For many students, summer classes represent a chance to complete requirements that would set back their graduation date. In the face of the current economic crisis, however, fewer students are choosing to take advantage of this, despite the lowered tuition rate.

Summer enrollment numbers fell from last year, an effect University registrar Chris Cox attributes to the uncertain financial situation of many students.

‘We know the financial issues are a big reason for a decrease at this point,’ Cox said. ‘Students are having a difficult time figuring out how they’re going to pay for their summer credits.’

The number of students enrolled as of Thursday, June 4 was 7,557. That number is down 197 from the same date last year.

David Rice, assistant director of admissions, stressed that the University is committed to increasing admissions, and that as fall approaches the University will invest in recruitment activities.

‘There’s going to be a lot going on later in the summer,’ Rice said. ‘We’re really going to ramp up recruitment for the fall.’

Enrollment during summer is typically one-third of that during the academic year, according to an e-mail from Interim Dean of Continuing and Extended Education Marcia Salazar-Valentine.

Salazar-Valentine said the benefits of taking classes during the summer don’t end with the lowered tuition rate. She said classes taken in summer session can make course loads easier during fall and spring semesters, or make graduating earlier an easier proposition. In addition, she said online classes are offered for students who cannot take classes on campus.

‘Summer is also a good time for new and/or transfer students to become more familiar with the campus and instructors, since class sizes are smaller,’ Salazar-Valentine said. ‘We also offer more than 200 online classes in the summer so students who go home, enroll in co-ops or study abroad can still take classes.’