With the growing popularity of winter intersession among students, the dean of extended and continuing education, the division that administers the classes, has asked departments to submit by the end of the month classes they would like to provide for students during the first two weeks of January.

"Although we are eight months away from offering courses, now is the time to have faculty indicate whether they are interested in teaching a course so they can begin planning," said Bob Baldwin, interim dean.

Having the departments think about intersession early in the year gives them a chance to determine what courses students might like the most, he said, adding that "This will also give the departments an opportunity to offer a course they would not normally be able to offer during the semester."

Baldwin said that in the past two years, planning for intersession began in September, as soon as faculty returned from summer break. Some faculty members were not aware of the opportunity, many of those who were said it was too late to adapt their courses. The classes are designed to cover the same amount of coursework as a semester-long class. Most carry three credits.

"From here on out, we plan to give departments plenty of notice, so they can modify their course from a 15-week semester to a 10-day concentrated format," Baldwin said.

Since its inception in January 1997, the number of students who have taken winter intersession has grown from 180 to 305. Baldwin is anticipating that the number of students participating in January 1999 will surpass this year's figure.

He said the intersession program was offered in response to a growing demand from students.

"After reading over the student evaluations it is clear that they love it," Baldwin said. "It is very valuable to students in different situations. There are those who are trying to get that extra course to graduate sooner, those who want to lighten their spring semester load, and others who don't want to go to summer school, to name a few."

Faculty are enjoying the experience as well, according to their evaluations, he said. "They are attributing that to students being able to focus strictly on their course, because they don't have to worry about taking three or four other classes."

Departments interested in offering courses during winter intersession should contact the Office of Credit Programs, at (860) 486-046.

Luis Mocete