Fair-weather scholars make the grade while sun shines

dan scheuler med elizabeth smith med

Dan Scheuler Elizabeth Smith

Many students at Northwest Missouri State University work during the summer. Others make summer work for them by enrolling in classes, which can help them graduate early and save money while taking advantage of a rigorous yet informal academic experience.

Summer sessions have become increasingly popular in recent years. In this article, Elizabeth Smith, Trenton, and Dan Scheuler, Fairbury, Neb., share their opinions and recommendations about staying in Maryville and attending summer classes.

Smith is a senior double major in accounting and corporate finance who plans to stay on to complete a graduate degree. She will finish her undergraduate degree in May and hopes to complete work on her MBA next December.

She plays trumpet in the Bearcat Marching Band during the fall trimester and went on the band’s trip to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade this year.

“With a double major I wanted to get done and stay on track for graduation,” Smith said.

The focused Smith completed 12 hours each of the past two summers. She also holds down two jobs – as a student worker in the Office of Career Services and at a retail business in Maryville.

“I like the long class periods in the summer and the shorter time length of terms,” she said. “I think I learned better because of this. Faculty members are able to keep us motivated, and I got to know them better in the (condensed) terms. Most of the summer classes are smaller and more personal.”

“Another good thing about summer sessions,” Smith said, “is being able to keep my two jobs.”

Northwest offers four summer sessions each year. This summer, sessions begin on May 12, June 9, July 7 and Aug. 4. Students can enroll in any or all sessions. The University ensures that students will be able to take the classes they want through its Summer Guarantee (see note below).

Scheuler is a senior who plans to graduate next fall with a major in broadcasting. Active in Northwest varsity track program, he competes in shot put, discus, hammer and weight throw. A member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, Scheuler has been a student leader for SOAR (Summer Orientation Advisement and Registration).

“I have really enjoyed summer sessions,” Scheuler said. “I am able to concentrate and learn more because we have class every day and for a shorter term. This gives us more focused time to spend with faculty. I’ve gotten my best grades in the summer.”

Scheuler has also found that taking summer classes helps him with time management because he is able to lighten his academic load during the fall and spring trimesters.

“It’s helped my GPA because I haven’t had to take so many classes during the regular year,” he said.

During the fall and spring, Scheuler works at the student radio station, KZLX. In the summers he has worked in a local retail business and as a disc jockey.

In addition to picking up credit hours, having the opportunity to work in SOAR and hold down off-campus jobs, Scheuler said there’s another benefit: “Maryville in the summer is fun,” he said.

NOTE: Courses listed in the "Summer Course Offerings" booklet will not be canceled due to low enrollment. This Summer Guarantee allows students to plan schedules without worrying about whether or not a course will "make."

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone: 660.562.1704
Fax: 660.562.1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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