Most college students attend school Monday through Friday, but now Palo Alto offers the Weekend College Program, where students can take classes Friday nights and Saturday mornings to finish an associate’s degree in a timely manner.

The Weekend College Program and online courses at Palo Alto allow students to attend school on Saturdays and take courses online and still get an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in 24 months.

“I work five days a week, so this was more convenient to attend classes on Saturday so I can finish my degree,” said Margaret Hicks, a freshman Registered Nurse.

The program began in Fall 2004. Even though the college has offered weekend classes all along, they were never offered so that you could earn a degree by only attending college on the weekend.

“The Weekend College Program provides an educational opportunity for members of the community who find it inconvenient to attend classes during the day or evening hours, have family responsibilities or are on-call evenings,” said Rose Medrano, coordinator.

There are 21 different classes available to students with this program, and five degrees you can earn through the Weekend College program: Administrative Computer Technology, Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Psychology and Social Work. Classes are on Saturday mornings or Friday evenings.

“I love teaching on the weekends because of parking. We also all pitch in for food, since it takes up breakfast and lunch time, so this sets a very good atmosphere between the students and me,” said Cathy Ojeda, a Math instructor.

Classes run during Spring Flex I and Spring Flex II for eight weeks. This allows students to take up to two courses per semester.

“I think the class would be easier if we went to school for 16 weeks so we would not be getting so much information at one time, but the class does work with my schedule,” said Ester Ramos, sophomore.

Students are allowed to take weekday and weekend classes, which will help earn a degree faster.
Financial Aid and Academic Advising for the Weekend College Program are available. The library and bookstore are also open for students’ convenience on the weekend.

“I consider my students special, because they are dedicated and sit through my six-hour class,” said Andrew Borden, an Intermediate Algebra Instructor.

For more information, contact the Office of Distance and Extended Education at (210) 921-5494 or check out www.accd.edu/pac/weekend

These classes start at the beginning of each Flex semester and include a registration session and a Weekend College Program Orientation.