Weekend College

In trying to meet the requests of current and prospective students, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is continually seeking new ways to offer college classes. With busy schedules at work and with family, some students have a difficult time scheduling college classes. A convenient, flexible schedule of courses is often not available.

One solution to the scheduling dilemma is to offer a sequence of integrated college courses via a weekend format. Weekend learning community programs have been successful at many colleges in the United States, and students typically give positive evaluations to such programs. Participants in weekend programs can develop a learning relationship with other students in the courses, often providing peer support and encouragement for each other as they complete college classes.

Currently, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College offers a complete schedule of daytime and evening courses, and on-line courses over the Internet. Weekend College is another step toward meeting the changing needs of students.

Frequently Asked Questions about Weekend College

Can I really earn a college degree by attending classes only on weekends?

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College offers a series of weekend courses that fulfills all requirements to complete an Associate of Arts degree. Students may then choose to transfer credits toward a four-year degree at another institution such as UMD, UWS, or the College of St. Scholastica. An associate degree from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is also well respected by employers.

When and where will Weekend College classes be held?

All classes are scheduled on weekends, usually Friday evenings and Saturdays. The schedule has classes on alternating weekends, starting in September, with a break in December, then resuming in January and concluding in June. No classes are held during July and August. Classes will be held at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College campus in Cloquet.

How long will it take to complete a degree?

The associate of arts degree can be completed in two years. This assumes that the student enrolls in the complete series of six Weekend College clusters in *consecutive order
*Note: It is acceptable to start at any cluster, and attend consecutively thereafter.

Are classes taught by qualified instructors?

Yes. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College has an outstanding faculty of both full-time and part-time instructors. Several have received awards for teaching expertise, and all have advanced college degrees in their primary subject areas. Please refer to the college catalog for a directory of all faculty and staff and their respective educational experience.

Will I get to go through a graduation ceremony?

Yes. All students who complete degree requirements can participate in commencement ceremonies held once each year in May. Commencement is a special occasion that marks the accomplishment of a significant achievement, a college degree.

Application and Admission to Weekend College

What are the admission requirements?

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is an open-door institution. All students who have earned a high school diploma or a G.E.D. are accepted to attend Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Weekend college students must complete the application for admission process.

Students seeking to participate in Weekend College courses must show they are prepared for college-level course requirements. As part of the application process, students must complete the Accuplacer Assessment to help determine appropriate placement into courses. Students who need to refresh their skills in identified subject areas may need to complete college preparation courses prior to beginning Weekend College clusters. Academic advising will be available to all Weekend College students.

A schedule of when the Accuplacer is offered is available in the Admissions Office.

Contact the college Admissions Office at 218-879-0808 or 1-800-657-3712.

Weekend College application process

– If possible, meet with a member of the college admissions staff to discuss your plans.
– Complete the admissions application form and submit the non-refundable $20.00 processing fee.
– Include the appropriate school transcripts, immunization record and tribal certification forms.
– Complete the Accuplacer Assessment.
– Meet with the Weekend College Program coordinator.

Other steps to complete after acceptance:

– Investigate financial aid opportunities.
– Meet with an academic advisor to register for Weekend College cluster courses.

Cost and Financial Aid

Does it cost more to attend Weekend College classes than weekday classes?

No. Tuition is the same regardless of when classes are scheduled. Tuition costs are subject to change each year. Textbooks and class materials are additional costs beyond tuition and student fees.

Can I get financial aid assistance?

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College offers a wide range of financial aid resources to students. Possible sources of financial aid funds include grants, scholarships, loans, and work study employment. Students are encouraged to thoroughly investigate and apply for multiple sources of financial aid.

Financial aid is available to students for the purpose of paying for educational expenses.

Financial aid is designed to supplement the amount students and their families are expected to contribute to meet the cost of attending college. Sources and amounts of financial aid money vary, and each student’s application for financial aid is individually reviewed to determine eligibility. Eligibility is based on the student’s demonstrated financial need, and the amount is the difference between the total cost of attending college for one year and the contribution of the student and their family. Amounts and eligibility are not randomly selected.

Each student applies for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) once a year. Forms are available near the Financial Aid Office at the college and online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Students may access a wide range of additional resources to pay for costs related to a college education. The Alliss grant, employer reimbursement programs, child care assistance, deferred payment plans, G.I. Bill, and rehabilitation services are examples of the variety of assistance available to college students. Either on their own or with the assistance of the Financial Aid Office staff, students should explore as many options as possible.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid office at 218-879-0816.

Course Schedule

Classes meet on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., usually on alternating weekends. Schedule maybe subject to change.

Read this if you have previously attended college:

We expect students to make a commitment to the Weekend College Program. It is critical that students enrolling in Weekend College understand that they must enroll in the entire cluster of courses vs. selected courses within the cluster. Exceptions can be made if a student has previously completed college courses. Please meet with the Weekend College program coordinator if you have previously completed college courses.

For information regarding the Weekend College Program, contact:

Cathy Podeszwa, Weekend College Coordinator
2101 14th Street
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-879-0700
1-800-657-3712
218-879-0805 (TTY)
cpodeszwa@fdltcc.edu

Testimonials

My favorite thing about FDLTCC is the people. I’ve met fantastic students, faculty and staff who go above and beyond what I expected.

I chose FDLTCC because of its size and the curriculum. When I first came here in 2019, I was just looking for what I needed to volunteer, perhaps in a crisis shelter. I met with Don Jarvinen, and the rest is history.

It is awesome here at the FDLTCC Education Program because it is like a family here, if you need help or are struggling with anything, you have quite a few people who will help you out.