STCC 4-week online winter session starts Dec. 23

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College will offer a four-week online winter session with classes running Thursday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 19.

The winter session classes can be used as electives at both community colleges and four-year colleges and universities, said Richard Greco, dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies at STCC. Winter session also offers an opportunity for STCC students to meet certain requirements in their programs and finish classes at an accelerated pace.

STCC classes are the most affordable in Springfield, and many include free textbooks. Students who live out of state will pay in-state tuition for winter classes. The winter session features dozens of general education classes.

“Winter session is the perfect opportunity for area college students to earn college credit during the traditional winter break period,” Greco said. “Our winter classes are taught by faculty who are experts in their fields, and who have years of experience in delivering online instruction.”

The general studies program at STCC now requires students to take classes that focus on civic engagement. To meet the requirement, students during the winter term can take a civic engagement-themed course this winter. STCC will offer “Survey of U.S. History and Government” (History 110) and “American Government and Politics 1” (Political Science 101).

Civic learning is really one of the most important pieces of what we do. Richard Greco, Dean, Liberal and Professional Studies

“Civic learning is really one of the most important pieces of what we do,” Greco said. “The foundation of the liberal arts education is developing a well informed electorate. A number of recent studies show that students who engage with topics surrounding political science, law and government are more likely to vote than their peers. In a time of political upheaval, it is important that our students have a sound foundation in the political systems in the U.S.”

The civic engagement classes will be taught by professors John Diffley and Michael Magala.

“The goal of this new requirement is to get students involved in their communities,” Diffley said. “They will learn about their forms of government and learn about issues of interest to them. They can really engage and learn how to impact change in their community.”

Students enrolled in the history class this winter term will study the history of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, Diffley said.

“I try to weave in local history to show how topics of national importance and politics have an impact locally and teach students how people in the past, in their own communities here in Springfield and the Connecticut River Valley, have engaged to change and shape the world around them,” Diffley said. “This hopefully will get people to take pride in the history around them and also to be engaged and to start getting involved in politics.”

For more information about winter session, including how to apply, visit stcc.edu/winter. For questions, call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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