DeKALB – After piloting the program last year, NIU will again offer J-term classes during the 2024-25 winter break.

J-term classes begin after the fall semester in December and end in January before the spring semester. 

“I like the fact that I can sit down and have something to do over winter break, and then I only have to take four classes instead of five classes during the spring,” said Gabby Crabtree, a sophomore double majoring in communication and sports management who took a J-term class last year. 

In addition to allowing students to get ahead, J-term classes can also help students maintain a consistent schedule over the long break.

“I totally plan to take a J-term class again. It was a really good experience, I enjoyed it a lot. I learned a lot, and it helped keep me busy over winter break,” Crabtree said. “It’s a good way to make sure that you’re staying on schedule, and if you’re a little bit of a go-getter, taking a class over winter break is pretty simple.” 

Shaine Henert, kinesiology and physical education professor at NIU, who taught KNPE 310: Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise during the 2023-2024 winter break, also found J-term to be a positive experience.

“It’s a long break, I don’t mind teaching classes over the break. I know it helps students as well who may be looking for credit hours for whatever reason; to help them get ahead, to maybe help boost their GPA, so it’s kind of a win-win for everybody in my opinion,” Henert said. 

Students are able to register for these courses during their registration for spring classes, which began Nov. 4.