Allie Bedell
Equinox Staff
Beginning in summer 2011, Keene State College will extend the summer session to a single 10-week session compared to the three session options previously offered to students. The new summer session will encourage students to live on campus and will work to create an environment similar to the normal fall and spring semesters by making many resources available to students.
“Creating a single summer session also allows the campus to better support students with housing and meal plans and traditional academic support,” Bob Baker, director of Continuing Education, said.
[singlepic id=101 w=320 h=240 float=right]
Many critical offices will be open their regular hours to provide services to students during the summer session.
“The Counseling Center plans to be operating at normal business hours during the summer session. Services will be mostly consistent with any other semester,” Dr. Brian Quigley, director of the Counseling Center, said.
Other offices on campus will not only be open, but will encourage student use.
“The Center for Writing staff is looking forward to working with students during the summer session,” Kirsti Sandy, interim director of the Center for Writing, said. The intent behind creating a single, longer term cannot be explained with one reason, and varies greatly depending on who is explaining it. A multitude of reasons motivate the change, including convenience for students and staff as well as cost.
“The original goal for the revised Summer is Smart initiative was 200 residential students,” Mandy Martin, assistant director of Residential Life, said. “Currently there are about 45 students signed up.”
The largest goal of extending the summer program is to increase class availability to students and help them graduate on time. Students not graduating in May of their senior year is attributed to more than just a failing class or poor scheduling for their final semester.
“Graduation doesn’t begin in your senior year,” Tom Richard, the registrar, said. “Graduating begins your first year.”
At this point, 878 students or 76 percent of the graduating senior class will finish in May. The summer program helps seniors complete their remaining credits sooner rather than later.
“That’s where it comes back to the summer program,” Richard said. “That’s what the summer is about.”
Students can have difficulty graduating on time because they don’t plan their course schedules well. Ultimately, the student is responsible for making sure that they have all of their courses required to graduate. According to Richard, the summer session helps to “eliminate the ‘second semester senior crisis.’” Students have more opportunities to plan for required classes. For the first time, KSC has planned out courses for the next eight terms, including the summer, all of which can be found on MyKSC. Previously, the college planned semester by semester, so students could not look ahead at what they plan to take, especially concerning classes that aren’t offered every semester. Another issue with seniors not graduating on time is the “bottle-necking” of classes. Students enter KSC under no specific major, and then are allowed to declare by 60 credits. More popular majors are then slammed with higher enrollment. Some majors attempt to counter that by requiring certain prerequisites before being accepted into the major.
As a liberal arts college, KSC does not require students to declare upon entering. Students take Integrative Studies Program classes in order to explore their options before declaring. The idea of declaring upon entrance has been discussed, but it would prove ineffective. Even if students declared an intent form, they’d be able to change it should they find a more desirable major.
The summer program helps to defer some of this issue. For large majors, students may have difficulty trying to get into the classes required for their major. Even with class sizes increasing, only so many sections can be created with the faculty currently on campus. Through the summer session, students are given extra time and more opportunities to get into those critical classes that they may otherwise be unable to enroll in.
“Part of the challenge in doing that is that you have a faculty teaching system based on a two semester year,” Richard said.
Although the session is ten weeks long, courses may be six, eight, or ten weeks due to the fact that faculty are not required to teach during the summer. They are instead on a sort of “volunteer” basis, where they may opt out. Previously, teachers taught shorter sessions; the different class lengths within a single session allows the campus to operate more normally while providing faculty flexibility.
Finally, some programs require more credits than others, and when paired with the ISP requirements, can actually be impossible to finish in four years, even if the student has been planning well since their first semester.
“We have a lot of programs that are much larger in terms of credits,” Richard said. “There is often a perfectly reasonable rationale for why students don’t graduate in May of their senior year.” The Board of Trustees is looking to cut some of the requirements in order to make graduating on time more manageable so that students don’t have to pay for extra time at KSC to get their diplomas. Currently, the best solution is to remove the extra IA or IH requirement, making the ISP 40 credits instead of 44. The Board of Trustees is also encouraging majors with more than 120 credits determine if all courses are necessary.
“The faculty isn’t happy. It’s concerned,” Richard said. “It feels that they are the experts when it comes to curriculum.”
Until requirements are reevaluated, the summer session gives students another opportunity to be able to complete some of those credits, especially if they have decided on a larger major later in their college career as opposed to deciding freshman or sophomore year.
There is hope for increased graduation rates despite all of the scheduling difficulties that students currently face. The class of 2011 is the first class to have spent four years under 2007’s ISP four-credit system. Classes since the implementation of the program were in a gray area, where they had to catch up on credits for the ISP program.
“In the years between 2007 and now, we were a mess,” Richard said. “We were kind of all over the place. Finally, the people who should be graduating are model ISP four-credit students.”
Ultimately, the summer program will help alleviate some of these problems, though changes will need to be made elsewhere, especially as rising tuition costs are considered.
“I think if we had an easy answer, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Richard said. “Higher education is going to have to make some adjustments.”
Allie Bedell can be contacted at abedell@keeneequinox.com
Stuart Palchetti
WONDERFUL Publish.thanks for reveal..much more wait .. …
xanax treatment
Keep Xanax at space temperature away from moisture, warmth, and light.
xanax abuse
Xanax ought to in no way be shared with an additional man or women, specifically anyone who has a history of remedy abuse or addiction.
viagra oral
Viagra can aid you have an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not arise just by using a pill. Comply with your doctor’s directions.
free stuff online
Yet another kickass blog! Totally can’t wait for more!
free credit check
Yet another intelligent post! Really looking forward to more!
Danuta Urenda
Interesting Blog, Dude! even though this was not what i was looking for (I am on thelookout for guides on how to market products for my hand-made carpets )… I certainly plan on visiting again!..By the way ,if anybody can suggest any links it would be great ! thanks a lot and i will bookmark your article : Keywords define a company | The MarketReacher… I think this is a real great post.Really thank you! Great.
Luciano Perilli
Hello All, I just wanted to start by just saying that the contribution here is simply remarkable.
low priced heel lift
Genuinely does any one reckon that the credit score downgrade will move our leaders into suitable action for once?
value heel inserts
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I¡¦ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
google
I liked your article is an interesting technology
thanks to google I found you
download music free
I will right away clutch your rss feed as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognise in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
reseller hosting tutorial
I got what you intend, saved to fav, very nice web site . reseller web hosting | best reseller hosting |
diablo 3 trial
I?ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i am glad to express that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much indubitably will make certain to do not forget this web site and provides it a look on a continuing basis.
Hyon
Good blog! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
online games diner dash
I have really learned some new things by means of your website Summer session sweetens the deal | The Equinox. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. Thanks for the recommendations you have shared in Summer session sweetens the deal | The Equinox.
путешествие в таиланд
You have really interesting blog, keep up posting such informative posts!
QuickBooks Hosting
Television systems are usually utilized for surveillance, industrial process control, and guiding of weapons, in places where direct observation is very or dangerous.
burger king menu
I enjoyed going through this post. I really accept what you wrote.
Sang
have been searching for thoughts and opinions of people who have tried this out first hand.
Fake Gucci Sunglasses
Hey, May I grab that photo and use it on my own webpage?
submit service
That is my First time Ive visited this site. I identified significantly of interesting info with your blog. With the volume of comments on the posts, Maybe I’m not really the only 1! maintain on the impressive work.
happyday67
Hi, i think this is a very nice post, i love music and entertainment, i will definetely keep up reading your works, thanks for your effort, thats what we need to share high quality contents.
QuickBooks Hosting
Hi, where have you understand info could you please support this with proof or else you may say some really good reference after i as well as others will truly appreciate
scrapebox list
Great Share! Oh my goodness! a wonderful article dude. Thanks a lot However I will be experiencing trouble with ur rss . Have no idea of why Unable to enroll in it. Is there anyone getting identical rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
Castro
I want to exchange links having your internet site is this specific achievable?
music making software
I carry on listening to the rumor lecture about getting online with free streaming grant applications i really happen to be looking around for the finest site to acquire one. Is it possible you tell me please, where could i receive some?
freedom debt relief reviews
Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
free slot machine games
I feel that may be an interesting point, it made me suppose a bit. Thanks for sparking my pondering cap. Every so often I am getting such a lot in a rut that I just really feel like a record.
card debt relief
Nice! Just wanted to respond. I thoroughly loved your post. Keep up the great work.
juicers at costco
Excellent published write-up. It’ll be beneficial to everyone who usess it, which includes yours actually 🙂 . Keep up the good work – for positive i’ll examine out far more posts.
commercial espresso machines
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We grabbed a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there…
credit debt relief
Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Coconut Creek family chiropractors
Hey There. I discovered your weblogdebt relief the use of msn. This is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.
Coral Springs pinched nerve treatment
I cherished as much as you will obtain carried outdebt relief right here. The caricature is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nevertheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you want be turning in the following. sick for sure come further until now again as precisely the similar nearly very often within case you defend this hike.
Coral Springs carpal tunnel treatment
comedian But a smiling visitantdebt relief here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style and design . “People forget how fast you did a job – but they remember how well you did it.” by Howard Newton.
Coral Springs back specialist
Simply wish to comediansay your article is adebt reliefs surprising. The clarity for your put up is simply cool and that i can assume you’re an expert in this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with imminent post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the enjoyable work.
Desirae Denten
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Coral Springs family chiropractor
I believe comedianthat is among thedebt relief such a lot vital information for me. And i am happy reading your article. However wanna commentary on some common issues, The site taste is perfect, the articles is actually excellent :D. Just right activity, cheers.
QuickBooks
I quite trust your submission, however, lam having problem subscribing to your rss
viagra
I was really encouraged to find this internet site. I desired to thank you for this special study. I undoubtedly savored each tiny little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to have a look at new stuff you post.
Ermelinda Cordenas
I recently passed this onto a friend who had been doing a little research on that.
Parkland back pain remedies
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for! debt relief
Replica Hublot Big Bang
Regularly it is extra manageable for smaller businesses pick web hosting services shared. It truly is less expensive and definitely will meet the entire business requirements.
scrapebox blast
I?m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend a while finding out more or working out more. Thanks for great information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
NFL Picks Against the Spread
Seriously!You have made a variety of nice points there. I did specific search terms on the party theme and found mainly folks will consent along with your blog. This internet site will be the best I have come across in a while. This page offers fantastic subject material. Ive been looking everywhere for information due to this style of stuff. I looked everywhere, I looked in Yahoo, so i didnt find this post before now. Honestly, you undoubtedly present good content, it is useful. I’ll be returning with your immediate future. Please maintain the website current, it’s excellent. Go have a look at my site and buying a Nook
Katrice Fogler
I think other site proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and magnificent user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
Auto approve list
I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)