For three Thursdays in September, the Adult and Continuing Education program is hosting an event titled “Popsicles & Painting.” The goal of the event is to offer an opportunity for people to gather, create art and enjoy a popsicle while learning about the summer and winter class sessions that are offered at Winona State University. Abby Raichert, the graduate assistant for the Adult and Continuing Education program, oversaw organization of the events and how they connect with students.
“[We give] students information regarding winter and summer sessions, mostly around advertising time,” Raichert said. “I think a lot of students don’t really know about these sessions, so it’s important to provide them with information regarding that.”
Raichert was correct in stating that many students are unfamiliar with summer and winter sessions, which is why events like “Popsicles & Painting” are so important. Tammy Reed, the Outreach and Communications Coordinator for the Adult and Continuing Education program, explained the purpose of summer and winter sessions well.
“Our motto is ‘catch up, keep up and get ahead’, so students take summer and winter courses for those reasons.” Reed said.
Reed explained that many students take summer or winter courses to prevent them from falling behind in their academic plan after extenuating circumstances like a major change. Some students struggle to fit all their desired courses into the typical academic year, so summer and winter sessions help them to keep up with their academic plan. Many also have the desire to get ahead in their academic plan, so taking courses during summer and winter could help them to graduate early. Reed also noted that part of the appeal of summer and winter sessions is the format of the classes or the ability to not have a large break between semesters.
“A lot of students like to take summer and winter courses because they’re online… Some students like to keep their momentum going,” Reed said. “It’s hard, when you have three months off [from classes], to come back, so some students like to just keep going.”
Whether you want to keep your academic momentum going, you need to catch up on classes, or just feel like taking an extra class, summer and winter sessions might be a great fit for you. For more information about summer and winter courses, stop by the gazebo on Sept. 24 to inquire about the program. Don’t forget to grab a popsicle while you’re there.
