The new term replaces the briefer "e" period and offers opportunities for intensive academic coursework, job skill development, and independent studies and fieldwork in the US and abroad.

For example, students can receive credit for studying genomics or for learning how to write grants. They can travel to Kerala, India and examine how factors, such as the increasing privatization of health care, affect preventive care and the delivery of services there.

A non-credit option allows students to work with the Office of Communications to learn how to promote research by pitching stories to journalists and by writing press releases, background papers and opinion articles. A different non-credit activity, taught by Donald Halstead, head instructor of the English for Professional Communication Program, helps students improve their expository and scientific writing skills.

WinterSession emerged from years of discussion between Harvard University officials and HSPH’s Student Coordinating Committee (SCC), faculty, and administration.

The Registrar’s office began accepting proposals for credit courses last winter.

The special term has meant adjustments for both students and faculty. For example, Eileen McNeely, who will teach "Occupational Health Care Delivery" during WinterSession, said her course has meant planning a new syllabus, identifying course materials, and developing learning objectives, but she sees benefits to participating in WinterSession. The course will help introduce a new training program in the Department of Environmental Health called "Occupational Health Services Research and Policy," while students who take the course fulfill a departmental requirement for graduation. The course frees credits so students can take other classes in the fall and spring terms, and McNeely appreciates the razor-sharp focus of a shorter course.

"What’s nice is that people can clearly concentrate on specific material with intensity," said McNeely.

In general, all full-time HSPH students are expected to participate in WinterSession, in accordance with their individual needs and interests. Departments have the authority to require participation or to grant exemptions based on internal guidelines.

Full-time students will not pay more tuition to participate in WinterSession. Part-time students will need to pay for credits. Travel expenses and materials fees are not included in tuition costs.

Visit www.hsph.harvard.edu/registrar/WinterSession/index.shtml for more information.