January terms, or J-terms, are programs that universities implement to allow students to be able to get ahead of their schedule with their degrees. J-terms typically start at the beginning of January, which means a shorter winter break, but that’s up to the student. The term lasts between 10 to 16 days, although they could run a little longer depending on the class or university. This is something Lewis is planning to add, in which the J-term would be the first two weeks of January and would delay the start of the spring semester by one week.
There are so many benefits with having this additional term included throughout our academic year. For instance, students could use this time wisely by having more opportunities to boost their resumes. Many schools allow the J-term time to be used for getting internships, which could be used for school credit, or study abroad. Even though it seems like such a short amount of time, it is about half a month, which could be enough time to explore other areas that students may not be able to do during the regular fall and spring semesters.
If students do not want to participate in the J-term, they could use it as a reset button. This time could be used as a break from reality and to enjoy additional family time. J-term at most colleges are optional, so students could decide how to utilize this time. It could also allow students to feel more laid-back and free during the usual semesters, taking less credit hours because they got more out of the way during the J-term.
While a class for two weeks sounds like a misery of a workload, it would be worth it overall. Many schools all around Lewis have J-terms, including Loyal University, Chicago State University, Elmhurst College and more.
Not only would this allow students to explore more options and potentially the world, it could help them get ahead in their degree, giving them the possibility to graduate earlier. Taking an additional class or two for two weeks would be tough indeed, but it is do-able and would likely pay off by the end of it.
Even professors could benefit from the term by taking a break from the usual classes they might teach and create new and fun ones for the shorter term. It also challenges professors and students to see what they can get done in those two weeks and how productive they truly are.
This addition to Lewis would be beneficial to the entire community.
