No Gas = No Class for local College

[jewman601]

The high gas prices are having a major impact on pretty much everyone. And they're causing Meridian Community College to take some drastic measures to help its students during the summer school session. Soaring prices are hitting college students hard.

It's causing me to lose so much money that I could use on things, like I've got to buy clothes, books, and all," said Jermaine Watson. "And I'm using most of my money to pay for gas."

Officials say MCC is known as a commuter college. Over half its 1,200 students have to drive long distances to class. And when you think about the price of gas, those miles add up.

"Traveling hours and hours coming to school is just not working for me," Watson said.

MCC plans to save students time and money this summer, as they reduce most class sessions from 5 days to 4 days a week.

The administration says this will not extend summer sessions. The decision was made in January because they felt this was a great way to help both students and faculty.

"This will give them the opportunity to not only cut down on driving time, but perhaps to give them an extra day to work, so they can take care of buying gas for other activities as well," said Barbara Jones, dean of academic affairs.

The college is adding 10 minutes to each class, to make up for the "lost" day.

Many students say they are relieved because a reduction in class sessions means they don't have to fill up as much and they can use those savings for other college expenses.

"Gas is just so expensive and so many people have to pay for their own gas, so this will really allow us to reduce our driving time," said MCC student Sarah Fair.

And fall students will also get a taste of savings because MCC officials say they will try the class session reduction for some classes in the fall.

[Jaysolid]

daym

plant workers here goin on strike so we cud be facing a short term shortage/price raise

[pyromanaic414]

thats cool as hell, if i was going there i would pick up a few summer classes