Sound familiar? Well, instead of enjoying a break from school, students can catch up in units by taking intersession classes.  

On Sonoma State University’s home page, there is heavy advertising for Winter Intersession 2013-2014.  

It encourages students to graduate sooner, but we all know it is mainly to catch up with units students could not get during the regular academic semesters. 

As a third year junior, I have had bad registration experiences and let me tell you it has been very frustrating trying to become a full-time student with 12-units at times.

Scrolling down my Facebook page, hearing conversations walking on campus and talking about it with friends I know there are plenty of Sonoma State students with the same frustrations.  

My advice to students is talk to your adviser early and often, and then cross your fingers when enrolling.

Intersession classes are a great way to get units.  If students know they want to take a course it is easy to enroll, unless they wait to the last minute. 

The tuition and housing fees of intersession courses could make it hard for students to actually enroll. Last summer, I took two 4-unit courses in intersession and for tuition alone it cost $2,400.  Keep in mind that this isn’t even including the off-campus housing.  

And my 16-unit tuition fee for spring 2014 is $3,617.   So, looking at these costs, students can see that intersession courses are much more expensive than academic courses during fall or spring semesters.

Aside from the costs of taking courses during winter break or summer, students miss out on things they could be doing with their free time.  

“I was super bummed when I had to take a winter course,” said senior Konner Darr.  “I wish I could have spent my whole break relaxed with family and friends at home.”

Intersession courses are supposed to be taught with the same requirements and value as courses taught during the academic semesters, right? Some students say it might be otherwise. 

Professors who teach during intersession classes tend to have more sympathy for students.  

Overall, courses being taught during intersession are easier than ones during an academic semester. 

“During my class over intersession we barely learned anything” said a student who wished to remain anonymous. “I could tell you, talking to other people who had the same course during the school year, that it was not the same and the intersession course was a lot, a lot easier.”

Open registration is closed for Winter Intersession, but there is still late registration, which will be ending on Dec. 18.  Students who enroll during late registration must register and pay in-person at time of enrollment.  

Students enroll at the School of Extended and International Education in Stevenson Hall 1012.  Another option would be to fill out the online registration form and fax it to 707-664-2613. 

Look for more information on intersession classes at sonoma.edu.