Mountain Gateway Community College is changing its academic structure design to put student success at the forefront. Starting in the Fall 2026 semester, the college will transition its primary course format from traditional 16-week semesters to a dynamic 8-week session model.
This initiative, often referred to as the "8-Week Advantage," reflects Mountain Gateway’s commitment to being a responsive, forward-thinking institution. By moving to shorter, more immersive sessions, the college is directly addressing the needs of a modern population that balances the demands of work, family, and education.
We know that change often comes with many questions. This page is to help answer some of the questions you may have. It may not cover everything, so for those questions, be sure to reach out to the Student Services team by emailing success@mgcc.edu.
What exactly is an 8-week session?
Instead of taking 5 classes for 16 weeks, the semester is split into two halves: Session 1 and Session 2. You typically take 2 classes in the first 8 weeks and 2 or 3 different classes in the second 8 weeks, depending on your circumstances. Mountain Gateway offers 5 sessions per year: Fall 8-Week 1, Fall 8-Week 2, Spring 8-Week 1, Spring 8-Week 2, and Summer.
How many classes should I take per session?
For a full-time student, the "sweet spot" is usually two or three classes per 8-week session. Talk with one of our Success Coaches before registering to take more than two classes, as they can help align your educational goals with the course schedule you should be taking. They can be reached by calling 540-863-2820 or emailing success@mgcc.edu.
Does an 8-week class mean I’m getting less information?
No. You earn the same number of credits and learn the same material. We’ve simply redesigned the courses to be more focused and immersive.
What does that mean, more “focused and immersive”?
8-week session courses move more quickly. You may cover one to two weeks of material in a single week, and assignments will come more frequently. Plan to spend more time per week for each course on reading, assignments, studying, and participating in course activities.
Should I expect more or harder work in an 8-week course?
The work isn’t necessarily harder, but you should expect multiple assignments, quizzes, or discussions each week. Staying on schedule is essential to keeping up with the course. Students should log in to Canvas daily to review announcements, access course materials, and stay on track with assignments. If you begin to struggle, it is important to seek help right away. Tutoring, library resources, and academic support services are available to help you stay on track. Reach out anytime to the Student Services team by calling 540-863-2820 or emailing success@mgcc.edu.
Is the 16-week semester going away completely?
While most classes will move to an 8-week format, a small number of specialized classes will remain in the longer format. Your Success Coach can help you spot these.
What about Dual Enrollment, Governor’s School, or MGCC classes taught at local high schools?
The Mountain Gateway classes taught in conjunction with our high school partners will remain 16 weeks long. If a high school student enrolls in a class independently, that class will most likely be in the new 8-week session format.
Will I still graduate at the same time?
Yes. MGCC associate degrees can still be finished in two years, and most certificates in a year or less, depending on how many classes you take each semester.
Will these 8-week credits transfer to 4-year universities?
Absolutely. Universities look at the course content and credits earned, not the number of weeks it took to complete the course.
When do I register for my 8-week classes?
Before the start of the Fall and Spring semesters. You register for both Session 1 and Session 2 at the same time before the semester starts in August, and then the same before the semester starts in January. This locks in your schedule and allows for the most generous financial aid offer.
When do I order my books?
Financial Aid charging begins two weeks before the 16-week and first 8-week sessions and lasts five weeks. Charging begins one week before the second 8-week session and lasts three weeks. Order as soon as possible to allow for delivery. Please refer to the MGCC Follett Bookstore page for more information and the Follett Return Policy regarding returns.
Can I start college in the middle of a semester?
Yes! If you miss the August start, you don't have to wait until January. You can register for Session 2 and start your classes in October.
What if a class I need is only offered in Session 1?
One of our Advisors can help you navigate how to schedule your classes. You can reach out to them by calling 540-863-2820 or emailing success@mgcc.edu.
If I fail a class in Session 1, can I retake it immediately in Session 2?
In many cases, yes! This is one of the best parts of the 8-week model. If you struggle with a course in Session 1, you don't have to wait five months to try again. You can often jump right back into that same course in Session 2 while the information is still fresh in your mind.
What happens if I drop a class in Session 2?
Since aid is based on your total semester enrollment, dropping or withdrawing from a class in either session could affect your aid. Always talk to Financial Aid before dropping or withdrawing from a class. You can email them at finaid@mgcc.edu. You should also consult with your instructor, Academic Advisor, or one of our Success Coaches before dropping or withdrawing from a class.
Do I have a "Finals Week" twice now?
Yes, but it's less stressful! Instead of 5 exams in one week, you’ll only have 2 or 3 exams at the end of each session.
What happens if I get sick and miss a week?
Because your class time is only 8 weeks, missing a week is significant. It is important to contact your instructors immediately to coordinate a plan to get back on track.
Will I still get a Fall Break and Spring Break?
Yes! We have built breaks into the academic calendar so you still get your traditional holidays and a breather between sessions and terms.
Does this change how much tuition costs?
No. Tuition is still based on the number of credits you take.
How does this affect my Financial Aid or Pell Grant?
Financial Aid and Pell Grants are based on the number of credits you are enrolled in for a semester. If you have additional questions, please contact our Financial Aid team by emailing finaid@mgcc.edu.
Does this change the deadline to pay for classes and the amount I’m expected to pay?
The short answers are Yes and No.
No - The cost of your education is still based on the number of credits you take, not how many weeks the class lasts. There is no change in cost just because of an 8-week session.
Yes – Instead of at the beginning of each semester, the deadline to pay for classes in the 8-week session schedule is a couple of weeks before the start of each session. Please refer to the Mountain Gateway Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Mountain Gateway offers a payment plan option. Contact the business office to discuss further by emailing businessoffice@mgcc.edu.
When will I get my financial aid refund check?
That depends on your enrollment. Please reference the online Disbursement Calendar or, as mentioned above, please contact our Financial Aid team at finaid@mgcc.edu.