WNC News & Notes: Technology courses offer industry skills and flexibility

Today's technical jobs require a combination of hands-on skills and knowledge of the latest technologies.

Western Nevada College is connecting the real and virtual worlds with new, self-paced Applied Industrial Technology web courses for the spring term. Courses will teach students the fundamentals of electricity, pneumatics, dimensional measurement and machine tool technologies in an online, open entry, open exit format. Students can move through the classes at their own pace and schedule class work when it is convenient for them.

Professor Emily Howarth says, "It was obvious from conversations with employers and students that courses with a flexible, easily accessible format was ideal for those with competing work and personal responsibilities."

Classes offered this spring will provide a hands-on experience in an online classroom through simulated tools and test equipment. Class work is interactive and rich with technical content.

Courses include:

Fundamentals of Applied Industrial Technology (AIT 101-1001, class #21294, 4 units): Covers basic concepts of electricity used in many applications, especially control systems. Students will learn to operate electric relay controls and circuits used to automate machinery.

Measurement Tools and Methods (AIT 102-1001, class #21295, 2 units): Explains the concept of dimensional measurement. Students will learn to operate dial and digital calipers.

Introduction to Machine Tool Technologies (AIT 103-1001, class #21296, 2 units): Covers use of a drill press and band saw as part of the manufacturing process.

Pneumatic Power Technologies (AIT 104-1001, class # 21297, 4 units): Introduces connecting to and operating air powered components and systems, reading circuit diagrams, monitoring system operations and designing circuits.

WNC Director of Economic Development and Continuing education David Steiger said, "With my background in industrial maintenance and engineering, I wish this training platform existed when I was in industry. The courses offer the types of training that manufacturing operations are hungry for: Flexible training schedules for variable shift workers and upgraded skills in maintenance technologies."

Howarth added, "To land or hold a position in this economic climate, a technician can benefit from the broad base of skills. With a solid foundation in the basics, a company can easily train a worker to do things their way."

Spring classes begin Monday, Jan. 23, and online registration begins soon. Call 445-3300.

All the world's a stage at poetry slam

The public is invited to a free poetry-reading event on Monday, Nov. 21, 6-8 p.m.., in the Dini Student Center, WNC Carson City. Students and community members will recite original works in an open-mic format. The slam is presented by WNC instructors Doug Barrett, Henry Weiner and Chad McCully.

Winter choir concert starts holiday season

WNC Choir instructor Bill Zabelsky will lead the college chorus in a winter concert, Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Carson Nugget Community Hall, Aspen Building, WNC Carson City.

Festive songs are sure to delight and put concert-goers in the holiday spirit. The concert is free and open to the public.

Spring registration

Spring class registration begins Monday, Nov. 28, for current and returning students. Students may view their individual registration appointment through myWNC, the college's online registration system. Registration for new students and non-credit courses begins Monday, Dec. 5.

Students seeking financial aid for the spring semester will need to have all documentation, including applications and checklists, and must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards by Thursday, Dec. 1 in order to receive aid in time for spring 2012 fees to be paid by class cancellation deadlines. For registration information and payment deadlines, www.wnc.edu.

Campuses closed for Thanksgiving

There will be no classes on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and all WNC campuses will be closed, Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Classes and college services resume, Monday, Nov. 30.

Observatory star party and lecture series continues

Upcoming Saturday stargazing and lecture topics at the WNC Jack C. Davis Observatory include:

Nov. 26: Japan Photo-Safari to the Moon. The lecture includes a photo presentation of Japan's unmanned mission to the Moon and examines the efforts of other nations to do lunar explorations.

Dec. 3: Open House and Telescope Clinic. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own telescopes and questions. Tours of the observatory are available.

Dec. 10: The Voyager Spacecraft Story. The lecture tells the story of these scientific probes, which were launched over 30 years ago and continue to journey out of the Solar System.

Dec. 17: Jack C. Davis Observatory Astro-Photography. View images of space taken by observatory staff. Photographer John Dykes will provide insight into the specialized field of astro-photography.

Star Parties are Saturday evenings; doors open at 6:30 p.m. In the event that there is snow falling in the valley or on the roadways, the evening activities will be canceled.