January Term

Each January, traditional methods of teaching and learning yield to alternative approaches. The philosophy of J-Term is to provide a uniquely balanced liberal arts education.

J-Term is a creative time in which faculty and students experiment, explore, and dream. Students can discover new subject areas, reinforce and expand existing knowledge, test creativity, develop a personalized learning experience, travel or study at another college, or take regular term courses taught in a different format.

More than 60 courses representing every division of the College have been offered during J-Term, including staging and performing an opera, exploring Spanish cinema, studying the geography and biology of Nicaragua, preparing for graduate study in law, building and racing a radio-controlled yachts, throwing pottery, and creating a museum exhibit.

Student volunteer activities have included coaching youth athletics, mentoring at-risk children, and building homes through Habitat for Humanity.