Understanding Course Modalities for Students

Course Modalities 

Understanding how your classes are delivered can help you plan your semester, manage your time, and choose the learning environment that works best for you. A course’s modality describes how you will interact with your instructor, classmates, and course materials. 

Course Modality Guide (Starting in Fall 2026) 

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Seated (Modality Code: SEAT)

What it means: 
A traditional, in‑person class experience. 

How it works: 

• You and your instructor meet face‑to‑face at scheduled times. 

• Expect real‑time discussion, group activities, and in-person engagement. 

Key point for students: 
- You must meet in-person at the scheduled class times. 

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Online – Synchronous (Modality Code: ONLS)

What it means: 
A real‑time online class, like a webinar. 

How it works: 

• Classes meet at specific times using tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. 

• You interact with your instructor and classmates, like a virtual classroom. 

Key point for students: 
- You must log in at specific days/times. All meetings are online; you don’t have to be at a physical location. 

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Online – Asynchronous (Modality Code: ONLA)

What it means: 
All class activities take place online with no in-person meetings. 

How it works: 

• You can work on your own schedule. The instructor interacts with you regularly through the course platform. 

• Assignments have deadlines, but you can complete them within a set timeframe. 

Key point for students: 
- Most flexible option—no required meeting times. 

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Hybrid 

What it means: 
A blended combination of two different modalities.  

Possible combinations include: 

• Seated + Online Synchronous (Modality Code: HYBS)
• Seated + Online Asynchronous (Modality Code: HYBA)
• Online Synchronous + Online Asynchronous (Modality Code: HYBO) 

How it works: 

• The academic unit will determine the combination of modalities for a class.
• You will complete course activities in both modalities.
• These modalities occur separately; they are not happening at the same time. 

Key point for students: 
- You will be required to participate in both modalities as outlined in the course schedule. 

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HyFLEX (Modality Code: FLXH) 

What it means: 
You choose how to attend each class session. This option offers the highest flexibility. 

How it works: 

• All three options are offered every time class meets: 

• • Seated
  • Online Synchronous
  • Online Asynchronous 

• You can switch your attendance method as needed throughout the semester.  

Key benefit: 
- Maximum flexibility—choose your attendance method each class session. 

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BiFLEX 

What it means: 
Two attendance options are available for every class session. 

Possible combinations include: 

• Seated OR Online Synchronous (Modality Code: FLXBS) 
• Seated OR Online Asynchronous (Modality Code: FLXBA) 
• Online Synchronous OR Online Asynchronous (Modality Code: FLXBO) 

How it works: 

• You choose your attendance method between the two modality options each time class meets. 

Key benefit: 
- Flexible participation with two consistent options available every class session. 

Course modalities are set by the academic department offering the class and appear in Trial Schedule Builder, Class Schedule Search, and Add or Drop Classes. 

If you ever have questions about a particular class’s modality, you can: 

• Contact the academic department offering the course, or 
• Talk with your academic advisor for general modality guidance. 

Modality Comparison Chart 

Use this chart to compare modalities, the kind of attendance they require, and how flexible each option is. You may see modalities listed by code or by name, depending on the system you are using. 

Modality Code	Modality Type	Synchronous In-Person Attendance	Asynchronous Online Attendance	Synchronous Online Attendance	Flexibility
SEAT	Seated	✔️			Low
ONLS	Online Synchronous			✔️	Moderate
ONLA	Online Asynchronous		✔️		High
HYBS	Hybrid: Seated & Online Synchronous	✔️		✔️	Moderate
HYBA	Hybrid: Seated & Online Asynchronous	✔️	✔️		Moderate
HYBO	Hybrid: Online Synchronous & Online Asynchronous		✔️	✔️	Moderate
FLXH	HyFlex	All three attendance modes are   available for every class session				High
FLXBS	BiFlex: Seated or Online Synchronous	✔️		✔️		Moderate
FLXBA	BiFlex: Seated or Online Asynchronous	✔️	✔️			Moderate
FLXBO	BiFlex: Online Synchronous or Asynchronous		✔️	✔️		Moderate