Newswise — (Tempe, Ariz.)  - What does Summer School look like for students in 2020? In a period of economic uncertainty with shifting job markets and employment opportunities that are evaporating in some places and springing to life in others, higher education remains one of the best investments people can make. And for those who find themselves thrust into a new set of circumstances by changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, universities offer a dynamic place to explore options and quench the thirst for learning something new. 

To meet the demand for Summer School 2020, beginning May 18 Arizona State University will be offering more than 5,000 courses at a reduced rate to people looking for new learning opportunities and for students at all levels – including students who are currently enrolled in good standing at any university in the United States. Application fees for college students enrolled at other universities will be waived, and scholarships are available for most admitted and currently enrolled ASU students.

Named by U.S. News & World Report as the most innovative university in America for five consecutive years, ASU is stepping up to meet the needs of learners who want to keep pace, get ahead or catch up in the distance learning environment that now defines education in America. Classes will be provided in both the traditional online format and in a fully interactive, digitally-enhanced format for:  

  • Learners at all stages can learn through ASU for You, most of which is free, and can take a course in a subject matter of interest with ASU Open Scale, with the option to convert it to university credit if they later choose to do so.
  • Any university student in the U.S. in good standing at their home college or university may enroll in summer courses through a streamlined application process that takes 15 minutes with approval within 48 hours.
  • Admitted ASU students who wish to get started right now on their university education will receive a $500 Summer 2020 Award for every three credit hours enrolled.  
  • High school sophomores and juniors who are on track for college and want to begin earning college credit through ASU Digital Prep as well as ASU Open Scale classes.
  • Continuing ASU students will continue to have access to all ASU summer courses. Financial aid and scholarships will be available.

ASU has also transferred other services for students to a digital environment to ensure continuity of all aspects of the university experience during COVID-19 and during Summer School 2020. For example, ASU’s Career and Professional Development Services is fully virtual, offering drop-in career and internship advising. ASU Counseling Services have moved entirely online and a peer-led Zoom support group has been created, Devils 4 Devils Support Circles, for students to support and connect with each other while taking classes online and practicing social distancing. Many student events and programs have also transitioned to a virtual format, with a wide variety of activities and events still available.

For convenience and to meet varying schedules, ASU will be providing more than 20 of its most popular, sought-after classes in a rolling rotation of new summer semesters offered with multiple start dates, beginning May 18. For more information, please visit: https://summer2020.asu.edu.

 

About Arizona State University Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.