DegreeGo Blog

During the summer, schools turn into ghost towns. Sidewalks once teeming with hundreds of students moving from class-to-class become so thin, you can count all the dried gumspots on the ground. Residue from chalk from student councils quickly fades into dust as June turns to July.

This year, however, with the economic downturn, colleges see this sign of emptiness as an obstacle rather than a blessing. Universities are coming up with creative means to fill their empty halls; Monmouth University let photographers utilize their beautiful campus for photo shoots for a modest fee. Richard Stockton College offered a 20% tuition discount and participated in competitive marketing in their local area. Hofstra University offered a class on resume writing. Where once universities took the summer as an opportunity to get a breather and catch up on paperwork, they now are instead trying to fit in every class and event they possibly can.

This, of course, is rewarding for both the university and community. Similar to how spending and new jobs push a struggling economy towards salvation, active campuses and participating communities facilitate a circle of growth.

Saint Leo University participated in one of these community activities this past weekend. Family Fitness Weekend presented the physical fitness race hosted by Saint Leo University, stretching across the beautiful landscape of Pasco in Florida. The event consisted of a swim, bike ride, and run, circulating around Saint Leo University’s main campus.

To make these college events accessible to entire families. Saint Leo University made sure to offer four different choices to make this race fun for everyone:

• The Triathlon, which consists of the entirety of all three parts of the race.
• The Duathlon, which involves a 2 mile run, the 10 mile bike ride, and the 3.1 mile run.
• Sprint Kids Tri, which is a 25 yard swim, half mile bike ride, and 100 yard sprint.
• 5K Run/Walk, which is only the 3.1 mile course.

For universities that offer their education exclusively online, they have offered webinars over the summer to stimulate the virtual student populace. American Sentinel University, for example, hosted a webinal on Clincal Excellent Through Technology.

Make sure to check out your colleges this summer to see how postsecondary education and community come together for better excellence in the learning off-season!