Jan 09 2009
Working over the holidays
One of the toughest things for students to get used to is the slightly different schedules of school holidays in online courses. Here is a rough outline of the main differences between the vacation days you get for online and on-ground campuses.
–Class can be in session, even on weekends. Don’t be surprised if your instructor assigns something that is due on the weekend. The convenience of attending school online has some trade-offs. And that means that every day can count. That’s how they manage the accelerated pace of some terms. Be clear on the scheduling of your online school right from the start. Your advisor will really help you in this regard.
–Vacations are usually brief. Because many online schools work with students to get their degrees more conveniently (and quite often, much more quickly as well), they make use of every day possible. There are very few longer vacations in the schedule. If this is a huge issue for you, really review this closely in the student catalog.
–Not all campuses operate according to the same vacation schedule, even if it’s the same school. If you’re taking an online class through a traditional college or university, do not assume that online courses run by the same schedule as the on-ground campus. They can be very different.
Your student advisor is your best guide here. Communicate with him or her regularly, and gather a list of questions to ask. Student advisors are busy, and they will not likely reach out to you unless you ask a question. So don’t be shy. If you’re confused or concerned about something, discuss it with them. They can give you options and tips that are extremely helpful in making your school experience a positive and successful one.
