Guest Column: Guest Column is written by Dawna Cozzalio, COS Director of Public Information.

Weed - College of the Siskiyous annually offers a number of short-term courses at the Weed and Yreka Campuses. The classes are often referred to as open-entry, open-exit classes. In educational jargon, this means students may enroll in these classes at anytime during the semester and are able to choose the hours and days they will attend the class each week.

For many students who are trying to juggle the many on-going responsibilities in their life, such as, job, family responsibilities, and education all at once, these kind of classes provide a road map to success. Many of these short-term classes carry one-half unit of college credit, with the number of required hours ranging from 27 to 54 hours. Often they are skill specific classes, teaching job-related terminologies and hands-on competencies.

Recently two students enrolled in a Basic Measurements class, at the Yreka Campus Technology Center, candidly expressed their views of the open-entry, open exit classes they are taking to upgrade their skills.

Basic Measurements – what is that, you ask? Instructor Milan Vodicka explained the Basic Measurements course, besides traditional techniques, uses a computer generated program designed to develop statistical information from precision measurement tools. The tools were previously carefully read by the person taking the measurements. Mechanical measurements are commonly used in industrial manufacturing companies such as Timber Products and NorCal Products for precision instrumentation readings.

Student, Tony Schaefer said he had enrolled in this class to upgrade his personal knowledge and to broaden his employability. "I took the Basic Measurements class out of interest. It is not currently related to my job at Timber Products here in Yreka, but should I transfer into another department at the plant, this knowledge could be invaluable to me," said Schaefer. He also shared the fact, that when he enrolled in the class, he was not computer literate, but found the class to be relatively easy, and said the experience has taken away any fear he may have had about learning how to operate a computer. Mr. Schaefer has now enrolled in the Windows class to continue his education and to take advantage of the technological resources available for training through the Yreka Campus Technology Center.

Debra Robinson, also enrolled in Basic Measurements, said as an employee of NorCal Products, she must understand basic measuring skills as she uses them in her job. "I enrolled in for self-improvement. By taking this class, I am now able to fully understand how the computer-assisted tools work and have even purchased my own set of tools," said Ms. Robinson. When she completes the Basic Measurements course, she would like to take a basic computer class. "If I could learn how to operate a computer to do basic calculations, without previous computer training, I know I can continue to expand my knowledge and training," continued Ms. Robinson. She talked about how easy is it to come to the Yreka Campus directly from work, work at her own pace, and know there is an instructor available to work with all of the students. "With that time permitting, I can move into another increasingly complex class such as Computer Applications for Drafting (CAD) or Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CSCI 51) and continue to develop myself according to my comfort zone."

Both Ms. Robinson and Mr. Schaefer added that NorCal Products and Timber Products encourage their employees to seek training. If employees pass the classes with a grade of C or better, they are reimbursed for the textbooks and registration fee. "Students who enroll in these kinds of classes must be self-disciplined and be self-motivated to succeed," explained Instructor Vodicka.

"There is no pressure from the instructor to be here," said students Marc Skeahan and Doug Nichols, who were working in the Technology Center’s Extension Lab. Both are enrolled in other open-entry, open-exit courses, such as the Computer APPS-CAD/CAM and Small Business Projects classes. The Small Business course teaches students how to design and execute a small business project. To begin the project, they must pick a topic of interest, thoroughly research the topic, and write a business plan to professionally present to the class.

Marc Skeahan, in team with Rico Gutierrez, was developing a Web Page for anyone going through a divorce. He was in the process of linking web sites carrying important information such as court procedures, normal divorce procedures and support groups, to his web site.

Doug Nichols was busy developing a floor plan for a bathroom. Mr. Nichols said, "Before I could begin this project, I first had to learn the CAD Program, and did so by taking a class here in the Technology Center." Both students said they put in an average of about 15 hours a week, generally in the late afternoon and on other free evenings. "Time flies when you are in the Center. The resources made available to students are as unlimited as is the vast knowledge of the instructors," said Nichols.

Marc Skeahan said this was his third semester at the Yreka Campus and emphasized - he learns something new everytime he comes to the lab. He said when he made the decision to enroll in COS classes, the only thing he knew how to do, was to turn the computer on.

Instructor Vodicka said he welcomes inquires about any of the courses available at the Yreka Technology Center. Students can register any time during the semester as well as when registering for regular classes. Spring semester registration opened November 16th. Vodicka invites students to look up the open-entry, open exit classes he instructs on the Internet. To do so, type http://firstclass.siskiyous.edu. At that address you will find course information. If taking a class, you will be able to find class assignments, be able post information and enter into a student chat room. Mr. Vodicka said "I enjoy teaching these courses as they enable students to learn what is most relevant and helpful to them, at their own pace and at a time that is convenient for them." Listed below are the open entry/exit classes. All of the classes carry one-half unit of credit and carry 27-54 hours. Take a look, you’ll see the number of classes Vodicka instructs. Take a look, you’ll be pleased.

MFG 51-Basic measurements, MFG 52-Blueprint Reading, MFG 53-CNC Basics, MFG 54-Analog Electronics,          MFG 55-Analog Electronics II, MFG 56-Electronic Devices, MFG 57-Integrated Circuits, MFG 58-Digital Electronics,   CSCI 59-Upgrading and Repairing PCs, CSCI 60-Microsoft Project, CSCI 61-First Class Intranet Server

The Small Business Projects (BA-50) and Computer Application – CAD/CAM (CSCI-51) courses carry two units of credit and meet 36 to 72 hours.

For more information contact Instructor Milan Vodicka, at the Yreka Campus, 841-5243, or send an email to vodicka@siskiyous.edu.