Chris Gray, Ph.D.
Founding President, Erie County Community
During the summer after my freshman year of college, I felt like I was at a crossroads. I was a community college student who had just finished a challenging year, and I was feeling more than a little defeated by a couple of tough courses. I remember sitting in my advisor’s office, discussing my options for the summer. She suggested taking advantage of the summer semester to get ahead in my academic journey so that the next year would feel a bit more manageable. I hadn’t thought about it before, but it was then that I realized how the summer term could be a pivotal moment for students like me, providing a chance to recalibrate and make significant progress toward our educational goals. The same is true at EC3.
Like me, many students use the summer semester to get ahead. This proactive approach allows them to lighten their course load during the regular semesters, making it easier to balance school with work, life, or family commitments. For students who are working full- or full-time jobs, spreading their coursework over the summer can prevent burnout and provide a more manageable academic schedule. Additionally, taking summer classes can free up time for internships or other practical experiences that are crucial for career development. It’s sort of like working ahead to take a planned breather later on.
On the other hand, the summer semester also offers students a unique opportunity to catch up on courses where they may have fallen behind during the regular academic year. This period is crucial for many students who arrive underprepared for college-level work, serving as a time to retake classes and improve grades without the pressure of a full course load. The condensed nature of summer classes allows students to focus intensely on one or two subjects, leading – hopefully – to better understanding and improved performance. This more intense focus can be particularly helpful for subjects that require a lot of practice and continuous engagement, such as math or science.
On the other hand, it’s not academic issues that cause our students to fall behind; rather it’s unforeseen circumstances such as illness or personal/family problems. For these students, summer classes can be a lifeline. Enrolling in these courses helps them make up for lost time and stay on track for graduation. They catch up rather than wash out. This is especially important for those who rely on financial aid or scholarships with specific academic progress requirements to maintain eligibility. The chance to catch up and meet these requirements can relieve significant stress and financial burden in the year to come, enabling students to focus more on their studies and less on their financial situation.
Often, getting ahead during the summer also benefits students who have begun their work at a four-year university or have recently transferred to one. By completing prerequisite courses or general education requirements at a community college, they can save both time and money. Community colleges have lower tuition rates than four-year universities, so taking summer classes can be a cost-effective way to advance toward a degree. We really are a bargain where tuition is concerned!
It would be a mistake not to mention that the summer semester can also be a time of exploration and personal growth. Without the full load of a regular semester, students might have more time in their schedules, allowing them to delve into subjects that are interesting but do not quite fit into their regular academic plan. This can lead to the discovery of new passions and interests, which can shape future educational and career paths; students often use the summer to take electives that they end up really enjoying. My logic course was one such summer class that I absolutely loved, and I was able to dig in because I had some margin in my schedule.
Ultimately, the summer semester stands as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of community college students, providing them with the tools and time needed to succeed. Here at EC3, we offer a variety of summer courses to help our students catch up and get ahead. It’s a different vibe here in the summer, but there’s a certain magic to it.
Our community: your college.