Annoyed and frustrated at your newly printed syllabus, your roommate looks over your shoulder and mutters, ‘That class was a breeze; I took it over the summer.’ You glance back at the 15 page major research paper, group presentation and three examinations and think about dropping a class because your 19-year-old pal said taking it during summer would be worth giving up time in the sun. Dedicating time and money to a summer class may be worth neglecting your job as a camp counselor, but it may not be for everyone. Summer classes are meant to keep students ahead, a float or on board to graduate and are not seen as a loophole to a better grade, because believe it or not, you will be kept the full class period.
The weather will be getting warmer towards the end of March and class attendance at the University will dramatically decline as you find classmates enjoying the perks of a one mile radius to the Jersey Shore. If you’re one of those students who will take advantage of the allowed two absences per semester solely for a warm week in May, a summer class may not be the best idea.
Surrounded by white walls, white floors and books may not be an ideal summer vacation. Senior education major Ashley Mcpeek said, “Being inside when it is 85 degrees and sunny and your friends are at the beach is a serious downside.”
Consider your options before turning your nose up at the idea of “summer school,” as it is vastly different than what we thought summer classes were in high school. It’s a great way to be ahead in credits in order to lessen the load and defer from an 18-credit semester for your entire junior year.
The University promotes its ideal location to beaches with a 15 percent reduced tuition rate and affordable housing in order to attract students to its summer programs. Public relations professor Kristine Simoes said, “If you don’t have a full load, you can’t get financial aid, which deters many students from considering summer courses. The school does offer some incentives on price to help compensate for that.”
Whether students are interested in the accelerated four week class schedule or the six or 12 week, they should be aware of several aspects before committing to a summer of academia.
1) Professors have no obligation to shorten the class time simply because it is 80 degrees. The beach may be around the corner, but realize you are a student first and foremost; not a lifeguard.
2) Do not expect an easier workload. The stipulation may be that a summer class is less tedious than a regular semester class, but we all know what happens when we assume. The chances are that you may find it easier because you’re not distracted with five writing intensive courses, work, internships and relationship maintenance. Scattering your classes over the summer period is a great way to ease stress and pressure during the fall and spring terms. Mcpeek said, “A great summer class to take is anatomy and physiology because it allows your full attention and requires a lot of memorization.”
3) Parking is no longer a hassle or an excuse for your tardiness. There will absolutely be open spots and close ones too! The weather is too nice anyway, so walking long distances is even embraced because you need to even out your tan lines.
4) Campus life may be a little lonely without all of your sorority sisters, frat brothers, teammates and friends around. You may not have the benefit of always seeing a friend in the Dining Hall, but learning to be more independent and focus solely on tomorrow’s presentation will be simpler without “Teen Mom” playing in the background.
5) Monmouth County has the best cuisine and nightlife around. If you’re of legal drinking age and can appreciate a good bite to eat looking over the Atlantic Ocean, sitting in class will be worth it on the weekend. Finally, you can experience Bar A without guilt that your final is quickly approaching.
6) Fighting over space is over (for now). You might actually have your own room if dorming on campus in eight-person suites will be likely occupied by three.
7) Not every class is available. The University offers 150 classes to students over the summer term. It is recommended to complete a general education class as these courses represent a 1/3 of total graduation requirements. Simoes said, “Many courses are offered online or as hybrids which cuts down on the commute.”
At $712 per credit, it is urged that University undergraduates register during the dates of March 29-April 13 in order to guarantee a spot. A follow-up email will be sent to students this month reminding them of these dates.
Summers at the University have kept many students from returning for a full summer vacation to their homes. With the beach right around the corner and plenty to do, summer classes are a definite benefit to a student who is a busy bee during the standard fall and spring semesters.
IMAGE TAKEN from cornwallseawaynews.com
