<p>I was just wondering if someone could help explain the 4-1-4 academic calendar and how it might differ from a more traditional one. I've been reading a bit about it on the Middlebury site, but it's still not too clear exactly what the setup is. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I have kind of the same kind of question but different. I get the whole concept of taking a class over January or J-term. But in a recent WSJ article, one of the many changes Midd is making is to:</p>
<p><a href=“http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123561477318778281.html[/url]”>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123561477318778281.html</a></p>
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<p>For parent who have students already there, what has the administration been saying about this? And what are the issues being talked about currently on campus?</p>
<p>cuts do have to be made and although the loss of international trip classes and outside teachers is not great, I can understand the budget necessity. That being said my daughter is a sophomore and had a university professor for one term and an outside professor for another J-term. The outside professor was nice, but wasn’t really trained so much in teaching (it was an art class). she liked the class a lot (but then she is good at drawing). She might have learned more for a university professor. A note about the 4-1-4 program: FABULOUS. Middlebury has it organized well, interesting classes, a chance to do something different. Some schools talk about it, but Midd really lives up to it. It really gives the kids a chance to explore other options.</p>
<p>I wrote about this somewhere before (If only I could remember which thread). J-Term was one of my favorite features at Midd. I always make a point of telling potential students about it when performing Alumni Interviews. Two of my favorite classes were J-Term classes. They really give you an opportunity to study something that you wouldn’t normally study. One of the classes was even an introduction to the field in which I did my graduate work. I think the 4-1-4 calendar is at the heart of what a liberal arts education is all about.</p>
<p>if it weren’t for J-term, I wouldn’t be on the career path I am now. It’s a unique opportunity to explore outside your intended major and ‘feel around’ for what else is out there. I was intending to major in theater until I took a “Biotechnology and Religion” class and was inspired to change to Biology. Crazy, I know. Also took a Nietzsche philosophy class that was probably the most enlightening experience I’ve ever had. J-term is a great thing, and since it’s only one course, students are able to partake in Winter Carnival activities, fun winter phys ed courses (like igloo building, snowshoeing) and ski both the Midd Snow Bowl and spectacular cross-country trails. Now who could give this up?! 
I heard some negatives from my friends who took J-term courses with visiting profs…I always stuck to Midd faculty anyway!</p>
<p>Wow… some really great posts. And really appreciated the comments about the professors. Does everyone participate in J-term or are you only required to participate twice or something like that?</p>
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<p>Yes, I think Amherst talks a lot about this but in practice it falls short. So, what does J-terms do your “semester” classes? Their just two weeks shorter than semester classes, yes? I just remember that I went from a trimester system to semester and I lost a lot of credits as a result. This isn’t quite as bad, but worth asking the question.</p>
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<p>J-Term is one month long (as opposed to fall and spring classes, which run from September-December and February-May). The class meeting schedule is intense–you meet for several hours a day, and many meet every day. I agree with the above sentiments–it was an awesome way to try something new. I took beginning oil painting one year and it really established an outlet for my creativity which has followed me to my adult life.</p>
<p>I was under the impression the students could create their own J-term experience and were allowed to travel internationally, as well. Is J-term solely an on-campus experience?</p>
<p>Hope that’s right na1028. If son is science, he will probably not get the opportunity to go abroad for a semester so a JTerm or 2 would be ideal.</p>
<p>Modadunn- I was a science major (didn’t take any required courses until sophomore year) and managed to still double major in Spanish and study abroad in Spain for a semester. Anything is possible at Midd…if you want it bad enough, you can make it happen. Midd prides itself on its abroad programs and I’d encourage your son to seize the opportunity despite his demanding science course load. Some kids tie-in their scientific interests to their study abroad, like healthcare in Africa, etc though it is often a challenge to transfer credits. I didn’t know too many people who took J-terms off, although it is possible to do this once, I believe…everyone really loved J-term and seemed to want to stick around. It’s a REALLY fun time of year, so it’s hard to leave. I do know some people that went to Malawi Africa and taught about AIDS awareness or participated in other similar travels during January instead of staying on campus. Not sure if they’ve changed the rules since…</p>
<p>I believe that organized classes that spend time abroad over J term have been cut, but that is because the additional costs the students paid to take the class didn’t cover the entire cost of the trip. That being said, you can use the time to do your own J term trip abroad if you so choose. My daughter is currently writing a grant to work in a hospital in Uganda over J term. Keep your fingers crossed that she gets it. It will be a great experience and she will get to work with a Midd grad Dr. who spends part of every year working at the hospital.</p>
<p>J-term is not only an on campus experience. Students do need to spend two years on campus, however students may spend their other two j-terms abroad or participating in an internship, or working.</p>