We call it a Spring Term, other schools may call it a Maymester. Whatever you call the four-week term, it is a gift to all. Instead of having two 14-week semesters, we have two 12-week semesters and then our 4-week Spring Term. This allows us to get the same amount of credits as we would at a traditional setup college while taking fewer credits during the regular terms. This also allows us to experience all that is Spring Term: One class, great weather, and awesome opportunities.
One Class
There are a lot of ways you can look at the advantage of only taking one class. For some, it is a time to take a really hard major requirement so they can focus on just that class. For others, it is a chance to take a random fun class that has absolutely nothing to do with their major. At a liberal arts college, they encourage that kind of thing. Professors get to use Spring Term as a time to offer unique courses that would not work during a regular semester. There are classes on anything and everything from “Anatomy of Fraud,” “Making Comics,” “CSI W&L” and “Eco-Writing” -- to just name a few.
Great Weather
April showers lead to May flowers and mid 70-degree days. The clear skies and extra free time allotted from only having homework for one class make for some great times. Students will be seen outside sunbathing between classes or even having class outside to take advantage of this time of year. Some classes even include hikes in their syllabuses. It is also a chance to finally explore what is off campus by hiking or going rafting. Great weather means barbecues and band parties outside. It is a great change from the harsh winters of Virginia where you stay inside for the majority of Winter Term. Not to mention, it is time to pull out shorts and summer dresses. Trade in the Bean Boots for a pair of sandals.
Awesome Opportunities
The greatest part of Spring Term is that it is not confined to campus. Tons of students choose to spend the four weeks abroad. It is the same principle as on campus with a professor and a group of students, just at an awesome destination. It is especially great if your major doesn’t allow you to go abroad for a whole semester. Last year, I spent four weeks in Siena, Italy studying the “Science of Cooking”. I was able to get my lab science requirement while exploring Tuscan vineyards and gelato factories. I have another friend who is spending three weeks in South Africa for journalism and communications. These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!
On campus classes also get to go on trips. My magazine journalism class is spending a few days in New York City, where we will meet with tons of major editors and staff for companies like “Rolling Stone” and “Martha Stewart."
Spring Term is the college memories you never forget, not to mention the time when you get to sleep in and have enough time to binge-watch "Scandal."
