Frequently Asked Questions
for Summer Courses
1. How much will it cost?
Students will pay $1380 for a 4-credit course rather than the $3,380 that would be charged during the regular academic year for a course This is a HUGE SAVINGS and makes a summer course from Elizabethtown an EXCELLENT VALUE. Note: Summer courses offered during the May Term and the Online Term will be priced the same: $345 per credit. See below (#4) for billing information.
2. What courses will be offered?
A variety of courses will be offered to meet the needs of students, including courses in several areas of core and courses in several majors. Please refer to the Summer Schedule for the full list of courses. Students interested in a Natural & Physical Science or a Creative Expression core course should look at the May Term offerings. Refer to the "Summer 2012 Schedule of Courses" for the complete list of offerings for the two summer terms.
3. When will the courses begin and how long do they last?
The 3-week intensive "May" term begins May 14th and ends June 1st. The online summer term will begin on June 4, 2012, immediately following our May term. The courses will end before the start of Elizabethtown's fall semester. Within the 12 weeks allotted for the Online Term, end dates for individual courses may vary. Check the Online Course Schedule for the specific begin and end times of courses.
4. When is payment due?
Payment for summer courses will be due on the Friday prior to the start of classes. Thus, for May term, payment will be due on May 11th. For the Online term, payment is due June 1st for those courses beginning on June 4th. You may call the Business Office (717-361-1417) if you would like to pay by credit card over the phone.
5. How will the online courses be formatted and do I need any special computer hardware or software?
You don’t need any special hardware. The online courses will be offered using the Blackboard platform that you may already know from other courses you have taken at Elizabethtown. Please check with Information and Technology Services to confirm that your computer is up to the challenge of an online course. If issues with technology arise during the course, you can contact our Help Desk for support. In terms of course format, you can expect to be dynamically engaged on multiple levels in this learning experience. Specific course expectations will vary and will be clearly stated on each course syllabus by your instructor. For example, you may be asked to participate in a live discussion or make regular posts to a discussion board.
6. What kind of Internet connection do I need?
While you may be able to get by with a dial-up connection, you should ideally have a high-speed internet connection for the online courses. Some courses will be using screen casts, videos, and other technology and interactions methods that work best with a high-speed connection.
7. Am I eligible for financial aid in the summer?
Because of the very steep tuition discount for summer courses (40 percent!), the College does not offer additional institutional aid. Students can apply for other forms of financial aid, but normally need to be at least half-time (6 credits) to be eligible for aid. Please read the information at this link provided by our Financial Aid Office about summer financial aid possibilities.
8. Do I need to purchase a textbook for the course?
This will vary with each course, just as it does during the regular academic year. Textbook requirements will be listed on the syllabi for each course. For May Term courses, you may purchase your textbooks from the Elizabethtown Campus Store. For the Online Term courses, you should be able to order your textbooks and other course materials online. Alternatively, you may contact the Elizabethtown Campus Store for alternative methods that do not include a physical visit to campus.
9. Do I need to be a current Elizabethtown student to take an E-town summer course?
Although we have selected courses that we believe will benefit Elizabethtown students, others are certainly welcome to join the E-town learning community. This includes advanced high school students, students in degree programs at other colleges or universities, and other visitors who desire a high-quality, interactive course experience. Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education.
