Navigating your studies at Nexford University involves understanding our structured monthly course cycle, key academic deadlines, and important enrollment processes. This guide outlines these essential aspects to help you plan your learning journey effectively.

The Monthly Course Cycle

Course Start & Duration

Nexford courses officially begin on the 1st day of each month. You'll gain full access to the course and be able to submit assignments from this date. While standard courses are structured over an 8-week period, active coursework, including most assignment submissions, typically concludes around Day 51 of the course. The remaining days are generally for final grading and course wrap-up.

Course Previewing

Once you receive your final grade for a current course, you will usually be automatically enrolled in "preview mode" for your next scheduled course(s). This provides early access to view materials, helping you prepare. However, you cannot submit assignments until the official Course Start Date (Day 1 of the next month).

Key Periods and Academic Deadlines within Each Course Month

Add/Drop Period (Days 1-5 of the month)

This period extends from the Course Start Date (Day 1) through Day 5 of the month. During these first five days, you can drop a course without it being recorded as an official Withdrawal ("W") on your academic transcript, and it will not impact your course completion pace. You can also request to enroll in additional courses during this time, subject to eligibility.

Course Participation Deadline (Day 10 of the course)

Active participation early in your course is critical for success. All learners must demonstrate course participation by Day 10. Participation typically means submitting a graded quiz or assignment within your course. Learners who do not complete the participation activity within their course by day 10 will be withdrawn from the course.

Course Withdrawal (After Day 5)

If you decide to withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop Period (i.e., after Day 5), it will be officially recorded as a "W" (Withdrawal) on your transcript.  A "W" grade does not impact your GPA (Grade Point Average) but will affect your course completion pace, which is monitored as part of Nexford's academic requirements.

NOTE: Carefully consider the implications before withdrawing. It’s always best to discuss your options with your Success Advisor before making this decision.

Enrollment Period for Course Load Adjustments (Days 24-31 of the month)

If you have completed your current courses ahead of schedule or wish to discuss increasing your course load (if eligible), the period between Day 24 and Day 31 of the current month/term is the ideal time to make such requests. 

Submit a Course Load Update Request during this period to discuss increasing or decreasing your course load. Enrolling during this window often allows you to benefit from course previewing.

Enrollment in Subsequent Courses

Generally, upon successful completion of your ongoing course(s), you are automatically enrolled into the next course(s) in your defined learning path.

Scheduled Term Breaks

Nexford incorporates short breaks between the end of one active course period (e.g., after final submissions around Day 51 and subsequent grading) and the official start of the next course(s) on Day 1 of the following month. This time allows you to relax, prepare, and manage other commitments.

Maintaining Active Enrollment: Tuition Payments

Timely tuition payment is crucial for uninterrupted access to your studies.

• Payment Due Date: Tuition invoices are typically sent around the 20th of each month. Payment is due before the end of that same month to secure your enrollment for the following month's courses.
• Consequences of Non-Payment:Failure to settle your tuition on time may result in a delay in your enrollment for the next course(s) or even suspension from your program. Please be aware that the following situations regarding unpaid tuition may place you at risk of suspension from your program:
  • Accumulation of two (2) or more unpaid monthly invoices; or
  • Having one (1) unpaid invoice that becomes two (2) months overdue.

Questions or Need Support?

• For questions about course timelines, academic deadlines, enrollment, or your learning path, please schedule a session with your Success Advisor or Submit an Inquiry to the team.
• For billing-specific inquiries, Submit an Inquiry to the Billings Team.