CR to Launch Flexible 8-Week Course Pilot in Fall 2026

Published on Mar 27 2026

College of the Redwoods is rethinking the traditional college schedule with the launch of a new 8-week course pilot program set to begin in fall 2026. The initiative aims to increase flexibility, improve student success, and expand access to higher education.

In a recent interview, Dr. Rebecca Robertson, Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, shared how the program came to life and why it could be a game changer for students across the region.

The pilot emerged from a grant-funded initiative supported by Achieving the Dream and the California Community College Foundation, with a directive to explore shorter course formats. From there, the college had the flexibility to design a model that best serves its students.

“We had the autonomy to figure out what that meant,” Robertson said. “So we started conversations, looking at whether this would be a full pathway, what courses would be included, and how we could best structure it.”

The effort has been deeply collaborative from the start, bringing together faculty, administrators, and student services professionals. Input from academic leadership, the Academic Senate, counselors, advisors, and faculty helped shape course selection and student support systems.

“We’ve put together a team that represents all parts of the college, not just the academic side but student services as well,” Robertson said. “That collaboration is essential.”

Building on experience with condensed summer courses, the college developed a model that splits the traditional 16-week semester into two 8-week blocks. Students can take fewer classes at a time while still making full progress.

“It really decreases the cognitive load,” Robertson said. “Students complete the same number of courses over a term, but they can focus on fewer at a time.”

The format is especially beneficial for students balancing school with work and family responsibilities. Fully online courses in shorter blocks create new opportunities for those unable to commit to a full semester.

“For example, a seasonal firefighter might not be able to take classes during their busiest months,” Robertson said. “But they could take a class starting in October, and another in January.”

Unlike some accelerated programs, courses are offered in both blocks independently, giving students multiple entry points and greater flexibility.

“If a student has to drop a class, they can pick up another one in the second block,” she said. “That helps them maintain momentum and financial aid eligibility.”

The pilot will include about 20 to 25 courses in its first year, primarily within general education, along with liberal arts pathways in humanities and social sciences. Courses were selected based on faculty input and student success data.

“We interviewed faculty about what works in an 8-week format,” Robertson said. “We also looked closely at student success data.”

The program is designed for ongoing assessment. Courses offered in both blocks will allow the college to compare enrollment trends, student outcomes, and faculty experiences.

“This is incredibly intentional,” Robertson said. “We’re building it in a way that allows us to understand what’s working.”

Faculty can also participate in a summer learning community to redesign courses for the accelerated format, ensuring academic rigor remains consistent.

“It’s not about just folding a 16-week class in half,” she said. “It’s about ensuring students meet the same learning outcomes.”

To support students, the college is adding clear communication, registration alerts, and advising resources. Student services teams have been key in preparing students for the pace of accelerated courses.

The program will be continuously assessed using enrollment data and feedback from students and faculty.

“This is about continuous improvement,” Robertson said. “We want to make sure it’s truly serving students’ needs.”

While courses will initially be online, future expansion may include new certificate programs. The 8-week model is designed to complement, not replace, traditional courses.

“The more flexibility we can offer students,” Robertson said, “the more successful they will be.”

As the fall 2026 launch approaches, College of the Redwoods is positioning itself at the forefront of student-centered education, meeting learners where they are and helping them move forward.

For more information about the 8-Week Course Pilot Program, please visit the website: https://www.redwoods.edu/8-week.php#faq