This winter SUNY New Paltz will introduce a pilot program of online coursework from Jan. 2 to Jan. 21, 2013 as part of “Winter Session 2013,” Caroline Murphy, assistant dean of extended learning for graduate admissions, advising and summer sessions, said.
Provost Philip Mauceri created the program of three online classes consisting of 22 student slots —“Media and Society,” “Survey of Communication Disorders” and “Art of the Western World II” — with the expectation that it will continue in the future, Murphy said.
When the three classes filled up quickly after the Dec. 3 registration date, an additional course “Evolution for Everyone” was also offered.
Mauceri elected to offer a limited number of courses to ensure a successful outcome, Murphy said. The three original courses were chosen based on content that could be completed in three weeks and experience of the faculty in prior online teaching.
“This can assist students in catching up if they are a few credits short for graduation or in getting ahead so they can lighten up their course load in a subsequent semester,” Murphy said.
Murphy also said that students can use the winter session to repeat courses for credit if they are unsatisfied with their original grades.
As several other SUNY schools including Albany, Oswego and Stony Brook already have successful Winter Sessions, Murphy said the program is expected to provide students with the opportunity to earn three credits in just three weeks.
Third-year English and philosophy major Marcella Guarino said that she is pleased with the decision to offer winter session classes.
“It’s difficult enough to ensure you get the classes you need,” Guarino said. “If you want to graduate on time, you need to put in the extra work and [winter session] gives you that chance.”
Specifically citing her experiences as a transfer student, Guarino said that she will look to sign up for these classes in future semesters to take care of remaining credit requirements.
“The hours of coursework and stress certain students are saving is a definite plus,” Guarino said.
