This summer, Park University will offer a variety of classes to students including its new Buccaneer Summer Sessions.

Timothy Westcott, associate professor of history, and Brian Hoffman, professor of biology and mathematics, are currently undertaking the construction of the 2015 summer school classes. With a remarkable response from faculty, Westcott said these summer sessions will be a mix of core requirements and fun, non-required options.

Park is offering a 2-week Maymester (May 9-22), and 4-week June and Julymester (June 6-July 1 and July 11-August 5) options for students. An 8-week summer term is also available.

Classes available include Interpersonal Communications; Kinesiology; Criminology; a class on Harry Potter taught by Lora Cohn, professor of communication; and a class on the history of Rock n’ Roll taught by Westcott.

“These courses aren’t just fun for students but also for faculty to teach,” said Westcott. “You can do a mix of an upper division elective but also take something fun.”

This summer, Westcott and Hoffman have included Buccaneer Summer Sessions, which are catered towards incoming freshmen and transfer students.

“We are offering English, Math and Communications where they can get 12 hours finished between June and July,” said Westcott. “They have the chance to get a good start for the fall.”

These specific summer sessions benefit new students in several ways. As classes are smaller and fast-paced, students will have the chance to benefit greatly from becoming familiar with campus.

“Students can get acclimated to the campus and it will give them a head start,” said Westcott. “These are primarily core requirements or general education classes. For example, not every student likes to take math so here’s an opportunity to get it out of the way and take it with an excellent instructor.

Because you can only take it with one other class, if you need academic support services, you have the time to do that with just one other class.”

“If English or public speaking isn’t your forte, with only two courses you’re able to get it out of the way and you’re a few hours ahead for fall,” said Westcott.

Westcott says summer classes are a great opportunity for faculty as well. Summer offers professor the freedom to choose to teach classes off the core requirement list that are of special interest or more enjoyable.

“One of the great freedoms with summer courses is that it provides faculty an opportunity to do something fun,” said Westcott. “If it works out, you can add to the curriculum down the road. We’ll offer these kinds of classes in the summer to see what the demand is; to see if students like it; then eventually add it to the curriculum of the program.”

For a full list of summer classes, please visit park.edu or schedule an appointment with your advisor.