The first summer session of the Integrated Business Curriculum program through the University of Idaho’s College of Business and Economics holds students in an intense summer schedule but junior Spencer Schumacher said the condensed workload has its benefits.
“It takes a whole semester off so I can graduate in the spring,” Schumacher said.
Classes are in session 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a two-hour lunch Monday through Thursday. Students operate in teams and Schumacher said they sometimes use the mornings and afternoons around the two-hour Friday test sessions for extra work time.
Schumacher said he puts in many hours beyond the 26 he spends in class.
“I’m on campus 50 hours a week just trying to get stuff done,” he said.
Schumacher said despite the breakneck pace, if he stays responsible he still has time to have fun on the weekends. The class team members push each other to meet deadlines, and the $293 cost per class credit — in a program that requires 17 credits — helps motivate individuals, he said.
“Really what it is, is immersion learning,” said Scott Metlen, associate professor of operations management.
Metlen said the workload is similar to that of the standard year program, but the student teams develop better networking and bonding. One reason for this is the small population – 37 students instead of the typical 60.
Students are likely studying more during the summer session than in standard semesters, he said, and they are discouraged from taking non-IBC classes while involved in the program.
This everyday focus helps prevent distraction and student projects are better overall, he said, and the various teams sometimes study together and create a peer-support network. One of the only downsides to the program, he said, is the lack of time to meet with professors.
“(Everybody) knows everybody,” Metlen said. “That doesn’t hold true in the (standard) semester.”
Schumacher said the groups allow people to help each other with difficult problems and provide real-world skills and team experience. He said he’s also better prepared for the school year.
“It’s not like you’re stuck by yourself doing stuff,” he said. “I’ll be able to apply what I learned here next school year, as far as time management and group work.”
The benefits extend to the networking potential of the college itself. Scott said alumni keep them updated on employment positions and tend to hire graduates from the college.
Sanjay Sisodiya, assistant professor of marketing, said the summer IBC program also gives students options and allows for missteps. It could enable students to pursue study abroad, for instance, and maintain standard progress toward their majors.
While students need junior standing to take IBC courses, Metlen said advanced planning will benefit freshmen as they progress through the business curriculum. Courses that develop skills in critical thinking, supporting written arguments, problem solving, algebra, statistics and calculus are foundational. He said the summer session has helped address deficiencies in these skills for some students.
“(Because) of the teamwork, I think there are people who are weak in these areas who are actually starting to understand them faster and better than (they might) in the regular year.”
Sisodiya said IBC is about more than meeting minimum requirements. The summer session is suited for students with a drive to learn, and he said the summer faculty is committed to helping them do so.
“Where do you see yourself having weakness, where do you think you can excel?” he said. “Keep working at it.”
Matt Maw can be reached at [email protected]