WNC News & Notes

Perhaps the high-pressure system hanging over our area can be seen in a different light. The system brings an abundance of sun, which is good now that Western Nevada College's new solar array is in operation. The array, which is generating power for the Cedar Building on the Carson City campus, is expected to save the college as much as $28,000 each year in electricity costs.

Installation of the solar array was made possible through Black Rock Solar of Reno, a nonprofit organization working to expand the use of renewable energy. WNC will also receive an incentive payment of $940,000 from NV Energy to support the project. An official dedication ceremony for the project will be announced in the spring.

College adding class sections for the spring semester

As WNC continues to recover from the severe budget cuts of the last three years, additional class sections are being added for the spring term. This, along with increased capacity in existing classes, will enable more students to enroll in the courses they need to complete a degree and/or prepare for transfer to a university. Additional classes or space are available in anthropology, business, criminal justice, economics, English, biology, geology and statistics.

Spring registration continues online at my.wnc.edu. Classes begin Monday, Jan. 23.

Volunteer Fair coming up

Western Nevada College will host a Volunteer Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Carson City campus, Bristlecone Building. The fair will promote volunteerism and educate WNC employees, students and local residents about groups that need help to do their good work.

More than a dozen local organizations will share information about volunteer opportunities. Anyone interested in giving back to the community is invited to attend.

Clear skies make forgreat stargazing

The dry weather conditions have also provided clear evening skies, perfect for stargazing. The weekly Saturday evening Star Parties at the Jack C. Davis Observatory continue with telescope viewing and the following programs:

"Rockets" - Saturday, Jan. 21. The lecture will focus on the history of rockets and their use, dating back to the ancient world and covering the space delivery systems used today.

"Dinosaurs: - Saturday, Jan 28. Attendees will learn about the lives of these prehistoric creatures and the latest theories related to their extinction.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and lectures start at 7 p.m. The events are free and open to the public. Lectures will be canceled if snow is falling on the valley floor in the Carson City area, or if there is snow on the roadways.

Orientations preparenew students for WNC

Students who will be new to WNC this spring can get a head start by attending a free orientation from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday or from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Marlette Hall at WNC Carson City. The orientations offer students important information about going college, and an opportunity to tour campus, meet fellow students and instructors, and learn tools to be successful in college.

To register, contact Counseling Services, 445-3267.

GED classes prepare adults for equivalency examinations

The Adult Literacy and Language office at Western Nevada College offers GED preparation instruction to adults who qualify, through a federally-funded grant dispersed by the Nevada Department of Education. Registration for GED preparation classes is the second and fourth week of each month. Upcoming registration times and dates are 6 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 23; and 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27. The process may take up to three hours.

Register in the Adult Literacy & Language office, Bristlecone Building, Room 340, at WNC Carson City. Information: 445-4451.

College holiday closure

Western Nevada College will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday. Spring term registration continues online at my.wnc.edu during this time.