The Observer, November 3, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 9
SatCo returns for the fall with increased interest
Case students have been seeing advertising for weeks about this semester's upcoming Saturday College (SatCo) taking place tomorrow and Sunday.
SatCo offers unique weekend classes that are open to all students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members.
The SatCo programming is varied for this session, ranging from basic tap lessons with the Spartan Tappers, to a skydiving trip promoted by the University Programming Board, to learning the art of contemporary book making.
Many students are surprised to see that SatCo is actually occurring; in years past, the promise of one SatCo a semester has not always been fulfilled.
Organizer Kate Police from Educational Student Services says that this is driven by the calls for programs.
"We don't always get enough programs. Instead of offering two programs with limited space, it was cancelled in the spring," said Police.
She also said they have been unsure of student interest. "With students torn in a hundred different directions, are they really interested?"
The general consensus seems to be that SatCo is a great idea, but not always feasible.
"I think it's a good idea–I just don't have time to take the classes. If it were on a different day [than Saturday] then I would do it," said sophomore Brendan McGrail.
"They always have really cool ones, but they're always really expensive. I really want to go skydiving, but there's no way I'm spending $135 to go," said junior Kenny Long.
Others want the weekend for relaxation. "This is a busy time in November and I can't really justify giving up a Saturday when I would normally relax for something I would only take part in once," said freshman Chris Black.
The SatCo program during Welcome Days is always a popular event; it is a great way for upperclassmen to meet the first-year students and a way for groups to start recruitment early.
However, this is the first fall that SatCo programs are actually closing because so many students have signed up. Contemporary Book Arts, Tap Dance: An Introduction to Steps and Rhythms, and New Venture Growth: Moving Beyond Ideas and Prototype to Growth were all full over a week before the event.
This increased interest is promising for the survival of Saturday College, the next weekend for which will be in April.
