|
Get the most recent news and event announcements from Olympic College and browse the news archive. |
|
3/5/2010
Bremerton, Wash. – March 5, 2010 - Olympic College was recently notified that it can now offer baccalaureate degrees. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the accrediting body for two-year and four-year institutions in the region, awarded baccalaureate accreditation status to OC in January. Olympic College will continue to operate as a community college, affording open access to residents in Kitsap and Mason counties. The new accreditation will mean OC can provide new four-year degrees in addition to two-year degrees. Olympic College currently has a bachelor’s of science in Nursing. The new accreditation status is retroactive to September 2008.
“This is very exciting news. Olympic College is geographically isolated, so residents must travel a long distance to take part in four-year programs. Now, residents can get specific bachelor’s degrees in their own backyard and meet the demands of employers at the same time,” said David Mitchell, president of Olympic College.
Olympic College can now explore offering new four-year programs that will meet local needs. The college will also continue working with universities on bachelor’s degree opportunities. Washington State University and Olympic College are currently developing a bachelor’s of science in Mechanical Engineering that would be available by fall 2010 if approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board in March 2010.
“Creating multiple ways to get bachelor’s degrees is cost effective, gives residents more choices and serves them more quickly than forcing a one-size-fits-all model,” said Mitchell.
Two other colleges – Bellevue College (Bellevue) and South Seattle Community College (Seattle) – were also recently awarded baccalaureate accreditation status. Peninsula College in Port Angeles is nearing the end of the application and review process for baccalaureate accreditation with the Northwest Commission.
Applied baccalaureate degrees at community and technical colleges combine courses – which establish a broad understanding of the arts and sciences, provide a global viewpoint and promote critical thinking -- with specialized, in-depth technical training in the skills employers identify as the most urgently needed.
Baccalaureate accreditation means that Olympic College meets the standards for performance, integrity, and quality required of all bachelor’s degree-granting colleges and universities. The standards are set by the Northwest Commission, whose work is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
The state legislature in 2005 developed a pilot program to allow community and technical colleges to start four-year degrees. Olympic College and the three other community colleges were selected in 2006 by the Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to be the first two-year colleges in the state to participate in the pilot.
The colleges launched their baccalaureate programs in fall 2007: bachelors of Applied Science in Radiation and Imaging Sciences at Bellevue College, in Nursing at Olympic College, in Hospitality Management at South Seattle Community College, and in Applied Management at Peninsula College.
All four awarded their first bachelor degrees last spring – to a total of 57 graduates -- and continue to enroll new students in their programs.
“There is high demand from Washington students to have access to bachelor’s degrees that connect to growing industries,” said Mitchell. “The baccalaureate degrees offered by community and technical colleges are getting students ready for in-demand jobs. They also help employers secure employees within the state instead of having to import workers. Community and technical colleges are preparing state residents for current and future positions. It’s a win-win for employers, students and our citizens.”
Since the first four community college baccalaureate programs were approved in 2006, four more have been added. Bachelors of Applied design, Behavioral Science and Management are offered by Lake Washington Technical College, Seattle Central Community College and Columbia Basin College, respectively, and Bellevue College launched a baccalaureate program in Interior Design in January 2010.
ABOUT OLYMPIC COLLEGE: Founded in 1946, Olympic College is a community college with campuses in Bremerton, Poulsbo and Shelton. The college offers a bachelor’s of science in Nursing, associate degrees for transfer, and degree and certificates in many professional and technical programs. More than 13,000 students each year take college transfer courses, career training, pre-college courses, adult education, and continuing education classes. Olympic College has 1,393 full- and part-time employees and is one of the largest employers in Kitsap County. The college’s website is www.olympic.edu.
Olympic College Baccalaureate Degree
Fact Sheet
|
Bachelor’s degree offered |
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
|
|
Quarter and year degree started |
Fall 2007
|
|
Why this degree was selected |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Olympic Peninsula is geographically isolated, so residents must travel long distances to pursue a bachelor’s degree. A local Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree allows working RNs to pursue the degree closer to home and work, giving them more options for an advanced education and career advancement. In addition, a local regional hospital reported that its focus was to become a “Magnet” status hospital, which requires 70% of nurses to possess a BSN. Olympic College collaborated with the UW-Tacoma to “jump start” the program so the bachelor’s program would be ready by Fall 2007. |
|
When the first students graduated |
Olympic College’s first bachelor’s degree graduates in Nursing were awarded their diplomas in Spring 2009.
The degree was designed for working registered nurses. The degree allows graduates to expand their scope of practice, opening the door to work in public health, administrative positions, research, and teaching. |
|
Graduate profiles |
Megan Erickson (360-471-7561)
For Megan Erickson, it was too long of a distance to travel to get a bachelor’s degree and she wanted the benefits of being in a classroom, not online. She had family responsibilities and needed a closer location to pursue a degree and advance her career. In Fall 2007, Megan got her wish. Through OC’s new bachelor’s of science in nursing program, she was able to attend close to home and work part time at the local hospital as a registered nurse, until she graduated in Spring 2009. Now, Megan wants to get a masters degree and pursue a nurse practitioner license or become a certified nurse specialist, options she didn’t have before getting her bachelor’s degree from OC.
Jim Vaughan (360-286-9379)
Jim Vaughan worked for 10 years as a registered nurse and wanted a bachelor’s of science in nursing to start him on his educational path to a nurse practitioner. When OC launched the program in Fall 2007, Jim jumped at the chance. Since enrolling in the program, Jim was moved from an RN position to a House Supervisor at a hospital in Jefferson County. He will graduate in June 2010. When Jim has his bachelor’s degree, he can take the next step in his education to get a master’s degree. |
|
|
|
CONTACTS:
Dr. David Mitchell, President, Olympic College
360.475.7101, dmitchell@olympic.edu
Dr. Rick MacLennan, Vice President of Student Services, and lead on Olympic College’s accreditation
360.475.7476, rmaclennan@olympic.edu
Peter Crane, Olympic College Board of Trustees member
360.692-3080, crane_pete@hotmail.com
Judi Brown, Dean of Math, Engineering, Science and Health, and source on bachelor’s of science in Nursing
360.475.7701, jbrown@olympic.edu
3/4/2010Shelton, Wash., March 4, 2010 - Continuing Education (CE) courses offered during Spring Quarter at Olympic College’s Shelton campus allows participants to have fun, learn something new, and develop marketable skills. The following are upcoming CE courses:
Introduction to Fly Fishing
A fun approach to fly fishing for first-timers. Learn equipment selection, casting, and fly tying as well as a bit of fish biology, all presented in a manner that is uncomplicated and non-threatening. Recovering bait & hardware fishers welcome. Come to the first class before purchasing fly rod, reel, and line. Class meets 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesdays, March 31 to May 5, 2010. Cost is $160.
Anyone Can Write
Anyone can discover the pleasure of writing. Emphasis will be on having fun while learning an easy process that will stimulate natural creativity and involvement with creative writing. Class meets 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursdays, April 8 to May 20, 2010. Cost is $85.
Flagging Certification
Learn what it takes to become a flagger. Objectives include maximum protection for employees and the public with minimum interference from vehicle/pedestrian traffic, proper use of traffic control devices, and other flagger duties. Certification test administered upon completion of class. Students must be 18 years of age or older. Class meets 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2010. Cost is $65.
Olympic College-Shelton is located at 937 W. Alpine Way, Shelton, WA 98584. To register or for more information call (360) 432-5400.
- END -
Bremerton, Wash. - March 4, 2010 – Olympic College will host a concert March 12, 2010 featuring its Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, and Pierce Community College’s Concert Choir as special guests. The Wind Ensemble is under the direction of Rick White; Concert Choir and Chamber Choir are under the direction of Teresa Fraser; and Pierce Community College’s Concert Choir is under the direction of Evin Lambert. The student artists will perform Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, additional details to follow:
From the Foreword of the music: “Every summer the Cathedral of Chichester, in Sussex, England, joins choral forces with its neighbors, Winchester and Salisbury, to produce a music festival. (Chichester has a great musical tradition, going back to its famed organist-composer of the early 17th century, Thomas Weelkes.) For its 1965 Festival, Leonard Bernstein was commissioned to write these Psalms, which were completed on May 7, 1965...”
The concert begins 7:30 p.m., March 12, 2010 at Sylvan Way Baptist Church located at 900 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, Wash. Admission to this event is free. Donations will be accepted at the door. Proceeds will help support the music program and its students for future performances. For more information about this event, call Julie Hill at (360) 475-7197 or email her at jhill@olympic.edu.
- END -
2/25/2010CONTACT: Julie Hill
TEL: (360) 475-7197 EMAIL:jhill@olympic.edu
Bremerton, Wash. - Feb. 25, 2010 – Olympic College’s Jazzline and Jazzband will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 2, 2010 at the Roxy Theater. Jazzline is lead by Teresa Fraser and Jazzband is lead by Rick White. Admission to this event is free but donations are kindly accepted to help support the music program and its students on future performances. The Roxy Theater is located at 270 4th Street, Bremerton, WA 98337. For more information, call Julie Hill at (360) 475-7197.
Both groups are preparing to travel out of state to attend competitions. Jazzband leaves March 4, 2010 to New Orleans, La. where they will compete in Jamfest at Loyola University for the second year. Jazzline will be at the Oceanside Jazz Festival April 15 to 18, 2010 in Oceanside, Calif.
###
Shelton, Wash.- Feb. 25, 2010 – Olympic College invites business and nonprofit leaders to explore the possibility of bringing programs in Organizational Leadership & Resource Management to Mason County. Please join us if you think this would benefit your employees who need supervisory skills training for leadership r oles. This meeting is free to attend. It is from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 12, 2010 at Olympic College – Shelton.
The campus is at 937 W. Alpine Way, Shelton, WA 98584. For more information, call Lori Anderson at (360) 432-5406 or Kelly Copp at (360) 432-5431.
- END -
2/18/2010
Bremerton, Wash., Feb. 18, 2010 - The Culinary Arts Institute of Olympic College is interviewing students interested in a career in culinary arts and hospitality management for the upcoming 2010 Spring Quarter. Some of the courses offered at this nationally accredited program include Baking for Restaurants and Institutions, Catering and Banquets, International Cuisine, Fine Dining, and ServSafe. Classes are held 7:30 a.m. – 1:50 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning Monday, March 29, 2010.
Advising is ongoing. Interested students are encouraged to see this program in action by touring the facility in-person. Email Steve Lammers, instructor and chef at slammers@olympic.edu or call him at (360) 475-7571 to schedule advising and a tour. Financial aid, Worker Retraining assistance, and scholarships may be available to eligible students; contact the Financial Aid office for more information. Additional information about the Culinary Arts Institute is available online at www.olympic.edu/students/acaddivdept/businessandtechnology/culinaryartsinstitute .
# # # 2/17/2010
Shelton, Wash., Feb. 17, 2010 - Continuing Education (CE) courses offered during winter quarter at Olympic College’s Shelton campus allows participants to have fun, learn something new, and develop marketable skills. The following are upcoming CE courses:
Boating Safety
Be prepared for the new regulations on mandatory boater safety education with this state approved course. Learn about boating equipment, trip planning and preparation, marine environments, boat operations, and emergency preparedness. The class meets 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010. The cost is $69.
Buying & Selling on Craig’s List
Are you looking for great bargains or are you trying to sell all those bargains you bought last year? Craig’s List might be your answer. Come learn how to buy and sell effectively and safely on this easy to use, online-classified site. The class meets 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010. The cost is $40
Coastal Navigation for Boaters
Navigation in the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands, and Washington coastal areas. Learn dead reckoning, position fixing, nautical charts, compass use, tides, currents, and trip planning for sailboats and powerboats. The class meets 8:30 a.m. -2 p.m. each Saturday from March 6 - 13, 2010. The cost is $119.
The Basics of Selling on eBay
Sell vintage jewelry, kitchenware, electronics, toys, anything on eBay! Take a step-by-step approach to effective selling while avoiding costly mistakes. Set pricing, use PayPal, and write product descriptions. Basic Internet skills are necessary. The class meets 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. The cost is $59.
Flagging Certification
Learn what it takes to become a flagger. Objectives include maximum protection for employees and the public with minimum interference from vehicle/pedestrian traffic, proper use of traffic control devices, and other flagger duties. Certification test administered upon completion of class. Student must be 18 years of age or older. This one-day course is available on the following dates and times: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010; and 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010. The cost is $65.
Courses are at Olympic College’s Shelton campus located at 937 W. Alpine Way, Shelton, WA 98584. Call (360) 432-5400 to register and for more information.
CONTACT: Lori Anderson
TEL: 360.432.5406
EMAIL: landerson@olympic.edu
#### 2/16/2010
Shelton, Wash., Feb. 12, 2010 - For the first time ever, Olympic College will offer the Medical Assisting program at the Shelton campus beginning Summer 2010 Quarter. Those interested in this program may learn more about it at the Medical Assisting Information Session held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at OC’s Shelton campus. The campus is located at 937 W. Alpine Way, Shelton, WA 98584.
For more information about the program, call Rose Ferri at (360) 432-5423 or Connie Lieseke at 1-800-259-6718, Ext. 7741. Information about OC-Shelton is on the Web at: www.olympic.edu/Shelton or by calling the campus at (360) 432-5400.
CONTACT: Kelly Copp
Workforce Development Coordinator - Shelton
TEL: (360) 432-5431
FAX: (360) 432-5412
####
2/10/2010
Bremerton, WA – Olympic College recently announced that the Nursing program based at the Poulsbo campus will return to the Bremerton campus this summer. In 2004, the program was moved from the Bremerton to Poulsbo campus to provide additional space.
The Nursing program in Poulsbo includes Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, and Transition to Associate Degree Nursing. About 180 students would transition to the Bremerton campus.
“The move has been part of the college’s long term plan. Olympic College has been planning a larger space for the program for a number of years. This fall, new space opened up so we could bring the Nursing program back. We’re pleased about the move and what it will mean for the Nursing program and the enhanced opportunities it will bring to the North Kitsap community,” said David Mitchell, president of Olympic College.
The Nursing program has many advantages in Bremerton, including a larger reference library, closer medical facilities and a new child development center. A Health Occupations building, which would house the Nursing program if funded by the state legislature, is included in the college’s 10-year master plan.
Since planning began to return the Nursing program to Bremerton, Olympic College has been in discussions about expanding transfer studies at the Poulsbo campus. Areas under consideration include liberal arts, environmental studies, and business. About 60 percent of current Poulsbo students take transfer courses. With more space available at the Poulsbo campus, more programs can be added to expand educational options for North Kitsap residents.
Contact:
Jennifer Hayes, Communications Director
TEL 360-475-7106
EMAIL jhayes@olympic.edu
David Mitchell, President, Olympic College
TEL 360-475-7101
EMAIL dmitchell@olympic.edu
A Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree funded in part by Olympic College’s university partnership full-time equivalencys and developed by Washington State University is one step closer to reality. Washington State University has agreed to offer the program and begin preparing for classes by August 2010. The next step in the process is to receive final approval from the Higher Education Coordinating Board, which oversees new four-year programs. The HEC board will review the request at its March 10 meeting.
“This is an exciting opportunity. Olympic College and WSU are moving closer to offering a new degree to the community, which will help residents get a four-year education locally rather than having to go across the bridge or across the water. It also means regional employers, such as the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, can draw from a local pool of candidates with this high demand engineering degree,” said Dr. David Mitchell, president of Olympic College.
The new program will be based at the Olympic College Bremerton campus. Classes will be offered onsite as well as broadcast to OC from WSU in Pullman. WSU will hire faculty and plan admissions requirements. Students admitted to the program will follow WSU’s semester system, with classes beginning Fall 2010, and pay WSU tuition rates. WSU is currently accepting applicants for Fall 2010 admission.
“Pending approval by the Washington State HEC board, we think this joint program will be in line with WSU’s land grant mission to provide valuable educational opportunities to residents throughout the state of Washington, making it possible for bright and motivated students to pursue careers in engineering’’ said Bob Olsen, associate dean of undergraduate programs and student services for the College of Engineering and Architecture. “The joint program is another important step WSU is taking to meet the dramatic need for engineers to solve important, technical challenges in clean technology, the environment, and health that contributes to the growth of a healthy economy in Washington,’’ Olsen added.
The program will allow students to directly transfer from Olympic College to WSU, with the appropriate requirements and grade point average. In addition, others that have completed an Associate in Science degree at other colleges and have met requirements are eligible to apply for the program.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students. They will be able to continue the quality instruction they have received at OC, with the outstanding education that WSU provides and not have to leave the area,” said Jeff Brown, engineering instructor at Olympic College.
In 2009, the state legislature provided funding for Olympic College to partner with a university to offer four-year programs. Sen. Derek Kilmer was instrumental in getting funding to support more higher education opportunities for residents within the region.
The college received $189,000, a breakdown of $6,300 per full-time equivalent student, to find a university partner that would offer a program and fit with local needs. OC will contract WSU to operate the program.
“For years we’ve struggled to increase access to college degrees in our neck of the woods and this tackles that problem head on using existing facilities,” said Sen. Derek Kilmer, a Gig Harbor Democrat and chairman of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee. Kilmer fought to include program funding in the state budget.
“Our state has also struggled to meet our businesses’ demands for people with engineering degrees,” Sen. Kilmer added. “This will help us supply our businesses the skilled workforce they need while providing our workers a fighting chance to land the well-paying jobs already in our communities.”
Economic development leaders are pleased that Olympic College and WSU are partnering on a new degree.
“The fact that Olympic College is working with WSU to offer a four-year degree is huge for the region and creates educational opportunities for the workforce. The Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree that’s being offered at Olympic College is exciting for employers and the community,” said Bill Stewart, executive director of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance.
The seeds of this program were planted in 2007 when a community group, supported by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Charlotte Garrido, conducted research into the need for access to bachelors degrees. The effort eventually led to further research funded by the legislature and conducted by the HEC Board. The results of the research indicated there was an unmet need for access to bachelors degrees in the region. Engineering was considered the most in demand by those surveyed.
“Four-year degree programs have long been a dream for Kitsap County. This engineering degree addresses training that is in high demand by local students and employers – including our largest employer, the Navy,” said Garrido, the consultant on the KEDA study.
The BS in Mechanical Engineering is another way the college is addressing the need for four-year access. Currently, Olympic College offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree and also has partnerships with universities that offer four-year degrees, including Western Washington University and Old Dominion University.
Contact: Jennifer Hayes
TEL: 360-475-7106
E-mail: jhayes@olympic.edu |
|
|
|
|