It is almost the end of the Fall semester and you might be wondering if you want to take a class during J-Term. You start asking yourself: Can it help me graduate on time and have a smaller course load at the end of senior year? Should I take this opportunity?

First, you ask yourself: What is J-Term?

“It’s a period of intensive study on a single subject that engages students in ways that are often not possible during semesters,” said Director of Study Abroad Jack Zerbe.

As time goes by, you are still unsure. You pause and think, “I should find out the cost.”

“The most obvious change is a dramatic price reduction for on-campus experiences,” said Zerbe. “While last year a 4-credit experience cost $1,384, now it costs a flat fee of $500 without a grant.”

“That sounds like a great deal,” you think. Before you make your decision, it is important to check out all the options.

One course is “100 Ways to Change the World,” taught by Project and Communication Manager Kim Yarbray.

“This class will give students the opportunity to engage with the issue areas of sustainability, incarceration and education through action, visits with people working in those areas and the related literature,” said Yarbray.

“My class is about the Art of Bookbinding,” said part-time lecturer in English Andrew Saulters. “We will have an exciting and engaging series of weeks making books by hand.”

It is time to make your decision. You have figured out the cost and courses, and you are almost ready to go.

Registration takes place the week of Nov. 11 to Nov. 18.

If you prefer to take things slowly, do not want to get in a panic at the end of your senior year and want to be sure to graduate on-time or early, then J-Term may be the right choice for you. Open your eyes more widely, because it is time for you to explore, gain new skills and experience new things this January.