What is the Module System?
Fall semester is now broken into two 7-week modules (sessions) and you will take 2 “regular” courses (that is a 3- or 4-unit course) per module. You may also take 0-2 unit courses (research, performance, experiential, senior seminars, or internships) in addition to your 2 “regular” courses. You must have a minimum of 12 units for the fall semester to be full time.
Spring semester now consists of three 7-week modules and begins in January. You will take two “regular” courses (that is a 3- or 4-unit course) per module. You may also take 0-2-unit courses (research, performance, experiential, senior seminars, or internships) in addition to your two “regular” courses. Again, you must have a minimum of 12 units for the spring semester to be full time.
- Fall Module 1: Take at least 2 courses
- Fall Module 2: Take at least 2 courses
- Spring Module 1: Take at least 2 courses
- Spring Module 2: Take at least 2 courses
- Spring Module 3: Take at least 2 courses
- Total 36 credits
What is the minimum credit limit for full-time status?
12 credits per semester
- Fall 1 and 2 count as “Fall semester” for tuition and registration purposes
- Spring 1, 2, and 3 count as “Spring semester” for tuition and registration purposes
- You must enroll in Spring 1
(Note: Spring 1 is billed with Spring tuition. Midyear grads, especially, take note of this change.)
Maximum credits (unchanged)
36 credits per academic year (all 5 modules combined; does not include summer). Beyond this, over credit limit charges will apply. For scheduling ease, there is no specific credit maximum in any individual module.
What happened to JanTerm?
JanTerm has been extended to become a full module during the spring semester. Some travel and experiential courses planned for January 2021 (and the previous May 2020) have been rescheduled for June 2021, while some have been moved to 2022. If you have already applied to one of the courses or if you are interested in traveling, please contact Kerry Gonzales in the Office of International Programs.
What is a "regular" course?
Courses that count for 3 or 4 credits are “regular” courses and will be scheduled five days per week. (Most for 75 minutes each day.). Most students will take two regular courses at a time, though it is also possible to take only one regular course in a given module and still reach full-time status for the semester.
Exceptions: Exceptions to the 2-course rule—such as a midyear graduate who needs a single spring class to graduate—will be handled individually. Please send questions to restart2020@whittier.edu.
What is a REP course?
0-2 credit courses. These include RESEARCH courses (such as senior seminars in some programs), EXPERIENTIAL courses (such as internships and athletic courses), and PERFORMANCE courses (choir, music, theater, etc) among others. These courses will be scheduled for fewer days per week.
What is an Extended Module?
Courses that continue across more than one module. Most of these courses are scheduled for either 4:30 p.m. (so that they do not conflict with regularly scheduled courses) or in the evenings. Extended modules fuse together the two fall modules or else two of the spring modules. For these courses, you will receive a grade at the end of the entire course.
Can I take more than two regular courses in a Module?
In most cases, students are best served by taking two regular courses at a time (see the explanation above). If there is a specific situation that makes it desirable to go over this cap, you will need to complete a petition request.
Do I have to take a class in every Module?
This will typically be the case (particularly for fall—you need a minimum of 12 units). It may be the case that you can take all the courses you need and want, and reach the minimum full-time status of 12 credits per semester, without taking a course in a given single module. However, for financial aid reasons, ALL STUDENTS MUST be enrolled in a course in Spring 1.
How many additional REP classes can I take per Module?
There is no particular limit on Extended Module and REP classes in a module. However, please note that classes beyond 36 credits in an academic year will be charged additional tuition.
How does the module system affect students in the teaching credential program (PICES, undergraduate, and graduate students)?
See the full Whittier College Teacher Education program FAQs below.
Can I add and/or drop courses during each Module?
There will be a brief Add/Drop in the first two days of each module so you can make last-minute adjustments to your schedule. As you consider dropping courses, it is important to meet the minimum full time of 12 credits per semester for the purposes of financial aid.
Why did you switch to the Module system?
The simple answer is: because of the pandemic!
- We heard that “Zoom burnout” and over scheduling were significant issues last spring. The modular system helps address this by having you focus on fewer classes at a time, while still being able to take the courses you need during the academic year.
- The module system adds flexibility once stay-at-home orders are lifted and we can once again offer in-person classes.
Once we are back in person, the module system will allow us to best use available classroom spaces while adhering to COVID-19 physical distancing and disinfecting guidelines.
Does my tuition change?
No. Your tuition and financial aid will be the same for the year assuming you take 36 units or less. Students must maintain a minimum of 12 units during each fall 2020 and winter-spring 2021 terms.
How will my art, music, theatre, lab, etc. classes be taught remotely?
Different types of classes (lecture, seminar, lab, performance, etc.) will use different strategies to best support remote learning. Faculty have worked hard to create flexible curricula that allow courses to be responsive to the health and safety context. Beyond safety, our planning has been guided by two priorities: student learning and growth and getting you to graduation on time. All classes will embody the kind of interactive learning that you are used to in your in-person Whittier classes.
I am concerned that I will not be able to keep up in condensed courses. Will my potential for academic success be negatively impacted?
Faculty are prepared to help you adapt, but there are many advantages in the new system, as we know from the good outcomes students enjoy in existing condensed courses offered in summer and Jan term. With only two main courses at once, fewer projects/exams/reports will overlap, and the stressful finals weeks with 4-5 final assignments will not occur. The 75-minute time periods for classes were chosen to allow for cleaning between classes for in-person courses and allow maximum efficiency for students.
Whittier College Teacher Education Program
Is the Whittier College still offering the same credential programs during 2020-2021?
The Single Subject (Math, PE, Science, ELA, History/Social Science, Spanish), Multiple Subject, and Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe) credential programs are still being offered. Additionally, the MA Program for already-credentialed teachers is still offered. Hybrid, PICES, and graduate pathways are still available to new and continuing students.
The Whittier College Teacher Education Program continues to work with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to ensure that all credential programs continue to adhere to state and commission guidelines for accreditation and ensure a high-quality education for all prospective and returning teachers.
How does the new modular 2020-2021 calendar impact course offerings within the Teacher Education Program?
In order to preserve the Whittier College Teacher Education Program’s scope and sequence for all credential programs, few changes have been made to the 2020-2021 calendar.
During 2020-2021, all credential courses will continue to be offered in the same semester as usual. This means that courses traditionally offered in fall will continue to be offered in fall; courses traditionally offered in spring will continue to be offered in spring. Further, courses will be offered with the same regularity (e.g., once vs. twice per year) as in previous academic years.
While some courses will be offered in the 7-week module model, most credential courses will be “stretched” across two fall modules or two spring modules. These courses will run for 14 weeks and upon completion students will receive one course grade. Below is a table of courses that will be “stretched” across two fall or two spring modules.
All courses not listed below will be offered within a particular module (e.g., Fall Module 1, Spring Module 2, etc.). The list is subject to change
Fall 2020 (Stretching Fall Module 1 & Fall Module 2)
EDUC 501, EDUC 402/502, EDUC 403/503, EDUC 506, EDUC 407/507, EDUC 408/508, EDUC 429/520, EDUC 430/530, EDUC 431/531, EDUC 434/534, EDUC 590, EDUC 605, EDUC 520, EDUC 521
Spring 2021 (Stretching Spring Module 1 & Spring Module 2)
EDUC 401, EDUC 500, EDUC 506, EDUC 404/504, EDUC 405/505
All sections of EDUC 409/509, EDUC 432/532, EDUC 433/533, EDUC 436/536, EDUC 605, EDUC 606, EDUC 420/520, EDUC 421/521
How will the MA course sequence (EDUC 605 & EDUC 606) be offered during the 2020-2021 academic year?
Eligible graduate students can enroll in this two-course sequence beginning in fall 2020 or spring 2021. For graduate students beginning EDUC 605 infall 2020, they would continue with EDUC 606 in spring 2021. For graduate students beginning EDUC 605 in Spring 2021, they would continue with EDUC 606 in Summer 2021.
Will credential courses be offered during the winter 2021 module?
No. With the exception of student teaching (EDUC 420/520) and student teaching seminar (EDUC 421/521), credential courses will not be offered during the winter module. Other elective courses offered by Education faculty may be offered and details for those courses will be available with the course schedule.
Will evening classes still be offered during the 2020-2021 academic year?
Yes. Credential courses typically offered once a week in the evening will continue to be offered on the same night with a new time slot of 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Students interested in learning more about how the course will be run are encouraged to contact the course instructor for more information. Information on fall course registration will be provided to students soon.
As a graduate student, how many credential courses can I take in a given semester?
Graduate students will still be able to take three credential courses during a given semester. All existing policies regarding credit caps per semester and timing of Student Teaching and MA course sequence (EDUC 605 & EDUC 606) remain in place at this time. Students interested in reviewing their progress towards meeting credential program requirements are encouraged to meet with their formal academic advisor.
As an undergraduate student interested in the hybrid pathway, can I still enroll in courses that run the entire length of fall or spring semester (i.e. 14 weeks)?
Yes. Undergraduate students may still enroll in any credential courses, including those that run for 14 weeks. Please see the Registrar’s Office for additional information regarding how credits for these courses will be counted. Students interested in reviewing their progress towards meeting credential program requirements are encouraged to meet with their formal academic advisor and/or the department’s credential analyst.
I have been admitted to the PICES program. How do changes to the 2020-2021 academic calendar impact my ability to complete program requirements?
Like all undergraduates, PICES students are still able to enroll in any credential course, including those that run for 14 weeks. Students interested in reviewing their progress towards meeting credential program requirements are encouraged to meet with their formal academic advisor.
How will fieldwork be embedded into credential courses during the 2020-2021 academic year?
In order for students to continue to bridge theory and practice, as well as make timely progress towards the mandatory 600 hours of clinical practice required in any credential program, fieldwork will continue during the 2020-2021 academic year. However, in order to maintain the health and safety of all students, fieldwork will look different and include virtual opportunities for courses offered in fall 2020. The Whittier College Teacher Education Program continues to work with our partner districts and our accrediting institution in order to provide our students with the most meaningful field experiences while also adhering to state and local health and safety guidelines.
How does the new 2020-2021 calendar impact student teaching?
Students eligible to complete the 16-week student teaching experience in either fall 2020 or spring 2021 year will be able to do so. The Whittier College Teacher Education Program continues to work closely with our partner districts to ensure that all prospective student teachers are placed in appropriate classroom settings and are supported by both district and college staff. The deadline to submit an application to student teach in fall 2020 has passed. Students interested in student teaching in spring 2021 are encouraged to speak to the department regarding the application process.
I am a credentialed teacher enrolling in the Teacher Education Program after completing a CTC-approved induction program. Can I still apply to the MA in Education program and use induction units towards my degree?
Yes.
How will I get information if state or local policies and practices change with respect to the Teacher Education Program?
As a CTC accredited program, the Whittier College Teacher Education Program continues to receive updates from state and local officials regarding changes to credentialing policies and procedures. Our program strives to maintain quick and consistent communication with all students enrolled in credential courses. We routinely provide updates to our students using their poets email addresses. We also encourage our students to contact us if they have questions or concerns. Students can also contact our team for further assistance.
I am a graduate student. What happens if I decide to take a semester off due to the new modular schedule?
A graduate student interested in taking a leave of absence would need to do so for the entire semester (not only module 1 or module 2), as credential courses are still running in a semester model.
