January Term at Hampshire College offers a unique opportunity to pursue a variety of interests; the College strongly encourages participation in it. Students may study a specific subject in depth, take workshops, participate in seminars, or work independently on divisional examinations. January Term can also be a time to study something that doesn't quite fit into the regular program of study.

Faculty members often use January Term to experiment with new approaches or explore new subject matter, making their students partners in  curriculum development. January Term instructors include regular and visiting professors as well as community members, alumni, staff, and students.

As of January 2014, the length of the January Term precludes offering full academic courses. The College is instead expanding the January Term workshop curriculum, offering a full array of co-curricular academic workshops in 2014. 

January Term workshops have been piloted over the past few years with demonstrated interest and success. Offering workshops during the January Term provides valuable opportunities for students and faculty to explore new ideas and interests or develop specific skills and experiences for current work and studies.