The Flex Year option was available to students who were enrolled as degree-seeking students in Fall 2021. It provided up to two tuition-free semesters of study beyond their anticipated graduation date. The Flex Year option allowed students whose college experience was affected by the pandemic to have expanded possibilities to learn.
The deadline to apply for the Flex Year has passed and no new applications are being accepted.
Students who choose to enroll in the Cobber Flex Year will have their graduation terms delayed until all degree requirements are complete. It will not be possible to graduate from Concordia and then enroll in the Cobber Flex Year.
Commencement participation is determined by graduation date. Students who delay graduation will similarly delay Commencement participation.
While tuition will not be charged to students enrolled in the Cobber Flex Year program, students will be responsible for paying student fees which support a variety of important services, courses, and experiences provided to Concordia students.
Students who choose to live on campus and/or have a board plan during a Cobber Flex Year (or semester) are required to pay applicable room and board rates.
Any student who returns to campus for an 11th or additional semester will be responsible to pay standard tuition rates and related fees. Students will also be responsible for applicable room and board costs.
Students are not eligible for Concordia gift aid during their flex year to cover non-tuition expenses. Students who have not completed all of their degree requirements by the start of their flex year are welcome to apply for federal and state financial aid as well as private student loans. Students who have completed all degree requirements for at least one major or degree are ineligible for federal and state grant assistance.
Yes, students may enroll as either a part-time or full-time student in the Cobber Flex Year.
Students seeking to complete an additional major, minor, or certificate during the Cobber Flex Year must work closely with their academic advisors to ensure that all program admission requirements are fulfilled and all courses needed for an additional major will be offered during the Cobber Flex Year the student is considering. Students will not be offered additional flex semesters to complete additional majors, minors, or certificates in the event a certain course is not offered during their Cobber Flex Year.
You will only be approved for the terms needed to complete degree requirements specified in your application (up to two semesters). Additional terms cannot be requested at a later date. If you do not complete requirements by the end of your Flex Term/Year, you will be responsible for payment of tuition and related fees as well as applicable room and board costs.
Depending on admission requirements and course scheduling, it may not be possible for students to complete an additional major of their choice during their Cobber Flex Year.
For students continuing their degree in their flex year, satisfactory academic progress will continue to be monitored per federal and state regulations.
At the time the financial aid office becomes aware that you cannot complete your program within the maximum timeframe, the student immediately becomes ineligible for federal and state aid.
In other words, the student loses financial aid eligibility at the evaluation point and not at the point the student actually reaches the maximum timeframe.
For example, if Fall 2021 grades are posted and financial aid determines that a student cannot finish their degree requirements within the maximum timeframe, the student would lose their financial aid eligibility in Spring 2022 and for the remainder of their undergraduate program.
There is no maximum timeframe appeal process for students who could have completed their degree requirements but are opting to extend their stay by adding another major or minor.
Grades earned during the Cobber Flex Year will be calculated into a student’s cumulative GPA and recorded on the student’s comprehensive transcript.
The Cobber Flex Year is offered for on-campus study only. Students are not allowed to participate in study abroad programs during the Cobber Flex Year.
Summer school courses (including May Seminars and Summer School Abroad) are available for enrollment between the end of the eighth semester and the beginning of the Cobber Flex Year, as well as after the flex year. However, students will be charged standard tuition rates and other fees for summer courses.
Institutional financial aid will not be available for summer coursework, but state and federal financial aid may still be available.
Students receiving Tuition Exchange or Tuition Remission are eligible to participate in the Cobber Flex Year.
Students can only register for a Rize education course during their Cobber Flex Year if they have already declared a Rize program and it was approved as part of their Cobber Flex Year application.
The college recognizes it may be financially beneficial for students, especially those who begin at Concordia with significant transfer credits and advanced academic standing, to graduate in eight semesters or fewer.
Academic Standing
Four-Year Guarantee
The Cobber Flex Year has no effect on the four-year guarantee program at Concordia. Students who meet the eligibility criteria for the four-year guarantee will remain eligible for the benefits of the program. If approved, those students who declare their intent to utilize the Cobber Flex Year and delay graduation by one or two semesters are allowed to do so in order to complete their degree.