Monmouth University is now offering a winter semester from Jan. 2 to Jan. 17. Undergraduate and graduate students can earn up to three credits with asynchronous, hybrid, or in-person class options.
Melvin Kysha, Registration Specialist at the Office of the Registrar, said that the winter semester will offer 15 courses in various disciplines, including elementary Spanish, theater appreciation, and information technology for business. She said, “The courses are offered online or hybrid to provide more flexibility for faculty and students. Students can take up to three credits, costing $1,121 per credit. The add and drop dates are Jan. 2 and Jan. 3.”
Thomas Bieber, Associate Athletics Director for Academic Support, explained, “Students can register for Winter Session courses via their Self-Service/Student Planning Portal. Registration can occur up until Friday, Jan. 3, a day after Winter Session courses begin on Thursday, Jan. 2.”
Rebecca Sanford, Associate Professor of Communication, said, “I’ve never taught a term shorter than four weeks at MU, but I will say that a semester’s worth of materials in four weeks is a whirlwind. Keeping up with reading, assignments, and assessments will be intense for students and instructors alike. By the same token, that intense focus will pay off with three credits completed in a couple of weeks.”
Kysha said that the University aims to allow students to stay within their anticipated graduation date and successfully complete their credits as needed. She added that students will now have the opportunity to catch up on credits or get a head start on their academics.
Jason Fitzgerald, Associate Professor and Chair of Curriculum and Instruction, said, “I think that the Winter Session is a benefit to students because it allows them time to catch up on or expand their curriculum in some fun and interesting ways.”
He added, “The Winter Session will work best for general education classes. Classes that require external fieldwork might not be a good fit for our Winter Session term. The good news is that chairs and faculty members know these differences and are opening sessions with these distinctions in mind.”
Third-year finance student Ty Caffarelli is enrolled in the course Music Appreciation during the Winter Semester. He said, “I think it is a great option, especially for students who want to advance in their academic careers and have the opportunity to take classes during January. I also believe this class is a great idea for students who either have to or want to stay on campus during winter.”
He continued, “I think the cost of these classes is high. I am paying over $3,300 for a three-credit two-week course. Given how much information and how long this class is, I believe it should not be as much as a full semester class.”
Senior Communication student Cierra Mooney explained, “I would not take a Winter course because I am on track to graduate and would not feel the need to spend the extra money on those courses if I don’t need them. Winter Break is also my time when I can work, save money for the spring semester, and spend time with my family. I know how stressful classes can be, and I wouldn’t want that to take away from my break if I didn’t need to take the class.”
David Golland, Professor of History and Dean of the School of Humanities, concluded, “Students should know what they are getting into, so I suggest talking to your advisor and considering it. I hope students will find it difficult and reflect on it as a positive learning experience.”
