GGU Learning Modalities
Golden Gate University offers degree programs in multiple learning modalities designed to meet the needs of working adults and learners around the world. To ensure consistency across academic, administrative, and student communications, the University has established the following official definitions for program, course, and class modalities.
- Program Modality – How your overall degree is structured (Online, Hybrid, or In-Person)
- Course Modality – How a specific course is structured (Online, Hybrid, or In-Person)
- Class Session – Each meeting of your course, whether on campus, live online, or on-demand
Each program modality defines which types of courses it includes. For example, a hybrid program includes courses with a blend of on-campus and online components, while an online program is delivered fully online.
These definitions take effect beginning with the Fall 2026 term and replace all prior or informal terminology. Students are advised to check your program and course schedules carefully before registration to ensure your chosen classes fit your learning preferences and any residency requirements.
Please review the Quick Guide below for detailed descriptions and examples.
Quick Terminology
- Program – This is your overall degree or certificate (e.g., MBA)
- Note: Modality is not indicated on your diploma or transcript.
- Course/Section – This is a single class in a term (e.g., MKT 300-HYB)
- Class Session/Meeting – This is any scheduled meeting of that course
Program Delivery
How your degree is structured
In-Person Programs
Each course combines online modules with 22.5 contact hours of in-person classroom instruction, delivered over a single week. You are expected to attend every scheduled session.
Course types included: IP
Hybrid Programs
Courses combine online coursework with one required on-campus session each term, held during a Campus Weekend listed on the academic calendar. Register in advance for the session you plan to attend. One session covers the on-campus requirement for all your hybrid courses that term. Missing this session will lower your grade in each hybrid course. Attendance is recorded at each session and reported to your instructors.
Course types included: HYB
Online Programs
Courses run entirely online, with no set meeting times. You’ll access lectures, discussions, and assignments through GGU’s online platform and submit work by your instructor’s deadlines. In-person attendance is not required. Some instructors offer optional live Zoom sessions for extra practice, but these are not required.
Course types included: ONL, ZM
Course Delivery
How an individual course meets
Important: For each course code below, the description applies to all class sessions in that course/section.
Course Codes & Definitions
- ONL | Online
- Fully online, with no set meeting times. Engage with course materials, discussions, and assignments by your instructor’s deadlines.
- Note: Tax students may also see a “ZM” modality for Zoom. This format is only available for tax programs.
- HYB | Hybrid
- Online coursework plus one on-campus session each term. This one Campus Weekend session will count towards all of your hybrid courses for the term.
- IP | In-Person
- 22.5 contact hours of in-person instruction over a single week, plus online modules. Attendance for each scheduled session is required.
Residency & Compliance Notes
- Hybrid (HYB) sections satisfy residency expectations for VA students using GI Bill benefits.
- In-Person (IP) sections satisfy residency expectations for F-1 visa students.
- Students with immigration or VA requirements should confirm specifics with their DSO or VA advisor.
What to Check Before You Register
- Modality Fit: Choose the fit that best meets your needs. If you must meet VA residency requirements, enroll in a Hybrid program and select HYB courses. If you need to meet F-1 student visa residency requirements, enroll in an In-Person program and select IP courses.
- Time Zone: All scheduled meeting times run on Pacific Time.
- Pacing: Online courses are on-demand, but still carry weekly milestones and due dates set by your instructor.
Questions? Check your syllabus and course schedule first. Your advisor can help with anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program modality is how your overall degree is structured. Course modality is how a specific course meets. Your program modality determines which course types are available to you.
Hybrid courses combine online coursework with one required on-campus session each term. This session is held during a Campus Weekend listed on the academic calendar. One session covers the requirement for every hybrid course you’re enrolled in that term.
Unless you are enrolled in an online program, yes. Attendance is required for all students enrolled in hybrid courses, regardless of visa or VA status.
Just one per term. GGU reports your Campus Weekend attendance to the Department of Veterans Affairs. One reported session per term maintains your eligibility.
Enroll in an In-Person program and attend every scheduled session for each course. In-person courses meet for 22.5 contact hours over a single week, and attendance at each session is required.
No. Online courses run asynchronously with no set meeting times and no in-person requirement. Some instructors offer optional live Zoom sessions, but these are never required.
Missing the session lowers your grade in each hybrid course you’re enrolled in that term. Register for an earlier Campus Weekend session when possible, so a later option is still available if a conflict comes up. For a list of relevant Campus Weekend dates, visit our Academic Calendar.
Campus Weekend sessions will be offered four days per term. If you have a scheduling conflict on one day, you will be expected to attend one of the other days. For a list of relevant Campus Weekend dates, visit our Academic Calendar.
Check the Academic Calendar for dates and register in advance for the session you plan to attend.
Check your syllabus and course schedule first. Contact your DSO for F-1 questions or your VA advisor for GI Bill questions. Your academic advisor can help with anything else.
