Every year, Hamline University offers month long January, or J-Term, classes that have as many credits available as Fall or Spring classes and are at no extra cost to students. The class listings can be found on Piperline under the heading Winter 2016.

Junior Eric Matthews has never taken a J-Term class. “I really wanna do it”, he says, “But I think I’ll do May term instead”. For Matthews, the J-Term classes do not fit into his schedule, but he appreciates the opportunity that they represent for other students.

Katie Meier takes a more humorous approach, exclaiming that she “doesn’t have to commute for an entire month!” It’s a good idea for students to have a break if they need it, she says, but “If you have to get some extra credits in, it’s really nice!”

A quick look at the descriptions listed on Piperline showcases classes that offer plenty of real world applications for special interest topics. For instance, “Human Heredity and Disease”, taught by Professor Presley Martin, promises to “confront students with ethical choices that society will need to make regarding new genetic technologies.” There is a required lab component to this class, as it satisfies requirements for general biology courses.

Other areas of study that are offered during J-Term also have special topic options. “Exploratory Drawing” is offered in Art, as well as “Victimology” in Criminal Justice, “Special Topic: Art of the Short” in Digital Media Arts, and “Essential Skills in Career Success” disciplinary studies.

J-Term registration takes place at the same time as registration for the Spring 2016 semester. Like other courses, students require a PIN from their advisor in order to register.