Imagine excavating at a dig with your favorite archaeology professor in Greece, examining the architecture of the Coliseum only previously seen in a textbook and researching ground-breaking genetics in a state-of-the-art laboratory, all during the normally bleak winter months.
This academic year, from Jan. 1 to the start of the spring semester, students will have the opportunity to participate in special University classes and programs not offered during the regular academic year during a new January term, the Faculty Senate announced Friday.
College Dean Edward L. Ayers said University President John T. Casteen, III asked Ayers to rethink the College curriculum during an annual curriculum review, prompting the discussion of a new term. Ayers said the success of January terms at other colleges and universities prompted him to suggest the additional session.
"It will give us space to add more classes and experiences when everyone does not have so many obligations," Ayers said.
The January term is attractive to students and professors alike because it will offer smaller class sizes which will provide closer contact between professors and students, which is not easily done during the regular sessions, Ayers said.
The University will also offer intensive language, research and laboratory classes, Ayers said.
"This will serve as a way for students to completely immerse themselves in a subject," Ayers said.
Professors from the professional law, medical and business schools also would "love to have the chance to teach undergrads," Ayers said. Additionally, University professors will instruct classes about specific majors to provide students with an in-depth sense of the concentration.
A key aspect of the January term is the emphasis on traveling to targeted destinations where students and professors can examine first-hand a piece of artwork or a city studied in class, Ayers said.
"The crucial thing is it is not some little trip," Ayers said. "It will be woven into the larger pattern of study."
Milton Adams, vice provost for academic programs, said the University wants to encourage more students to study abroad, so the January session is an ideal time for students considering a semester abroad.
"The session is not only a great experience, but it will give students the confidence to try a semester abroad," Adams said.
The classes have not been finalized, but the University intends to offer three credit hours for each class, Ayers said.
The pilot program will be limited to about 300 students, Adams said. Students will register through the summer session office, and the administration currently is designing a Web site with additional registration information.
Tuition rates will be modeled after the summer session, and professors will be paid according to the summer session rate, Ayers said.
The University will provide housing and meals during the January session, but Adams said the meals might be an additional cost.
The January term currently is in the planning stages, but students and professors alike are eager to participate in the pilot program this winter, Ayers said.
"I am glad this is a University-wide initiative, and I am eager to work on it," Ayers said.
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