LAFAYETTE TWP. — Remington Grams’ first college class was a little lonely.

Sitting in a distance learning classroom during the opening day at the Medina County University Center Monday afternoon, he was the only student watching an introduction to public speaking class broadcast from the University of Akron.

“I’m being told how to speak in public, but I don’t have anyone to speak to,” said Grams, a township resident. “It’s kind of ironic.”

Grams said he is happy he can take some classes at the university center this semester before enrolling as an electrical engineering student at the University of Akron in the fall. He returned to the area a few months ago after being discharged from the military. Criminal justice majors (from left) Justin Peterson, of Montville Township; Frances Peck, of Litchfield Township; and Jake Habrat, of Medina, listen intently to instructor Ron Michaelec during the first day of their introduction to criminal justice class at the Medina County University Center in Lafayette Township.Bridget Commisso | Staff Photographer “I’m just trying to fill my general education requirements,” he said. He’s also enrolled in English and sociology courses.

Ron Michaelec, of Montville Township, is teaching an introduction to criminal justice class in which five students enrolled.

“It’s nice from the instructor’s point of view,” he said. “It’s good for discussion.”

A former chief of the Ohio State University police department, he also teaches criminal justice courses at the University of Akron’s main campus.

Around 100 students have enrolled in the general education courses so far, said Holly Harris Bane, associate vice president for strategic initiatives at the University of Akron. She said she hopes about 50 more will enroll by the fall, a more traditional time to start taking courses.

Other classes that begin at the university center this week range from introduction to economics and English composition to a program in which teachers can earn master’s degrees.

Professional development classes, which are mostly daylong, also will be offered on various subjects like managing employees or building Web sites.

A surgical technology program will begin in the fall, and registered nurses will be able to work toward bachelor’s degrees at the university center.