Summer semester tips for a tight schedule

Kristy Kazzi
Staff Writer

With the condensed nature of summer classes, WCC student adviser Christie Pagel shares some helpful tips to help students keep pace over the next few months. Jada Hauser | Washtenaw Voice

As the Spring semester approaches, there are some key tools and tips for students to find helpful.

While fall and winter boast a full 15-week schedule, summer courses vary in length, with some accelerated options spanning as little as three weeks.

Christie Pagel, a student adviser at WCC, emphasizes the condensed nature of summer classes contrasting them with the traditional fall and winter semesters, warning students that the narrow timeframe demands careful consideration—especially for those juggling personal commitments.

A key concern Pagel highlights is the adjustment required for the expedited format, cautioning students to brace themselves for the same workload crammed into a shorter window.

This prompted Pagel to stress the importance of organization and proactive communication with faculty at the first sign of trouble.

While summer classes can shorten a degree roadmap by one or even two semesters according to Forbes, not all students are so eager to dive into summer studies.

“I’ve taken a summer class [theater] that was not part of my Gen eds, and it was actually really fun. I feel like a class like math or English would be better to take in the fall or winter,” said Peter Williams, a WCC student, when asked about his summer academic preferences.

While the accelerated pace offers a shortcut to graduation, it demands careful planning and diligence with regard to each individual’s goals and circumstances.

Pagel advises students to lean on support systems like success coaches and advisors while arming themselves with organizational tools like paper planners.

“Getting an education is a marathon, not a sprint,” she said.