Why are University of Memphis students taking classes at Southwest Community College?
In the summer of 2002, 510 U of M students enrolled at STCC for the two summer sessions, according to representatives from the STCC Institutional Research Center.
The number of U of M students attending summer sessions was 8,000. Among them were 6,219 undergraduates, 2,067 graduate students, 118 law students and 300 doctoral students.
“U of M students take classes here at STCC for many reasons,” said Thallia Wilson, the assistant director of records. “The primary reason is that tuition is cheaper here.”
The cost of one three-hour class at STCC is $247.
The cost of one three-hour class at The U of M is $543.
Wilson added most U of M students take math, English and foreign language courses at STCC and STCC has a smaller student-teacher ratio.
“Students can receive more personalized attention with the smaller ratio,” Wilson said.
Academic adviser Stephanie Johnson agreed that the smaller student-teacher ratio is an incentive.
“STCC has smaller, more intimate classes,” Johnson said. “I think it depends on the individual student.”
Junior pre-law major Cassi Jordan chose to take Spanish at STCC instead of at The U of M.
“The schedules are better, and it’s a lot cheaper than the U of M,” Jordan said.
Jordan said she also found the STCC courses easier.
“Lots of students choose Southwest because of summer scheduling,” said Spanish instructor Nancy Magallanes.
“Spanish at STCC is on a community college level,” Magallanes said. “The U of M’s Spanish program is faster and more in-depth. We’re on a University level.”
Magallanes recommended that students start Spanish at The U of M and take it in sequence.
