Summer gives students time for classes
The University of South Dakota offers summer courses to its students, but some students might be wondering if it’s worth it.
Academic adviser Steve Ward said taking a summer course can benefit a number of students in various ways.
“If students have time during the summer and they are either interested in getting through school quicker or have to catch back up with credit hours, summer classes are a great idea,” Ward said.
Ward said signing up for summer courses is easy. All students have to do is register online through WebAdvisor, just like any other course.
“All you have to do is change the location of the class, whether it’s online, or at Vermillion or Sioux Falls,” Ward said.
While USD doesn’t offer all of its courses in the summer, Ward said the ones offered have the same curriculum as the courses offered in the fall and spring semesters.
“The summer classes are the same as the classes during the year except for the time frame,” Ward said. “The longest summer class is 12 weeks long, which means the lessons are quicker and more intense. There are some classes that are shorter than 12 weeks. Each class has its own intensity level.”
Freshman Melissa Buhl said she is taking three summer classes — one online and two at the University Center in Sioux Falls. Buhl said other students should consider taking summer courses.
“I definitely think taking summer classes are a good idea, especially if you didn’t end up with enough credits your freshman year,” Buhl said.
The online classes have an advantage over the classes students can take on campuses, Ward said.
“With the online classes, a student doesn’t have to worry about driving to class or missing class either,” Ward said. “They can take the class and do their work at their home when they have time.”
Junior Julia Kendrix said she is taking one of her major’s courses online this summer. The course requires her to complete 100 hours of job shadowing, which she can’t do during the school year, Kendrix said.
“It gives me more time to complete the class and I’ll have less stress because I won’t have to worry about any other coursework,” Kendrix said.
Kendrix said all students should consider taking courses during the summer.
“It makes course loads lighter in the fall and spring,” Kendrix said. “It’s also easier to graduate in four years, especially if students have to retake any classes.”
Reach reporter Nicole Gibson at [email protected].
