The University of St. Thomas is now offering discounted summer courses to all undergraduate students 50 percent off the usual price.

“The idea was to create an incentive to help students catch up or get ahead in their classes,” said Richard Plumb, Executive Vice President and Provost.

Junior Derek Vetsch is excited about the opportunity to take a discounted summer class because he prefers the level of education that St. Thomas provides rather than other options.

“Last summer I took a class at St. Paul College for $784,” Vetsch said. “A discounted summer class is pretty clutch because I’d much rather take it at St. Thomas because the education here is just better than a local community college.”

Other students think that the discount is a good idea, but not all plan to take advantage of it, such as junior Shan Sienko.

“I’m interested, but summer is pretty busy so it kind of hard to fit a class in,” Sienko said.

Plumb sees this as an opportunity for the university to offer more summer classes, especially online, to offer more flexibility for students, such as taking these classes while still working in the summer.

“During the summer a lot of students work,” Plumb said. “Getting used to working and taking classes prepares you to be a lifelong learner.”

This discount only applies to undergraduate students and does not apply to study abroad options. Vetsch said he might take a discounted summer class because of the professors.

“My relationship with my (St. Paul College) professor was not the same as my relationship with St. Thomas professors,” Vetsch said. “St. Thomas professors are really gifted instructors, so if a class is now more affordable to take here, I think you are just going to receive a better education.”

Peter Monahan can be reached at mona7035@stthomas.edu.