2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin > Policies and General Information > Academic Policies and Information > CMU Online Information > Classes and Seminars

Classes and Seminars

Classes are usually scheduled during compressed time blocks to maximize degree progression and to minimize scheduling conflicts. Course modality options include face-to-face classes, online, hyflex, or hybrid courses. 

• Online Asynchronous: Online asynchronous courses are completely online with no required meeting days and times, but may offer optional synchronous meetings. All formalized instruction and coursework are completed online. Students will complete assignments by established deadlines. Proctored or monitored exams may be required.
• Online Synchronous: Online synchronous courses are completely online with required specific meeting days and times where students are expected to be actively engaged in a virtual setting. All formalized instruction and coursework are completed online. Proctored or monitored exams may be required.
• Face-to-Face: Face-to-face courses meet in a CMU approved location with required specific meeting days, times, and location as noted in the course registration system. Internet-based and other technology may be used to enhance instruction in and outside of class. Proctored or monitored exams may be required.
• Hybrid: Hybrid courses have required specific meeting days and times outlined in the course registration system and require face-to-face class sessions in a CMU approved location while other required class sessions can be a mixture of synchronous online meetings and asynchronous online activity. Instructors will determine which class sessions will be held in which modality within the specified course day and time range and these will be announced in the course syllabus. Proctored or monitored exams may be required.
• HyFlex: HyFlex courses meet on specific days and times simultaneously face-to-face and synchronously online. Course meeting dates, times, and location(s) are noted in the course registration system, and face-to-face meetings occur in a CMU approved location. Students can change their mode of attendance freely according to their need or preference. At the instructor’s discretion, access to course content may be available online asynchronously. Proctored or monitored exams may be required.

Regardless of modality, all courses have specific start and end dates. In addition, textbooks, course outlines, reference materials and assignments are available prior to the first session of a class to allow preparatory reading and study.

Note: To ensure the best student learning experience and the availability of courses that fulfill student degree plans, courses initially scheduled as face-to-face courses may be converted to a hybrid/blended course format prior to the first class meeting.