While COVID-19 has forced many colleges and universities to find new ways to meet the basic needs of their students, Fairmont State University has taken these adjustments, including those to the academic calendar, as an opportunity to offer a mini-semester which they are calling Winter Term.
“The new academic calendar provided us an opportunity to do something I have been wanting to do since my arrival – create a Winter Term that will afford our students yet another opportunity to stay on track and succeed,” said Fairmont State President Mirta Martin.
Fairmont State University is offering current and transient students Winter Term courses to be completed in a condensed period of time, compared to traditional semesters. During the exclusively virtual “mini semester” credit and non-credit courses may be taken over the course of five weeks. Courses will begin on Monday, November 30 and conclude on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Winter Term courses provide several benefits to students including the opportunity to retake a challenging course, ease course loads in upcoming spring or fall semesters, receive more one-on-one attention from instructors or satisfy requirements for a degree to trim the path to graduation. Additional innovative courses will be offered during this term. Internships or field work may also be completed during Winter Term.
“We are thrilled to offer current and new students with the opportunity to enroll in a course during the Winter Term,” Dr. Rick Stephens, Fairmont State University Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “I encourage all students to check course listings with the Registrar, talk with your advisors and with faculty, and consider taking advantage of the many benefits Winter Term provides.”
Registration for Winter Term will be open to students beginning October 19. Waitlists will also be available for most courses. Students are only permitted to register for one course during the term. Costs per-credit-hour will be consistent with fall and spring semester tuition rates. Inquiries related to grants and scholarships should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.
Winter Term courses can be found by searching the Fall 2020 schedule of courses and selecting “Winter Full Term” under “Part of Term.” Current students should meet with their advisor before choosing a Winter Term course. Registration PINs will be the same as the Fall 2020 Term. New students will be required to meet virtually with an academic advisor to obtain a registration PIN.
The Fairmont State Winter Term page can be accessed for more information at FAIRMONTSTATE.EDU/winter-term. Students may also contact Admissions and Recruitment at 304-367-4010 for all academic advising questions.
