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Course List now available - Click here to view or download your copy! Deadlines - Stay up to date with E-Term! Get forms and downloads you need for E-Term E-term Class Spotlight: ESC 207 Study Abroad in South Africa
Experiential Term
Students observing aquatic life during e-term course Experiential Term (E-Term) at Ferrum College is your opportunity for hands-on learning experiences.

Find out more about E-Term:

What is E-term at Ferrum College?

Experiential Term (E-Term) is a three week term which offers a variety of two, three and four credit hour courses for all students enrolled at Ferrum College. Courses offered in E-Term are from across the curriculum, including courses from the liberal arts core of required courses, to courses that meet speaking and writing intensive requirements, and courses that offer an experiential opportunity in one of our 32 majors and/or 33 minors.

Each course gives students a chance to participate in
  • » research
  • » regional, national and international travel
  • » resume building opportunities
  • » development of service projects
  • » unique projects and experiences
All classes are taught by Ferrum College faculty through the Ferrum College campus. A majority of the courses offered do not require pre-requisites and are appropriate for students entering their second or third semester of college. Courses provide an opportunity for experiential learning on the Ferrum College campus, as well as through travel (domestic or international) and also involved in research and/or service learning. There are no additional tuition or room/board costs attached to E-Term.(If a student wishes to take more than two E-Term courses, tuition and room/board costs will be applicable.) Any costs for travel, lab cost, etc. in an E-term course will be listed with the course description during pre-registration.

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Students abroad during e-term course

When do students take E-term classes?

Students register for E-Term courses when they pre-register for Spring classes, but do not attend the E-term class until the first week of May. E-Term is offered the three weeks immediately following graduation each year. Students are housed on the Ferrum College campus during E-Term, and all of the resources expected during the academic year will be available. Special activities offered outside of the courses will be designed with course offerings in mind.

Currently enrolled/full-time students will register for E-Term courses when they pre-register for spring semester. The last day for currently enrolled full-time students to register for E-Term is the last add date during the week following spring mid-semester break. Students must register for a minimum of 12 hours for the regular spring semester. An E-term course will not count in those 12 hours but could put a student in an "overload" status for spring semester if the student registers for 18-19 hours and then registers for an E-term course. The last day to drop an E-Term course is the first day of the E-term classes.

Part-time students must register by the "last day to ADD" the first week of spring semester (the add/drop week). Part-time students will be charged for a course during E-Term at the three credit hour rate as they are during the long semester.

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How many E-term classes must students take?

Freshmen entering fall 2009 will be required to take one E-Term course prior to graduation. Students who transfer to Ferrum College with 58 hours or more will also be required to take one E-Term course.

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What classes are offered?

2009 - 2010 Course List now available!
Available classes will vary by term. You can view the classes offered in E-term 2009-2010 by visiting the E-term Courses page.

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Forensic investigation students during e-term course

What deadlines must I meet?

Deadlines for E-Term 2009 - 2010 are as follows:

Pre-registration for spring semester is November 5-10, 2009
Students must register for an E-term course when pre-registering for spring semester, however they must register for a minimum of 12 hours for the regular spring semester as an E-term course will not count in the spring hours.

Deposits for courses for courses with a fee of $2,000 or more will be due by December 8, 2009
The non-refundable deposit for all classes with a fee of $2,000 or more is $500.00

Deadline for scholarship application November 18, 2009
Applications for need based scholarships will be available during pre-registration. Arrangements for any other financial aid help must be addressed now with the financial aid office. Click here to download a scholarship application.

Student registration and obligation for E-term courses
Arrangements to pay outstanding student account balances for the fall semester must be in place and current to register for an E-term course.  Arrangements must also be in place to cover spring semester balances (including E-term class) prior to spring semester check-in.  Unless already awarded a need based scholarship to help offset the cost of E-term, arrangements to cover the entire cost must be made.  Students will not be allowed to participate in an E-term course unless all financial obligations have been satisfied.

Last day to drop
The last day to drop an E-term class is February 9, 2010 without financial obligation for course fee. ALL deposits and scholarships are forfeited if the student withdraws from the class during the drop period. Students are obligated for all course fees after the February 9, 2010 drop date if still registered in the course.

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What forms do I need to complete?

A complete list of forms and downloads is available on the E-Term Forms & Downloads page.

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Where can I find out more about previous E-Terms?

Check out this site about ESC 207 made by a Ferrum student: Study Abroad in South Africa.

Photo galleries of past E-Terms are coming soon!

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