Busy adults become college students on the weekend

Christi Esparza meets with counselor Amber Fountain to talk about Weekend College.

Counselor Amber Fountain, left, advises Weekend College student Christi Esparza.

Christi Esparza works as a data processor during the week, but she stopped by the Northridge Campus on a recent Saturday to enroll in college.

“I need the freedom to seek out my degree while keeping my full-time job,” Esparza says.

Welcome to Weekend College, a program that provides college classes at times more convenient to busy adults who can’t attend during the week.

The Austin Community College District expanded Weekend College at the Riverside and Northridge campuses last year. The program quickly grew to 2,474 students and is adding two more campuses this spring at Eastview and South Austin.

“The number of students exceeded our expectations,” says Charles Quinn, dean of Business Studies who also oversees Weekend College.

“Weekend College gives students more options,” he adds. “It allows them to build a class schedule around their busy lives.”

Esparza and another prospective student, Brian Scott, were at Northridge on a Saturday to enroll in time for spring classes. Both attended college before, but job responsibilities prevented them from completing their degree.

They hoped the counselors at Northridge could point them in the right direction.

“I haven’t been to college in 10 years,” says Esparza. “I need a clue what to expect.”

Counselor Amber Fountain was there to help them complete the admissions requirements, decide on a degree plan, and select classes.

“Students want to make sure they’re taking the right thing, particularly when they’re transferring,” Fountain says.

Currently, Admissions and Advising offices are open between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday at the Northridge and Riverside campuses. Eastview and South Austin campus offices will begin holding Saturday hours in spring. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointment is necessary.

During peak times, usually around registration periods when offices are busiest, Fountain encourages applicants to arrive before 10 a.m. to ensure counselor availability.

Click here for information on Weekend College.

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