Tuesday, June 5, 2012

NEWS LINKS | June 5, 2012

SBCTC NEWS LINKS | Articles about – and of interest to – Washington state community and technical colleges


 

SYSTEM NEWS | OPINIONS

 

Mid-Columbia Literary Festival brings authors, discussions to the Tri-Cities
The Tri-Cities might not be often thought of as one of Washington’s literary hubs. But, each year, the area hosts bestselling authors and vibrant literary discussions as Columbia Basin College stages the Mid-Columbia Literary Festival — or LitFest, for short.
SPARK, May 17, 2012

http://www.sparkmag.org/?p=1171

 

Bellevue College to hold 'Transit of Venus' party June 5
One of the rarest predictable occasions in astronomy – the passage of the planet Venus across the face of the sun – will take place on June 5. To celebrate this event, which changed the way people comprehend the solar system, Bellevue College will host a “Venus Transit Viewing and Star Party.” … The party, sponsored by the college’s Astronomy Department, Science and Math Institute and the Earth and Space Science Club, is part of the Seattle Science Festival. It will take place from 2:30 p.m. to midnight on the top deck of the parking garage on the college’s campus …

Bellevue Reporter, May 29, 2012

http://www.bellevuereporter.com/community/155417945.html

 

View rare astronomical event at BBCC

Big Bend Community College astronomy classes will provide a safe way for the public to view a rare astronomical phenomenon Tuesday. The "transit of Venus" will be visible in central Washington beginning at 3 p.m., said astronomy instructor Jim Hamm. The transit of Venus involves the planet crossing between the earth and the sun, with the silhouette of Venus visible on the face of the sun, Hamm said.

Columbia Basin Herald, June 1, 2012
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/bbcc/article_98705f98-ac29-11e1-a276-0019bb2963f4.html

 

Viewing the transit through telescopes

Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom Campus: Astronomy students will be outside the Rainier Building with telescopes and projection equipment from 3-9 p.m. If it is cloudy, visitors can see the transit via live video stream inside. There also will be public lectures on the historical and astronomical significance at 4, 6 and 8 p.m….
The News Tribune, June 3, 2012

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/06/03/2167279/viewing-the-transit-through-telescopes.html

 

Venus' trip across sun a rare treat

The LIGO Hanford Observatory and Moore Observatory at Columbia Basin College will offer viewings of the Venus transit Tuesday. LIGO's event will start at 3 p.m at the observatory on Horn Road off Highway 240 west of Richland.  The Tri-City Astronomy Club will be on site with solar telescopes.

Bellingham Herald, June 3, 2012

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/06/03/2547594/venus-trip-across-sun-a-rare-treat.html

 

True artistry in work to refurbish boat

Lisa is a 2001 graduate of Port Angeles High School with a degree from Peninsula College who went to work on the waterfront nine years ago for Larry Detray. Larry has since retired, but under his tutelage, guidance from Eric Bert and endless hours of her own research and study, she has developed an expertise in fiberglass repair and painting that has her services in brisk demand. … Regardless of her motivation for coming to the waterfront nearly a decade ago to pick up a little side money, Lisa is now an integral cog in the wheel of marine trades on the Port Angeles waterfront.
Peninsula Daily, June 2, 2012
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20120603/NEWS/306039986/david-g-sellars-on-the-waterfront-true-artistry-in-work-to

 

PHOTOS: Highline Community College Goes To The Goats

Highline Community College is hosting a rather unusual group of guests this week… actually, “herd” would be a more accurate description. Goats. The visiting herd from Healing Hooves is being used to help clear brush and weeds in the area behind the college’s tennis courts off South 240th Street. This part of the campus provides storm water retention and features marshy ground and steep terrain. A difficult spot for humans to work but easy for goats to navigate.

The Waterland Blog, June 1, 2012
http://www.waterlandblog.com/2012/06/01/photos-highline-community-college-goes-to-the-goats/

 

College is still our best hope

There are three important steps we must take: (1) Strengthen support for the neediest college students. (2)  Improve public college funding. A strong system of community and technical colleges and great public universities is absolutely vital to our future as a state. Past cuts have forced some much-needed trimming, but they have also caused an increase in class sizes and dangerous reductions in critical student services that are essential for retention and graduation and play a vital part in developing informed and engaged citizens in a fully integrated college experience. (3) Keep the promise to middle school students. …

The Spokesman Review, June 2, 2012

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/jun/02/college-is-still-our-best-hope/

 

Wii Tournament Benefits Autism Program at Bellevue College

A number of students put their video-game skills to the test during a Nintendo Wii tournament that was held at Bellevue College earlier this month. The event’s purpose was to bring awareness about autism to the community, along with raising funds to benefit the college’s Autism Spectrum Navigators program. … “This tournament is a great way to get the word out that there is support for students with autism, that they can attend college and be successful,” said Sara Gardner, the program’s adviser. “And the more people who come and contribute the more autistic students Bellevue College will be able to serve.”
Bellevue Patch, June 2, 2012
http://bellevue.patch.com/articles/wii-tournament-benefits-autism-program-at-bellevue-college

 

LOOKING PAST Graduation Day — Amid a still grim economic climate, local students face tough choices in attending a college or university and how to pay for it
Skagit Valley College student Elizabeth Hopper is happy to be graduating — and just as happy to be doing so without literally mortgaging her future.  Hopper, who was home-schooled, completed the Running Start program at Skagit Valley College. The program allows students to earn high school and college credits at the same time, and it saved her thousands of dollars she plans to put toward continuing her higher education at Fairhaven College at Western Washington University in Bellingham.   Without those savings and financial aid, it would have been tough to afford a university, she said. And she wants to avoid taking out loans at all costs...
Skagit Valley Herald, June 3, 2012
http://www.skagit.edu/files3.asp_Q_pagenumber_E_2960

 

YVCC choral director ends career on a high note

Students keep saying hello, or waving or stopping to chat -- you know, just to say how much they appreciate him. Scott Peterson is hanging out between classes on Friday, his last day as a Yakima Valley Community College music professor, and some of the affection revolves around his departure.

"I heard you're not going to be around next year," says Bryant Moore, a former music-appreciation student who walks by. "I just wanted to say, your class was awesome." It's a common refrain.  … "It goes both ways, and students know that," says Kerrie Abb, YVCC dean of arts and sciences. "I mean Dr. Peterson absolutely loves his students. I observed one of his classes this year, and I could just feel it."

Yakima Herald-Republic, June 3, 2012
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2012/06/03/yvcc-choral-director-ends-career-on-a-high-note

 

Lake Washington Technical Academy allows Redmond resident to graduate college early, at a fraction of the cost

Later this month, Redmond resident Elaine Melnik will graduate from Central Washington University's (CWU) Bachelor of Applied Science Information Technology and Administrative Management (BAS-ITAM) program at the age 20, just two years after graduating from high school. Melnik began her college education while still in high school. She enrolled in Lake Washington Institute of Technology's (LWIT) Lake Washington Technical Academy, a public high school program that places high school juniors and seniors in college-level courses at no cost to the student — books are even provided at no charge. Melnik graduated with both her high school diploma and a computer security and network technician associate's degree from LWIT in Kirkland and found work right away in a rough economy. She then transferred to CWU's online ITAM program, which allowed her to keep her job and go to school the past two years.

Redmond Reporter, June 4, 2012
http://www.redmond-reporter.com/news/157037195.html

 

KBTC receives Emmy

KBTC, the public television station licensed to Bates Technical College in Tacoma, was honored in the Program Promotion-Campaign category for a series of short vignettes that spoofed the Sherlock Holmes series aired by the station on Friday nights
Business Examiner, June 4, 2012
http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/May-2012/KBTC-receives-Emmy/

 

Clover Park Technical College wins the 2012 Print and Graphics Scholarship (PGSF)  college poster design competition

The poster, titled “PGSF Scholarships are the KEY, unlock your FUTURE,” will be given to all colleges and high schools in the United States that have printing and graphic communication programs for the 2012–2013 academic year. … The poster design competition was entered by many classes and individual students that used the competition entry as a real working assignment. “Besides the scholarship award that one student gets, the PGSF scholarship program inspires ALL my students,” said John Moyer of, Clover Park Technical College. “My students have researched our industry. Most have made a tough decision to change the direction of their lives and get into this vast industry of graphic communications. This is a life-changing decision. For them to see that there is a national program that supports their decision reaffirms and is inspiring to all. They are not alone; your helping hand leads more than it touches.”

Moyer continued, “In twenty years of Vocational Education, I have never seen so many students at the end of their rope. State government is slashing budgets. Financial aid is pulling back. Funding is drying up. Even student loans are harder than ever to qualify for. With unemployment reaching into the 9% range, the need for assistance has never been higher. Our college is overflowing with students trying to change their lives in a positive way. There is something wrong with this picture. The need has never been greater, and the resources have never been harder to find. I see good students falling through the cracks."

My Print Resource, June 4, 2012
http://www.myprintresource.com/press_release/10725073/clover-park-technical-college-wins-the-2012-pgsf-college-poster-design-competition

 

Rave: BTC staff helps Bellingham group learn about boat engines

Earlier this month, I was invited to bring my engine maintenance class on a tour of Bellingham Technical College's automotive and diesel technology shops. … This tour was the perfect chance to see dissected engines and components, first hand. We were taken through the BTC automotive shop by Dan Beeson and then the diesel shop by Jeffry Curtis, both instructors with the college. What impressed us, besides the impeccably clean shops and well-presented training equipment, was the obvious passion both men have for instructing engine technology. We saw, for example, an auto engine cylinder head mangled to uselessness by a previous owner's careless approach to preventive maintenance.

Bellingham Herald, June 4, 2012
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/06/04/2534191/rant-and-raves-for-june-4.html

 

Patent process isn't quick, but it rewards good ideas

Rita Chew is a single mom, a student at Everett Community College as her schedule allows, an entrepreneur and an ultrasound technician. She's also an inventor and the proud developer of Essoula Ultrasound Gel.
The Herald,  June 4, 2012
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120604/BIZ/706049971

 

‘Gender-neutral’ bathroom week at Green River CC

This week is gender-neutral bathroom week on the campus of Green River Community College in Auburn, Wash. Although the student-led campaign is meant to raise awareness for gay, lesbian and transgender issues, the bathrooms are also meant for students with disabilities who have a caregiver of the opposite sex.

KIRO news Radio, June 4, 2012

http://mynorthwest.com/11/687928/Genderneutral-bathroom-week-at-Green-River-CC

 

Some hope gender neutral bathrooms will be lesson in acceptance

Gender-neutral bathroom week on the Green River Community College campus

[Video] KOMO News, June 4, 2012

http://auburn.komonews.com/news/schools/754837-some-hope-gender-neutral-bathrooms-will-be-lesson-acceptance

 

Bates programs earn national accreditation

Two Bates Technical College career education programs have recently received national accreditation. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education has granted the college’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program accreditation. … The Partnership for Air- Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation has awarded accreditation to the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician program. Bates’ program is the only such training program in the state to earn a PAHRA accreditation.

Business Examiner, June 5, 2012
http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/May-2012/Bates-programs-earn-national-accreditation/

 

SVC looking for trustee after death of Piercy
The Office of the Governor’s Boards and Commissions staff will begin the process to fill an open Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees position in the next few weeks following the death of Trustee Don Piercy.  Piercy died May 25 following a long battle with cancer.  Piercy was first appointed to the SVC Board of Trustees in January 2007 and reappointed to another five-year term last October. He was board chairman from July 2009 through June 2010 and also served on the Board of Directors and Legislative Action Committee for the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges...
Skagit Valley Herald, June 5, 2012
http://www.skagit.edu/files3.asp_Q_pagenumber_E_2960

 

TRENDS| HORIZONS | EDUCATION

 

Let’s Talk About Economic Inequality

Sandy Baum and Michael McPherson argue that the divide between rich and poor is an important topic for educational policy.

The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 29, 2012

http://chronicle.com/blogs/innovations/lets-talk-about-economic-inequality/32620?sid=cc&utm_source=cc&utm_medium=en

 

The Benefits of Making It Harder to Learn

Why do unfamiliar fonts and other "desirable difficulties" produce better retention of course content?  … In January 2011, a trio of researchers published the results of an experiment in which they demonstrated that students who read material in difficult, unfamiliar fonts learned it more deeply than students who read the same material in conventional, familiar fonts. Strange as that may seem, the finding stems from a well-established principle in learning theory called cognitive disfluency, which has fascinating implications for our work as teachers.

The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 3, 2012

http://chronicle.com/article/The-Benefits-of-Making-It/132056/

 

Online Courses Can Offer Easy A's via High-Tech Cheating
As such courses multiply, so is the number of students willing and able to game the system—unless they're thwarted.

The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 3, 2012

http://chronicle.com/article/Online-Classes-See-Cheating-Go/132093/

 

To Catch a Shooter

Campus health officials don't have much to work with when trying to preemptively identify potentially dangerous students. Here's what they know -- and what they can do.

Inside Higher Ed, June 4, 2012

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/06/04/what-we-know-about-campus-shooters

 

Out-of-state colleges recruit more Calif. students

Tri-City Herald, June 4, 2012

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/06/04/1970414/out-of-state-colleges-recruit.html

 

Editorial: The Class of 2012

Until more is done to strengthen the economy and job market, a college diploma is no guarantee of upward mobility.

The New York Times, June 5, 2012

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/opinion/the-class-of-2012.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120605

 

EDITORIAL: Aerospace makes home in Central Washington

Yakima Herald-Republic, June 5, 2012

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2012/06/04/aerospace-makes-home-in-central-washington

 

Dancing in the Dark

With concern growing about the cost of federal student aid, policy makers need a better tool for gauging how program changes would affect different students and colleges. Bill Goggin proposes one.

Inside Higher Ed, June 5, 2012

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/06/04/what-we-know-about-campus-shooters

 

 


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