“Great in 8 ” refers to a strategic shift in academic scheduling where traditional 16-week semesters are redesigned into two accelerated 8-week terms. This model is gaining significant traction — particularly in systems like the North Carolina Community College System — as a way to improve student success and retention.

• Edwards, J. & Nichols, H. (2026). Acceleration with Purpose: Aligning 8-Week Terms with Student Success and Institutional Capacity. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, N.C.
• Smail, E. & Nichols, H. (2026). Eight-Week Advantage: Improving Outcomes in Career and Technical Education through Half-Semester Scheduling. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, NC.
• Edwards, J., Jaeger, A., & Nichols, H. (2025). Catalyzing Change Through Innovation: Insights from Rural College Leaders Program. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, NC.
• Melniczek, A. (2026). Bridging the Gap: Department Chairs as Change Agents for Compressed Academic Terms. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, N.C.