What is the difference between head count and base count sections?

Base count sections are sections for which the contact hours for the course are a result of the number of periods the section meets.

  • Generally, base count sections have a fixed meeting time and place.
  • Contact hours for base count sections are not affected by enrollment.

Head count sections are sections for which the contact hours for the course are a result of the number of students enrolled.

  • Head count sections are not required to have a fixed meeting time and place, and consequently
  • the number of periods the section meets (if any) does not affect the number of contact hours given to the section.