In preparing for the fall 2012 switch from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester-based academic calendar, the University of Cincinnati commits to a partnership with students that promotes the successful transition.

As with any partnership, expectations exist between the parties. Each UC student making the transition can expect that advising resources will be available to assist him or her in defining a specific path to degree completion. This path will be determined in consultation with an appropriate advisor and will be recorded through the completion of an  Individual Advising Plan (IAP).

The university expects that each and every UC semester-conversion transition student will work with an advisor to create and approve an IAP. Any and all students who work with the appropriate UC advisor to plan and then follow an IAP receive the following three pledges from the university. Students who do not work with a college or university official to create and approve an IAP should not expect the university to honor the following pledges.

No loss of academic progress

Students who work with a designated advisor to form an IAP and then follow that plan will not lose earned credit as a result of the semester conversion. The earned quarter hours will be converted to semester hours based on the following formula:

Number of quarter-credit hours x 2/3 = Number of semester-credit hours
Example: 90 quarter-credit hours x 2/3 = 60 semester-credit hours

Applicable credit hours will be counted toward fulfilling degree requirements. For students enrolled before fall semester 2012, old and new catalog requirements will be merged to ensure progress toward degree. Combinations will vary depending upon percentage of degree completion at the time of semester conversion. Students, again, must work with their academic advisors to finalize their Individual Advising Plans (IAP).

No delay to degree completion

This pledge ensures that students who are on track to complete their degrees at the time of conversion and who maintain a consistent rate of credit accumulation after semester conversion will not experience an extension of the time-to-degree completion. The university cannot be held responsible, however, for personal choices such as decisions to change to part-time status, to “stop-out,” or to deviate from the agreed-upon Individual Advising Plan (IAP).

No increased costs for degree completion

Student tuition and fees under the semester system will not be greater than they would be under the quarter system for a two-semester academic year. The total full-time cost of two semesters equals the full-time cost of three quarters. In addition, the total tuition and fees cost over the length of the degree program (based on two semesters per academic year) will be the same for students following an approved IAP under the semester-calendar system as it would have been under the quarter-calendar system. Tuition and fees payment schedules will be aligned with the semester calendar. The university, however, may implement annual tuition increases as deemed necessary and authorized by the Board of Trustees.

Questions?

• General FAQ 
• Academic Credit FAQ