'Retooling' students head to class

As Western Nevada College opens its doors this week for the 2009 fall semester, both the campus halls and the computer labs will be crowded, and recent high school graduates are likely to study next to adult students who may be unemployed, as well as veterans who have recently returned from active duty. The Carson City-based college is charged with serving the capital city's business, manufacturing and public service sector as well as six surrounding rural Western Nevada counties (Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey) where unemployment has been particularly high.

This fall, double-digit enrollment increases at the college's three campuses in Carson City, Fallon and Minden are providing WNC faculty and staff with challenges as well as encouragement in the knowledge that more Nevadans are pursuing higher education. More than 5,100 students have enrolled for fall classes and more are expected throughout the semester. Strong enrollment increases are being posted across the board more full-time students, more degree-seeking students, more part-time students, new students and continuing students.

Traditional-age college students are enrolling after high school at a higher rate, perhaps in response to the lower cost of community college tuition as well accessibility for students who work while they attend college (which includes the vast majority). More students are also taking online classes as part of their college schedule, and more on-campus classes are utilizing online technologies for class assignments or testing.

Adults are enrolling with a variety of goals, but at the top of the list are career readiness and skill enhancement. When the college recently sent postcards and made phone calls to adult students who had begun a degree but who stopped attending for at least a semester, many former students were motivated to return to WNC and work toward finishing their degree. This statewide "Don't Wait, Graduate!" initiative is ramping up to offer a personalized approach to adult students, and to help them maintain the confidence and momentum to finish their degrees.

"These non-traditional students enrich the classroom experience," said Connie Capurro, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs. However, she added, "They are more likely to attend college part-time compared to their younger counterparts," due to family and job responsibilities.

Perhaps expectedly, applications for financial aid to attend college has jumped 39.5 percent over this time last year, said Lori Tiede, WNC's director of financial assistance. Some of those applicants are veterans who are utilizing the new GI Bill, while others are seeking grants, scholarships and loans. Tiede said hundreds of students attended a free workshop to explain how college loans work, far more attendees than in past years.

Adult students who may once have opted to attend college for personal enrichment courses are instead choosing classes that point toward a degree or certificate. A look at current fall enrollment of students age 25 and older shows the highest registration in classes that meet degree requirements for general education (English, math, psychology and history); business courses (management, accounting, business administration and office software applications); and courses specific to a degree major such as nursing (plus biology and chemistry), criminal justice, information technology/systems; and deaf studies.

"It seems clear that many of our adult students are tailoring their academic programs to enhance job possibilities," Capurro said.

The college has focused on a variety of academic programs that can produce job-ready graduates in areas that are up and coming, as well as those that support business needs and community services. Expansion of the Carson City campus registered nursing preparation program to the Fallon campus 60 miles away has allowed residents of Nevada's rural communities greater access to a high-demand career that pays well and offers lifestyle flexibility.

An associate degree program in deaf studies provides students with sign language and interpreting skills that are increasingly needed in schools, hospitals, and courts.

The college partners with Nevada State College to offer an elementary education teacher preparation degree in Western's service area. This initiative has allowed local residents who are unable to commute long distances the chance to earn a bachelor's degree and work as a professional in their community. Increased skills requirements for early childhood education jobs have enhanced interest in that field as well.

WNC's Bachelor of Technology degree in construction Management is attracting students who are using the slow economy as incentive to spend time upgrading their skills. The business-related courses they learn in the program will provide them additional opportunities as the job market rebounds.

Auto, drafting, welding, machining and electronics classes are available days and evenings with hands-on classes that lead directly to employability.

Information technology students are also moving ahead to gain skills in networking, certifications, and convergence technologies in a field that has maintained demand for a variety of jobs.

With the reality of higher education budget cuts, WNC has fewer full-time teaching faculty members and is more dependent on part-time instructors to teach class sections. Cuts have been made in all areas of the college, from academic and administrative support and to student services and campus activities. But college officials are placing the strongest emphasis on maintaining course offerings and services that help student earn degrees and certificates.

"Community colleges must be accountable to their student populations, and we have prioritized the investment of our college resources in areas that foster student success," Capurro said. "WNC academic faculty members offer students the highest level of expertise and experience. While we are experiencing enormous growth this fall, we are still a small college that cares about its students and the members of its many communities. We know we cannot be all things to all people, but we continue to try."

Anne Hansen is director of information & marketing services for Western Nevada College. She can be reached at 445-3235 or by e-mail at anne@wnc.edu.