Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University will offer more than 500 classes during two summer sessions this year - and that's just for starters.

In addition to the hundreds of traditional college courses, Indiana State's Summer Honors program for talented high school students is back for its 41st year. ISU will also host a variety of camps for young people from age 4 through high school along with Special Olympics Indiana, Hoosier Girls State and Crossroads Repertory Theater.

Registration for undergraduate- and graduate-level classes runs through April 24. Classes are available both on campus and via distance learning. For Summer I, three-week and eight-week classes start May 18 while four-week classes begin June 8. Summer II offers a full month of classes starting July 13.

"Summer is a great time for current students to take additional courses, with an eye toward graduating early, for high school seniors to get a jump-start on fall classes, or for those attending another college to take classes at ISU to round out their education," said John Beacon, vice president for enrollment management, marketing and communications. "Summer classes are generally small and more relaxed and the campus is less crowded."

In most cases, college credits earned at Indiana State will transfer to other accredited colleges or universities.

Summer Honors offers 16 one-week courses for high school students in graduating classes of 2010, 2011 and 2012. Students must rank in the upper 25 percent of their class, have a B average or higher, or be recommended by a teacher or counselor. In addition to experiencing campus life, including a stay in a residence hall, students who complete Summer Honors will earn college credit that can be applied to a degree at Indiana State or transferred to another institution. They are also eligible to earn an ISU scholarship.

Classes are taught by the university's most experienced faculty and include courses not found in a traditional college summer camp, including aviation, computerized building construction, forensic facial reconstruction, global politics and global warming, interior architecture/design and sports injury prevention and care.

"We have a group of faculty members who are very engaging and are excited about working with this particular age group. Their excitement about their research and subject matter will come through in students' experiences," said Greg Bierly, director of the University Honors program and Summer Honors coordinator.

Summer Honors runs July 26 through Aug. 2. Registration deadline is July 1.

A number of popular summer camps in science, music and theater and cheerleading will be offered for students ranging in from age 4 to high school seniors.

Indiana State will also offer driver education classes throughout the summer with courses available for teens, adults and motorcycle riders.

Special Olympics games run June 5-7 while Girls State visits campus June 21-27. Crossroads Repertory Theater, a professional theater company with a respected 40-year history, will perform from mid-June through late July. This year's productions will include "Much Ado about Nothing," "The Fantasticks," "Velveteen Rabbit," and "Safety Net."

More information about summer classes, camps and other activities, including links to registration forms, is available at www.indstate.edu/summer or by calling 812-237-8080.

ISU coaches will offer a variety of summer sports camps. Information on these is available by clicking on the "Camps & Clinics" link at www.gosycamores.com.

Media contact and writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu