By Kelline Linton, Chief Copy Editor

As Summit works to draw a larger student crowd this year, professors around campus canceled classes to encourage participation and attendance. Caron Gentry, assistant professor of political science, called off three of her classes to encourage her students to attend Summit events. “I’ve always wanted to do more to support Lectureship,” Gentry said.

If her students do go to the speaker lectures, they can write a one-page summary for extra credit. Gentry said she likes the Summit theme “The Righteousness of God: Exploring Romans.” “Romans has been something I focused on this year, and I agree with Randy on a lot of things,” she said. Randy Harris, one of the theme speakers for Summit and instructor in Bible, missions and ministry, also canceled classes for some of his students.

Professors from numerous departments gave students a free pass during Summit, including instructors in the departments of Journalism and Mass Communication, Psychology and Exercise Science and Health. Some department chairs encouraged professors to release students from their classes, while others did not place as much emphasis on the matter.

David Hogan, instructor of public relations in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, decided not to cancel any of his classes, especially since it was not discussed in his department.

All of Hogan’s classes are in the afternoons, and he said students could attend events during the mornings or evenings. “I see classes more like a job,” he said. “Extracurricular activities should be outside of class.”