Summer school deadline approaches

Session will offer 490 classes; 70 more than last year

By Martha Martinez

With more than 600 class cuts this semester, many students scrambled to find courses, sitting in on whatever was available.

One student worried that a summer session class she needs to graduate will be subject to similar cuts.

Delia Lomeli said she needed two classes to graduate this semester, until she discovered the classes were canceled. Lomeli wasn’t able to find replacements.

Only one of the two classes Lomeli needs is being offered during summer session, so she will return in the fall to complete her requirements, and hopefully graduate.

Interim Associate Vice President of Continuing and Global Education Berta Gonzalez said that Lomeli’s situation is not typical. She said that most students plan their years in order for them not to get caught in those situations.

That is the case for student Aaron Merrell who is planning to attend the summer session in order to get ahead.

“ I talked to the head of the department, I’m not worried about classes being canceled,” Merrell said.

Gonzalez said the Division of Continuing and Global Education is doing its part in offering students more class options. Continuing and Global Education, which runs the summer session, increased the number of classes to 490 from the 420 classes it offered last summer.

“ Departments recognize that some sections of their course offerings may be cut in the next academic year,” Gonzalez said. “Offering courses during the summer is a proactive approach to assist students in meeting some of the course requirements needed to complete course study.”

Budget cuts have also affected the self-supported Division of Continuing and Global Education. Fees for summer session have increased for the first time in the past six to eight years, Gonzalez said.

“ It’s an unusual time for the university. Not a normal year,” Gonzalez said referring to the economic situation at Fresno State.

Gonzalez said most students understand the university is going through tough times and understand the reasons fees are being increased.

“ The fees have stayed within the prevailing state university fee structure and therefore there has been minimal dissatisfaction from students,” Gonzalez said.

Fees for the summer session depend on the number of units students take, whether they are California residents or international students and if they’re enrolled in the university. The cost also depends on whether students are undergraduate, post baccalaureate or graduate students.

One of the common problems for students during the summer session is the inability to access financial aid, Gonzalez said; the issue will be addressed in the future.

Different options for students are being offered in order for them to complete their education.

“ This department is doing all it can to offer courses and accommodate,” Gonzalez said.

An increase in the number of courses during the summer session is just one option that students have in order to satisfy their academic needs. Gonzalez said that more weekend, evening, and online courses are being planned.

Making Fresno State a year around campus is an option that is being looked into, Gonzalez said. Some ideas have favored making Fresno State a quarterly or trimester system, to open more classes for students.