TORONTO, January 18, 1996: In an effort to adapt to changing student interests and funding cutbacks, York University's Faculty of Pure and Applied Science will begin offering a new entry point to full-time study through a summer semester, running from May 6 - Aug. 2.

Courses in first-, second- and third-year biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science will be offered this year. The courses, which include the first-year core offerings in these five subjects, are also those first-year courses required by students studying towards a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology, psychology, geography and physical education. The offerings will eventually be expanded to allow students to take a wider range of undergraduate courses at first- to fourth-year levels, says associate dean of science David Logan.

"Seventy-five years ago, some 20 percent of the population was engaged in the agricultural sector, a level that is now a factor often lower," says Robert Prince, dean of York's Faculty of Pure and Applied Science. "Yet the educational system at all levels perpetuates this anachronism through a system that essentially releases its students until after the harvest is gathered. We're
aiming for a new flexibility in our approach to education."

Currently, students compete against each other for hard-to-find summer jobs, Prince explains. But with the option of a third semester, some students may choose to study in the summer and take
the winter session off, in order to work in such areas as the winter recreation industry. "It gives them another option," Prince says.

As well, science students facing a possible tuition increase due to government cutbacks in funding to postsecondary education may now choose to study in all three semesters, eliminating a year from their overall studies and getting into the workforce faster. It also allows high school students who graduate in January to start university in four months, rather than having to wait eight months for Sept.

Students admitted to the summer semester are eligible for a wide range of entrance scholarships plus the new York Science Scholarships, up to a maximum value of $4,500. Applicants to York will be considered automatically and need not apply separately for these scholarships.

From the university's point of view, this move makes a lot of sense, Prince says. "We simply cannot afford to leave our laboratory facilities dormant during the summer. The computers in our computer labs become obsolete in about three years so it is more economical to have students working on them for another three-to-four months per year."

"Initial interest from high school teachers and students has been enormously enthusiastic," Logan says.

"It offers students a lot of flexibility," says Alim Mondal, a physics and biology teacher at Bayview Secondary School in Richmond Hill. "It sounds good to me."

A lot of students in semestered high schools drag out one semester worth of courses over two semesters because "there is nowhere for them to go until next Sept.," says Alfred Popp, an OAC student at Bayview Secondary School. Popp intends to study science at university next year. With a summer semester, more students would be willing to graduate in Jan., he says.

"This would (also) give students the option of taking off whatever semester is necessary when they are low on cash or feel the need to take a work break," Popp adds.

York University, the third largest in Canada, is nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and teaching. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campus in the heart of one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the modern standard in academic excellence.

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For more information, contact:

Robert Prince
Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
(416) 736-5051, ext. 22316

or

David Logan
Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
(416) 736-5051

or

Cindy Kleiman
Department of Communications
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/002/96