Plattsburgh State Offers Three Summer Sessions of Classes

May 17, 2004

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK __ Nearly 2,000 students enroll in summer classes at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh for a variety of reasons -- to learn new skills and knowledge; to accelerate or complete their degree program; to take courses for professional or personal development; or just to have fun.

More than 300 credit and non-credit courses and workshops in a wide variety of areas are offered during the three sessions. Session A courses (May 17-28) permits students to complete up to three credit hours by the end of May. Session B (May 31- July 2) allows students to finish one or more courses before mid-summer. Session C (July 5 - Aug. 7) accommodates students who prefer mid-summer study. There are also several courses that meet from one to 10 weeks. Online courses are also in demand because students want to go home and take courses.

Sophomore Erin Joyner, who is enrolled to take Health Contemporary Society Online at Plattsburgh State this summer, said, "HED 311 will help me to complete my last General Education requirement course in global issues and lighten my work load for the following semester. I live four hours away and don't want to stay for the summer or go through the long commute; so it's more convenient for me to complete my course online. Also I get to focus on one class instead of multiply courses."

According to Vicki LaBarre, marketing specialist in the Office of Lifelong Learning, general education courses are popular during the summer including library skills. There are also several unique courses that take advantage of the Adirondacks in the summertime such as Rock Climbing and Sea Kayaking.

"Some benefits students get from taking summer session courses include getting ahead on course loads and smaller class sizes," said LaBarre. "The majority of the students are juniors and seniors trying to graduate on time or early. Session A is popular because students get to earn three credits in two weeks and go home, but Session B has the most attending because the majority of the classes are offered then."

Lawrence Ziegler-Otero, adjunct lecturer of minority/Africana Studies who teaches a summer Afro-American studies class, said, "Summer sessions are different because in a regular section there would be 43 students while these brief summer sessions have fewer students which enable a more personal approach to discussions."

For more information on attending classes at Plattsburgh State during the summer, contact the Office of Lifelong Learning at 518-564-2050 or 1-800-388-6473.

-- 30 --