The Office of Summer and Special Academic Programs extends the regular academic year through course offerings that meet the academic needs of resident degree students and visiting non-degree-seeking students. Summer and Special Academic Programs is a separate administrative unit housed under the deputy provost and senior vice provost for academic affairs with its own director who works directly with departments and schools in selecting the courses offered and instructors employed during the summer. Each summer and January Term (J-Term), the University of Virginia offers a rich selection of courses to over 4,000 students.