Liz Ortiz
Staff Writer
Beginning next semester, the University of La Verne will implement a new scheduling concept, called “sunrise college,” and some classes will begin as early as 6 a.m.
According to the email that was sent to University students, the registrar’s office said that the classes will appeal to “morning people” who are ready to learn and be active during earlier hours. Elementary Spanish, Fitness for Life, Principles of Psychology and writing courses are offered as a part of sunrise college, and the earliest class begins at 6 a.m.
“The students who choose to take a class at this hour will most likely be disciplined, serious students, who are early risers ready to seize the day,” Department of Modern Languages Professor Luz Forero, who will be teaching Elementary Spanish I, said.
Some professors who are teaching the sunrise college classes said they understand that the classes are early, but do not think that is an excuse to miss class.
“The first few weeks will be a challenge as everyone gets accustomed to the new routine,” said academic adviser and adjunct instructor Amanda Santos, who will be teaching Fitness for Life. “I am hoping there will not be an attendance problem. It’s simple, if you are not a morning person then you should not register for the class.”
The professors seemed optimistic about the early morning classes. They said there may be a few challenges with having an early class time, but they have faith that students will still take the classes seriously.
“I think that sharing this experience of starting the day early will bring everyone in class together and make it a great learning experience,” Forero said.
Students, on the other hand, seemed less optimistic about the early classes. They said the intentions are good in theory, but realistically the classes are going to be full of students who need the class, but could not register for the class time they initially wanted.
“Professors probably assume that the students who are registering for these classes are doing so voluntarily, and some students may be early risers, but realistically I think the classes are going to be full of incoming freshmen and students who registered later in the process,” junior psychology major Ashlee Meyer said.
Only five classes are being offered as a part of sunrise college, and two out of the five are exclusive to CAPA students. Writing for College A and Writing for College B are the two CAPA exclusive, sunrise college courses, and they will be taught by writing professor Jennifer Jared.
They are hybrid classes, meaning part of the class will take place in the classroom while the other part will be online.
The other three classes that will be taught are fitness for life, elementary Spanish I and principles of psychology, and they are general education classes.
According to the registration website, eight students have signed up for the fitness for life course, seven students have registered for elementary Spanish and the principles for psychology course has reached capacity.
“This is good preparation for the real world. Once out in the work force, (students) will have to get up at that hour anyway,” Forero said.
Liz Ortiz can be reached at elizabeth.ortiz@laverne.edu.
