Winter Term

Oberlin provides a winter term each year to empower students to discover the value of self-directed education. Students may devise an individual project in collaboration with an Oberlin staff or faculty member, or participate in a group project that has been organized by Oberlin staff, faculty, or other students. These undertakings can happen on or off campus. The Office of Winter Term oversees these projects.

The central objective of this period is to continue the process of personal and academic discovery outside of the classroom.

Explore the on-campus experience

This Week in Photos: January 29

January 29, 2020

Although Winter Term 2020 is complete there are still so many photogenic and inspiring moments to share. In this photo series, we visit Lake Erie; Hall Annex 100 for a theater workshop with director Joey Rizzolo; Peters Hall for an elementary Russian class; the Ninde Scholars at Oberlin High School; and a chance to sport a terrific pair of 3D-printed snow glasses.
Bridging the Gap: Oberlin Students Develop Dialogue with Conservative Religious School

January 28, 2020

Led by Simon Greer, a leading facilitator for social change work, students from both schools engaged in learning to build bridges across lines of difference.
History at the Museum Examines How Institutions Educate the Public

January 27, 2020

Winter Term project explores how various museums choose to construct narratives.
Panel Discussion Celebrates Entrepreneurship in Oberlin

January 24, 2020

LaunchU partnered with the City of Oberlin for a panel discussion on local entrepreneurship.
PERSIST: Intro to Research Project Helps Students Envision Themselves as Scientists

January 24, 2020

New Winter Term offering gives underrepresented students meaningful insights into what it’s like to conduct research in a STEM lab.
This Week in Photos: January 22

January 22, 2020

In this photo series, we explore the art of cinema storytelling; go to an entrepreneurial boot camp; get intense with strings and Greek; go back to high school in Berkeley; stop by the freezer section in Kim’s Grocery & Carryout; get involved with dark matter; learn R for SPSS; join a dance class; design an archeological exhibit; get cozy with a wild beast; and much more.
Independent Scientific Research Opportunities Abound During Winter Term

January 20, 2020

In Professor William Parsons’ Chemical Biology and Organic Chemistry Research Winter Term project, students delve deep into independent scientific research.
Phlox Ensembles Give Underrepresented Groups a Voice

January 19, 2020

Ensembles promote women and trans individuals in classical music, and celebrates repertoire by composers of these identities.
Podcasting Oberlin News Develops Students’ Audio Storytelling Skills

January 17, 2020

Podcasting project immerses students in podcasting as a medium; fosters storytelling, interviewing, audio recording, and editing skills.
History Design Lab Institute Advises How to Launch an Oral History Project

January 15, 2020

The History Design Lab Institute offers an intensive look at how to launch a collaborative oral history project, along with methods of project design and presentation.
Updates to Winter Term 2020 Build a Robust On-Campus Experience

October 7, 2019

New group projects and student support services enhance the on-campus experience.
‘‘Diving into the Art World’’

June 20, 2019

This episode of An Oberlin Minute spotlights the Practicum in Museum Education winter term, which explores the Allen Memorial Art Museum and familiarizes students with museum education and gallery teaching.