Loyola will offer primarily “high demand” courses during this year’s summer session.
Coordinators in the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies proposed “high demand” courses would ensure stability on various levels.
“Only classes proposed for the summer are ones that have historically had a high demand of 10 students or more,” said academic counselor and summer session coordinator Teri Berthelot.
The basis for determining what classes are considered “high demand” was student enrollment from the last three summers, according to Berthelot.
The purpose of reformatting the courses was to strengthen the course offerings and to avoid canceling any classes.
“It’s practical. We don’t want to disappoint students by having to cancel classes and we want summer to be a good option for students to get ahead,” Berthelot said.
Classes that may not be offered can be reviewed to determine whether they have potential to reach the minimum of 10 students.
The benefits of having a stable list of courses are not only limited to students. Faculty is also affected since they are paid separately during the summer.
Before, Berthelot said, if a faculty member did not teach the minimum number of classes due to low student count, they could possibly only make 90 percent of the projected summer pay.
“The minimum of 10 or more students would ensure faculty get a full summer pay,” Berthelot said.
Course changes, however, may prompt many students to ask questions.
As a result, summer session coordinators will hold the Summer Sneak Preview on March 8 for students to learn more.
“We want to provide this opportunity for students to come and have their questions answered,” Berthelot said.
Students will have an opportunity to discuss issues with financial aid, paying bills, dorm life, meal plans and be able to talk to advisers about how courses fit with degree requirements.
“It’s a one-stop shop to tell you, here’s everything. Here’s all the right information,” Berthelot said.
Changes were made to improve the summer session for everyone involved, Berthelot said.
“It helps out everybody,” Berthelot said.
“It helps the university to thrive. It helps the students to get ahead and keep up with their studies, and it helps the faculty to earn a little extra money by teaching over the summer.”
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