Winter Interim Opportunities Could Lead to Expanded Offerings

Registration is open for winter interim classes, and the Office of Academic Affairs is conducting a survey to explore the possibility to offer expanded options for the term in future academic years.  

The winter interim runs Dec. 12 through Jan. 9 and features a combination of short workshops as well as full-fledged courses including a section of COMM 170: Public Speaking, and PSYC 499: Workshop in the Psychology of Marketing. This winter interim also features several major-specific internships and electives.

“The advantage of interims is that they afford a time for focused study,” said Kevin Minch, associate provost. “When focusing on a single class, during a period with minimal competing distractions, students can really excel. Students might take a course to increase their GPA, knock-out a challenging class, or simply focus on a special topic that interests them.”

To further utilize the winter interim, Truman deans are exploring a possible recommendation to alter the academic calendar to make room for a “January Term.”  The “J-Term,” as it is often called at other universities, is an expanded winter interim that leaves up to four or five weeks for more fully developed courses, as well as domestic study away programs, short-term study abroad programs, special professional development coursework and internships.  

Academic Affairs is launching a survey of students to seek input on the possible creation of a January term for future years. The survey includes questions about possible calendar configurations, courses students might pursue and what might motivate a student to take courses during this period. The survey is available here through Nov. 15.  

All students are encouraged to participate in the brief survey, even those who might not be interested in taking classes at that time or who are graduating at the end of the year. Knowing what students think will help make sound decisions and shape the academic calendar for everyone.