Students voice desired changes for new winter term

Winter term is here to stay, and students are vocal about the changes they want to see.

In the fall of 2018, administration proposed a summer term instead of a winter term. The thought was to have a 2 credit summer classes that could extend more than 2 weeks in January. However, students met the potential changes with resistance, and administration decided to keep winter term. Now, with faculty revising a new curriculum for winter courses, students impart their ideal January term.

Though many students enjoyed their winter class times, others would prefer learning later in the evening. An evening class from 4-7 or 5-8 would better suit students who learn best later in the day, says Sophomore Tanner Wick. Heavy, information centered classes are often difficult to focus on early in the morning. These classes could be better suited for the evenings when students are more alert and focused.

Other students found their winter course loads to be overwhelming. Some classes “ask too much of students,” says junior Shelby Cokeley. Having to learn an entire semester’s worth of material in a two week span doesn’t work for some courses. When it comes to building a website, for example, two weeks isn’t enough to absorb the material. At that point, winter term becomes a means to check off a requirement rather than an effective way to learn.

Despite some finding their classes overwhelming, other students enjoyed having one class to focus on. Freshman Kenzie Grover enjoyed having the leisure to concentrate on one class. Taking Earth Art over the term, Grover found she had plenty of time to focus on her art.

Freshman Ella Cutter, who also took Earth Art, liked having a smaller amount of people on campus. “It was like a vacation but on campus,” she said. January term provided her a good transition into spring classes.  

With a smaller amount of people on campus over the term, students would like to see more interactive activities provided. These activities would engage students when they’re not in class and help relieve any stress or anxiety about returning to classes.