Mat-Su College on the move

WASILLA -- If you can't get to the class, Mat-Su College will get the class to you.

Cathy Baxter, MSC's director of community and business services, said the college's new mobile computer lab allows employers to offer onsite training for employees.

She said that while this service will be especially useful to employees in outlying areas, the 15-seat-laptop lab is available statewide.

"We want you to get the technical training you need. If you need the computer lab and you need the training, we're there for you," said Baxter at the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce luncheon Oct. 28.

The lab can be used to provide software training, but Baxter said course topics aren't limited to technology. It can also be used to teach things like technical writing or persuasive presentations -- almost anything that can be taught in a classroom can be taught in the mobile computer lab.

"If you don't see [the course] you need, let me know and we'll build it for you," she said.

Costs for use of the mobile computer lab are rolled into the cost of training. In other words, Baxter said, it's a value-added service that allows the college to provide onsite training for the same rate as classroom training.

The mobile computer lab is just one part of an overall effort by MSC to meet the needs of the community.

"We want a program that appeals to everyone. We want to get those who already have a degree or those who want to continue their education without pursuing a degree. We want those who are just looking for a hobby," Baxter said. "We want to create a positive atmosphere to make Mat-Su College a place where you'd come for professional development or to achieve your full potential."

The college added 35 classes to its course offerings this fall and plans to add another 40 classes in the spring.

Included in the new lineup are community art courses such as oil painting, basketry, stained glass basics and outdoor photography and outdoors classes such as avalanche hazard evaluation and rescue, and prospecting for gold placers.

In addition, MSC offers a certified-public-manager training series. CPM training is designed to help students boost their career through courses dealing with management issues, such as improving employee performance, the roles of the supervisor and strategic planning.

The CPM program is nationally accredited and endorsed by the Alaska Municipal League and the State of Alaska personnel office. Baxter said the program is open entry, open exit.

"[Students] don't have to sign up for the whole program. [They] can pick and choose whatever classes [they] want. They can take just what they need or work toward a certificate," she said.

Though CPM training is available in Anchorage at the University of Alaska, University Center, MSC is the sole administrator for the program for Southcentral Alaska. This helps keep the university's costs down, which in turn helps keep students' costs down. In addition to making the training more affordable, Baxter said the college is trying to clear up confusion for the students. For instance, classes are scheduled in the same rooms from semester to semester. She said measures like these make the campus seem friendlier and more inviting.

"We're hoping people get hooked on education. If they aren't degree seeking, we want them to come and enjoy the college anyway," Baxter said.