Summer is quickly approaching. Have you considered taking summer courses or pursuing an internship? Below are a few opportunities you might want to consider.

Planning for Summer Courses

If you’re going to be taking challenging course loads during the fall and spring, or you’ll be involved in other commitments that will take a significant amount of time and energy, it may be strategic for you to take less credits during fall and spring by taking courses offered over the summer.

Here are some tips for successful summer course planning:

  1. Be mindful of whether the course you’re considering is offered online or in person. If the course is online, be sure that your other summer plans allow for you to have reliable internet and computer access and that you’re comfortable utilizing Canvas.
  2. Since summer courses are only seven weeks long (as opposed to 15 weeks during the semester), they move at a faster pace. Be prepared to devote time each day during the summer session for homework and studying.
  3. Ask yourself if you need to take a break from your studies this summer. Earning your degree is a marathon, and it’s wise to pace yourself if you’re sensing that you might be approaching burnout. Resting from your studies during the summer might be the best choice to set yourself up for success in reaching your academic goals.
  4. Since summer courses are offered at a discounted rate compared to the cost per credit during the semester, financial aid isn’t available for most students. Ask a financial aid counselor what options you might have for paying for summer courses.
  5. Remember that The Advising Center is here to help! You can set up an appointment with a Peer Academic Advisor to get a student’s perspective on classes and scheduling, or you can request a graduation plan appointment with an Academic Advisor to see how summer classes could potentially benefit you.

Summer internships and Housing

Internships are an important part of students’ learning experiences during college. Students gain hands-on, practical experience and professional relationships with mentors that can be critical in networking for jobs after graduation. In fact, the majority of 51ÂÜÀò graduates that obtained a job within 6 months after graduation had done at least one internship!

Since 51ÂÜÀò is centrally located in one of our country’s largest metropolitan areas, you have unique access to a wide variety of internship opportunities with organizations in numerous industries. If you’d like to participate in a this summer, don’t let lack of housing stop you from gaining this important experience! 51ÂÜÀò’s Housing department offers reduced-cost summer housing for students that want to work or intern locally.

If you’d like help finding an internship, make an appointment on Handshake today to meet with a Career Advisor.

51ÂÜÀò Summer Housing Information

Application: Opens Sunday, April 1, 2018

When: May 5-August 29, 2018

Where: Hart Hall (and Stewart if there is overflow)

Cost: $11.11 per day or $1,300 for entire summer (May 5-Aug 29)

More Info


Evette Min is the Assistant Director of Academic Advising
Tiffany Lee is the Director of Career Development and Success
Heidi Herchelroath is the Manager of Housing Services