By Holly Desrosier
While most people view summer as prime time for vacationing and relaxation, it is the perfect time for students to complete classes they need to graduate. Registration for Craven Community College’s (Craven CC) summer semester is now open for new and returning students on the New Bern and Havelock campuses and online.
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 finished in just eight or ten weeks. The New Bern campus is offering approximately 100 different courses this summer in subjects such as business, art, music, psychology, math, economics and welding.
“During the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in summer enrollment within college transfer courses,” said Dr. Betty Hatcher, Craven CC dean of liberal arts and university transfer. “We offer a robust schedule of classes in the summer which allows students to continue working on their degree year-round.”
Hunter Weston, Craven CC student, recently took advantage of the summer semester when she registered to take a Humanities class. A resident of Aurora, Weston attended Craven CC about five years ago before starting at Pamlico Community College.
“I’m graduating in two weeks, but they’re going ahead and letting me graduate and take the course I need over the summer,” said Weston. “Pamlico didn’t offer the course I need during the summer, so I came back to Craven.”
While classes are offered on both the New Bern and Havelock campuses, students have shown an increased interest in online courses. There was a 31.7% increase in online enrollment during the summer semester from 2016 to 2017.
“Online classes allow students the flexibility to continue their education while enjoying summer activities,” said Hatcher.
One course that has been in high demand is Business Law. A fourth online section was recently added because the first three online sections filled up so quickly.
“We have seen an increase in students taking summer classes due to our increase in online course offerings,” said Zomar Peter, Craven CC dean of enrollment management. “We have also seen an increase in transfer students who are home for the summer taking advantage of online classes as well.”
In addition to offering quality education at convenient locations, Craven CC makes the college experience affordable. 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 18, and Late Start (8 weeks) with a registration deadline of June 8. Full-Term and A-Term classes begin May 21 and Late Start classes start June 11.
Registration for the fall semester is also open through Aug. 16 with classes beginning Aug.17.
Students can register at the New Bern or Havelock campus Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 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.
Click here to see this story as it originally appeared in the New Bern Sun Journal.