For many students, the decision to take summer classes is not always easy. Worried about money, free time and shorter semesters, students are hesitant to enroll and give up what little break from school they have.
It's a break that some find necessary to stay sane.
The benefits may seem hidden under the surface, but students who have made the decision to take summer courses this year should understand these benefits and take advantage of them.
Many majors and graduation tracks are set on a four-year completion route, but this sometimes requires students take up to 18 hours in one semester to graduate on time.
Rather than loading up one semester, many students find that spreading out the hours to extend into the summer is not such a bad idea.
Trevor Barden, junior in building science, said he is taking summer classes to catch up. He said he also likes smaller classes and more laid-back teachers.
It is not just students who enjoy the atmosphere of fewer students in a classroom.
"You get a chance to have a more concentrated class," said Allen Salerno, English professor. "Same time, work, but more continuity. You feel like you cover more."
The official enrollment count does not come out until the beginning of the second minimester, but Drew Clark, SACS Liaison and director of Institutional Research and Assessment, estimates around 10,800 students are taking summer classes this year.
After 2009, the University went through tuition restructuring which allowed summer courses in 2010 and 2011 to be more attractive and affordable.
"One of the motives for restructuring tuition was to make it easier for students to graduate on time," Clark said.
After tuition restructuring, students pay for summer classes by the hour, instead of an entire semester. This means taking one or two classes during the summer will not cost the same as a full semester load.
The most daunting thought that can go through the mind of students enrolled in a summer class is the speed of the course. Attendance is stricter and missing even one day can set you drastically behind schedule.
"You have to be willing to work and stay on top of things," Salerno said.
As a professor, Salerno wants students to be mindful of the stress that comes with just one class. If stress is your biggest enemy, the University offers many different services. Most of the services are also free of charge.
Student Counseling Services is the best place to talk with professionals about ways to cope with a stressful class schedule.
The best part of taking summer courses is the balance of fun and school work that can still be upheld with a little practice.
Barden said that he is hoping for straight A's but he still plans on hanging out and having fun.
Even though it is summer, and the course periods are shorter, deadlines must be met. Don't put too much on your plate. Don't get lost in the reading assignments and math problems waiting to be solved.
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