Still time to register for summer session courses at Malaspina

Thinking about learning something new this summer?

Malaspina University-College is offering over 80 academic credit courses in a broad range of subjects, between May and August. Students can earn university credits in only seven or 14 weeks.

“Whether you’re working towards a degree, getting a jump on your fall semester or are interested in exploring an area of general interest and expertise, there's something for everyone,” said Sheila Cooper, program coordinator for Malaspina’s Centre for Continuing Studies.

Courses are offered in three time frames: May 7 to June 22 (seven weeks), June 25 to August 10 (seven weeks) and May 7 to August 10 (14 weeks), at Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus.  

Summer session courses include theatre, languages, leadership development, comparative politics, anthropology, chemistry, history, fiction writing, accounting, calculus and much more. On the lighter side, summer courses also include golf, softball, and an introduction to canoeing and kayaking.

“Students who study at Malaspina during the summer months have full access to many on-campus resources, including the library, gymnasium, cafeteria, art gallery and theatre,” added Cooper.

Most summer courses are accelerated, which means they can be completed  in  about half the time it normally takes to complete a three credit university course during a regular fall or spring semester. Accelerated courses typically appeal to current students who want to complete their degrees faster, or to recent high school graduates, semi-retired individuals or people who work part-time.

Taking summer courses is a good way to ease back into the post-secondary system, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while, added Cooper. “For recent high school graduates, it’s a great way to get a jump on your post-secondary studies.”

Students like Dave Fraser can attest to the value of summer session courses. Fraser, 39, has completed nine credits - or three courses - every summer since 2001. "I normally take full course loads each semester, so with summer session courses added on, I'm in school 11 months out of the year," said Fraser, who's studying to become a high school teacher. "I really like taking classes during the summer months at Malaspina because the campus is a little quieter, and the accelerated courses allow me to complete my degrees faster."

Fraser graduates next year with a Bachelor of Arts, major in history and liberal studies, and a concurrent Bachelor of Education degree.  He said there are always a wide selection of summer session courses available, even upper level courses for students in third and fourth year.

Summer session courses are filling up quickly, so Cooper encourages students to register early to avoid disappointment. New students pay a one-time entrance fee of $30, plus the regular tuition fees.  For more information, check the website at: www.viu.ca/registration/summersession for course listings  or contact Cooper at (250) 740-6328 or coopers@viu.ca . Apply for summer session courses now at www.viu.ca/registration/summersession.asp and select 'Apply for Admission to Summer Session.'

Note: some courses require prerequisites or permission by the instructor for admission.