|
Welcome to Northwest Community College! Whether you are
a new or returning student, we are pleased that you have
chosen this unique and student-focused college for your studies
and I invite you to become an active  member
in your new 'community', beyond your studies. Here are several
opportunities to do this: run
for election as an NWCC Education Council or Board of Governors
student representative, run for office within the Student
Association, volunteer to host student events or become a
College Ambassador and get involved in the many special events
and conferences held on campuses.
There are many events planned for the 2009-2010 year. On
September 11, two 14-foot contemporary totem poles will be
raised at our Hazelton Campus. Commissioned by NWCC, the
poles were carved by Master Carver, Earl Muldon and Arlene
Ness and Rick Wesley, graduates of the Freda Diesing School
of Northwest Coast Art. A similar ceremony will take place
at our Prince Rupert Campus later this fall. On October 3 & 4
the Terrace Campus is hosting two big events - a Green Fair
showcasing environmentally responsible ways of interacting
with our environment and Science World's Community Science
Celebration. Work continues on what will be a spectacular
first for our College - the construction of Waap Galts'ap,
or "Community House", the first longhouse to be built within
Terrace city limits. Waap Galts'ap - built in traditional
First Nations style, situated in the traditional territory
of the Tsimshian, Laxgibuu clan - is an acknowledgement of
the importance of NWCC's community, connection and commitment
to the people we serve and the recognition of the unique
learning needs of our students. We are planning to open the
longhouse in the spring.
Construction is proceeding at our Smithers Campus, with
upgrades and a significant expansion that will accommodate
additional mining and mineral exploration programs, as well
as select career and trade programs. At the Terrace Campus,
upgrades on the student dorms will help those in our community
feel more at home and able to focus on their studies.
NWCC is a dynamic and vibrant community college that is
a little different from others. We are engaged in our communities
and constantly striving to provide innovative programs that
will result in sustainable careers for people in the north.
We are changing the way we approach educational delivery
as we seek to engage you in learning experiences that highlight
our unique cultural heritages, connect you to community and
interact with this spectacularly beautiful geographic region.
Our approach to education is based on inclusion, respect
and celebration of various world-views, particularly the
world-view of our First Nations communities as they account
for over 36 percent of the population in the northwest. Our
commitment to this approach is providing the NWCC community
with tools for generating culturally-responsive curriculum,
a strong focus on experiential learning, and delivering education
in new and innovative ways. As a member of the college community,
I hope you will discover the differences at NWCC that provide
you with a rich educational experience.
Get involved at NWCC. Get to know the difference this college
is making in the lives of students and communities. Whether
it's taking part in one of the many culturally vibrant ceremonies
and events or engaging in an outdoor Field School, experience
the community, connection and commitment of Northwest Community
College.
Have an excellent year as you work toward your personal
goals.
Stephanie Forsyth, President
|
