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Nevada State College enhances astronomy course with state-of-the-art telescopes

Posted on by Vincent Rennie

Henderson, Nev. Nevada State College has acquired cutting-edge telescopes to enhance the learning experience of students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences astronomy courses.
When the college opened the new 42,000-square-foot Liberal Arts and Sciences building this fall, one 11-inch and two 16-inch diameter telescopes by Celestron were added to the collection of 8-inch telescopes that were previously available to students. The larger telescopes provide clearer views of the galaxies by collecting more light through the wider lenses. Each telescope is also equipped with auto guides requiring students to simply type in coordinates instead of manually adjusting the lenses to locate specific stars.
Many students are not aware of how the sciences are so integrated into their everyday lives, said Dr. Sandip Thanki, chair of physical sciences at Nevada State College. What students are able to do now is more advanced in comparison to what was available a couple of years ago due to the ever-evolving technology.
Hands-on learning using advanced technology provides students with a taste of what astronomers due on a daily basis for research, Thanki said. It also makes physical sciences more accessible.
The Celestron telescopes feature Charge Coupled Device (CCD) cameras, which act similar to modern, personal digital cameras. Instead of manually pointing out various objects in the sky, pictures can be taken of the galaxies allowing students to perform research, produce reports and learn more from their findings.
In addition to the new telescopes, the LAS building features 42 offices, four fully equipped science labs and several classrooms and state-of-the-art equipment such as a functioning seismograph one of only 10 in the state (most of which are located in the north). Other technologies available include: an oscilloscope to measure the speed of light and electrical signals and a ballistic pendulum, used in physics classes to demonstrate properties of momentum and energy.
We are a young school, but we’re offering students access to technology they can’t get just anywhere. This is state-of-the-art equipment, Thanki said. This will truly prepare our students for any number of careers.
Nevada State College is a comprehensive four-year public college offering degrees including nursing, business administration and education. The college opened its doors to students in September 2002 after the Board of Regents and the Nevada State Legislature determined the need for enhanced educational opportunities in Southern Nevada in 1997.
NSC’s main campus is located on more than 500 acres in the foothills of Henderson and provides progressive bachelor’s programs in several in-demand fields of study. Nevada State College offers a low student-to-professor ratio and competitive tuition rates.
For more information on Nevada State College, call: 702.990.2000 or visit: nsc.edu.

http://archive.nsc.edu/news/archive/2008-archive/nevada-state-college-enhances-astronomy-course-with-state-of-the-art-telescopes.aspx

Nevada State College School of Nursing Offers Innovative Programs

Posted on by Vincent Rennie

The School of Nursing at Nevada State College is continually implementing innovative programs to enhance the educational opportunities of NSC students and address the needs of the community. The RN-BSN and the Peer Advising programs are examples of this commitment to excellence.
Since 2002, the RN-BSN program at Nevada State College has offered professional nurses the opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in a convenient online setting. Over 80 students are enrolled in the program, many of whom are working as registered nurses while earning their bachelor degree.
The BSN degree curriculum extends the scope of the nursing practice, building upon the skills acquired through associate degrees and diploma education. BSN students develop leadership skills in addition to enhancing their knowledge of economic and cultural issues. For every 10 percent increase in BSN nurses, the risk of death decreases in healthcare facilities by almost 5 percent. BSN trained nurses have also demonstrated fewer medication errors, greater job satisfaction and increased retention.
The RN-BSN program has created new pathways for Anne Schwartz, a NSC BSN graduate and current Simulation Lab Instructor in the School of Nursing. The RN to BSN program really opened the doors that are leading me to my career goals, said Schwartz. With her work and family commitments, completing the online program offered convenience and flexibility. The biggest advantage of the online program is that you can take the classes in your own time, depending on your job and family, said Schwartz.
In recent years, peer advising has become increasingly popular in many advising programs across the country. The School of Nursing peer advising program, a pilot program which began during the fall 2008 semester, employs four peer advisors, provides a unique forum for prospective nursing students to receive guidance from current nursing students.
In just the first few months, there has been an overwhelming response of interest on the part of the student body. On a daily basis, there is a huge volume of calls and emails, in addition to student walk-ins and scheduled appointments, said peer advisor Gerri Bartolo. The peer advisors provide assistance to students already enrolled at NSC, as well as those seeking to transfer into the Nursing program.
The peer advisors are also trained to teach students how to read their Degree Audit Reporting System report (DARS) and provide referrals to the Student Academic Center (SAC) when necessary.
Peer advisor Robert Wilkinson says of the new program, it’s a more personal approach to advising. This is such a benefit, because it gives a student-to-student look about how to navigate the program. The peer advisors are able to mentor prospective students and even alleviate some of the anxieties they may feel entering the nursing program. Whether it be sharing experiences about how to balance academics with part time work and family commitments, or just learning what to expect, having someone to talk with who is actually experiencing it is a tremendous asset to students considering nursing.

Nevada State College names Young associate vice provost for enrollment management

Posted on by Vincent Rennie

Henderson, Nev. Nevada State College named Lee Young associate vice provost for enrollment management
Young, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the education field to the college, reports to the provost and is a member of the Executive Staff and the Provost’s Council. This position at the college was created to oversee the offices of admissions and records, student financial service and scholarships, and recruitment.
Young also provides vision, leadership and direction for the development and implementation of an enrollment marketing and recruitment plan for Nevada State College. Young officially took his position at the college Monday.
Lee has an extensive background working with enrollment departments at various colleges and universities throughout the country, said Nevada State College President Dr. Fred Maryanski. His knowledge and experience will serve us well as we continue to grow and serve the needs of the community.
As associate vice provost, Young will work with academic deans, advisors, and leaders in multicultural affairs and institutional research to aid in developing the college’s strategic enrollment plan as well as retention strategies.
Prior to his hire at Nevada State College, Young served as associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C. He has also held similar positions for Indiana State, Augusta State, Tuskegee and Wichita State Universities.
In addition to his extensive working history, Young is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the American Marketing Association.
Nevada State College is a comprehensive four-year public college offering degrees including nursing, business administration and education. The college opened its doors to students in September 2002 after the Board of Regents and the Nevada State Legislature determined the need for enhanced educational opportunities in Southern Nevada in 1997.
NSC’s main campus is located on more than 500 acres in the foothills of Henderson and provides progressive bachelor’s programs in several in-demand fields of study. Nevada State College offers a low student-to-professor ration and competitive tuition rates.
For more information on Nevada State College, call : 702.990.2000 or visit : nsc.edu.