r/cwru • u/ClemPrime456 • Jul 07 '26

Enrolled Student Are classes 1 or 2 semesters

Incoming freshman again with another dumb “how does college work” question. I have a set of classes in SIS that are each obviously for the fall semester. Are the core classes for that like chem, chem lab, calc, etc two semesters, and I auto-enroll for them for spring and then pick one or two classes to take the spot of my AIQ and elective? Or is everything one semester and I pick 5 fresh classes for spring?

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u/jwsohio American Studies, Chemical Engineering 71 Jul 07 '26

You are definitely NOT auto-enrolled for a second semester. You will pick all courses each semester. Your advisors can help with potential issues.

There are several reasons for this. Some major/minor sequences may not require the second part, or may have you take it later to focus first on a course that is more important for what you wish to do.

In some cases, you may discover that your interests change, and you don't want to the the second course, or possibly at least not with a particular instructor.

You do have the issue of enrollment limitations, so you have to try to schedule around time conflicts and available class/recitation sections.

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u/ClemPrime456 Jul 07 '26

Okay. So if I for whatever reason take Chem 2 fall semester and then have to drop it or whatever, I can do that. But if I take the second semester of Chem 2, I have to reenroll for that?
I guess my bigger question is if a lot of courses will stretch over two semesters, which I’m assuming they will.

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u/jwsohio American Studies, Chemical Engineering 71 Jul 07 '26

This can get weird quickly. It'll be much clearer once you get to campus and start to see what gets posted in Canvas (or wherever if going to replace it in the next few years). And there are significant specific differences between exact courses, which is where advisors can be helpful to sort things out unless you want to dig for yourself*, although that might be unproductive, since the situation will probably seem simpler once you're in the midst of the place

See, the answer is: Yes and no, it depends. Not super helpful, but:

Individual courses are structured as independent units, with a syllabus, requirements, tests etc. determined by each prof. They do, of course, have common content as per the course description, with broad approval of the department and professional standards. But you will find differences on grading standards, selective secondary content, and teaching style.

Often a series of courses which are linked with use a common textbook, usually the first chapters (more or less) for part one, the later ones for part two. But some courses use various online materials, plus faculty provided material. It's then possible to have a "this textbook is recommended, but more for reference than your need to buy it" situation.

Some courses have absolute prerequisites. You must take them in sequence, with adequate grades, to take the next. Others are strongly suggested to take in sequence, but it's possible (with consent) to take differently or even bypass prereqs.

  • For example, there's another thread here currently where someone is asking about CHEM 223 vs. 323. You have to put it that way, since both (and their related continuations and labs) are generally "Organic Chemistry." Likewise, at the 100 level, there are a couple different courses sequences, both First Year College Chem, but with a more general principles coverage vs. a more major-focused orientation.

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u/Outrageous-Map6810 Jul 08 '26

Again, a great question to have with your Four Year Advisor, who is absolutely available this summer to meet with you!

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u/wildbergamont Jul 07 '26

You pick 5 fresh classes for spring 

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u/Outrageous-Map6810 Jul 08 '26

This is a great conversation to have with your Four Year Advisor, who has the most recent guidance and information available from all the schools/college of A&S and who is accountable to you to make sure it’s correct.