The following is an update on the Modules system and provides answers to your most frequently asked questions. Please read it thoroughly before reaching out with additional questions.
Please note that students will be able to see their schedule on myWhittier and have access to the revised schedule of courses after July 18. Over the last two weeks, faculty have been working to transfer over existing schedules to the Module system. We will be reaching out—via text—to students who have scheduling conflicts. Please ensure to respond promptly if you get a message from us. If you do not receive a message, it signifies that your schedule was transferred over without any issues.
Overview of Modules
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.
Migrating to Modules
If the migration to the modular system created any schedule conflict we will contact you and resolve the problems. We will start with seniors and students with priority registration status and then move to juniors and sophomores. We will text you. Text us back!
7/6 -16 Academic Affairs will contact students to resolve schedule conflicts.
7/18 Continuing students can view schedules online
7/20-31 All continuing students add/drop change period
7/27 First-year and transfer students begin registering for classes
What happened to Jan Term travel courses?
Some of the travel courses planned for January may be moved to early June.
Module Operating Manual
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 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.
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.
Which part of my schedule can I adjust during the special summer add/drop?
Seniors, who are already registered for the full year, will be able to adjust their schedules for the full year. All other students will only be making adjustments to courses in the two fall modules, Fall 1 and Fall 2.
How does the module system affect students in the teaching credential program (PICES, undergraduate, and graduate students)?
See FAQs.
Please email restart2020@whittier.edu with any additional questions.
