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

opportunities for students, but a college like WNCC must also meet the needs of local students,
many of whom want accessible, affordable, high-quality academic preparation in order to launch
their educational careers.
A long history as a junior college, supported by success of transfer students at other institutions,
has established WNCC as a viable place for area students to complete their first two years of
college experience. Close working relationships with Chadron State College and the University of
Wyoming favor this model. Not only lower tuition but the ability for students to remain living at
home or in the region are important advantages to students seeking higher education, especially
since programs like teacher education can be pursued locally through Chadron offerings.
Metro officials also believe that developmental-level education is more expensive to deliver, mostly
as a function of smaller class sizes and academic support system such as advising, counseling,
and tutoring being devoted to students who have not achieved academic success in their previous
experiences. Metro and WNCC were until this year the only colleges enforcing mandatory
placement into classes (Northeast began this year), and those courses comprised 26% of course
enrollments for WNCC in 2008. Hence, Metro is demanding that funding for developmental-level
education instruction be increased.
As of the date of this report, no solution has been reached to the uncertainty in funding, although
the Coordinating Commission has launched a cost study in an attempt to gather information to find
solutions. Local taxpayers in the Panhandle are also expressing concerns over increases in levies.
Unfortunately, tax levies across the service area must be raised because that is designated as the
method of addressing shortfalls in state funding. Increasingly, WNCC works hard at making it clear
to its Board members and to local officials such as County Commissioners the extent to which
WNCC serves constituents in the outlying areas.
WNCC officials strive to find ways to increase accessibility to College services throughout the
district through Business and Industry offerings at all three campuses or even on-site at business
locations. Other strategies for access include increasing online and ITV course offerings, and
through staggering class times to allow community members and students to enroll in courses
outside of the traditional daytime offering slots. Compressed delivery (8-week or some weekend
seminar sessions) and blended course offerings are also being expanded.
The WNCC Foundation
The WNCC Foundation (a private Nebraska non-profit corporation with tax exempt status) was
established in 1971 with the sole purpose of supporting the College’s mission. One of the
Foundation’s strategies to improve institutional finances was met this year when the 24 member
WNCC Foundation Board of Directors employed an Executive Director and Foundation Specialist.
The WNCC Foundation’s primary objectives are to offer the following services:
1. Provide scholarships
2. Fund facilities construction, renovation and maintenance
3. Assist with funding for programming needs
4. Fund faculty development
5. Supplement College services
6. Purchase needed program equipment
Western Nebraska Community College Page 77