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Apprehensive that his traditional background of science education may not coincide
with Mormon beliefs, Brian Allen signed up for the classes anyway. After some online research and careful consideration, Allen concluded it will be interesting to take online summer science courses through Brigham Young University. At $100 per credit, the price was too reasonable for his dad to oppose.
Summer courses are a popular option for college students at Syracuse University. Whether it is to get ahead in credit, squeeze in an extra major or try to graduate on time, summer courses offer a relatively simple venue to achieve those goals.
Allen, a junior political science and English and textual studies major, took Creative Writing Fiction Workshop through SU during the summer of his freshman year. To Allen, the online format was essential for fitting into a busy summer schedule balancing three jobs.
"It was one of the best classes I've taken at Syracuse with one of the best professors I've had at Syracuse," Allen said.
The only drawback was the price.
"Now that I am in a situation where I need to fit in the extra credits over the summer, I wanted to choose a class that would be cheaper than Syracuse, because their courses are about $800 per credit," Allen said.
Online courses are offered through University College at Syracuse, whose office is located at 700 University Ave., just past Maggie's Tavern. In addition to summer courses online, University College also offers classes on campus.
Last summer, about 1,390 students took classes through University College, according to Director of Summer and Part-time Programs Kay Fiset.
"Students seem to want to go home to get jobs, and the online courses allow them to do that," Fiset said.
University College is ideal for Syracuse students because no transferring is involved. Currently enrolled students can sign up through MySlice or at the University College office. Courses are also available for visiting and part-time adult students. Financial aid is not offered for students who qualify during the regular academic year, but student loans
are available for summer classes.
All undergraduate schools offer online classes except the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. A popular program for students is the MAYmester option, where students take three credits in the course of the two-week period of May 15 through 26.
Lois Gridley, manager of editorial and media services at University College, is especially excited about two new MAYmester classes.
"One thing we are pushing is MAYmester at home," Gridley said. "If you live in New York City or Washington, D.C., we are offering Art in New York City (STA 500) and Museums in a Changing World (MUS 500)."
The two-week intensive courses exploring actual paintings and displays of America's finest museums are ideal for Syracuse students because no prerequisites are necessary. Gridley sees summer classes as advantageous due to the reduced cost of paying for credit hours instead of the fixed tuition rate. She also admits that for the lazy college student, it is more laid-back not having to attend class every day.
"Usually freshmen and sophomores want to go home during the summer," Gridley said. "More students going into their senior year are interested in the option of Summer Study at Syracuse. Students who stay in Syracuse for Summer Study take on average two classes per six-week semester."
Session one is held from May 22 to June 30, and the second session is held from July 5 to Aug. 11.
"Not a huge percentage of people stay," Gridley said, "a percentage we would like to see increase."
Trying to balance her love of the camera and love of her trumpet, Jennifer Luzzo, a junior broadcast journalism and music major, realized she needed a way to squeeze in the rest of her Arts and Sciences requirements in order to graduate on time. Luzzo decided to sign up for four summer classes at Morris County Community College in her hometown.
"The classes I took at the community college were significantly cheaper than
staying in school, and all my credits transferred," Luzzo said. Although the classes took up precious relaxation time, they in no way interfered with her summer mentality.
"Since the classes are in the summer, they are easier, at a faster pace and are generally more laid back," Luzzo said.
Ann Marie McGinnis, director of the student records office in The College of Arts and Sciences, sees a good amount of students take summer courses at a college near their hometown and transfer the credits. Last summer, 98 graduates transferred 276 courses, 51 transferred from a two-year college and 47 students transferred credit from a four-year college.
Students interested in this option must submit a petition outlining the course(s) they plan to take during the summer, and the college recorder will review the petition and inform the student which courses will be transferable. Students who skip this preliminary process generally have more problems with courses that do not transfer.
"Our procedures for transferring credit from another institution are designed so that there are no surprises," McGinnis said. "As long as students receive a grade of C or better and they have their planned course work pre-approved, the credit will be accepted."
For The College of Arts and Sciences, certain restrictions are in place regulating the number of hours that can be transferred. A maximum of 66 lower-division semester hours may be transferred to the Syracuse degree from a combination of testing programs and two-year colleges. A maximum of 90 semester hours of credit may be granted from another four-year college.
Summer classes offer a wide range of opportunities for students double-majoring, graduating early or trying to avoid an 18-credit semester. And for that student behind in credits who wants to toss his or her mortar board in the sky in four years along with the other graduates, it is the only option.
Sidebar:
Thinking of Taking a Summer Course?
1. If you are considering the online option through Syracuse or Summer Study on campus, pick up a summer catalogue at the University College Office at 700 University Ave. or check out their Web site at YeSU.syr.edu/summer6
2. Sign up on MySlice or at the University College Office.
3. The postmark deadline for MAYmester is May 5, for session one is May 12 and for session two is June 23.
4. The walk-in deadline is May 12 and fax registration (315-443-3255) deadline for MAYmester is May 16.
5. Session one is May 12 and session two is June 23. If you are considering take a course at an accredited institution other than Syracuse University, check with your home college for what restrictions are in place.
6. Fill out a petition outlining the course and meet with the recorder at your home college's registrar office.
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