Summer Quarter Report
Appendix 7c
In the next exercise, participants were given the opportunity to share their initial thoughts about summer quarter. Again, students were instructed to call out the first things that came to mind and not to spend too much time formulating their answers.
Summer quarter evoked some interesting images. Some of the first things students thought of were sun, nice weather, and heat waves. Summer quarter also prompted participants to think of intensive language programs, internships, and A and B sessions.
Other immediate reactions were that summer quarter is more limited in terms of course offerings. In particular, students refereed to the lack of upper-division courses and the more limited time schedule. A handful of students also mentioned that there are more TA's teaching courses in the summer and that the information is much more condensed. Unsurprisingly, summer quarter was also associated with loss of money because it prevents some individuals from working and saving money to pay for expenses during the school year.
On a more positive note, many associated summer quarter with the opportunity to concentrate on one difficult class or catch up on credits needed to graduate on time. In addition to the lighter course load, a few students also described summer quarter as a time when courses may be less challenging or instructors may be more "kicked back." Several out-of-state students were quick to point out the tuition reduction.
Some of the other positive imagery about summer quarter related to the ambiance of the campus. A few students said they thought it had more of a small college feeling because classes are smaller, the campus is more peaceful, and the libraries are quieter. A couple of students also felt that the quarter passes quickly in the summer.
It is interesting to note that in each group there was at least one individual whose first reaction was, "There is no way I'd ever do it." This contingent was very clear that summer quarter would not be an option for them. These individuals had a variety of constraints, including the financial factors mentioned above. However, there was an equal number of individuals who simply associated summer quarter with burn-out and lack of a break or vacation. Coupled with that sentiment was the notion that its too hard to study during the summer quarter. The overall sense conveyed by these students was that the drawbacks outweighed the benefits.
Summer Quarter Report
Appendix 7c
