WNC News & Notes: Earn 'reverse transfer' degrees through WNC

Students who have attended Western Nevada College and then transferred credits to continue their education at a Nevada state college or university may still be able to receive an associate degree. Through a process called "reverse transfer," former WNC students may combine the credits they earned at Western with credits they earn at Nevada State College, the University of Nevada at Reno, or the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Students can then receive an associate degree from WNC, even as they may be working toward a bachelor's degree.

In this way, they can achieve the enhanced earning power and prestige of completing an associate degree, while they continue their education.

The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents has approved this process in an effort to increase the number of Nevadans who receive a college degree and enhance their employability.

To qualify for reverse transfer through WNC, a student must have been previously enrolled and have earned at least 15 credits before transferring to the university or state college. Once attending the four-year school, the student must complete at least 60 college level credits. For information, call WNC Counseling Services at 445-3267.

Americans with Disabilities Act consultant to speak

John McGovern, president of Recreation Accessibility Consultants, will speak from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Marlette Hall, Cedar 100, at WNC Carson City. The RAC is an organization that advises parks and recreation agencies, cities, counties, states and private entities about compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, and McGovern will speak about key changes to the Americans with Disability Act Amendments Act. The lecture is presented in honor of Disability Awareness Month, and is free and open to the public.

Waterfall Fire teaching videos available

WNC Professor Mike Sady and Dr. Jay Arnone of the Desert Research Institute have developed learning materials for the WNC Waterfall Fire Interpretive Trail, as part of the National Science Foundation's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). They have produced six video/voice-over shorts, three in English and three in Spanish, that demonstrate field and classroom activities related to the impact the fire has had on the local landscape. The videos are designed for use by K-12 and community college teachers and students, and are available in YouTube format for easy access to underserved rural populations. The videos can be viewed online at www.wnc.edu/waterfall/k-12/. Information, Mike Sady, msady@wnc.edu or 445-4400.

Short-term credit classes still available this fall

Full-term fall classes are well under way at Western Nevada College, but Fall Express, which offers shorter academic classes, is still enrolling students in a variety of subject areas. Some classes meet for a weekend, and others meet several times over three or four weeks. They include classes that teach pertinent job skills as well as those that specifically apply to a degree or certificate. Subject areas include computer applications, computer information sciences, construction safety, early childhood education, teacher education, emergency medical services, geography, and geographic information systems. Information: 445-3000.

Employee recognized

for volunteering

Western Nevada College's Judy Larquier, administrative assistant for Economic Development and Driver Education programs, has been recognized as the Volunteer of the Year by Active Volunteers in Douglas (AVID). Larquier was selected because of her work with the Carson Valley Arts Council, where she has provided public relations support for two years.

Larquier said she volunteers because she enjoys meeting and working with the different people and cultural groups that come to the area. The Arts Council has given her the opportunity to connect with various businesses, organizations and individuals in the community and as an added perk, she gets to help them research and select some extremely talented acts.

"I urge everyone to find an area that they enjoy and dedicate some time as a volunteer," she said. "Even with family and work commitments, most people can find a few hours to spend improving our community."

AVID promotes, maintains and supports volunteerism in Douglas County.

College craft fair seeks vendors

Western Nevada College Classified Employee Council is seeking vendors for its annual fall craft fair from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at WNC Carson City. Local vendors with handmade crafts are invited to participate on a space-available basis. Participant fee is $25. In past years, offerings have included clothing, art, ceramics, jewelry, photography and foods. Contact Shelly Bale at 445-3266 to reserve a space.o