(KPAX) The University of Montana is now offering reduced room and board and free math tutoring for students taking at least six credits over the summer.

This comes after years of decreasing enrollment and course restructuring. Winter session courses were offered until last school year, when they were cut due to budgeting issues.

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Nathan Lindsay is hopeful this will encourage students to continue their studies over the break.

“The discount that we have is an incredible deal, we want students on campus and if they can take six credits instead of fewer credits then it works out well for the university and also for the students.”

That deal is for a bed in Jesse Hall, at 300 for a shared room or 450 for a single. The cost covers housing for the entire summer session, until classes start again in the fall.

UM has also increased its course offerings-to more than 1,000 classes spread out over 3-week, 6-week and 12 week programs.

Last year, summer enrollment went up by 17 percent, and they’re hoping that will go up even further this year. Right now, there are more than 3,000 people enrolled in summer courses.

“We’re really driven by student success, by trying to help students to stay connected to the university, and also looking at the university today it’s a gorgeous environment,” Lindsay said.

Many students take summer session to catch up on requirements.

Lindsay also said the free math tutoring is to help students get through a challenging class.

“We’ve found that if they’re here on campus that there are just a lot of opportunities that they can take advantage of outside of their classes as well.”

There are also more than 200 online courses available. The deadline to apply for FAFSA and student aid is June 30, and payment for courses is due on July 14. Some classes are already in session.

More From Missoula Current