Three Weeks Three Credits; Students Realize Value of Winterim

By Dan Crosby, Michael Carl, and Meghan Winter

With the semester already half over, students in the College of Business are already making plans for winter break. An option increasing in popularity is taking a Winterim class offered by the College of Business. Since 1996, the Winterim program has grown substantially. During 2005, a record enrollment of 1400 students attended Winterim.

During the three-week Winterim period, over 70 courses are offered to students. The College of Business offers courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management, business communication, and information systems. Contrary to popular belief, even upper level courses are offered in these departments for students nearing graduation.

There are many advantages to taking a Winterim course. Taking a Winterim course can help students achieve their desired graduation date, and it can also improve their GPA. Dr. Jack Hoggatt, College of Business assistant dean for student affairs, notes that students have statistically earned higher grades in Winterim courses. He attributes this in part to the fact that students take only one course during this time period thus allowing them more time to concentrate on the subject.

A major problem for students deciding to take Winterims is the fact that many of them work during this five-week period. To remedy this, the College of Business offers online courses during Winterim. Students enrolled in these courses are able to work and participate in class at their convenience.

Students around the UW-Eau Claire campus are raving about the opportunity to earn extra credits and bring their desired graduation date within reach. "I really liked the relaxed atmosphere in the class and the relationships you can build with your professors and classmates," says senior finance major John Werner. "At first I was really worried I wouldn't be able to keep up with the workload," continues Werner, "But after attending a few classes and realizing that this is the only class I have to worry about, I knew I would be okay."

As evidenced by the rapid growth of enrollment in Winterim classes, it is clear that more and more students are utilizing this opportunity. These classes are not only manageable and convenient, but they are also a great way to keep on the path toward a timely and successful graduation.

Dan Crosby (far left) is a finance/marketing double major from Eagan, MN. Michael Carl (middle ) is a marketing sales major from Mendota Heights, MN. Meghan Winter (right) is a finance major from McFarland, WI. They wrote this article for a BCOM 306 class project.