ECU sets schedule for ‘weekend university’
East Carolina University has announced its schedule of weekend classes that begin next fall under a new program to help working adults complete their college degrees.
The Weekend University opens Aug. 23, with four undergraduate degree opportunities in psychology, business management, manufacturing and hospitality management. Twenty courses in these areas will be taught on Friday evenings and throughout the day on Saturdays. Dr. Diana M. Henshaw, the director of the Division of Continuing Studies, described the program as “an exciting new option being offered by ECU to assist area residents who need to upgrade their skills or seek new degrees to successfully compete in today’s job market.”
“The university’s goal,” she said, “is to make education accessible at times and in places most convenient to adults who have work and family obligations.”
Under the new weekend schedule, the Friday night classes run for three hours starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday classes are: 8 – 11 a.m.; 11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.; and 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
People interested in enrolling are invited to attend any of four information sessions planned for this summer. The sessions are May 18, June 1, June 22, and July 13, starting at 9:30 a.m. Advance registration through the ECU Division of Continuing Studies is required. ECU Chancellor Richard Eakin announced the plan to offer degree opportunities on weekends during a meeting of the ECU Faculty Senate last fall. .
“I think it’s time for us to take some bold new steps,” he said. “This is a small step; it’s not a panacea. We must do this if we are going to be effective participants in the academic marketplace.”
The College of Arts and Sciences and the schools of Business, Human Environmental Sciences and Industry and Technology will provide the first selection of courses in the weekend program. The courses will be arranged so that most students will be able to earn the baccalaureate degree by attending the Friday and Saturday classes only. Regular part-time tuition and fees apply to students enrolled in the program. As an example of tuition costs, an in-state student taking two courses totaling six hours will pay $419 a semester under the current tuition schedule. The fee schedule could change pending any actions taken later this year by the UNC Board of Governors and the N.C. Legislature.
For further information, write, call or visit The Weekend University, ECU Division of Continuing Studies, Erwin Building, Greenville, NC 27858-4353. The telephone numbers are (919) 328-4696 or long distance at 1-800-328-6567.