By Holly Desrosier
Craven Community College (Craven CC) is now registering new and returning students for the summer semester through May 17. Summer is a great time to learn locally while still enjoying fun in the sun!
Craven CC has hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degree programs for students to select. From college transfer and health careers to technical training and continuing education, the college has a program to fit everyone’s educational aspirations.
Whether students are working toward an associate degree or already enrolled at a four-year university and looking for a few extra credits, Craven CC has a convenient and affordable selection of seated and online classes that can be completed in just eight or 10 weeks. The New Bern campus is currently offering approximately 195 courses this summer in a variety of subjects such as business, art, music, psychology, sociology, math, economics, history and biology.
“Summer is the perfect time to take final courses to graduate,” said Zomar Peter, dean of enrollment management. “If students are traveling over the summer or home for the summer, it is the perfect time to take a class online that will transfer back to a college or university. High school seniors can also take summer courses tuition-free through the Career and College Promise program.”
While seated classes are offered on both the New Bern and Havelock campuses, online courses have undoubtedly grown in popularity in recent years. Many students opt to continue their education year-round, and online courses give them the flexibility they need to continue their education while also enjoying summer activities.
“There has been a noticeable rise in the number of students taking online classes, and we have met that demand by continuing to increase online course offerings,” said Peter.
Emily Chance, who is enrolled in Craven CC’s associate in engineering program, plans to graduate in May 2020. She has utilized the college’s summer courses for the past two years and encourages other students to do the same.
“I think summer courses are a great opportunity to get ahead,” said Chance. “The summer term is shorter than regular term by a few weeks, so classes are ‘compacted’ to fit the same amount of material in a shorter amount of time—it’s definitely rigorous and requires discipline, even more so if it’s an online course. But if someone feels like they can tackle the extra work and manage their time well, it can be a great move to help them get their degree sooner.”
For Craven CC students planning to transfer to a four-year university, taking summer classes allows them to earn general education requirements and expedite the transfer process. It also offers students at four-year universities a great opportunity to earn a few extra credit hours at a fraction of the cost while home for the summer.
At just $76 per credit hour, tuition is about 40% less than public universities and 90% less than private universities. Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who qualify. Those interested are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
The summer semester is divided into three terms: Full-Term (10 weeks) and A-Term (8 weeks) with a registration deadline of May 17, and Late Start (8 weeks) with a registration deadline of June 8. Full-Term and A-Term classes begin May 20 and Late Start classes start June 10.
Registration for the fall semester is also open through Aug. 16 with classes beginning Aug. 19. Students can register at either campus Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration is also available on Fridays through May 10 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Current students can go online and use WebAdvisor to view the current class listing and register quickly and easily.
For more information on summer registration, contact the New Bern campus at 252-638-7200, Havelock campus at 252-444-6005 or visit the college’s website at www.cravencc.edu.
This article also appeared in the Sun Journal.