THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 13, 1995 TAG: 9501120070
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, CAMPUS CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
IT'S A CHILLY January morning and 12 students are warming up their minds and fingers in a Virginia Wesleyan College classroom.
Fluorescent pink, green and orange squares of paper line the tables. The flutter of book pages, occasional whispers and moans of impatience are the only sounds.
``An Introduction to Origami'' is now in session.
This course is one of nearly 50 offered in ``January term,'' Wesleyan's two-week, noncredit course required for graduation. Students choose from a variety of subjects such as ``Kiting,'' ``Pool - Problem Solving and Pitfalls'' and ``Salsa Aerobics.''
January terms are rare, but not unique to Wesleyan. Hollins College and Sweet Briar College offer versions of the term.
But this 22-year Wesleyan tradition may end. Professor Paul Resslar has proposed changing the academic calendar to equalize and lengthen the semesters, which may alter or end January term.
If approved, changes would not take place until 1997. January term will be studied this spring, and the results will be presented to the faculty.
``One of the questions one has to ask is, `Is it more important to have a January term or more important to have a balanced calendar?' '' Resslar asked. ``It's a matter of what's important to each person. For me, having balanced semesters of reasonable length is more important.''
But to supporters, January term is an integral part of the curriculum.
``It enables professors to teach students what it is to be a lifelong learner,'' said professor Kathy Merlock Jackson, director of January term. ``It's a chance for us to share our interests and skills that might not fit into the traditional courses that we teach.''
The January term courses fit into three categories - academic, skill and professional development. Students can study the ``wild woman'' archetype in a class titled ``Does Madonna Run With the Wolves?,'' learn windsurfing skills in Maui or find out the truth about teaching in ``The First-Year Teacher.''
Roughly 40 percent of Wesleyan students are enrolled in the 1995 January term. The latest study reveals two-thirds of the college community are in favor of it.
``What full-time student would ever have the chance to do this?,'' asked junior Judy Barron, while folding a fluorescent pink piece of paper into an iris in her Origami class. ``When you're sitting in here. . . there's something nice about it.''
Even though they enjoy the classes, some think it's time for a change. Students must complete two January terms to graduate. Juniors transferring in with 60 or more credits have to do one.
``I think classes should be offered as an option, not a requirement,'' said senior Pete Koumoutseas. ``January experiences are worth it. . . . They're valid, good classes. But I think they should be optional.''
Forking out a $10 registration fee, and paying for additional books or materials, which can cost up to $45 on-campus and more than $1,500 to travel, is a problem for some.
``There are some good things about it, but I don't think it should be required,'' said senior Chris Parsons. ``I can't imagine how they can force you to spend money twice and not give you any credit for it.''
Others are not for it at all. ``I think January term is a waste of time,'' said junior Sandra Hamilton. ``You have to come to school for two weeks in January to take courses that aren't geared around your major. I think it should be eliminated.'' MEMO: Holly Wester is a sophomore at Virginia Wesleyan College. by CNB