June 12, 2008  

Pellissippi State offers alternate schedule to combat fuel costs

Gas prices are the hot topic on everyone’s mind right now. As summer approaches, the average cost of fuel in Tennessee is $3.89 a gallon, according to AAA, and the national average is more than $4. With no end in sight to the record-breaking fuel costs, Pellissippi State Technical Community College is doing its part to help its students out.

This fall, the college will offer several introductory courses on an alternate schedule that will allow students to keep their trips to campus at a minimum. A few classes that would normally meet three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays—will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays only.

Some classes that would take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays will meet only once a week. Two classes will be offered on Fridays only. The class time will be extended to make up for the fewer days.

Anthony Wise, vice president of the Learning Division at the college, says he hopes the new scheduling options will take some of the financial burden off of the students.

“Pellissippi State has always prided itself on being affordable,” he said. “However, as gas prices continue to rise, we want to do our part to help alleviate the financial concerns many people are now facing.”

The classes that will be available on the alternate schedule are English 1010, Math 1130, Psychology 1010, Music 1030, Sociology 1010, History 1010, Political Science 1010, Art 1730 and Spanish 2010.

Flexible scheduling is not a new idea at Pellissippi State. The college already has in place several options to meet the needs of its students.

Fast Track courses pack a full semester of classes into five weeks. Web and video courses allow students to work from home on their own time. Hybrid courses combine online work with the traditional classroom setting. Evening classes provide an alternative for students with a job, family or other responsibilities that keep them tied up during the day.

“Regardless of your situation, it is possible to get your degree. Pellissippi State’s flexible learning opportunities take away the hurdles that prevent so many from completing college,” Wise said.

Students are encouraged to enroll now for the fall semester. For registration information, visit the college’s Web site at www.pstcc.edu or call (865) 694-6400.

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