California State University, Fresno students who attend summer classes through Extended Education this year will enjoy a decrease in fees as the university moves toward full, year-round state-support of its courses in 2002.

A currently enrolled or admitted California student could save from $15 on a one-unit class to more than $700 if he or she enrolls in 12 units this summer, said Kenneth Shipley, associate provost for academic resources.

"This summer is an absolute bargain for students," said Shipley. Fresno State will offer 230 classes in 40 disciplines.

Summer courses are offered on a self-supporting basis by the Division of Extended Education. But this summer, funding from the Legislature will provide state support to reduce fees, Shipley said.

The move toward what is called "year round operations" has been under way for several years after a Legislative Analyst's Office recommendation that it be used as a cost-cutting measure that could also offset the need for new construction and allow student to earn their degrees quicker. All California State University campuses except the Maritime Academy will be converting to full state-supported summer terms by the summer of 2002, said Shipley. Nonresidents, international students and students who are not admitted to Fresno
State will pay the same Extended Education fees as previous years, $120 per unit.

Summer session classes provide from one class to a full semester's work but in a variety of time frames, from May 29 to Aug. 17. Some classes, for example, meet for three hours daily for three weeks. Students register on the first two days of the session in which the class is offered. For more information, call 278-0333.

Also this summer, Fresno State's College of Education enters its third year of a project that offers a price-break for teaching credential program courses. Students pay normal undergraduate or graduate fees, rather than the higher fees of self-supporting Extended Education classes.

Shipley said the pilot program has attracted new students to the education courses and allowed those enrolled to finish quicker because of the selection and flexibility in the summer.
For information on teaching credential program courses, call 278-2261.