Jan Term

     At Pacific University we offer “Jan Term” classes during our winter break in the month of January.  The classes last for 11 instructional days and are three hours long. Jan term classes are usually 2 credit courses so that the workload is manageable. Students have the opportunity to move back on campus and utilize their meal plans during this time period. Registration for these Jan term classes occurs when students register for their spring semester classes. In terms of the classes, many disciplines are usually represented during Jan term.  As for the cost, Jan term is something that is already included into the price of tuition so there is no extra charge. Even more reason for students to take advantage of this time.

     Often, students will take a class that may be difficult for them if they were to take it for an entire semester. For example, social science majors (psychology, sociology, ect.) sometimes take a hard-science class during the winter break in order to meet their requirement, and hard science majors (chemistry, biology, etc.) may try and fulfill their art or social science/humanities requirement during this time.

     Although every year is different, usually a third to half of our students take advantage of our Jan term courses. Many students love this because our already small community is much more tight knit and connected during these three weeks.

     Jan term is also when a lot of our travel courses take place. Travel course are mini study abroad programs that we offer. Students can get their civic engagement requirements met in Trinidad and Tobago, have their science requirement met by taking a marine biology course in the Galapagos Islands, etc... These are also worth two credits and are a fun way to pursue your degree! Be aware that the travel courses are “out of pocket” trips unlike the on-campus Jan term courses and other study abroad trips.