Whether one's reason for taking classes during the spring or summer semester is because they need to complete a requirement for their major or they need just one more class to graduate, Traverse City may be a great alternative. Eastern Michigan University students can complete a semester's worth of work in just one week and still have time to have fun and enjoy the scenery.
Every year, Traverse City becomes a more popular destination, with about 1,000 students attending classes. Most students are from EMU, but some are teachers from various state school districts who attend for re-certification purposes. In addition, students from other universities enroll in courses at Traverse City.
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NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Eastern Michigan
University's course offerings at Traverse
City are becoming a popular destination
with students who want to complete
credits in a week's time rather than during
the traditional spring or summer terms.
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"There is a growing demand for courses that teach by using alternative delivery methods," said Kirk Carman, manager of publicity and promotions for EMU's Continuing Education program.
Many students have to work during the summer or have other responsibilities, and don't have time to take spring and summer classes. The Traverse City experience is another way for students to complete needed credits rather than spending the traditional 15 weeks in the classroom. Others use this opportunity to get that one dreaded class out of the way that they need to graduate or to fulfill a prerequisite for their major or minor.
"I really liked the fact that the classes were only a week long and the atmosphere was really cool," said EMU student Kyle Groesbeck. "Because of the smaller classes, the students and teachers were really comfortable around each other and I felt like we could joke around with one another."
"I thought it would be a good idea to take a summer course in Traverse City because I can have a little bit of a vacation and still be able to work," said EMU senior Jillian Helisek. "Over last winter break, I needed a class to get into the education program so I took a course in Gaylord knowing I could get it done in a week. It turned out to be very helpful and fun."
Students can choose from more than 100 different courses in communications, biology, literature, marketing, teacher education, technology and more. Although some of the classes give students an opportunity to complete their general education requirements, one also has a chance to take yoga, landscape drawing and painting — all in an environment that is both relaxing and beautiful.
Although students have to pay for their own accommodations, the experience gives them an opportunity to enjoy taking classes while having more opportunity to interact with their peers. Because the setting is more relaxed than the conventional classroom, many students make friendships while attending classes.
"Students are given the opportunity to get to know one another and participate in more class discussion and interaction than in other classes because they normally have to work so much. Here, they get the chance to socialize and live the true college experience," said Gary Evans, an EMU professor of communication and theatre arts.
Evans has taught classes in Traverse City for more than a decade. This semester, he is teaching two, two-credit courses: "Communication for Leaders" and "Readings: Interracial/Interethnic."
Classes are taught at one of three Traverse City locations: Northwestern Michigan College, Northwestern Michigan College University Center and the Michigan Technical Education-Aviation Center.
Depending on how many credit hours a student registers for, the classes range from just three days to a week. The amount of time one is in class also varies with the amount of credit hours. Two-credit classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; three-credit courses meet the first Saturday from 4-9 p.m. and Sunday through Friday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; and four credit courses meet the first Saturday from 3-9 p.m. and Sunday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Students can register for classes at http://my.emich.edu. For more information, contact (877) 368-8289 or visit www.ce.emich.edu/noproblem.
