The Forum

Registration for summer classes at STLCC opened March 31. According to STLCC’s academic calendar for the 2025 summer session, the majority of summer classes offered at STLCC, including six and eight week classes, begin June 9; three week and eleven week classes begin May 19. The official last day of the 2025 spring semester is May 18, meaning that most students currently in the spring semester and planning to take summer classes will have about a three week break—much shorter than a full summer's worth, but still enough time for a vacation or two.

It is warned though, according to professor Susan Stuart, that summer classes that are not filled to capacity will be dropped. If someone registers for a class, but not enough other students sign up, that class will be taken off the summer semester schedule and no longer be offered for that semester. Students attending summer classes should know that, while offering the same education and covering the same content, content may be condensed to accommodate the shorter summer semester time frame. Often, summer classes meet much more frequently, and the workload may be larger. Course content is ultimately up to the individual professors and class, though.

Despite this, everything else about the summer semester is much the same as fall and spring—including financial aid. Bobby Collins Jr., associate director of enrollment services and financial aid at STLCC, said that students are eligible for the Pell Grant and direct student loans during the summer semester, as long as they meet the normal criteria: “The only restrictions from receiving federal funding during summer semester is that the student needs to have a completed FAFSA on file, be a degree seeking students, eligible for federal funding per Department of Education guidelines, and have fundable courses towards program enrolled into.” Another common form of financial aid on campus, the A+ scholarship, is also applicable over the summer if students are enrolled full time (6 credit hours) in classes working towards their major.

Along with this, almost all services offered at the Flo Valley campus will continue to operate over the summer. One of these is Academic, Career, and Transfer Advising. As explained by Student Success Manager Cheryle Tucker, “during the summer, Student Success Advisors will still be available to advise students for future semesters, complete an academic plan, or explore career options during scheduled appointments.” Both the Student Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC) and The Flo Valley Access Office will still offer normal hours of business over the summer. SARC includes things such as Archers Market, free hot meals, support and case management, financial support, confidential crisis response, and outreach and education, as according to SARC Coordinator Danielle Lusk. The Access Office, as stated by Geoffrey Littleton, its manager at Florissant Valley, “provide(s) accommodations, advocacy, and support to students with disabilities and disabling conditions.”

The library will have slightly modified hours. During the break between spring and summer semesters, the library will have an “intersession” period where it will be open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. During summer semester, the library will be open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. As the manager of the campus library, Amanda Albert, explained, “we still offer in-person and virtual research assistance, access to course materials and library resources, and spaces like study rooms.”

Food service will also continue over the summer, but it will be significantly scaled back. According to Auxiliary Service Manager Julie T. Stillman, “the current food trailer on campus will depart on May 16th, and from that point onward, the menu will be condensed for the summer session.” She said that they will be “adopting a robust grab-and-go model” and that “offerings will include a hotdog station, nachos, pretzels, in addition to all current grab-and-go and heat-and-serve options.” The Campus Cafe will operate with reduced hours and will be open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Campus Life events will also be reduced. Campus Life Manager Dwayne Morgan explained, “The Office of Campus Life primarily utilizes the summer session as a time to plan and coordinate our events for the Fall and Spring semesters,” fair reasoning for the busy campus life schedule.

While many dislike summer classes for overrunning their summer break, they offer students a chance to get ahead, catch up, or experiment in preparation for the new year. So, roll down the window, enjoy the season’s humidity, and choose your path this summer.