Monday, Aug. 20 was the first full day of classes for the 15 students completing their senior year at Ursuline Academy in Springfield. When the 150-year-old high school was closed at the end of May, officials at Springfield College-Benedictine University said they hoped to offer a "Senior Experience" to those fourth-year students who chose to remain at Ursuline. The Illinois State Board of Education approved the move.

Ursuline senior students are enrolled in a combination of college and high school classes. Rick Rossetto, Springfield College-Benedictine University faculty member and chair of the Division of Natural Sciences, is the coordinator for the UA senior year.

According to a news release from the college, the high school classes are in the Sixth Street building and the students will have use of the building's computer lab. During their senior year, students will also participate in internships with various businesses and corporations in the community. A trip to Chicago centered on the arts and a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit legislators and lobbyists are in the planning stages, the release stated.

The Ursuline seniors have an open invitation to participate in all clubs and organizations on the campus. Those who are in National Honor Society will continue to participate in functions, including the city-wide Golden Laurels Award banquet. Parent-teacher conferences will occur once each semester for the students' high school and college level classes. Finally, parents are in charge of developing a committee to plan prom and graduation for the students.