How could the non-credit bearing Wintersession be used academically?
Who will pay for the expenses associated with the non-credit bearing Wintersession?
An optional 2-week Wintersession would create space in the academic year for student exploration, reflection, and hands-on learning, with activities geared to students at different stages of their academic careers. For example, juniors and seniors might wish to use this time to focus on independent work. Undergraduate and graduate students are especially keen about the possibility of short workshops in R, Python, or digital media. The McGraw Center and the Writing Center could offer supplemental workshops to help students develop better study skills and facility with writing. McGraw could also offer additional and extended pedagogical training to graduate students, especially to those who are teaching Wintersession offerings. Some faculty have expressed interest in linking a course they are teaching (in either the fall or spring) to an optional two-week off-campus study trip. Undergraduate students might also take the opportunity to participate in expanded 2-week Princeternships, service experiences, site visits for teacher certification, and professional training.
- Who would design and offer Wintersession opportunities? Would faculty be required to teach in Wintersession?
Participation in Wintersession activities would be optional for faculty and students. Interested faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff could elect to design and lead a Wintersession activity. These activities might range in length from a brief talk to a two-week trip.
The committee would recommend that the University create a fund to help cultivate and support the programmatic expenses associated with Wintersession.
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