Students in the snow on Main Campus following the first snowfall of 2016. Photographed for Development and Alumni Relations use. - (Evan Krape / University of Delaware)

Registration for the University of Delaware’s 2020 Winter Session is now underway.

Get ready for Winter Session

Article by Cindy Hall Photo by Evan Krape October 28, 2019

Special term helps UD students stay on track

The University of Delaware’s 2020 Winter Session registration is now underway for students who want to earn credits in a short period of time between the fall and spring semesters. Students should consult their UDSIS Personal Student Center webpage for guidance on when to register.

The condensed, five-week format of Winter Session makes it an ideal time for students to gain credits needed for on-time degree completion. Research shows students who take 30 credit hours each year have a significantly higher chance of graduating in four years with a bachelor’s degree. Many students also use the term to get ahead on their academic path.

Approximately 500 undergraduate and 50 graduate courses are available during the day or evening and include academic and breadth requirements, experimental courses and independent study. There are also online classes that can be taken anywhere a student may be.

“I would highly recommend taking a class during Winter Session,” said Nikkie Harrison, a junior medical diagnostics major. “Winter Session has helped me focus on classes that would otherwise be very difficult if taken during the regular semester. Although the classes are accelerated, all of my time and energy could be spent on that one class. Taking Winter Session has also helped me to get ahead so that I can have a lighter credit load during the regular semester, and I have higher priority when scheduling classes.”

Students also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and career guidance through the UD Career Center’s winter internship and job shadowing programs.

UD Winter Session is open to all students. UD Associate in Arts Program (AAP) students may choose to study on the Newark campus or take classes at any of the AAP campuses.

“Taking a winter course really benefited me by helping me stay on track with my credits,” said Steven Hunt, 2019 AAP graduate now studying on the Newark campus. “When I was taking Spanish courses, I had to take 107 to be complete, as I was finishing 106 in the fall. However, UD didn’t offer it in the spring, and I didn’t want to wait another year to take the class, so winter was the best option.”

For students hoping to extend their winter break a bit longer, the University will offer about 30 four-week courses. The five-week term begins Jan. 6, while the four-week classes start Jan. 13.

The registration and drop/add period continues through the fourth day of each winter class schedule: Jan. 9 for five-week classes and Jan. 16 for four-week courses.

Discounts and financial aid

Winter Session provides financial benefits: UD offers a 25 percent discount on the standard per-credit rate for all students who take at least 6 credit hours. Nonresident students who take UD-Online Distance Learning classes outside Delaware may qualify for an even lower rate. See the online site for options and conditions.

In addition to potential loan eligibility, any student who currently receives a Federal Pell Grant may qualify for additional Pell funds to help cover Winter Session costs. Students who need a winter class to meet their graduation requirements and have exhausted other resources may apply for a Blue Hen Success grant, designed to provide one-time funding to help a student graduate. See additional details on the SFS Special Sessions page.

On-campus housing

There is no additional Winter Session housing fee for students already living in the residence halls for fall or spring semesters. Students who will live in the halls only during Winter Session will be required to pay a housing fee. All students planning to live on campus must complete the Winter Session Housing request form found in the My Housing portal, accessible from the Residence Life & Housing website.

On-campus dining and meal plans

All-you-care-to-eat residential dining locations will offer a wide variety of menu choices in addition to the à la carte dining areas, coffee shops and convenience stores across campus. Students living in traditional residence halls are required to select from the available on-campus winter meal plan options. Students living in University Courtyard Apartments or off campus are not required to purchase a meal plan, but still have the option. Each meal plan includes a combination of meals, points and guest meals preloaded on students’ UD ONEcard. Students should visit www.udel.edu/diningrequest to select a meal plan. Dining Services’ registered dietitian is available for personal consultations regarding special dietary needs.

More information

For additional information, visit the Winter Session website.