UW-Madison is considering adding an official winter term, which officials say could help students graduate faster and bring in extra tuition dollars to campus.

If approved, the term would be the first in the school's 164-year history. Every other four-year campus in the University of Wisconsin System offers courses over winter break — sometimes called winterim or J-term (January term).

UW-Madison's Division of Continuing Studies sent out a survey to students Sunday asking for their opinions on the matter. The classes could be offered online or in-person for between one and three credits during the three weeks prior to spring semester, according to the email to students.

Standard per-credit tuition would be charged, which could bring in more tuition dollars to campus, officials say.
"It's to try to use the whole year more efficiently," said Aaron Brower, vice provost for teaching and learning. "We have been hearing over the years and particularly lately that students want to have this option."