Western Nevada College to resume session

Western Nevada College will resume classes on all of its campuses Monday. Spokeswoman Anne Hansen said more than 4,100 students have enrolled.

"We're on pace, but we're down because of the economy," she said. "It's to be expected."

She said there will be fewer teachers and fewer classes following the $3.4 million cut to be spread out during the next two years.

However, she said, the college is working to fill the gaps, especially in the rural areas.

At one point in the budgeting process, officials feared having to close all rural campuses, including those in Douglas and Fallon.

Although services have been diminished, the campuses were spared.

Hansen said the college also is working to offer classes in rural areas like Yerington, Fernley and Hawthorne.

Hansen said using a combination of interactive video and online offerings students can earn their associate's degrees.

"Our goal is to maintain a presence in every community and continue to serve students with an eye toward helping them get a college degree from their own community," she said. "That's going to be our main focus."

Hansen said other programs are being established to help students through the process of taking and completing courses.

"There will be more emphasis on student success and students achieving degrees," she said.

Classes begin Monday. However, registration will continue through next week. To register or for more information, visit wnc.edu.