Monthly news & updates

Date: Sept. 25, 2025 | Issue: September

Why wait? Fall Semester Offers Variety of Options

Once a semester begins, Western Nevada College doesn’t make students wait until the next semester to take courses. 

Students have options to take flexible classes, even though the semester has started. Open entry, late start and short-term courses are available this fall. 

WNC’s flexible learning courses also enable individuals to design their learning schedule around employment, family and personal commitments. Flexible learning alternatives provide students with self-paced, instructor-guided, guided self-paced courses, ranging from 16 weeks to eight weeks or less. 

Students can enroll in the following open entry classes up until the ninth week of the semester: American Sign Language, Business, Construction Management, Early Childhood Education, Career and Technical Teacher Training, English, Finance, Mathematics, Psychology, and more. Many late-start courses begin on Oct. 20, and short-term courses are offered at various points of the semester. 

Refer to a list of classes at wnc.edu/classes to begin planning for your future. New students can apply at wnc.edu/starthere, and phone Admissions & Records at 775-445-3277 for assistance. Students can make an advising appointment at https://wncadvising.youcanbook.me/


Here's Your Look Ahead!

Golf for Education scramble tournament fundraiser Sept. 26

ASWN Oktoberfest on Carson and Fallon campuses Sept. 30

Coffee with a Cop on Fallon and Carson campuses Oct. 1

Community Health Worker Certification Program Oct. 1-Nov. 19

International Observe the Moon Night at JCDO Oct. 4

Fall 2025 Career Fair Oct. 14

Star Party at JCDO Oct. 18

Classified Council Bake Sale Oct. 22

Nevada Day holiday Oct. 31

Nevada Promise Scholarship deadline Oct. 31

Nevada Day Parade Nov. 1

Fall Graduation application due Nov. 3

Spring registration opens for continuing/returning students Nov. 3

WNMTC production of "Fiddler on the Roof" Nov. 7-23

Spring registration opens for new students Nov. 10

Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11


GET INVOLVED

Start Your Professional Journey, Connect with Employers at Career Fair


Explore Your Future at the WNC Career Fair!

Join us Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Link to network, learn and kick-start your career journey!

Connect with employers from a variety of industries and discover opportunities to grow and learn.

Don't miss out. Your future starts here!

Coffee with a Cop Brings Together College with Law Enforcement

The Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN) is presenting the annual Coffee with a Cop event on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from noon to 1 p.m. in The Link and Rotary Plaza on the Carson City campus.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to chat with local law enforcement officers, and enjoy free donuts, coffee and tacos.

Representatives of the University Police Department and the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Kenny Furlong, are attending. CAR-54, K-9 units, motor and patrol units, detectives, the drone team, CSI, the MOST Team, search and rescue teams, VIPS, cadets and reserves will be part of the event.

This is not only a great way for students to build relationships with local law enforcement but also an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the resources available to them for safety and support on and around campus.

The Fallon campus is also planning Coffee with a Cop on the same day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Virgil Getto Hall. Churchill County Sheriff's Office will be represented, and donuts and coffee will be served.

JCDO to Host International Observe the Moon Night on Oct. 4

All systems are a go to celebrate the Moon on Oct. 4 at Jack C. Davis Observatory.

Community members are invited to attend the NASA-sponsored International Observe the Moon Night during a Star Party at the observatory, located at 2269 Vanpatten Ave., overlooking the Carson City campus.

This annual free event is sponsored by Solar System Exploration Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and observatories such as JCDO that welcome and promote understanding, appreciation and observation of the Moon.

JCDO Director Dr. Thomas Herring will give a talk about the Moon. The party runs from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Also planned are NASA-sponsored activities such as Moon Photo Challenge Bingo, an Artemis Coloring Sheet, the LRO Coloring Page, telescope viewing, and more.



Community Health Worker Training Program Launches on Oct. 1


Western Nevada College Continuing Education is proud to announce the launch of a new 8-week Community Health Worker (CHW) training program beginning Oct. 1. Designed to be both affordable and accessible, this program provides a low-barrier entry point into the healthcare field — no prior healthcare experience required. 

The 40-hour certification course prepares students to become Community Health Workers in Nevada. Graduates leave with an in-demand certificate and the skills to help people cut through red tape and access the resources that improve their health and well-being. 

Classes meet for eight weeks on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at WNC. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to apply for certification as a Community Health Worker in Nevada. 

Halloween Bake Sale is Classified


Support Western Nevada College's Classified Council by purchasing some tasty treats at its Halloween Bake Sale on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

The sale of bakery items is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bristlecone Building's spine on the Carson City campus.

Get an early start of Halloween goodies while assisting the Classified Council!


WNMTC to Present Forever Appealing 'Fiddler on the Roof'

Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" is coming in November.

Set in a little village in Czarist Russia, the story of "Fiddler on the Roof" follows Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his wife Golde, as they struggle to embrace family and traditions in the face of a changing world. This timeless musical includes unforgettable songs such as "If I Were A Rich Man," "Sunrise," "Sunset," "Matchmaker" and "Tradition".

Performances are scheduled on weekends from Nov. 7 through Nov. 23 at the Carson City Community Center.

GREAT NEWS

CDC Recognized for Eighth Straight Best of Carson City Award

Sustaining the distinguished honor as the community’s top child care provider in Carson City stems from Western Nevada College’s Child Development Center’s dedicated daily approach to caring for others’ children. 

CDC Director Anna Lisa Acosta-Rogers said that emphasizing the importance of early childhood education and providing outstanding care for the community’s children every day are instrumental in the center’s success. 

Acosta-Rogers and the CDC were recognized as the Nevada Appeal’s Best Child Care/Day Care Provider in Carson City for the eighth straight year.  

WNC Grads Blend Design, Community and Wine in Cellar 8 Business


What began as a shared love of design and storytelling at Western Nevada College has blossomed into a thriving new destination in downtown Carson City.

WNC graduates Maxine Holland (2022) and Jessica Brooks (2011) are the creative team behind the recently reimagined Cellar 8 Wine Bar, located at 408 N. Carson Street. Since reopening on March 8 — International Women’s Day — Cellar 8 has been buzzing with curated wines, engaging events and a warm sense of community.


Nursing Program Ranked No. 1 and 
No. 2 in Nevada


WNC’s Nursing Program has earned the distinction of being ranked No. 1 in Nevada by Nursing Process, a nationally recognized online resource for nursing education and career information.

After analyzing programs across the Silver State, WNC’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing was awarded the top spot for its commitment to academic excellence and student success.

This recognition builds on WNC Nursing’s history of excellence. Recently, Registered Nursing ranked WNC’s program second in the state out of 13 analyzed programs.

STUDENT NEWS

Students Treated to Fun-Filled Start to Fall Semester

Where else can you dunk a college president in icy water for free? Only at Western Nevada College!

As part of Welcome Back Week, WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe bravely suited up in slacks, a white dress shirt and tie before taking the plunge over and over in the dunk tank. Students, faculty and staff lined up to test their aim — and student winners scored raffle tickets for prizes including AirPods!

Lt. Christofer Nero (University Police), ASWN President Karla Salas Dominguez, longtime Maintenance Repair Specialist Dan "Dantastic" Smith and Academic Advising Assistant Director Tyler Golden also took turns in the tank.

Students were treated to a high volume of activities, including a Club Fair; fun; and food as they connected and became comfortable on the campus! They enjoyed carnival games such as mini golf, cornhole, Jenga and even Velcro axe throwing. Whetting their appetites were free In-N-Out Burgers, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A breakfast burritos and Big Chicken sandwiches.


Fall Graduates Can Submit Application through Nov. 3

Graduating this Fall? Don’t miss your chance!

The WNC graduation deadline is Nov. 3.

Meet with your advisor to see if you qualify, and apply today at wnc.edu/graduation. Your future self will thank you!

Fall graduates can celebrate their accomplishments by participating in the college's spring commencement ceremonies.

Online Therapy, Crisis Line Available to Students

WNC students age 18 and older can access free 50-minute teletherapy sessions through the college's continued partnership with BetterMynd. Whether you're feeling stressed, anxious, coping with loss or just need someone to talk to, this service is here for you.

This online therapy platform provides enrolled students with teletherapy sessions from a diverse network of licensed mental health counselors. WNC supports 5 free sessions per semester. Students, however, can receive additional sessions if they run out and more resources are available.

There is also a 24/7 On-Demand Crisis & Support Line at 844-287-6963.

College Celebrates Constitution Day with Historical Information, Fun


What would Constitution Day be without a history lesson and celebration at WNC’s Dini Student Center?

As for honoring the historical day, ASWN (student government) served Costco hot dogs and Sonic shakes, and students were provided with a free pocket Constitution, voter registration access, a photo booth with our Founding Fathers, videos and more.

Some history about the framework for American government: Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer at 81. It is the oldest written national constitution and one of the shortest in the world with 4,400 words. The original document includes a misspelling of Pennsylvania, and Jacob Shallus, a lawyer and clerk, wrote the document for a $30 fee.



Apply Now for William N. Pennington CTE Scholarship!

The Western Nevada College Foundation and Financial Assistance Office are pleased to present the William N. Pennington Career and Technical Education Scholarship Application for 2025-26. This generous scholarship will give WNC CTE students the opportunity to learn valuable skills to enter Nevada’s diverse workforce.

Nevada Promise Scholarship Makes Higher Ed Accessible

Parents and high school seniors: Don’t miss the Oct. 31 deadline to apply for the fortuitous Nevada Promise Scholarship.

High school seniors graduating in spring 2025 can apply now for the Nevada Promise Scholarship, which helps cover tuition and fees at Western Nevada College.

The scholarship covers up to 3 years of tuition and mandatory fees (after other aid).

WNC representatives will guide students every step of the way to stay eligible.

Students Show Artistic Side during Welcome Back Week

Student creativity was on full display as they created tie-dye shirts, dabbled in diamond art and made bracelets to close out Welcome Back Week and an unforgettable start to fall semester.

Thanks to Student Life and the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN) for making these fun activities happen!



CAMPUS NEWS

Happy Birthday, Willy! Students Make It a Purr-fect Day

Western Nevada College’s favorite Wildcat turned another year older on Sept. 18, and the campus came out to celebrate in style and force! Students, faculty and staff joined the Associated Students of Western Nevada in Dini Student Center for a party filled with cake, refreshments and plenty of fun.

Attendees tested their skills with Pin the Tail on the Wildcat, took swings at a colorful piñata and captured the memories with photo ops alongside Willy — Polaroids included!

Thanks to everyone who helped make Willy’s out-of-this-world birthday party a purr-fect success!

Boys & Girls Clubs' Luau Brings Out Champions of Youth

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe joined the community in celebrating and supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada at their annual luau on Sept. 13.

WNC's Leadership contingent enjoyed connecting with champions for youth, including WNC Foundation Board Member Cliff Sorensen, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony and City Manager Glen Martel.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this incredible organization making a difference for our youth! 



Girl Scout Raises Light Pollution Awareness during Star Party

As part of the Sept. 13 Star Party, Girl Scout and college freshman Jessica Resong of Carson City delivered a presentation about light pollution.  

“Western Nevada College is proud to see students like Jessica Resong taking leadership in raising awareness about issues that affect both our community and our environment,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Her presentation at the Star Party is a wonderful example of how education and advocacy come together to inspire positive change.”

Resong’s “Shining a Light on Light Pollution” presentation explored the issue of light pollution and its increasing impact on wildlife, humans and viewing of stars.  

Resong is a freshman studying mechanical engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. 



ASWN Leaders Join Dr. Dalpe 
at Board of Regents Meeting


President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe represented Western Nevada College at the Board of Regents quarterly meeting on Sept. 11 and 12 at Great Basin College in Elko. Also attending were ASWN President Karla Salas Dominguez, ASWN Senator Sherlyn Vasquez and Coordinator of Student Life Heather Rikalo.

We’re proud to have our leadership and student voices contributing to discussions that shape the future of higher education in Nevada!



September Is National Preparedness Month


September is National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme, Preparedness Starts at Home, is a reminder that readiness begins with small, practical actions you can take today. Whether facing a natural disaster, power outage or unexpected emergency, planning ahead helps you protect yourself and support others when it is safe to do so.

University Organizational Resilience — Northern Command (UOR-NC) is here to help you get started at home, at work and in our learning spaces.

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