4 reasons student athletes say Summer Term is a slam dunk
Whether it’s basketball, football, hockey, or volleyball, there’s one thing that Wisconsin athletes can all agree on: Summer Term gives them the flexibility to complete their courses when it works best for them.
Just ask Quinn Kuntz, goalie for the championship-winning Wisconsin women’s hockey team, who has taken online summer courses during the off-season.
“I find [Summer Term] helps us either get ahead or catch up with classes we weren’t able to take during the semester,” Quinn says. “Being able to do my courses whenever it worked in my schedule was really helpful.”
Another standout player, Carter Gilmore of the Wisconsin men’s basketball team, has taken advantage of Summer Term’s online courses that have allowed him to travel and spend time with family during the summer months.
He graduated this spring with a degree in consumer behavior and a certificate in entrepreneurship and is wrapping up his credits this summer before he begins a new chapter, possibly overseas.
As a student athlete, you have to make every moment count, and Summer Term is an opportunity for athletes to catch up — or get ahead — so they can keep their head in the game.
Here are a few reasons why Wisconsin athletes love Summer Term:
Flexibility of online courses
Did you know Summer Term offers 800+ fully online courses? That means you can enroll in courses even if you plan to leave campus for the summer. You can also plan your work, research, or internship schedule around your summer courses, so you can get ahead without missing out on learning and mentorship opportunities.
Lighter course load during the semester
Athletes like Carter and Quinn often stack up courses during the summer, so they can take a lighter credit load during their sports season. This allows them to focus on training and competing without falling behind on coursework.
Stay on track to graduate
Summer courses can help keep you on track to graduate, and you may even be able to graduate early depending on your degree and requirements. Summer courses are generally shorter and more affordable compared to regular semester credits, so it’s a good strategy to help you get ahead.
Balance coursework and travel during the summer
Most students have some form of summer plans, and with Summer Term courses, you don’t have to worry about missing out on summer fun. Sessions are generally 4 or 8 weeks long, which means you’ll have the rest of your summer open to travel, visit family, or simply enjoy a little downtime.
For student athletes like Carter and Quinn, it’s been essential to their academic and athletic success.
“I’ve always taken one or two classes in the Summer Term,” Carter says, “Summer courses helped me stay on track academically, so I could be locked in during the [basketball] season.”
Keep in mind, Summer Term isn’t just for student athletes. More than 10,000 students enroll in Summer Term courses each year from May to August.
For more information about Summer Term courses, visit summer.wisc.edu, or schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your DARS and how summer courses can help you achieve your academic goals.
Published on Jun 11 2025
Last Updated on Jun 13 2025
Categories: News, Summer Term
Tags: resources and tips
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