At the University of Memphis, the Academic Year is divided into three terms or semesters--Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each term consists of several Parts of Term (POT). When registering for a term, you may register for courses in any one or combination of the POTs.

What's the difference between one POT and another?

The primary differences between one POT and another have to do with POT lengths (starting and ending dates) and lengths of class periods. It's important to remember that the same course offered in any POT requires the same minimum amount of class time as when it is offered in another POT. Also, the credit is the same. Thus, HMSE 1100 taken in the Pre Summer POT is the equal of HMSE 1100 taken in the Fall Full POT or the Spring 2nd Half POT, and so on.

Some POTs--Regents, 1st Teacher, and 2nd Teacher--have a purpose of their own, so they are different from the other POTs in ways other than calendar days and meeting times.

To understand the POTs better, please refer to the tables below.

Fall/Spring POT & Description

Full	The Full POT is the longest, lasting the entire term. For example, a Spring Full POT begins in January and ends in late April or early May.
1st Half	The 1st Half POT begins when the Full does but ends in the middle of the Full POT (at the Fall or Spring mid-term break). Because the 1st Half is half the length of the Full POT, the class periods are longer than Full class periods.
2nd Half	The 2nd Half POT is similar to the 1st Half. However, the 2nd Half POT begins after the Full's mid-term break and runs until the end of the Full POT.
Regents	The Regents POT parallels the Full, although its starting and ending dates can be slightly different. The only courses offered in the Regents POT are online courses that belong to the Regents Online Degree Program. However, Regents classes are open to all students: you do not have to be pursuing a Regents online degree in order to register for a Regents class.

 

Summer POT & Description

Pre Summer	The Pre Summer POT is the shortest in calendar days but has the longest class periods. You might have to meet 3-4 hours a day, everyday, for one class in the Pre Session. The Pre Session starts after the Spring term has ended but ends before the Summer's 1st and Full POTs begin.
Full	The Full POT starts after Pre Summer and lasts the entire Summer term, ending just a few weeks before the Fall Term begins. Typically the Full POT begins in late May and ends in early August.
1st Half	The 1st Half POT runs concurrently with the first half of the Full POT (June to early July). Because the 1st Half is half the length of the Full POT, class periods are longer than Full class periods, or the class itself meets more frequently.
2nd Half	The 2nd Half POT is similar to the 1st Half but runs concurrently with the second half of the Full POT (early July to mid-August).
1st Teacher	The 1st Teacher POT begins shortly after the school year for Memphis and Shelby county school teachers ends. The majority of offerings are aimed at teachers and prospective teachers who want to renew/obtain licensure or certification.
2nd Teacher	The 2nd Teacher POT ends shortly before the new school year for Memphis and Shelby county school teachers begins. The majority of offerings are aimed at teachers and prospective teachers who want to renew/obtain licensure or certification.
Regents	The Regents POT parallels the Full, although its starting and ending dates can be slightly different. The only courses offered in the Regents POT are online courses that belong to the Regents Online Degree Program. However, Regents classes are open to all students: you do not have to be pursuing a Regents online degree in order to register for a Regents class.