Western Nevada College News & Notes: Stargazing party set for Dec. 26

Top off the Christmas festivities with a visit to the Jack Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College on Saturday, Dec. 26. The Western Nevada Astronomical Society will host a free after-Christmas open house from 6-9 p.m. at the observatory, 2699 Vanpatten Avenue, just west of the Carson City campus off Combs Canyon Road.

Enjoy a "stellar" presentation about the night sky followed by viewing from a number of telescopes, weather permitting. Cocoa and cookies will be served and two special raffle drawings - one for a commemorative coin in a jacket signed by Buzz Aldrin, second man to walk on the moon; and another for a 4-inch Celestron GoTo telescope - will take place at 8 p.m.

Tickets will be available at the event for $20 each, or six for $100. Proceeds help support the observatory.

College chooses

to make a difference

When Western Nevada College reaches out to the community for fundraising projects, it's with the clear understanding that its own faculty and staff believe deeply in the college as well. Each year WNC employees are asked to consider a gift to the Foundation as part of the annual employee giving campaign.

This year Helaine Jesse, vice president of Development and External Affairs, has an ambitious goal.

"We want to have 100 percent participation of our staff," Jesse said. "Before we ask the community to give, we want to show we're willing to give to students ourselves. We believe in the mission of our college and are giving our own personal resources because we know what we do here is important.

"We know from personal experience how education can offer people hope and the skills needed to be a productive member of society," Jesse said. "During these turbulent economic times, our role in helping them open the door to a better life becomes even more critical."

The "Choose to Make a Difference Campaign" is asking for faculty and staff participation, but not a specific amount.

"Higher education as well as state employees are taking unpaid furlough days and reduced salaries this year, but that hasn't hurt the campaign, Jesse said. "I find that people are still willing to give."

In Jesse's words: "The amount of the gift is not important, only that you choose to give."

Spring semester registration

All new and returning students are now eligible to register for the WNC spring semester that begins Monday, Jan. 25. The 2010 spring class schedules are available online at www.

wnc.edu and the printed version is at local libraries, high schools and all WNC campuses and education centers.

Enrolling and signing up for classes is easy by clicking on the "Apply Now" link at wnc.edu and filling out some basic information. New students are able to sign up for classes within three days after submitting their application.

Refine interpersonal communication skills

Western Nevada College will offer classes this spring to help students develop an understanding of the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, including conflict resolution and listening. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, a three-credit course, is a study of human communication including how individuals look at the world and the processes used to make communication effective.

Class projects will help students to use communication skills in everyday interactions.

The class meets

1-3:45 p.m. Wednesdays at the Carson campus. Go to wnc.edu for more information.

Final OSHA training class this week

The last scheduled OSHA safety training class to help construction supervisors prepare for new state laws is this week at Western Nevada College.

The 30-hour training for supervisors will meet

8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Marlette Hall. Cost is $275.

To reduce workplace injuries, the 2009 Nevada Legislature enacted a law requiring construction supervisors to complete a 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration training course.

For more information including registration procedures, contact Scott Penzel: 775-445-4427, penzelw@

wnc.edu.