Winter Session Classes from a Student's View

What is Winter Session?

Usually winter break is the long vacation everyone craves—and needs—at the end of a busy university semester. But, if you’re one of the many students worried about course loads, falling behind, or want to get ahead on credits, winter break can be a saving grace.

HOW LONG ARE WINTER SESSION CLASSES?

UMass Amherst recently revised its academic calendar to include a three-week longer winter break for students to better prepare and concentrate on winter classes, so there’s never been a better time to consider and enroll in Winter Session courses. Registration for the 2023 Winter Session is open and classes formally begin on Wednesday, December 21. Winter Session runs about six weeks in total with short breaks for holidays.

WHY SHOULD I ENROLL IN WINTER SESSION AT UMASS AMHERST?

Reading through the requirements of your academic career can be difficult, and mistakes happen - no one could blame you for forgetting to fulfill a General Education requirement before moving onto your major-specific (or upper-level) courses). Winter Session at UMass is perfect for those looking to catch up, especially when you can take classes remotely.

Or, if you don’t need to catch up but still want to peruse the course offerings for something  interesting, Winter Session is the time to do it. You’ll only pay by the number of credits you take, and since classes are offered 100 percent online, there’s no need to dish out money for housing or meals, making the cost of Winter Session drastically lower than that of an entire semester on campus.

WHAT CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE?

UMass Amherst is offering a broad selection of classes for Winter Session; students can choose from over 200 classes, making UMass Amherst one of the largest online Winter Session offerings in New England. These include a wide variety of not only General Education courses but upper-level major-specific courses that are especially beneficial to upperclassmen looking to fulfill requirements within their major.

I’M NOT A UMASS AMHERST STUDENT, CAN I STILL REGISTER?

Yes! You don’t need to attend UMass Amherst to enroll in and complete a winter course. In fact, many students from other universities enroll in a winter class and return to their home institution with their credits transferred. Simply enroll as a new student when signing up for winter session, or contact the university to get help in determining your student status.

WHAT IF I DON’T FINISH THE COURSE?

Just like during the regular academic semester, classes taken over Winter Session will have an add/drop period in which you can drop any class that doesn’t feel like a good fit, swap it out for another class, or add a class. The add/drop period lasts for about a week after classes start.

However, if you’re certain you’ll be unable to complete a class after the add/drop period ends, students should withdraw from the class as soon as possible. The withdrawal period ends three weeks after the add/drop period does, and students should familiarize themselves with the tuition refund schedule if they plan on withdrawing from a class.

Students can also contact their instructor to determine if they’re eligible to receive an “incomplete” grade at the end of Winter Session, which allows for more time to complete any coursework and still receive credit.

Winter Session is THE best way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your college experience. With hundreds of classes to choose from and a flexible schedule, you’re bound to find something you need or want to take. CLASSES begin on DECEMBER 21 and REGISTRATION IS OPEN, so start looking!

Written by Haley Kaye

Class of 2023, HFA