WNC News & Notes: Activities, classes coming up that fit into busy schedules

Auditions for 'Pajama Game' begin Jan. 10

The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company invites open auditions for the musical Pajama Game on Jan, 10 at Carson Nugget Community Hall in the Aspen Building at Western Nevada College in Carson City. Singing and acting auditions for featured roles are at 6 p.m., and auditions for ensemble parts are at 8 p.m. Dance troupe auditions are at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12. Scripts with vocal scores are on reserve at the WNC library so that students can prepare for the audition.

Pajama Game is based on the novel "7 1/2 Cents" by Richard Bissell and features a score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The musical depicts a strike between management and workers of a pajama factory over a 7 1/2-cent raise. Pajama Game will play weekends May 11-20 at the Carson City Community Center.

The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company is a critically acclaimed regional theatre company operated through the Performing Arts Program at WNC, drawing talent from around Nevada and California. Stephanie Arrigotti produces and directs, and Gina Kaskie-Davis is the choreographer. For information, call 775-445-4249 or www.wnc.edu/arts/wnmtc/

Full-time day care available at WNC

The Child Development Center at WNC has full-time spaces available for children ages 3-5 years old. Each classroom at the Child Development Center has a head teacher who is active in early childhood education, and teachers are assisted by aides who have completed training in early childhood education. The center has a playground for infants and toddlers, and a separate playground for preschool children. It serves WNC students and faculty, as well as the community. For information, 445-4265.

Observatory parties resume Saturday

Saturday evening telescope viewing at the WNC Jack C. Davis Observatory resumes at 6:30 p.m. Saturday with an open house and telescope clinic. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, Mike Thomas will present a lecture about the moon followed by telescope viewing. Observatory events may be canceled without notice if snow is falling in the Carson City area, or if snow is on the roadways.

Spring classes at a glance

The spring semester at Western Nevada College begins Jan. 23 with hundreds of classes to help students earn an associate degree or prepare for transfer to a four-year college or university. Some notable classes on tap this spring include:

Stellar Astronomy (AST 110, class # 21162, three units): Covers stellar and galactic systems, theories of the universe and use of telescopes and the observatory facilities. Students will learn to perform calculations to solve astronomical problems and gain an understanding of the historical evolution of astronomy. This class satisfies a science requirement for all WNC associate degrees.

Personal Finance (FIN 101, class # 20981, three units): Offers an introduction to financial planning. Students will study budgeting, obtaining credit, and making decisions about buying, investing and retirement planning. This class can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in business or management.

Introduction to Retailing (MKT 127, class # 34317, three units): Provides an overview of retail merchandising, including buying, pricing and advertising. Students will learn about the importance of effective planning and management in a retail environment. The class can take be taken as a program requirement for an Associate of Applied Science degree in management or a Certificate of Achievement in retail management.

Critical Analysis of Mass Media (JOUR 101, class # 20898, three units): Surveys the changing uses of newspapers, radio, television and online technologies for public information, advertising and public relations. Students will explore the flow of news and information, and learn how the media influences society. The class can be taken as a social science requirement for WNC associate degrees and the Bachelor of Technology degree.

View a full schedule of classes online at my.wnc.edu

Online classes make degree more convenient

Many college students find that a combination of on-campus and online classes fits their lifestyle well. WNC will offer more than 80 classes online this spring, providing students the opportunity to take classes without commuting to campus. WNC's online platform features technology-based learning tools to enhance the web course experience.

Students have access to blogs, twitter feeds, smartphone applications, and a virtual social learning community for interacting with instructors and fellow students. View all classes online at my.wnc.edu.

Campus to be closed Monday

Western Nevada College will be closed Monday in observance of the New Year's holiday. Registration continues online at my.wnc.edu during this time. Services at all WNC campuses resume Tuesday.