SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University students clearly know a good thing when they see it — and right now they are seeing SRU’s winter session as a great deal.

“We have seen enrollment skyrocket in the three years we have offered the winter session program. This year, we are offering more than 100 online courses and internships in a variety of disciplines,” said Eliott Baker, executive director of academic records and summer school. His office handles winter session planning and registration.

This year’s four-week winter session runs Dec. 18 to Jan. 14 and allows students, both from SRU or from other colleges and universities, to earn up to seven credits toward graduation during the traditional winter break.

“We are finding that students who aren’t working over the break and have time on their hands are seeing the advantages of picking up a course or two over the break, especially because all of the courses are online,” Baker said.

Class sessions do not meet Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

Enrollment numbers through midweek showed nearly 1,300 SRU students had signed up for classes, compared to 815 a year ago. The program opens to non-SRU students Nov. 25.

Baker said SRU students who attempt winter session courses are “held harmless” in terms of their academic standing should they be unsuccessful.

SRU began the winter session program three years ago offering 30 course sections.

“We saw the interest, and faculty agreed to add more online sections the second year, when we offered about 50 sections. This year, the section count is more than 100,” Baker said.

Among the course offerings are public speaking; a number of sections in the business school; a kindergarten through eighth-grade math/science session in elementary education for graduate students; five sections each in English, health and professional study areas; four sections in nursing; three in philosophy; and 15 sections in SRU’s graduate program in special education.

SRU’s new master’s degree in business administration also starts with winter session.

Current tuition costs apply, including the reduced rate offered for online courses taken by out-of-state students.

Registration for winter session closes Dec. 19.

Additional information is available at: www.sru.edu/academics/distance_education/winter/Pages/WinterSession.aspx.