WNC enhancing online degrees, certificates

Western Nevada College is making it easier for busy adults to carve out time in their lives to pursue a higher education.

WNC has added a number of classes, degrees and certificates of achievement that students can complete online.

The addition of online offerings enables individuals seeking to advance their education the ability to do so while maintaining their personal commitments to work and/or family.

“Over the past year, Western has put significant energy toward building flexible online and hybrid pathways to support rural and non-traditional students,” said WNC Interim Vice President Scott Morrison. “These are students whose access to traditional classroom education is often limited by complex schedules supporting families and maintaining part or full-time employment.”

Students can work online toward associate of arts and associate of business degrees, as well as associate of applied sciences degree in accounting, general business, criminal justice, graphic communication and management.

The online enhancements also include certificate of achievement opportunities in business, bookkeeping, criminal justice, graphic communication and network support technician.

“Western will also be introducing online pathways in a variety of areas including developmental level and accelerated transfer level classes,” Morrison said. “With more than 19 new online course offerings in a range of certificate and degree programs and multiple programs becoming available completely online, we’re confident there will be intriguing new options available for everyone in the communities we serve.”

Students can earn a significant portion of an Associate of Science degree and take courses toward many other degrees online as well.

Online courses provide WNC students with the opportunity to learn at times of the day when it is convenient for them. Without the daily routine of attending classes on campus, online learning requires students to manage their time carefully to match the consistent pacing required in the online environment.

Students are able to access their online classes through a platform called Canvas.

By offering additional degrees, classes and programs online, WNC also will be able to serve students outside its traditional service areas.

“The college takes the responsibility for providing access to education very seriously for all our students, and as the economic landscape evolves, Western will continue to provide accessible avenues for student success in transfer, technical or career advancement areas,” Morrison said.

To learn more about WNC’s online programs, go to www.wnc.edu/online-programs/.

Fall Registration for New Students Starts Monday

New students can begin registering for the fall 2017 semester on Monday by using myWNC.

Summer semester registration for new students is already under way.

The first step to attend WNC for fall is to apply for admission. To learn more about enrolling go to www.wnc.edu/starthere/.

Summer semester begins Monday, June 12 and ends Saturday, Aug. 5. Fall semester starts Monday, Aug. 28.

Students commonly choose WNC for its affordability, smaller class sizes, proximity to home, multiple campuses, flexible class schedules, accelerated offerings, online courses, industry certifications and more.

Fall classes can be viewed at www.wnc.edu/schedule/.

WNC to Celebrate Earth Day with DiCaprio Film, Environmental Speakers, Campus Cleanup

WNC, Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Nevada Green Institute are joining forces to celebrate Earth Day with activities April 19-22 on the Carson City campus.

Earth Day is a time to learn about environmental and climate issues, sustainable best practices, recycling, and more.

WNC has planned a number of Earth Day events, including the showing of a Leonardo DiCaprio film on climate change, as well as several environment speakers and information booths. The public is invited to celebrate the following Earth Day events at WNC at no charge.

Wednesday: Earth Day Film Festival, Marlette Hall, Cedar Building. Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell will welcome attendees and kick off Earth Day festivities with a short speech at 11 a.m. Afterward, Leonardo DiCaprio’s film, “Before the Flood,” will be shown multiple times, including 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

In the film, DiCaprio explores the topic of climate change and discovers what must be done today to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet.

Thursday: Environmental speakers and information booths. At 3 p.m. at Marlette Hall, WNC biology instructor Johanna Foster and Aster Girma, founder and executive director of Nevada Green Institute, explain the core and causes of climate change, its effects on our community and actions residents can take to reduce impacts. After the lectures, audience members can ask questions to create further discussion.

At 6:30 p.m. at Marlette Hall, climate scientist Dr. Charles Goldman is scheduled to speak. Goldman is a distinguished professor emeritus of limnology at University of California, Davis and president of the World Water and Climate Foundation.

Friday: Campus Cleanup, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rotary Plaza. Faculty staff and students will do their part to beautify the campus.

Saturday: March for Science carpools to Reno from Carson City campus, 8:30 a.m. The Northern Nevada March for Science is a peaceful march in support of science. More than 200 cities worldwide will march to protect scientific censorship. RSVP your interest and/or volunteer to drive by contacting Craig Robinson at craig.robinson@wnc.edu.