Please check back in early October for updated information about J Term 2013.

What is J Term?

January Term or J Term is designed to provide SMU students with yet another option to pursue their academic goals through a focused learning opportunity and a smaller class size. This concentrated program of study allows motivated students to enroll in one (1) 3 credit hour course and productively use this “down time” prior to the start of the spring semester.

In 2012, there are 34 courses from which to choose and all are taught by regular SMU faculty members and/or adjunct professors. Please see the course listing for details – and then talk with your academic advisor about which course makes sense for you. J Term courses are separate and in addition to the course load you carry during the fall and spring semesters, and are offered at a discounted tuition rate.

Who can participate?

Any SMU student in good standing (not currently on probation) is eligible to enroll in a J Term course.  It may also be possible for non-SMU students to be admitted as a visiting or non-degree student and enroll in one (1) J Term course; for details, please visit the enrollment section.

Please note that this is a rigorous undertaking and you should not sign-up unless you are prepared to commit the time and energy necessary to successfully complete an entire course through this intensive format and to attend every class session. Depending on the course, there may be substantial advance reading before the first class meeting, assignments due before and during the two-week period, in-class or take-home exam(s), and final papers or projects due following the last class meeting. Are you up to the challenge?

Can non-SMU students attend J Term?

It may be possible for non-SMU students to be admitted as a visiting or non-degree undergraduate student and enroll in one (1) J Term course. However, circumstances vary, so please contact the following individual for personal assistance:

Claire Brooks
Office of Non-Degree Credit Studies and Visiting Students
Phone: 214-768-1014
Email: cbrooks@smu.edu

When do classes meet?

In January 2012, the academic calendar for J Term will be comprised of eight instructional days spread over a two-week period with one “free” weekend in between. Classes will be held January 3-6 (Tuesday through Friday) and January 9-12 (Monday through Thursday). Most classes meet during the day, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A few courses will be held in the afternoon and evening, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

How much does a J Term course cost and when is payment due?

Students will pay a reduced tuition rate of only $1,040 per credit hour, the same rate offered during the SMU Summer School program in 2011. The total cost for one J Term course is $3,120 and no other fees will be assessed (with the exception of travel costs for the "Synthesizing Nature" course). Payment is due by Monday, December 19, 2011 (same as for spring semester) to avoid a late fee of $150.

Does financial aid apply?

Students considering enrollment in a J Term course should contact their financial aid advisor. Most SMU Merit Scholarships are available in pro-rated amounts for 3-hour courses during J Term. However, need-based Grant, Federal and State funds are not available for J Term.

Interested students must apply for J Term Financial Aid by Friday, November 19, by submitting this form to the SMU Financial Aid Office (Blanton 119): 2011-2012 SMU UG J-Term Financial Aid Application

For more information about the Financial Aid Office, visit the SMU Financial Aid website or call 214-768-3417 for assistance. Financial Aid Advisors are assigned alphabetically by last name. 

Why take a J Term course?

In addition to the financial incentive, J Term offers SMU students many advantages,
including the opportunity to:

• accelerate degree completion or stay on track for graduation (in four years)
• earn a second major or minor
• fulfill general education or degree requirements
• complete a prerequisite needed for another course or opportunity (SMU Abroad or SMU-in-Taos, for example)
• take a particular course of interest with a distinguished faculty member not normally offered or outside their degree plan
• meet graduate or professional school admissions requirements
• improve academic standing/GPA or maintain eligibility (for athletics, scholarships, etc.)

Where is SMU-in-Plano? What about parking?

Just 20 miles north of the hilltop, the Plano campus is located off the North Dallas Tollway at 5236 Tennyson Parkway in the Legacy Business Park near several major corporate headquarters. This location is easily accessible from all points throughout the DFW metroplex and will prove especially convenient to many SMU students who reside in North Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Frisco and other parts of Collin and Denton counties.

Directions to SMU-in-Plano are available online.

SMU-in-Plano offers plenty of free parking (no decal is required) and is close to numerous restaurants ranging from fast-food to gourmet. The campus is also close to major malls, including Stonebriar Centre and The Shops at Willow Bend; upscale ‘lifestyle’ centers such as The Shops at Legacy and Lakeside Market and various entertainment venues like Angelika Theater, Dr. Pepper StarCenter and Dave & Buster’s.

Will housing be available?

Please note that there are no dormitories at the SMU-in-Plano campus, and that the residence halls on the main campus are closed during this period. (Hawk, Martin, Moore, Daniel House, and the SMU Apartments are the only communities open over the break.) Therefore, students enrolled in J Term will be responsible for their own housing.

Is there a hotel nearby?

We have secured a block of hotel rooms at very favorable rates at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott-Plano located just a mile away at 5005 Whitestone Lane, Plano, TX 75024. To make your reservation, please call: 972-943-8200 (or 1-888-236-2427) and mention the group name "SMU J Term." The cut-off date for reservations is Friday, December 30, 2011.

• Studio Suite $69 per night (plus applicable taxes)
• Two-bedroom Suite $89 per night (plus applicable taxes)
• Hotel Amenities: 
  • Complimentary continental breakfast
  • Fully-equipped kitchen, including refrigerator, conventional oven, microwave, dishwasher and coffee-maker
  • Free high-speed internet access wireless in the rooms and all common areas
  • Business Center features computer and color printer/copier
  • Fitness room
  • Guest laundry room
  • Complimentary shuttle service, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 9:15 p.m

When is the deadline for submitting the J Term application form?

Please note that J Term 2012 courses are not initially available for registration through Access.SMU. There is a special J Term enrollment process and application form which must be completed prior to Thanksgiving.

You should first meet with your advisor to select your preferred J Term course and up to two (2) alternates. Then, complete the J Term application form where you will be asked to list up to three (3) courses in priority order. Some courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment or for other reasons, thus the need for you to identify up to three choices; if you don't have other course options, leave blank.

The J Term application form should be submitted as soon as possible for best consideration and no later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 (before Thanksgiving). Application forms may be dropped off to the University Registrar Service Center on the first floor of Blanton or taken upstairs to the Taos/J Term office on the third floor of Blanton (Room 338), faxed to 972-473-3433, or sent to: jterm@smu.edu

When will I hear back about my J Term course and be able to officially enroll?

J Term application forms will be reviewed and processed in the order in which they are received. After Thanksgiving, you will be notified of your final course selection and given permission to go into Access.SMU to officially enroll yourself for that one (1) course. Any personal or financial ‘holds’ on your account will need to be cleared in order to register on-line and complete the enrollment process. Payment is due by Monday, December 19, 2011.

What if I have to drop my J Term course? Will I get a refund?

Yes, you will receive a refund of 100% by providing written notification of your drop/withdrawal (send email to jterm@smu.edu) no later than 4:00 pm on Monday, January 2, 2012 (BEFORE the start of classes). You will receive a refund of 50% by providing written notification of your drop/withdrawal no later than 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 (the FIRST day of class). Due to the intensive nature of J Term, NO refunds will be issued after this time. Once we receive your written notification, we will complete a withdrawal/cancellation form on your behalf and submit to Enrollment Services/Bursar for processing.

What are the J Term drop/withdrawal deadlines?

When will I know my J Term grade?

Who should I contact if I have any other questions?