What is J-Term?
J-Term is an opportunity for GSD students, staff and faculty to hone skills, learn new ones, or just have fun. Workshops are non-credited courses during the first two weeks in January. Participation is voluntary, for fun, and a way to learn something new! Workshops are taught by invited guests and members of the GSD community for the GSD community.
Is there a charge to enroll in a J-Term course?
Enrollment is free (although there may be associated costs for materials and/or transportation – check the individual course listings for details), and is only open to current GSD students, staff and faculty. A $75 drop/withdrawal fee is charged to anyone who does not withdraw by December 8, 2025 or does not attend the course in its entirety.
Can students from other schools take a GSD J-Term course?
GSD J-Term Courses are open to GSD faculty, staff, students and alumni and do not allow for cross-registration at this time.
Where can I find a list of course offerings?
Courses for January 2026 will be published once the proposal submission deadline has passed.
How do I sign up?
Enrollment information will be located within each individual course listing on the J-Term course page once they are published in the fall.
Want to propose a J-Term course?
Course proposals should be submitted using the link below by October 24th 2025.
2026 J-Term Course Proposal Form
- Submit a separate proposal form for each course. If you wish to propose multiple courses, please complete an individual form for each one.
- Courses must take place between January 5 and 16, 2026, during business hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST), Monday through Friday.
- Teach a tangible skill.
- A $200 stipend is provided to GSD students, alumni, or Loeb Fellows who teach a course. Instructors will receive only one stipend, regardless of the number of courses they teach.
- Courses may not require a physical installation, sponsorship, or funding from Harvard University.
- Cannot require travel.
- Use of the Fabrication Lab is restricted and must seek prior approval from Fabrication Lab administrators.
- Courses should be designed for approximately 2 hours of class time and about 10 hours of preparation, or another combination totaling up to a maximum of 12 hours overall.
- GSD students who wish to instruct a course must be in good academic standing and enrolled for the spring 2026 semester, as well as be able to provide two GSD faculty or staff refences.
- References will be contacted as part of the evaluation process.
The Office of Student Life administers the J-Term programs, please contact [email protected] with additional questions.