Weekend Degree Program
Clark College’s new Weekend Degree program provides a flexible and affordable learning alternative for you to earn your Associates in Arts degree in 24 months or less.
Benefits of the Weekend Degree program:
- designed for student success
- meets three (3) weekends per quarter
- integrates classroom and online instruction
- offers an Associate in Arts in 24 months
- meets eligibility for financial aid
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What Makes the Weekend Degree Program different?
The Weekend Degree Program is designed for students interested in earing an Associate of Arts degree in a flexible learning environment. Completion of the program prepares students for transfer to most bachelor degree programs at public four-year institutions in Washington and Oregon.
With enrollment limited to a cohort of 25 learners in a prescribed course of study, the Weekend Degree Program is designed for your success. You will receive both personal and group support throughout your program, and have access to college resources to enhance your learning experience.
Parcipation in the program does require you to be ready for college-level English and Mathematics and begins each fall quarter. Specific requirements for selection into this program can be found below.
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How does the program work?
The Weekend Degree Program is designed for a selected cohort of learners. This means you will attend classes with the same group of students for the entire program.
The degree program follows a specific course of study over a two-year period that leads to an Associate of Arts degree. Classes meet fall, winter, spring and summer quarters for two consecutive years (8 quarters/24 months).
The program will be taught in a hybrid format. The majority of the quarter will be spent in an online learning environment. However, students will meet three different times during the quarter in a traditional classroom setting. These classes will be held on the Clark College campus, Friday night and all day Saturday.
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Do I need a computer?
Much of the coursework for the Weekend Degree Program is completed in an online environment. As such, you will need to have access to a computer. Technical requirements for online courses can be found on the web at www.clark.edu\elearning.
To be most successful in this program, it is recommended you have the following:
- Access to a reliable computer with high speed or DSL Internet connectivity. Specific technical requirements for online courses can be found at www.clark.edu/elearning
- Basic computer skills including: keyboarding, Internet, email, and word processing
If you need to purchase a computer you have the option to make your purchase through the Clark College bookstore. However, you are not required to purchase your computer through Clark College to participate in the Weekend Degree Program.
The Clark College Bookstore offers several special order options to fill student computer needs. It doesn’t matter whether or not you are a PC or Mac user. The Bookstore provides products and services for every computer users needs. The Bookstore is a partner with Computer Technology Link (CTL) , a Portland based company that will make to order a custom built computer. CTL offers competitive pricing on quality personal computers as well as extended service warranties at a great value. Their nearby Portland location also offers convenient local service and repair. The Clark College Bookstore is also an authorized Apple Campus Store offering a complete range of Apple and Macintosh products and services. Check out the Bookstore for great in store deals on Macintosh computer bundles and software that you may not be able to find online or at any Apple Retail Stores.
The Bookstore also offers very low student pricing on Academic and student versions of Microsoft and Adobe software. You can save up to 75% on Academic Bundled software packages.
You can visit the bookstore at http://clarkbookstore.com/
*Note: You are able to participate with dial-up internet connections; however, it will be a more timely process and some components of Blackboard may not work or work as they should.
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What is required and strongly recommended for entering the program?
The Weekend Degree Program is designed for students who are ready for college level coursework. Selection into the program is based on several factors:
- Eligibility for entry into ENGL& 101 - English Composition I (5 credits)
- Eligibility for entry into MATH& 107 - Math in Society (5 credits)
- Submission date of all program application materials. Applications received by the application deadline date of April 1 will be given first consideration in selection. Applications and/or supporting application materials received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.
- An individual’s application will not be reviewed for selection until his/her application file is complete. If materials are not submitted at the same time, the date used for selection will be based on the date that the final document needed to complete the application file is received.
- Washington residency (only used as a tie-breaker if the program has more qualified applicants than space is available).
You should be comfortable with using a computer and be able to complete basic functions in a Windows environment. You should have skills in keyboarding, internet searches, email and basic word processing.
If you need to build your computer skills before applying/entering the Weekend Degree Program, Clark College offers several courses that can help you. Most of these courses are taught on a quarterly basis. Suggested courses are listed below.
BTEC 100 – Keyboarding 1-3 credits: This is a class recommended for anyone with little to no computer experience, as well as little to no keyboarding skills.
BTEC 105 – Beginning Computer Fundamentals 3 credits: This class is recommended for anyone with little to no computer experience.
BTEC 150 – Computer Business Applications 5 credits: This class is recommended for those with a little experience with computers but need to expand their knowledge to become more comfortable.
OR
BTEC 149 – Computer Application Essentials 3 credits: This is recommended for those with a little experience with computers that need to expand their knowledge to become more comfortable with computers, as well as familiar with the frequently used software programs.
What if I have transfer credits?
Coursework completed at another regionally accredited institution may meet selection eligibility requirements or degree completion requirements. An evaluation of previous coursework will be done after all application materials are received, including copies of official transcripts. Course equivalencies are authorized by the academic department and are considered official for purposes of meeting selection and degree completion requirements of the Weekend Degree Program. Coursework completed at an institution that does not hold regional accreditation will not be recognized by Clark College and cannot be used to meet eligibility or degree completion requirements. If you are uncertain if your previous institution holds regional accreditation, please contact the Welcome Center at (360) 699-6398 or admissions@clark.edu.
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How and when do I know if I am selected?
Review of applications and final selections to the program will be made after the priority application date of April 1 has passed. You can expect to receive a letter of acceptance to the program by June 1. If you have questions about your selection status, please contact the eLearning Department at (360) 992-2654.
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Financial Aid
Please contact the Financial Aid office to determine your eligibility and to apply for financial aid. Ask about grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment opportunities.
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Weekend Degree Program Curriculum:
As a cohort program, your course of study is already determined for all eight (8) quarters of enrollment. Your studies will begin in the fall and will commence for 2 consecutive years (8 quarters/24 months). If all program and graduation requirements are met, you will receive your Associate of Arts degree at the end of the second summer session. See the current course schedule for details.
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Please contact the eLearning department to get started.
ELEARNING OFFICE
(360) 992-2654
(877) 748-2654
(360) 992-2895 FAX
eLearning@clark.edu
www.clark.edu/eLearning
ADVISING OFFICE
(360) 992-2345
advising@clark.edu
Welcome Center
(360) 699-6398
(360) 992-2867 FAX
admission@clark.edu
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How do I apply?
Application to the program is a simple process, with application materials available online for your convenience. To receive full consideration, complete the checklist of items listed below. If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Welcome Center at (360) 699-6398 for assistance. Priority application deadline is April 1.
- Submit a Weekend Degree Program application with a non-refundable $40 application fee. Note: the application fee is waved for the fall 2009 cohort only.
- Submit official college transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions other than Clark College, if you plan to meet eligibility or degree requirements with coursework previously completed. To remain official, the transcript must arrive at Clark College in the original, sealed envelope from the transfer institution. If you are receiving financial aid benefits, you must submit official transcripts from all previous institutions, regardless if you plan to use previously earned credits towards the degree program. A request form is available online.
- Take the COMPASS Placement Test* and achieve the following scores
- Writing Skills score of 78 or higher
- College Algebra score of 38 or higher
* If you completed coursework at another institution to meet the English and Mathematics elegibility criteria, you do not need to take the COMPASS test. Refer to Transfer Coursework Information section for additional information.
- Submit your completed application materials to:
Clark College - Welcome Center, PUB 002
1933 Fort Vancouver Way
Vancouver, WA 98663
* The process for selection is based on eligibility and date of application. If a tie breaker is necessary, residency will be used.
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