By April Fuller/reporter
Students hoping to squeeze in an extra class between spring and summer on NE Campus are out of luck.
Although other TCC campuses are offering the option, NE Campus decided not to participate in the May minimester this year because of the small window of opportunity to hold classes.
The May minimester is a fast-paced, three-week course, approximately four hours a day, offered to students who are on a deadline, are behind in school, want to focus on one subject or want to get ahead. It is usually scheduled between the end of the spring semester and beginning of the first summer semester. The May term runs May 15-26.
The vice presidents for teaching and learning services on all campuses agreed last year to support and schedule miniterms only if they provided at least 11 meeting days so class sessions would not have to meet longer than 4.5 hours.
Dr. Jane Harper, NE vice president for teaching and learning, said there would not be enough available class time if they offered the May miniterm this year.
“Grades for spring semester are due on Friday, May 15, and Summer I classes begin on Wednesday, May 27,” she said. “With two weekends and the Memorial Day holiday between those two dates, only seven days are available for class time, or nine if classes met on Saturdays.”
Although NE Campus will not offer the miniterm for spring 2009, it is not permanently removed.
Carolina Saleh, a NE Campus academic advisor, said students have other routes to take in place of the May miniterm.
“We offer many first and second eight-week courses,” she said, “along with a wintermester and two summer sessions.”
Classes for second eight-week terms begin March 23. So students should go to WebAdvisor to find what classes are available and register now.
Elise Fuller, a NE Campus student, said she participated in previous May minimesters and loved them.
“The May minimester is my favorite miniterm because it goes by so quick,” she said. “Then again, summer classes go by just as quick, if not quicker, because you don’t have to stay in class for five grueling hours.”
No decisions have been made for miniterms following this spring.
Students can find available second eight-week and minimester courses listed in WebAdvisor under current class offerings. Both options fall under the spring 2009 option. For all choices in a particular subject, students can leave the campus selection at “All.”
