By
Christian Richardson
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Library hours limit which classes are offered, even though more courses available than ever
The UA Extended University is offering more winter session classes this year, but students may encounter a lack of university services while taking the classes.
The cutback on the hours for the Main and Science-Engineering Libraries along with the UofA Bookstore can cause problems for students during the winter break.
"More than a problem for the students, it can be a problem for the department," said Beth Acree, program coordinator senior for the winter session.
Acree said some classes are not offered because the libraries' limited hours allow less time for students to research.
"Nothing's open, like the library, most of the departments," said Renee Himes, anthropology junior. "Normally, I wouldn't do it (but) I need to get the hell out of here."
Another University of Arizona student believes the libraries' hours will be a problem.
"I find I get most of my studying done in the library," said Kevin Walker, marketing senior.
But, there are also benefits to taking winter courses this year.
"One advantage is you only have one class to concentrate on," said Acree. The classes incorporate a concentrated 14-day period. "It's very intense, if that could be called a disadvantage."
Enrollment for Winter Session began yesterday, which listed 67 courses. But one has already canceled, Acree said.
Last year 1,035 students enrolled for Winter Session with 53 classes offered and about 5 cancellations.
The one cancellation for this year was the Management and Policy (MAP) 320 on-campus course. Acree said the department was unable to find an instructor.
The Extended University is offering students a wide range of opportunities to receive credit during the winter break.
The equivalent course for MAP 320 is being offered through the management and policy department in San Carlos, Mexico during winter session.
This year, they are offering a law class for the first time and added four more tier classes, Acree said.
Psychology 358, psychology of consciousness is being offered for the first time online at that time as well.
The class consists of a series of forums students participate in and discuss the readings.
"It's a forum were people are comfortable discussing their opinions," said Victor Shames, adjunct lecturer of psychology.
Students have until the Jan. 16 deadline to pay for classes.
"We send the checks out as early as we can by law," said John Nametz, director of need-based aid. "The winter classes are kind of rolled up into the academic year."
Nametz said students can't increase their amount of eligibility, but "in some instances the additional costs can be covered by additional aid offers."
RSVP doesn't enroll students for the session. Students need to either walk to the winter session office in the University Services building, 888 N. Euclid Ave., or they can mail in their applications.
Walker is weighing the costs of spending his winter break in the classroom.
"I'm toying with the option," he said.
Walker said he needs to talk to an advisor before he makes a decision.
"I have to work here during the break," he said. "It would probably be a lot of work for me to take the winter course."
