Summer school is an aspect of life either loved or hated bycollege students.
Some students avoid school during the summer at all costs, whileothers take full loads at every opportunity.
Budgeting issues occasionally arise with summer school,preventing students from taking needed classes. Because facultymembers receive extra pay for teaching summer school, departmentscan't always afford to offer all the classes students would like totake in the summer. However, summer school is usually like anyother semester, with students on campus and classes in session.
"Our summer enrollment is comparatively large because many ofour students are classroom teachers," said Ric Hovda, dean of theCollege of Education at The University of Memphis. "Summer providesteachers the greatest flexible time for doing degree work."
While some students take it easy or work during the summermonths, summer school provides a different option to those wantingto finish their degrees a little sooner or who can't take heavycourse loads during the regular school year. Hovda said summerschool is simply another opportunity that allows students to accesscoursework. Some are even able to get more coursework done duringthe summer, particularly if they have other obligations during thefall and spring semesters.
"One benefit I find with my summer classes is that I get to knowmy students better and much faster than I do during the fall orspring semester," said Allen Seed, professor of Instruction andCurriculum Leadership. "The students and I seem to make a betterconnection. The only drawback is the fast pace."
Kimberly Lynch, a nursing student at Belmont College inNashville, Tenn., said she takes advantage of summer school,especially since she switched majors during her sophomore year andis behind.
"I plan on taking a full load of classes this summer, mainly toinsure that I'm not still in school in two years. I would havegraduated this May had I stuck with my original major, but I'mhappy with the change and think it's worth the extra year ofschool," said Lynch.
Hovda said stress caused by school, particularly in the summer,is more of a personal issue than a timing issue.
"For our students who teach during the academic year, the summertypically would be less stressful since they aren't juggling aclassroom and night classes," he said.
As for drawbacks, Hovda said he didn't see many, other than thefact that students who want to teach during the summer are verylimited since a "normal" school curriculum is usually nottaught.
Seed said students find advantages to summer school outweighingthe problems.
"As far as I know, the summer classes are well attended,indicated by the fact that most sections are full," Seed said. "Iwould definitely recommend that students try summer classes."
