For students trying to complete their degree at Salt Lake Community College, taking classes in the summer has its pluses and minuses.
Full-term summer classes last 12 weeks, four weeks shorter than similar classes in the fall and spring semesters. This abbreviated schedule can help students get required courses out of the way quicker, but could also provide a more intensive structure, making it difficult for students with jobs and other activities outside of class.
“A shorter term [could] be an advantage or a disadvantage,” says John Wiemer, an academic advisor at the Miller Campus. “Some students who are procrastinators probably don’t work well with the summer term. The advantage is you get done a little quicker.”
For international and out-of-state students, another benefit to summer classes is the cost. These students will pay the same for tuition as residents during the summer, instead of nonresident tuition, which on average is about $9,000 more.
“If you’re a nonresident, you still pay resident fees in the summer, so if you’re an international student, you’re paying basically the same as everyone else,” explains Wiemer.
Since fewer students attend classes in the summer, students are able to have more face time with professors, and at times, more evolved discussions in the classroom.
“[Summer classes are] less crowded than the fall semester … it’s a little more casual atmosphere, I think,” says Wiemer.
Many students simply want to enjoy their summer and take a break from school, but the time between fall spring and fall semester also provides a good money-making opportunity.
“Lots of times, students want to work in the summer to get enough money to go to school,” says Wiemer.
Students can register for summer classes through MySLCC. Visit the summer section on SLCC’s website to learn more about summer semester.
