Western Nevada College News & Notes: Fall classes begin Aug. 27

The opportunity to launch a new career or gain the skills necessary for a better-paying job can become more than a dream at Western Nevada College.

But time is running out to act on that ambition with the fall semester approaching. Fall semester begins Aug. 27 so registering as soon as possible is important. The last day to add a full-term class through myWNC is Aug. 31.

Students choose WNC for its small classes, low costs and dozens of degrees and programs, and a variety of online courses that provide individuals flexibility to maintain the other commitments in their lives.

For information about becoming a student at WNC, go to www.wnc.edu/starthere.

ASWN Welcomes Back Students with Two Weeks of Activities

A barbecue with new president Vincent Solis, free food, a football party, supernatural activities and a resource day are just some of the events students can expect during their return to Western Nevada College for fall semester.

The Associated Students of Western Nevada, WNC’s student governing body, has planned activities during the first two weeks of classes to help students make new friends, learn about the campus and become involved in clubs that interest them.

On Aug. 27, ASWN is presenting Welcome Back Monday with free donuts and coffee or healthier options from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Dini, Cedar, Bristlecone and Reynolds buildings.

But that’s not all. Later that morning, students can participate in ASWN’s magical activity Stuff-A-Wizard. This constructive activity, which should interest Harry Potter fans, spans from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or until supplies last) in the Student Center lobby of the Dini Building.

Students won’t want to miss Talk o’ Tuesday on Aug. 28 because it’s a great opportunity to learn about available resources to help them succeed on campus. Resource tables will be located outside the Dini Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ASWN will give away prizes, and a taco truck will be parked on campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide lunch.

There’s also the opportunity to meet Solis during the Welcome Our New President BBQ from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 30 in the Rotary Plaza. Besides the free food, there will be lawn games, a speed sketch artist, water slides, bounce houses and an opportunity to soak college faculty or staff. So, bring water attire and participate in the fun.

ASWN has dubbed Sept. 4 as Mystic Tuesday. Students can get henna tattoos 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rotary Plaza. There will also be tarot and palm readings 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Dini Game Room, as well as history lesson on tarot and palm reading by Amy Ghilieri. The spiritual day concludes with a healing stone bracelet craft activity from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Dini Student Center lobby.

The start of football season will be recognized by ASWN on Sept. 6 with a Time for Kickoff football party. Nachos, Red Vines, potato chips and drinks will be served to students as they watch the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles play the Atlanta Falcons. The party starts at 5 p.m. in the Dini Game Room.

For information, contact WNC Student Life at 445-3324.

Fall Class Offers Window to Geology of National Parks

Learn more about the geology of national parks throughout the country, including the Great Basin National Park here in Nevada, through a Geology of National Parks class this fall at Western Nevada College.

The three-credit class meets on Tuesdays from 1 to 3:45 p.m. starting on Aug. 28 and enrollment isn’t limited by prerequisite courses.

“National parks preserve some of the most incredible geology in the country,” said Professor of Geosciences Winnie Kortemeier.

Kortemeier plans to focus in great detail on Great Basin National Park, which contains 40 known caves with many unique features, as well as ever-changing mountain ranges created by one of the most volcanically active states in the country.

There will also be hands-on work in the classroom to learn about rocks and minerals and opportunities to take field trips in western Nevada.

For details about the course, contact Kortemeier at Winnie.kortemeier@wnc.edu. Registration can be done online at http://my.wnc.edu/.

Nevada School Law Class is a Must for Variety of Teachers

Substitute teachers, teachers’ aides and individuals studying education may find Nevada School Law (EDU 210) is an indispensable course.

Western Nevada College is offering Nevada School Law, which is designed to acquaint teachers with the legal aspects of the school setting, particularly in Nevada. This course identifies major legal issues in education and illustrates the implications of laws/mandates in the schools. Guidelines for teachers will provide information on situations that may lead to litigation. Issues include teacher rights/responsibilities, student rights, teacher liability, rights to privacy, accommodations for religious practices and students with special needs.

Diana Lovendino, UNR College of Education Academic Advisor for transfer students, said, “EDU 210 is still a requirement for the elementary program (students desiring to teach K-6). It is also an option for others.”

“That would include students desiring to teach secondary, as well as subs, aides and anyone working in the schools,” said Michelle Rousselle, who teaches Nevada School Law at WNC this fall.

For information about the class or other Education courses, contact Rousselle at michelle.rousselle@wnc.edu. For information on how to enroll at WNC, go to www.wnc.edu/starthere.