The fall semester wrapped up last week and although students can breathe easy for a while, it is important they remember to register for next semester before key courses fill and close.
Registration for the upcoming spring semester is available from the KPC homepage by clicking on UAOnline. Spring semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 11, 2016.
First time college students, whether transitioning from high school, home or the workplace, are highly encouraged to sign up for Guidance A150 (CRN: 36530) during their first semester at KPC.
Adjustment and transition issues are addressed with a structured, content-based curriculum, flexible enough to promote the exploration and resolution of individual concerns.
The course is web-based and does not require a textbook, but access to a computer (with Internet connectivity), microphone and speakers is needed.
KRC Dena’ina language class
Due to the efforts of Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart, KRC Rural and Alaska Native Student Services coordinator and adjunct instructor, along with Helen Dick and Andrea Ivanoff, adjunct language instructors, there have been a series of Dena’ina language videos bit.ly/1OQ9YwC created as part of the Elementary Dena’ina Language course (AKNS A101C) taught this fall semester. According to Shaginoff-Stuart, production of the videos was part of a strategy to employ language instruction paired with common activities like beading and cooking.
“We wanted to create videos on YouTube for students and our communities to access easily, and hopefully spark more ideas of usage of the Dena’ina Language,” said Shaginoff-Stuart. “Helen wanted me to mention that learning a new language is hard, but our students have continued with a strong commitment of learning, and we are so pleased that they have made such progress in a short amount of time.”
The Dena’ina language classes have had a positive, cultural effect on the campus community.
“This semester we have many first-year students attending KRC. Many of them wanted to go home, but they decided to continue and finish the semester, and many have decided to come back for next semester, because of this class. It has provided students with a cultural teaching that is not found in any other class that is offered at KPC. I do believe that Helens presence adds authentic, cultural awareness that makes the class unique,” Shaginoff-Stuart said.
Anecia Tretikoff, KRC faculty administrative supervisor, was very moved when she read Shaginoff-Stuart’s report, viewed photos of the class and watched the videos.
“It is with tears of gratitude that I read your communication and viewed the photos while listening to one of the YouTube videos, “Dena’ina-Making Necklace Lesson.” I am so moved at witnessing the commitment, patience, and dedication of all involved and the positive multigenerational, intercultural interactions where the focus is on Dena’ina and how “Our language came back to us!” It is also meaningful that this is happening at KPC as all this provides such inroads to building stronger relationships among KPC and the Native and non-Native communities.”
Shaginoff-Stuart, along with Dr. Alan Boraas, KRC professor of anthropology, will be offering Elementary Ahtna Language courses (AKNS A101C and A102C) in the upcoming spring semester. For more information, visit KPC’s searchable schedule at www.kpc.alaska.edu/schedule.
Holiday closure schedule
KPC’s two campuses (Kenai River Campus in Soldotna and Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer) and two extension sites (Anchorage and Resurrection Bay) will close for the holidays on Dec. 24, 2015 and re-open at noon, Jan. 4, 2016.