, infrequent work performed off-site.
Flexible Schedule: Work hours that fall outside the standard work schedule.

Eligibility and Approval

Alternative work arrangements are not an entitlement and are subject to modification or discontinuation at any time. They must be approved in writing and are implemented on a trial basis initially. Supervisors assess the needs of their organizational units and submit requests for telework arrangements to their respective Vice President or Dean for approval.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees participating in alternative work arrangements must meet all work performance expectations. They are responsible for managing interruptions during work hours and ensuring a safe, secure, and ergonomic work environment at their telework location. Telework arrangements cannot be used as a substitute for dependent care or in lieu of taking leave.

Technology and Equipment

Employees should use UC-owned electronic devices for work both on and off campus. They must follow procedures for the disposal and protection of information and use an approved VPN or remote desktop solution.

Additional Enrollment Information

Term Activation

Students who have not registered for classes within the past three terms are not automatically term activated and may need to take steps to reactivate their account.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit must be updated in Catalyst for the system to recognize the credit as meeting a requisite.

Waitlists

Catalyst checks for open seats in waitlisted classes every hour. If a class has an active waitlist, students cannot jump ahead of others on the list.

Add/Drop Forms

Add/Drop Forms are required for certain registration transactions and can be signed electronically.

tags: #university #of #cincinnati #flex #program