J-Term in the works for Viterbo?

Viterbo students who may be having trouble fitting too many credits into one semester might delighted to know that a J-term is being considered for the coming years. Starting in the spring, a task force under the faculty council will be assembled to discuss the matter and decide if the J-term is a good idea.

Coordinating this task force is Associate Professor of Biology, Ward Jones. "We won't convene as a committee until early next semester," Jones told Lumen. But he had some information to give on the subject. "The ultimate goal is whether we want to change the academic calendar from 15 weeks to 14 weeks," he said.

The J-term would make changes to both the fall and spring semester schedules, allowing for more time during both winter and summer break. "We would get a full 14 week summer semester that could even be split into two 7 week terms if necessary," Jones said. "And then a 2-3 week term in January."

Although this would give students more opportunities to fit in extra credits, Jones said not every subject will be available during these terms. "Certain classes lend themselves to a J-term and others will not fit as well," he said. "Another possibility being considered is study abroad trips during the January term."

One teacher who hopes to take advantage of this is Associate Professor of

history, Keith Knutson. "I like the idea," he said. Knutson wants to create new

classes that would include a trip during the J-term. "I would like to plan a trip to Greece," he said.

Knutson currently teaches ancient Greece in his western civilization class, but hopes to develop a new class focused specifically on that so that the abroad trip would be more purposeful. "Given that the time of the J-term is in January and not during the tourist season, airfare and travel costs will be cheaper and that makes the trip even more appealing," he said. He also believes the term is congruent with UW-La Crosse's schedule, which already has a J-term.

Jones is neutral on the matter. "I can see the good in both shortening the semesters by one week to make more room for J-terms, and also keeping them the way they currently are," he said. He thinks this is important, being the head coordinator of the task force because he can present the information in a neutral unbiased way. "I want to be able to make educated decisions and this is the best way to do that," he said.

How do students feel on the matter? Some are excited at the possibility of getting extra credits in during the year without having to stay an extra semester just to finish all requirements. Others don't think they will take advantage of the J-term.

What about the expense on the school of doing a calendar modification like this?

"I don't think there will be a huge monetary impact," Jones said. "However when going from a 15 week to a 14 week semester, there will be some slight changes."

Jones stated that the main factors being discussed by the task force in the spring will be, shorter semesters, possible class time extensions, and coordination with UW-La Crosse's academic calendar. "I'm looking forward to being a part of this decision," he said. For now, students and faculty alike will have to wait and see.