USC seeks $5M for extended summer session

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The University of South Carolina is seeking an additional $5 million for an expanded summer session that redefines the school year as three full semesters. University president Harris Pastides told a House budget-writing panel Wednesday that the “on your time graduation” initiative would allow students to earn a college degree in three years. It would create a 12-week summer semester, in addition to the 15-week fall and spring semesters. Currently, the college offers two one-month summer sessions, as well as a three-week session in May. But those course offerings are limited. Under the new initiative, students could take a full, 15-credit course load over the summer, while the shorter courses would still be available. Pastides says professors would have to be compensated for the additional work.