It is a time to explore one topic in depth, visit other regions and countries, investigate careers, or pursue a dream. Students are expected to complete three Jan Plans while at Colby. The campus itself is a lively place during January with even more guest lectures, performing arts programs, athletic contests, and social and recreational events on the College schedule. The January Program affords many different options. Some courses offered on campus are traditional semester courses that have been condensed into the four-week period.
Students generally meet in classes several hours each day and are responsible for exams and papers.
The students receive full academic credit for these classes. Other courses are designed especially for January and usually arise from on-going interests and research of faculty members. Professors will develop an idea for a new course, explore a short-term topic, or combine academic interests in their own discipline with ideas from another discipline or even a hobby. The department generally sponsors one or two trips each year. Another option is an internship or independent project which may be on or off campus.