WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

section of this document. Planning and change are continuous processes in areas like facilities,
technology, distance learning, academic programs, business and industry, and safety and security.
Facilities Planning
In identifying and prioritizing future facility improvement projects, WNCC uses a variety of
resources in its planning. Periodically, external entities are solicited to engage in evaluations and
assessments of various aspects of the College. Examples include an assessment of the
mechanical and electrical systems that was conducted in 2002 by an external engineering firm
(RR 38). In 2006, to assess the College’s ADA compliance, an external consultant was hired.
Planning and prioritizing is also driven internally by faculty and staff members through
division/department meetings where issues can be identified and passed through the shared
governance process for further consideration.
The 2003 results of a Student Housing Market Study (RR 39) indicated a need for additional
student housing. In response to the study, construction of Conestoga Hall was completed and the
facility was opened in the fall of 2007. The College can now house over 200 students in the two
residence halls. In 2008, to accommodate the increased on-campus student population, a kitchen
and dining room renovation in Pioneer Hall was completed. Based on occupancy of the residence
halls during the first two years of operation, it appears that the housing decision was sound.
Figure 6-16 Occupancy Rates at Conestoga and Pioneer Halls
Occupancy Totals
120
FA 2005
100
SP 2006
# of Students
80
60
40
20
0
Pioneer
Conestoga
FA 2006
SP 2007
FA 2007
SP 2008
FA 2008
SP 2009
Residence Hall
To support growth and expansion of education tied to local business needs that had been identified
by advanced planning, WNCC relocated its business and individual training operations from
several miles away to a state-of-the-art facility located across the street and south of the Scottsbluff
main campus. This facility, which opened in 2005, was named the John N. Harms Advanced
Technology of Nebraska Center (HATC), in honor of the previous president. This facility has
allowed WNCC to increase its training programs which support local Panhandle businesses.
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Western Nebraska Community College