Summer sessions provide professors a break from lecturing and grading papers. For some, it is an opportunity to research and relax, while others study abroad with their students.

Andrew White, assistant professor of mathematics, looks forward to being able to come and go from Eastern’s campus at his own leisure. Also, White plans to visit several states this summer including Missouri, Arizona and Tennessee. He said he also plans on exercising and visiting with friends and family.

White is active in the campus community throughout the summer. He is the co-adviser for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which will continue to meet during the summer session, and also an instructor with the University Foundations classes, for which he will attend a workshop in mid-May, and then again in August for EIU Reads.

White will also spend time strengthening his qualifications as an instructor before he begins planning his courses for the fall semester.

“This summer I will be teaching grade school children, grades 4-6, for one week in a geometry program through Continuing Education,” White said. “I like to keep current with elementary students as I teach Elementary School Methods and Middle School Methods classes during the regular school year.”

Janet T. Marquardt, professor of art history and women’s studies, be leaving the campus to further her research projects in Europe.

“I teach a monthlong summer study program in Paris, France, with an art history course tied to that city,” Marquardt said.

She said she must take the summers off to research. It’s one of the criteria teachers are evaluated on each year.

“All my trips revolve around my research,” Marquardt said. “This summer I have three conference papers to deliver (in Dublin, Ireland; Cluny, France; and Paris, France) as well as some buildings to see in the Burgundian region and archival materials to study in Dublin and in Caen (Normandy, France).”

Jeannie Ludlow, assistant professor of English and coordinator of women’s studies, enjoys working from home when she is not teaching on campus.

“Taking summer away from the classroom allows me to renew my excitement for my teaching,” Ludlow said. “As I read new research and update my teaching materials, I start to get really excited about what I am learning with students.”

Ludlow’s major travel plans include presenting at a professional conference in San Francisco, Calif., this summer.

Andrew Robinson, an instructor in the department of communication studies, attends conferences, revises his course teaching style, and teaches online sections during the summer months.

“I have never been much for too much idle time. I enjoy teaching during the summer,” Robinson said.

Jen Brown can be reached at 581-7942 or jebrown2@eiu.edu