This year's January Term will begin Jan. 2 with eight new courses, four new study abroad programs and high enrollment.
The initial registration period lasted from Nov. 13 to 17, but students can continue to register until the add/drop period ends Jan. 2.
"Enrollment is strong -- we have eight classes filled and 18 or 19 still with open spaces," Director of Summer Session Dudley Doane said. "We didn't have to cancel any classes due to low enrollment this year, which is a first."
Since its start in 2005, the program has doubled in size, according to Doane.
As the program has grown, students have been provided with more opportunities each year.
"It was the goal of [College Dean] Ed Ayers to provide students with more opportunities to work with faculty not in their major or not very accessible -- Larry Sabato is the prime example," Doane said.
Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato, who has taught during all three J-Terms, cited more interaction with students as an incentive to participate in the program.
"I've enjoyed J-Term thoroughly," Sabato said. "It's a good opportunity to get to know students."
Another benefit to J-Term is the extra time available for day trips and longer excursions. Sabato said his class takes a trip to Richmond to have the opportunity to speak to legislators.
For his course on Virginia government and politics at the local and state levels, many local legislators and politicians will also come to speak in the class.
The many study abroad trips available over J-Term allow students to get a hands-on learning experience, according to Commerce Prof. Brad Brown.
Brown said he is leading a trip to Bluefields, Nicaragua where students will observe the country's slowly developing economy.
"Being there day-to-day, we learn a lot about how hard development is and how hard it is to make ends meet," Brown said. "We could talk about these things, but it wouldn't be the same."
Sabato also said the unique environment of J-Term proves valuable.
"It's a different kind of learning -- closer to the idea as students immerse themselves in a subject," he said.
Sabato said J-Term allows students to become more involved in a specific subject instead of "just doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that"
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