Contact: Tasha Nicole Braggs/David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

12/4/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- Northwestern State University offers its students another opportunity during the semester to pick up additional classes.

For several years, NSU has offered B-term classes, an eight-week course that offers the same credit as a regular 16-week class. Unlike regular courses, B-term classes are presented within a compressed time schedule, but meet for the same amount of time as semester-long courses.

"B-term classes offers opportunities for students to fill out a schedule or obtain classes not offered at regular times," said NSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas A. Burns. "Students should be aware that it is compressed, and students should be more focused."

Northwestern first developed B-term classes to accommodate students who were on active duty in the military. The classes fit into regular rotations. The University found B-term classes were popular and soon allowed all students to take them.

"I think B-term classes are beneficial because you can pick-up extra hours on your schedule or can pick up a class you were not able to get in regular term," says Michelle Wilcox, a junior medical technology major from Alexandria.

Another advantage of B-term classes is that they assist students who have to drop a class and need to add another course to maintain full-time status.

"I think B-term classes are very helpful and good thing to have," said Miranda Cloud, a sophomore general studies major from Natchitoches. "I had to drop a class and when I did, I went below 12 hours. If I wouldn't have picked up a B-term class, I would have lost my scholarships."

B-term offerings vary each semester and are determined by academic departments based on student demand and available faculty.

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