FAQs About Session Classes

What is a session?

A session is a shorter period of study during an academic year. Although the length of a session is shorter than a full term, the number of credit hours is the same, albeit condensed. Sometimes a session is referred to as “part of term”. UNC Charlotte offers a limited selection of session classes each semester.

What is different about session course sections?

Session courses vary in lengths within each semester and are offered at various times. Session classes will have longer meeting times per day.

Since a session is not a full semester, does tuition for session classes cost less than full-semester classes?

No. Tuition cost is based on the number of credit hours per course. Since students are taking the same number of credit hours – albeit over a shortened time period – the cost is the same.

What classes are available in sessions?

In Schedule Wizard, you can filter by “session” to view available classes for First Half or Second Half.

Or you can view the schedule of classes by logging in to Student Self Service on MyCharlotte and following these steps:

  1. Click the Registration, Add/Drop icon under Quick links
  2. Select Browse Classes
  3. Make sure the term selected in the drop-down box is correct
  4. Click Continue

On the Browse Classes page, you can also click the Advanced Search button to search by session.

How do I know if the section I registered for is a session rather than full semester?

The dates on the Banner Self-Service schedule indicate the official start and end dates for classes.

How do I register for a First Half or Second Half class?

Registering for session classes is the same process as registering for full-semester classes.

Who can register for session classes?

Any enrolled student who meets course prerequisites and/or other requirements can register for session classes.

Will my financial aid cover session courses?

Yes. Your financial aid package will include awards for classes you are taking during the full term, along with First Half and Second Half. For example, if you are taking classes for Spring Second Half, you will have registered for those classes at the same time you registered for your classes that last the full spring semester. Your award will include funding for all credit hours taken during spring, which includes those during Second Half.

If the class is offered in First Half or Second Half, will my financial aid be prorated?

Your aid will be prorated if you do not begin attendance in First Half or Second Half. Otherwise you will receive aid for all the courses you are registered for at the beginning of the semester. Financial aid awards are based on the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled during a semester. Your award will include funding for all credit hours taken during each semester, which would include any classes taken during First Half or Second Half. However, if you do not begin attendance (or start) the First Half or Second Half, your aid will be reduced.

I registered for a Second Half course but did not successfully complete the First Half course that was its prerequisite. What do I do?

You may need to repeat the course. Contact your academic advisor to discuss your options.

When can I register for Second Half classes?

Refer to the academic calendar for registration and add/drop dates.

When will I get my grades for First Half?

You will get your grades for First Half courses at the end of First Half term.

Will I see anything different on my bill for session classes?

No, billing for tuition and fees does not differentiate a session class from a full-semester class.

Can I drop a session class?

Yes. Be aware of the drop deadlines posted on the academic calendar. First Half and Second Half have different drop deadlines.

What will happen if I have to withdraw from a session class?

There are many things to consider when withdrawing from classes, including tuition refunds and financial aid calculations. Refer to this withdrawal page for more information on important things to consider before withdrawing from class. First Half or Second Half have different withdraw deadlines.

What are the deadlines to drop/withdraw from a Second Half class?

View the drop/withdraw deadlines on the academic calendar.

Can I add a Second Half class in the middle of a semester?

Refer to the academic calendar for registration dates.

What is the exam schedule for session classes?

Your final exam will be taken at or near the end of your session. Your instructor will indicate the time, date, and location of your exam.

I am on a Financial Aid SAP Academic Plan of Action. How does taking session classes affect my SAP progress?

Session course grades/progress will be evaluated at the end of the semester, along with your full-semester course grades/progress.

Can I see First Half and Second Half classes in Schedule Wizard?

Yes. In Schedule Wizard, you can filter by “session” to view available classes.