Register early, provost advises

Student government is OK with the summer classes plan, an officer said.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University Provost Robert K. Herbert is encouraging students to register as soon as possible for summer classes.
Herbert said it is possible that a number of summer undergraduate and graduate classes will be canceled and that students need to register early so his office can make adjustments to the summer schedule in a way that minimizes disruptions for students.
Herbert noted that last year's summer semester was $1.5 million over budget, in part because many of the classes were under the 15-student minimum enrollment required by the university. Herbert said the university will adhere to the 15-student minimum this year, which may lead to the cancellation of classes. He said he did not know how many classes may have to be canceled.
The provost said the university's primary focus will be upper-level students who are in need of a particular course to graduate as planned this summer. In those cases, department chairs have been instructed to ensure that that particular course will be available this summer.
Student Government
Bob McGovern, president of Student Government, said the student organization's office has fielded some complaints from students about the possibility of canceled summer classes, but didn't keep track of how many.
He stressed students have some responsibility in this area and "should not wait to the last minute to register, but to register early."
McGovern said the Student Government is satisfied that the university is making every effort to ensure that students "won't be negatively affected." He praised Herbert's work in this area and also noted that the Student Government appreciates the financial concerns of the university in this area.
McGovern also said he understands students would be able to substitute courses or take conference courses in which they would have a one-on-one arrangement with a professor.
The summer semester includes five sessions and runs from May 22-Aug. 13.
A full slate of courses will be offered for the fall semester, which starts Aug. 28.