First-year students who decide to stay in Athens to take classes this summer also have the chance to attend free lectures and workshops offered by Ohio University's Office of Summer Sessions.

OU will offer the Sophomore Summer Program for the first time this summer to all first-year students. Under the program, students are encouraged to sign up for one or two regular summer classes. In addition, the students have the option to attend as many of the free programs as they choose, said Pam Brown, director of summer sessions.

OU created the program to encourage more underclassmen to take summer courses. Most students who attend summer classes are upperclassmen who have fallen behind or have added another major, Brown said.

Freshman Brandon Thompson said he signed up for summer classes because he grew up in Athens and was always aware of them, but he said this program is a good way to get more students to sign up for summer classes.

In addition to encouraging more freshman to take classes over the summer, the lectures will give students the chance to explore opportunities at OU they would not have time for during the school year, Brown said.

In the workshops, students can visit career services, explore Alden library and the computer lab, visit the academic advancement center and meet with their advisor.

Another workshop also will educate students about the leadership, volunteer and student organizations at OU. Many students do not get involved on campus until their junior or senior year. However, it is important for students to get involved because it looks good on their resume, Brown said.

"Now it is not enough just to have a college degree," she said.

Even though most of the programs are educational, Brown said there also are some fun and recreational activities planned, such as a stress management program at Ping Center.

Sophomore Cynthia Minniear said she signed up for summer sessions because she transferred to OU and needed to make up credit hours. She signed up for the Sophomore Summer Program because she said the workshops sounded interesting.

"I think it's a good idea so students can be successful and can continue with the four or five-year plan," she said.

All first-year students have received a brochure for the program, and they can register by returning the form to 308 Tupper Hall. The deadline for registration is May 28, and students can pick up an extra form at 308 Tupper.

OU can accept up to 200 students into the program, but Brown said she expects fewer students because the program is new. So far, 14 students have signed up for the program.

Brown said she was a little disappointed with the turnout. But it will probably take a few years for the program to get into full swing, she said.