This winter, Las Positas College is trading snow days for school days with the launch of its first winter intersession.
For the first time, the college will have a third semester. The four-week program runs from Dec. 20, 2025, to Jan. 17, 2026. The offerings will primarily focus on general education courses, such as math and English, and no classes will have prerequisites. The session is open to students who were not able to enroll in fall classes.
Registration for the winter intercession will open in November. Details about schedules, enrollment procedures and course offerings are available on the school’s website.
“All winter intersession classes will be fully online, which will give students a flexible way to get ahead, catch up on requirements, or explore new subjects over the winter break,” said Nan Ho, vice president of Academic Services. “This short, focused term is part of LPC’s ongoing efforts to expand options for students and help them stay on track to achieve their academic and career goals.”
Las Positas hopes the new session will help address the demand for certain classes.
“Our fill rates were just off the charts this semester,” LPC President Dyrell Foster said. “So a lot of students who were on wait lists have had an opportunity to enroll. We’re hoping to capture some of those students during the winter as well.”
For the students who want to stay on track, recover lost time or lighten the load for spring, winter intersession offers a chance to catch up or get ahead. Completing just one course during the short session can help meet the graduation or transfer requirements earlier than expected and give students more time for other priorities in the following semesters.
“I would suggest that, just because it’s such a short term, to not overload themselves,” Foster said. “And to be responsible in terms of being thoughtful about the number of courses that they take, you know, during that time period.”
The winter intercession allows for students to take on a heavier course load, pursue an internship or, simply, reduce academic stress later in the year. The school hopes that this new session will give students more control over their schedules.
It also provides students, as well as faculty and classified staff, a chance to prepare for shorter semesters beginning next fall.
“The winter intersession is also an important step as we prepare for the compressed calendar coming in fall 2026, which will bring more flexibility and opportunities,” Ho said. “We encourage students to explore and take advantage of this new learning option, as it can make a real difference in helping them reach their goals.”
***
TOP ILLUSTRATION: The four-week program begins on Dec. 20 and will feature general education courses. (Illustration by Angelina An/ The Express)
Kian AminiNejad is the News Editor of The Express.
