<p>OneProudDad, From what I understand, taking winter session is not necessary in order to graduate in 4 years. It was required that my son be at school in January so it just made sense for him to take a class while there. Not sure of the upperclassmen policy but I do know as a freshmen you cannot be in the dorms over winter session unless you are taking a class. You are charged room and board and for the class so it does come out to about $5000 for the session. My daughter also a freshman wants to take winter session next year but I can’t seem to justify the cost when the local community college offers similar classes at much less. 7 weeks is a long time to be home especially when your friends start leaving about 2 weeks before you do so we are trying to figure out some options for her that arent quite as $$$.</p>