8-week contract and meal plan make staying here convenient for students
MERCED, CA— Cities with major universities
can become almost ghostly when classes aren’t in session, but UC
Merced is hoping to change things this summer with the introduction
of on-campus housing contracts for summer school students.
This is the first year the campus has offered to open its
residence halls to students in the summer time, said Leslie Santos,
director of housing and residence life. Officials hope that by
giving students a place to hang their hat over the summer, the
university will be able to improve upon last year’s enrollment of
300. In 2006, 97 students enrolled in summer session courses.
Summer school students will live in the Valley Terraces. Valley
Terraces are the two- and three-bedroom apartment-like suites with
a common living room and spacious bathroom. As an incentive to sign
up sooner, rather than later, the university is offering a deal to
early birds.
“The first 50 students who apply and pay their $150 reservation
fee will get a double-occupancy room all to themselves,” Santos
said. “That means more space and more privacy in a shared suite.”
Applications for summer housing will be available online,
beginning March 10. Students opting to live on campus will get an
eight-week contract for $2,525, which includes the price of the
room, meals at the Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center, utilities
(except telephone service), cable television, high-speed Internet,
activities and 24-hour access to staff in case of emergencies. The
housing contract begins June 15 and ends Aug. 8.
Summer session is an exciting time for students and the
community. It’s the one time when UC Merced classes are open to
almost anyone, regardless of academic experience, said Assistant
Registrar Erin Webb.
“It’s a great time for anyone to take a UC class,” she said.
“It’s an intense session, but it’s great for those interested in
what our campus has to offer.”
Students south of Merced have the option to take classes without
setting foot on the main campus. A variety of courses will be
broadcast via two-way, live videoconferencing to UC Merced’s
educational centers in Bakersfield and Fresno to make learning more
convenient for residents in those areas.
Students enrolled in summer session through the educational
centers will see and participate in the on-campus courses as they
are happening.
Registration is open and will continue until classes start June
16. Students are encouraged to register early, because classes fill up.
There are two regular sessions that are six and eight weeks
long, and a “special summer session,” featuring two courses
designed for high school students.
Courses will be offered on a variety of topics, such as
genetics, advanced math, the Vietnam War, and more. Additional
options will be announced shortly.
Webb said the variety of courses makes UC Merced the ideal
summer education choice for high school and college students, in
addition to the general public.
“We really do offer something for everyone,” she said.
Summer session classes are open to anyone, but high school
students need a letter of recommendation from their principal or counselor.
