Apr 6th, 2016
Beginning this May, Jackson State Community College will offer a new 3-week May term and three additional 3-week terms over the course of the summer. The new mini terms will allow students to complete a regular 3-semester-hour course in just 3 weeks.
"This is a big deal for all of our students," explains Dr. Larry Bailey, VP of Academic Affairs. "This allows students to quickly complete pre-requisite courses and to reach their goals sooner." During the summer months, many students traditionally take a course or two to catch up. "This will allow students to quickly get this done and still have sufficient time off to enjoy the summer break," Bailey said.
According to Bailey, the primary decision to offer the mini term comes from the need to better serve the non-traditional student. "We are working diligently to make classes and programs more accessible to the older student. These students have a variety of things going on that make a 'regular' class schedule less feasible," he said.
The summer term will now consist of a regular 10-week term, two 5-week terms, and three 3-week terms. Additionally, there will be a new 3-week May term created to essentially create four successive 3-week terms for the summer.
Bailey continues by stating that there are plans to create the 3-week sub-term structure during the regular academic year. "This would give our students a lot of flexibility with their class schedules and will allow us to better serve their needs."
With the educational challenges presented by the governor's Drive to 55 initiative, Jackson State is developing ways to better respond to the needs of students. By doing this, the college's goal is to help ensure that citizens without post-secondary credentials are able to get one. "We are working to break down those barriers that keep people from achieving their dreams," Bailey stated.
Open registration for the summer and fall terms begins April 25. Anyone interested in attending should contact the admissions office at (731) 425-8844.