Summer classes may offer relief for fall enrollment

In light of faculty reductions and expected increases in student enrollment, Boise State administrators are asking students to consider summer classes to lessen the load.

BSU Provost Daryl Jones wrote, in an e-mail to continuing students, budget cuts will have an impact on class availability in the Fall

“We anticipate fewer faculty in the Fall will limit sections of high demand, including core courses and general services,” Jones wrote.

He said the university is planning to expand summer classes until demand is met.

“In the summer, if we average 22 students per class, the system becomes self-supporting,” Jones said.

In the regular Fall and Spring semesters, full-time students are charged a flat fee for up to 19 credit hours.

This summer, classes cost $130.85 per credit hour.

When enough students enroll in a class, the fees charged specifically for the class covers its expenses.

Summer financial aid is only available to students who have not used all of their allotment for the academic year.

The courses offered in summer are mainly core classes with multiple sections, Jones said.

Upper division classes are generally not a problem and are usually not available in the summer.

University employees will also face changes during the summer term.

Following the university’s plan to reduce utility costs, BSU staff members will work 4 and a half days during the summer.

Not having people on campus over the longer weekend will allow power and cooling systems to be shut down, Jones said.

Monday through Friday, employees will work extended hours, and take a half-day on Friday.

The plan keeps the offices open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 on Friday.

“We’re trying to get the staff here in the morning when it is cool, and then shut off the A/C earlier,” Jones said.

Summer registration for continuing students begins today.

Matt Neznanski

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