WNC offers nontraditional college courses

Upcoming classes at Fallon’s Western Nevada College campus that are open to all include a range of interesting topics including cars, a will-writing workshop, time management and employability.

“Traditional academic classes will always be there,” said Sherry Black, WNC Fallon campus director. “These classes fill the needs of the community. They’re very small and popular, covering all things, all ages’ needs, that’s what we’re trying to fulfill.”

There’s going to be a basic automotive course called Automotive for Everyone. The instructor will teach students how to check thir vehicle fluids, change the oil, check the tires, replace fuses and more. They’ll work on their own car with instructor Randy Sharp, whose taught before and works for Tedford Tire & Auto Services.

“He’s great and excited,” Black said, “and it’s going to be a really cool class.”

“It’s going to get people more confident about their vehicles,” Black added. “Anyone from age 16 to 90.”

Being in a remote location, she continued, it can be unsettling to think about potentially breaking down on the road, especially if there’s a decent chance of lost cell phone service.

The class will take place on Saturdays — Aug. 6 and 13 — from 9 a.m.-noon, and the cost is $80.

There’s also an employability skills class coming up that will be taught by veteran instructor Alicia Conliffe. She’ll help tailor the job search based on the individual, including basics that are not always covered in school anymore, Black noted—from cover letters and resumes to interviewing techniques.

Plus, students will leave the course with a USB drive loaded with samples, tools and resources they can continue to develop.

“She’s very, very, very good,” Black said of Conliffe. “She’s pretty tough actually. She’ll tell you that pajamas are not pants.”

“These classes have been really successful,” she added, “with good evaluations.”

The class will be Friday, Aug. 19, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m.-noon. The cost is $120.

There will also be a time management class taught by Amber Ayers, who’s a certified growth coach, trainer and speaker, and has her own related business that helps individuals and organizations take steps that are measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

“She’s got a really interesting background,” Black said.

This class will delve into how time management adds to your confidence, relationships and inner peace, as well as how to be better with your time and simply more efficient.

The course, which costs $75, will run for three Mondays: Aug. 15, 22 and 29 from 6-8 p.m.

A will-writing workshop will be taught by attorney Carey Rosser. She’ll be teaching how to create a basic will, can provide templates and will also talk about some of the requirements if you have any specific estate planning ideas. She’ll also discuss powers of attorney, guardians for minor children and living wills.

“The reality is everyone should have one.,” Black said. “You may think, we don’t own anything. Do you have a child or a spouse? You owe it to them to have a will. Talk to people close to someone who didn’t have a will.”

The workshop fee is $60 and will occur Aug. 26 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Black observed one would double that fee to spend just one hour with another attorney outside class.

Look at more courses, check availability and register for any of them by visiting www.campusce.net/wnc/. You can also go to the campus’ front office at 160 Campus Way, where the staff can go through the registration process with you. Call 775-445-3000 or email info_desk@wnc.edu with questions.

WNC Fallon is always on the lookout for teachers as well. Subject matter can span disciplines, hobbies and interests, from archeology to yoga, first aid to writing, kids classes, home and garden courses, and much more.

“We’re always on the lookout for savvy people in the community who want to teach,” Black said. “I love meeting people in the community and finding out what their gifts are, things that they can teach the community. It’s kind of a full circle thing. Put it out there. Get it back.”