Destry Adams
Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of classes you have to take? Are you worried that you won’t graduate on time? Do you feel like winter break is too short? For all of these things, there is a solution: NC State should have a winter term, commonly called a January or J-term.
A winter or J-term functions similarly to summer school, where it is completely optional, and students have classes every day. NC State should implement a winter term into their schedule because it provides students with various academic opportunities as well as extending winter break.
One advantage of a winter term is that it allows students time to take intensive courses without too much pressure. There are many prerequisite classes that students need to take to advance in their majors. However, some of these mandatory classes can be difficult and time-consuming, and when a student is taking four other classes, it can be stressful. By having a winter term, students will not have to focus on other classes, allowing them to pass their challenging courses.
Furthermore, a winter term can help students graduate on time. Certain majors like engineering and agriculture can sometimes require students to stay at NC State for around five years. Although students can attend summer sessions, a J-term provides students with another opportunity to ensure they graduate on time.
Finally, a winter term gives students a chance to apply for school-provided internships. If students choose not to take classes during a J-term, they can apply for internships instead. This is helpful because some majors require their students to apply for an internship in order to graduate. During an average semester, a student may be too busy to work for a company. However, with a J-term, students will have time to work an internship, which can help them advance in their majors.
However, there are a couple of limits with a J-term.
One such limit is that there is usually a limited class selection. Some professors may decide to not teach a course during a J-term. This can prevent students from taking classes that fulfill various prerequisites and advance in their majors.
Another limit is that these courses are more intense. Because J-terms last around a month, you will have classes every day. That means that the course material will be taught at a faster pace, assignments will be due on a frequent basis and there will be lots of reading. Students who procrastinate a lot will struggle during a J-term.
If a student is interested in taking classes during a J-term, they should consider if the courses they want to take are offered and if they are prepared to understand the material at a much faster pace.
Overall, NC State should offer a J-term to students. A J-term will allow students to complete intensive courses without any distractions and give them time to apply for various internships. The course selection offered for J-terms is usually smaller, and the classes offered are taught at a faster pace. Students should consider if these factors play to their strengths when deciding to take classes for a J-term. For plenty of students, J-terms provide academic opportunities that can help them graduate on time. Lastly, even if students choose not to take advantage of a J-term, at least they get a reasonably long winter break.