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Add/Drop Time: How to Craft Your Course Load

Sometimes when we’re registering for classes, it’s difficult to gauge exactly how our course load is going to look. In theory, when selecting courses we keep our schedules in mind, as well as credit hours and the requirements they satisfy. But as the quarter begins, we see how our selected courses actually fit into our daily lives, and any unforeseen changes in our schedules that may arise. Strayer University has a week-long Add/Drop period at the beginning of each quarter, where students can change their courses if they find that their initial schedule doesn’t fit as easily into their lives or goals for that quarter*. While this is often not the case, it is helpful to have the option to change classes if necessary. So, how do you successfully craft your course load?

Chart your path to graduation

Every major has its degree requirements: a set of prerequisite coursework students must complete to graduate. Between degree requirements, general requirements, and electives, it’s fairly simple to know ahead of time which types of courses you need to take during your time at Strayer University. While it is not necessary to plan exactly which specific classes you’re going to take and when, knowing your overall requirements helps you create an overall plan for your academic career. Work closely with your Student Services Coach to figure out when to complete your degree requirements and how to disperse them over different quarters to stay on track. You can use the Add/Drop period to validate that path, adding or electing different graduation requirements to make sure you are staying on track.

Set reasonable expectations for yourself

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Work with your advisor and your Student Services Coach to determine a reasonable credit load for you to juggle with all the other demands on your time. Strayer University degrees are rigorous in order to fully prepare you for the next phase of your career. Regardless of how many courses you take in a particular quarter, each class is designed to challenge you to think critically and push yourself towards success. Setting reasonable expectations for yourself is not about crafting an easy schedule; the point is not that you should take a light course load. Rather, it is about managing goals and not front loading yourself with too many credits. If you’ve charted your path to graduation, your advisor and your Student Services Coach will help you figure out which classes to take and when, so that you can stay on track. Expect to have to dedicate a significant amount of time to each class, and use the Add/Drop period only if you find that you cannot devote the necessary time to any one class because of your other commitments.

Anticipate academic, career, and familial obligations

It’s not always easy to plan your schedule a full quarter ahead, especially as a working adult student with family and other individuals who rely on you for their various needs. A new project or promotion at work might mean more time in the office. Your partner’s changing schedule may mean spending more time with the kids. While you can’t always anticipate these things, it’s important to keep in mind the fact that things change. Some things to consider in advance are:

  • Upcoming work projects 
  • Additional shifts you may need to take on • Your partner’s schedule
  • Your children’s course load and their need for help with homework
  • Your children’s extracurricular activities that may require your time
  • Medical obligations, or if you are a care provider for a relative

Because the Add/Drop period takes place during the quarter, you can have a more timely sense of your conflicting obligations and adjust your schedule accordingly. -- Add/Drop is an important time for students who need a little leeway when finalizing their schedules. It is important, however, not to consider the Add/Drop period an opportunity to “take it easy” or to scale back considerably on the amount of work you take on for the quarter. Rather, think of it as an opportunity to plot out that work—to readjust your schedule and distribute your academic workload throughout your other priorities before issues occur. Consider Add/Drop an affirmation of the Strayer University commitment to education that fits into your life. Make your classes work for you.  

*Students may still incur out-of-pocket costs if they withdraw during the add/drop week.  Please refer to the University’s refund and course withdrawal policy included in the current catalog.

Category: Lifestyle

Published Date: December 3, 2014