Seeking a Clearer Vision in Education by John McCabe

Education A Supplement to The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register, The Times Leader, Tyler Star News and Wetzel Chronicle Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Seeking A

CLEARER VISION In our ever-evolving economy, workers are trying to find a clearer vision of what new vocations will be available in the future. Whether it’s STEM or robotics classes in school or vo-tech and retraining courses for displaced workers, people are finding different ways to learn. Union apprenticeships through Project BEST are providing alternatives to college, while unemployed manufacturing workers are finding the quickest way back into the job market is with a commercial driver’s license to work in the oil and gas industry. For others, nursing is one of the hottest job fields in the country, making it a priority for some local colleges. Meanwhile, students at The Linsly School in Wheeling are working with area businesses and local entrepreneurs as part of a new and innovative class called Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship, which extends learning far beyond the walls of the classroom. But most importantly, a partnership between Bethany College, West Liberty University and Wheeling University is reimagining how students can attain a college degree.

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

A CLEARER VISION on Nursing Careers: ∫ Nursing jobs remain in demand at hospitals, private nursing home facilities and for in-home care in the Ohio Valley. ∫ There will be a change in the way the National Council Licensure Examination is administered for nurses in 2023. ∫ The most popular nursing degrees are the two-year Associates Degree in Nursing and the four-year Bachelors of Science in Nursing.

West Liberty University nursing students Kayla Schultz, are left, and Lauren Welshare shown in the simulation lab located in the Campbell Hall of Health Sciences. Photo Provided

Nursing Jobs Are in Demand in the Tri-State Area By HEATHER ZIEGLER Staff Writer While much has changed since Florence Nightengale revolutionized nursing in her homeland of England, the concepts of providing medical care have not changed. Local nursing educators agree, today’s nursing students are offered a clear vision into a profession that offers job security. According to NursingSchool.org, the most popular nursing degrees are the two-year Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the four-year Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN). These de-

grees are both entry-level but offer great career mobility. ADNs study most commonly in a community college setting and the emphasis is on practical skills. At the BSN level nursing students are given a balance of didactic and practical skill work. Both degrees transition easily upward —RN to BSN offers ADN nurses the additional two years of study to earn their BSN and the BSN-to-MSN is a fast-track to a Masters in Nursing. In the Ohio Valley, — Jill Keyser, interim director of nursing at WVNCC nurses remain in demand at hospitals, private nursing home facilities and for in-home care. There ties for women and men al nurses. The vision of like to work in intensive are numerous opportuni- to enter the nursing field. the WLU Nursing Facul- care and other specialty West Liberty Univer- ty is to be a state and re- units. We have a simulasity offers a nursing pro- gional leader in providing tion lab at West Liberty gram under the direction excellence in professional which provides a good of Dr. Rose Kutlenios. nursing education. learning experience,” KutThe nursing program is Kutlenios has been di- lenios said. “And most of housed in the Campbell recting the nursing pro- our nurses stay in the triHall of Health Sciences. gram at WLU for the past state area, in the surroundThe program is accred- eight years and has been ing counties of Ohio and ited by the Commission in the nursing industry Pennsylvania.” on Collegiate Nursing since 1980. She said one Kutlenios said there Education, and incorpo- of the real trends in edu- is a shortage of nurses rates various educational cating nurses is in simu- throughout West Virginopportunities to prepare lation. ia. People are looking for students to be profession“A lot of our students nurses. We have recruiters

“WE HAVE SIMULATION LABS THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN BY DOING. WE NEED TO SIMULATE A LOT OF PEDIATRIC CASES. DOCTORS AREN’T SENDING CHILDREN TO HOSPITALS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY SO IT’S IMPORTANT FOR NURSES TO UNDERSTAND PEDIATRIC CASES.”

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calling all the time.” She said by 2023, a change in the way the NCLEX — National Council Licensure Examination — is administered for nurses will place more emphasis on “clinical judgment.” Nursing students must pass the NCLEX to receive their nursing license. “They will stress the thinking part ... knowledge, skill and attitude and the ability to assess and look at patients to see things early,” Kutlenios said. At West Virginia Northern Community College’s Wheeling and Weirton campuses, nursing education programs include classroom instruction, supervised and precepted clinical experience in hospitals and other health facilities, and community experiences. Students take courses in biological sciences, behavioral sciences, and liberal arts in addition to nursing courses. Students must complete the required nursing courses in the program on a continuous full-time basis within two years or a maximum of three years if an interruption in education continuum occurs. Upon the completion of this basic accredited nursing education and successful completion of the National Council Licensure Exam the student will apply to their selected state for license to practice. Jill Keyser, interim director of nursing at WVNCC, said nursing degrees remain in high demand at Northern. (Please see NURSING, Page 5)

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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Photos Provided

Workers fill water trucks in this undated file photo.

Retraining Important for Some Unemployed Workers A CLEARER VISION on Retraining Unemployed Workers: ∫ Job retraining experts say the quickest way back into the job market is with a commercial driver’s license to work in the oil and gas industry. ∫ Advanced manufacturing and health care are in-demand fields. ∫ There is a workforce center in Warwood is located at 1245 Warwood Ave., and other centers in Weirton and New Martinsville.

By MIKE JONES Staff Writer WHEELING — For recently unemployed manufacturing workers, the quickest way back into the job market is with a commercial driver’s license to work in the oil and gas industry, according to a local job retraining expert. With training that lasts between four and 12 weeks and various grants available to help pay for the training, workers can find a new profession that pays better than other careers, said Christine Smith, the project coordinator of Northern Panhandle Workforce Development Inc. “They come in, they’re dislocated, they look at (the opportunities) they can get a job in oil and gas, but they need a CDL,” Smith said. “They think ‘I can make a lot of money for my family.’” (Please see WORKERS, Page 5)

A welder is shown working in this file photo.

DOCUMENTARY FOCUSES ON CAREER-TECHNICAL EDUCATION

How will Ohio face its looming skills gap? Travel across the state to explore new ways of preparing young people for skilled jobs with “The Career Path Less Taken,” an Ohio public television special that aired last September. Co-produced by a statewide media collaborative of CET in Cincinnati, ideastream in Cleveland and WOSU Public Media in Columbus, the half-hour documentary is part of the “American Graduate: Getting to Work” nationwide public media initiative, made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “The Career Path Less Taken” challenges traditional notions of success by putting the spotlight on innovative career-tech programs. The documentary dispels common myths about career and technical education and informs students and parents about the variety of career-development options available across Ohio, during and after high school. Labor shortages in high-growth fields such as computer technology, health care services and advanced manufacturing threaten economic growth at both the state and federal level. Ohio is invested in growing a skilled labor force and increasing emphasis on multiple options for education and training. “The Career Path Less Taken” demonstrates there are many pathways to skilled jobs that do not require a four-year college degree. The pathways provided by career-technical education are proving invaluable to both students and employers and are helping to close the skills gap. “It used to be that students had to choose between a college pathway or a vocational track,” said David Fogarty, CET president and CEO. “This documentary shows us programs that bring together challenging academics and workplace learning so students are prepared for the highly skilled jobs of tomorrow.” “This significant documentary from our Ohio public media collaborative has the power to change a lot of lives,” said Kevin Martin, ideastream president and CEO. “For young adults who feel uncertain about what lies ahead, ‘The Career Path Less Taken’ will provide them with ideas and options toward discovering a sustainable, fulfilling career.” “This important documentary continues the statewide focus by Ohio public television on building a stronger Ohio,” said Tom Rieland, general manager of WOSU Public Media. “By producing public forums, podcasts, radio programming and a digital video series, we are targeting young people to show there is not just one path to a satisfying, well-paid career.” “This documentary is a fantastic opportunity for Ohio students and their families to gain a better understanding of career-technical education and its many benefits,” shared state superintendent of public instruction Paolo DeMaria. “Hands-on learning is more engaging and exciting for students and can lead to amazing career opportunities. We also know that career-tech students are ready for college and are very successful when they get there. I’m grateful to Ohio’s public media stations for telling this story and for bringing attention to this form of education in our state.” Please take thirty minutes to watch this informative documentary. It can be viewed online through “The Career Path Less Taken” at PBS, ideastream or WOSU Public Media.

*Source: WorkingNation, by author Kristin Falzon

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Linsly Students Partner With Ohio Valley Businesses WHEELING — A group of students at The Linsly School in Wheeling is working with area businesses and local entrepreneurs as part of a new and innovative class called Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship (DTE). This class extends learning far beyond the walls of the classroom. Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship at Linsly combines strategic thinking and graphic design. Through this class, Linsly students have worked directly with Ohio Valley businesses, including Zeb’s Barkey Bites in Centre Market, Sarah’s on Main, East Wheeling Clayworks, Attention to Detail, Country Roads BBQ, Otey’s Smokehouse, OV Power Yoga, and In the Mix Bakery in Bellaire. Linsly graphic design instructor and Dean of the Upper School Melissa Leone teaches DTE and explained that the idea for this new class came directly from student interest. “I had a lot of graphic design students ask about doing a Graphic Design II

Photo Provided

Students in Linsly’s Thinking & Entrepreneurship Class have begun the process of meeting with area businesses to work with them on challenges and opportunities that they are facing in the real world. Among the businesses that students have met with and learned about so far this semester are East Wheeling Clayworks (pictured), Otey’s Smokehouse, In the Mix Bakery and Country Roads BBQ.

course where they would the course just to graphic have an opportunity to get to work with clients, design,” explained Leone. explore their strengths, but I didn’t want to limit “I wanted my students to passions, and interests. The Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship course gives them an opportunity to learn about different businesses and select the one that they are most interested in to build a client relationship with throughout the semester. I think the students are driven by the desire to th help the businesses. That connection motivates them.” When choosing area businesses for her class to partner with, Leone says she looked for new entrepreneurs who have startup businesses in the local community. “I try to find local startup businesses for my students to partner with because they have a lot of creative ideas, but usually not a large budget or staff to implement them,” said Leone. “Most of the busiStudents will showcase nesses we have worked with have participated their skills in celebration in Wheeling’s Show of Hands. They have all of Career and Technical been extremely appreciative and receptive to the Education Month ideas that our students have presented.” Students in DTE visit each business and learn about current challenges and business goals. From there, students use design-thinking skills to develop strategies to help the businesses with the real-world challenges they face. One of the businesses that Linsly’s first DTE class worked with last year was Zeb’s Barkey Bites. It is a family-owned business that grew from an idea that Betsy Helmick’s son, Zeb, had to start selling homemade dog treats when he was only 9 years old. Today, the business has a shop in Centre Market, offers 15 different products, and

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A CLEARER VISION on The Linsly School: ∫ The Linsly School is a coeducational, independent, day and boarding school for students in grades 5-12 located in Wheeling. ∫ A new and innovative class called Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship is extending learning beyond the walls of the classroom. ∫ Linsly will host an Experience Linsly Day for prospective families on Saturday, March 21 at 9 a.m..

sells treats in 10 different locations around the state, including Reisbecks and Tamarack. “We had a problem,” explained Helmick, one of the family owners of Zeb’s Barkey Bites. “The story of how we began our business was a large part of how we sell products. But we couldn’t be in all 10 product locations to tell our story. I asked the Linsly students to help us find a way to market ourselves when we aren’t there to tell our story about Zeb.” After learning about Zeb’s challenges and goals, Linsly students went to work to develop promotional ideas that could help tell the story of the business. The class developed a promotional video, brochures, and product signage. They also created a cardboard cutout replica of Zeb himself, the little boy whose idea started it all, to be used as a product display in all locations. “The students were completely invested in the process,” said Helmick. “They weren’t just in it for a grade. They wanted

us to benefit from their work, and we did.” According to Helmick, the family business used all the promotional materials that the students delivered. She explained that the cardboard cutout of her son, Zeb, was completely the students’ idea, and it has become a conversation starter for the business among customers. “I am big on community involvement. As small businesses, we don’t always have an opportunity to interact with young adults. The Linsly students provided us with the perspective of up-and-coming consumers and fresh ideas. They were a great group of kids to work with, and they worked really hard. It was a great experience.” With a small group of only 16 students in this semester’s DTE class, Leone is confident that the relationships these students are building with local entrepreneurs is mutually beneficial. “The students are seeing what it actually takes to run a business. We just met with a bakery and the owner explained that however much time you think you’ll put into owning your own business, triple it,” said Leone. “All the businesses have been extremely appreciative of the students and their work. I’m excited to see how the class can help our new clients for this semester overcome their challenges and meet their business goals.” For more information on The Linsly School, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities, contact the Linsly Admissions Office at 304-233-1436 or email admit@linsly.org.

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Nursing

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 5

Workers

(Continued from Page 2)

(Continued from Page 3)

“Nursing is absolutely a sought-after career. We had 79 students for the fall term,” Keyser commented. At WVNCC, students in the nursing program receive their entry level degree, which allows them to then take the licensing test. After passing the licensure examination. Keyser said nurses have a variety of career opportunities. “They can work in travel nursing, insurance, home health care, doctors’ offices and hospitals. Nursing is one of the most secure jobs right now. There are always clients who need health care,” Keyser said. At both the Wheeling and Weirton campuses, the approach to teaching nursing students has evolved and changed to meet the demands of modern medicine, Keyser said. “We have simulation labs that are very important for students to learn by doing. We need to simulate a lot of pediatric cases. Doctors aren’t sending children to hospitals unless absolutely necessary so it’s important for nurses to understand pediatric cases.” Keyser said gone are the days of fourhour lectures. Today, nursing classes are more interactive to engage the students. “Any skill, you learn by doing, even looking up something on a computer. We use different strategies ... we don’t just stand up there and lecture. I tell my students to be an active learner.” She also emphasizes Keyser urges students seeking a career in nursing to be ready for a challenge. “Nursing is not easy. It becomes more challenging as new doctors come in and add new protocols. You need to be able to continually learn.” With 31 years teaching at WVNCC

in Wheeling, Keyser said she urges her students to be open to new ideas and learn to accept change. “I tell students, during clinicals if I don’t learn something new — even the smallest thing — every day, I’d be disappointed.” The B.M. Spurr School of Practical Nursing at WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale was founded in 1951. Over the past four classes, the school experienced an 88.8 % graduation rate; National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEXPN) First Time Test Taker Pass Rate: 87.5%; and a 96.8% employment rate. According to the school’s website, if you have a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma, you are only one short year away from pursuing a nursing career with a diploma from the B.M. Spurr School of Practical Nursing. A fully qualified, professional faculty directs a course of study that includes classroom training plus valuable hands-on clinical experience at Reynolds Memorial Hospital and other health care related facilities. Graduates from this program are eligible for the State Licensed Practical Nurse Exam that enables the successful individual to practice nursing in any setting under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician or licensed dentist. The school is now accepting applications for the 2020-21 class that begins in August 2020. Entrance testing will be held in February, March, April and May with interviewing to follow in March and May.

Trailing just behind CDL training are opportunities in advanced manufacturing, such as welding, and health care, especially nursing. “We have the jobs, if they’re in demand,” Smith said. While having a commercial driver’s license to drive water trucks or other heavy equipment used in the natural gas industry can be useful, it still might not replace higher-paying work in the coal industry. Smith said coal mining is no longer listed as an “in-demand occupation,” meaning the agency does not steer unemployed workers into that field. That industry was dropped as a priority about five or six years ago and doesn’t appear to be returning to the list anytime soon. “Is it coming back? A little bit,” Smith said. “But it’s not been on (the on-demand) list for us.” Some in-demand jobs, such as natural gas pipeline work, can force people to relocate or live away from their families while on jobs in different locations in the country. “You have to be prepared to move with the projects as they go,” Smith said. And it’s not always easy for workers who are tied up in their professions to find a new career. “You have older generations that it’s been their one job and that is their identity,” Smith said. “They’re coming in and they’re broken. So we train our case managers to deal with that.” That’s why the workforce center, which has a location in Warwood and is

“WE HAVE THE JOBS, IF THEY’RE IN DEMAND.” — Christine Smith, the project coordinator of Northern Panhandle Workforce Development Inc.

an umbrella agency for several retraining and unemployment assistance organizations, also offers financial literacy classes. “Let us help you. What do you want to do?” Smith said. “We do so much more. The array of the stories you get when they come in is amazing.” Candice Meade, who recently became manager of American Jobs Center at that Warwood location, has been amazed by the resources available to unemployed workers looking for a different career. The center tracks the client for a year to make sure they’re successful or need to find a new career pathway. “There is a lot more out there, as far as jobs go and help goes, in this community that I ever knew or understood,” she said. “I’ve always been able to find a job. I never realized until I started here what all is offered and what this building actually does and the partners.”

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Progress

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

STEM Education Changing Roles

By JOSELYN KING Staff Writer WHEELING — Education in science, technology, engineering and math isn’t just changing the minds of young students. It might just be creating a new type of athlete. Wheeling Park High School is starting a robotics team, and robotics soon may become a competitive sports recognized by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, according to JoJo Shay, innovation coordinator for Ohio County Schools. Not only are some students becoming “mathletes,” they also are becoming teachers themselves — instructing other students on how to use new technological tools as they learn how to use them. Shay and other technology coordinators, meanwhile, are planning professional development training courses for teachers where they can learn the new technology and how to coordinate it into their everyday instruction. “This year we have been focusing on getting innovative spaces set up, and that is where we will house most of our STEM tools,” Shay said. “The county has been providing us a lot of tools, Photo provided and we will be training Madison Elementary School students Iaisa Smith, left, and Jayden Reed work on a project for an upcoming teachers how they can science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fair. incorporate these into

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A CLEARER VISION on STEM: ∫ STEM stands for

education in science, technology, engineering and math. ∫ Wheeling Park High School is starting a team specializing in robotics, which may soon be recognized as a competitive sport. ∫ Students in Ohio County Schools in grades 6-12 are now being issued their own Chromebooks.

their content area. We are centralizing that process a little more. And as our innovation spaces come alive, we will be doing professional development in our schools to help further that process.” The technology starts at the youngest level, with kindergarten students using small plastic “Beebots” to learn the basic principles of computer coding and counting. Students push three times on the left arrow on the bee’s back to make it move three spots to the left, then they use the directional arrows to program the bee’s movement and solve math problems. Older students in Ohio County Schools — those in grades 6-12 — now are being issued their own Chromebooks. As school districts move toward a more “project based” curriculum, students are using tools on these Chromebooks to create videos and even short books to demonstrate learning. Shay said educators also have observed students, after they have learned a technological skill, helping others to learn that skill. “We have found the tools we like, and are moving across the county in our areas of instruction,” Shay said. “This is just the next step forward in having our students develop skills. They are learning communication, and teaching each other with these STEM pieces.”

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Variety of Courses Offered at WVNCC for Vo-Tech Trades By SCOTT McCLOSKEY Staff Writer WHEELING — West Virginia Northern Community College offers a wide range of courses for those looking to study a trade, according to Larry Tackett, vice president of economic and workforce development. Those courses range from petroleum technology, advanced manufacturing, or heating and air conditioning to receive a full two-year academic degree, or receiving “customized training” for a local company, Tackett said. Tackett said the school provides a wide variety of classes in industrial topics at different times at any of their three campuses, located in Wheeling, New Martinsville and Weirton. He said, for example, they currently offer an evening non-academic four-hour welding class once a week for those who want to learn the basics of welding. Basic electricity, pump and motor laser shaft alignment and machine maintenance, and instrumentation overview, are just a few other courses offered each semester. In addition, Tackett said if a company approaches the college about providing additional training to some of their employees to be more qualified in a particular area — the college can provide that training at the school or on site. “We put together a training program based on their specific needs. ... So every application is different,” Tackett commented. He said they have provided this specialty train-

ing for a variety of companies in the local area. “We typically take that instruction to their location,” he added. Whether it’s Occupational Safety and Health training (OSHA) or electrical arc flash training, which provides a better understanding of the basic electrical concepts that cause arc flashes, Tackett said the school offers a variety of training courses. The school also provides an abundance of lab equipment and simulators that assist in training students on campus. He said they provide 20 welding booths at the school’s ITC center on their Wheeling campus, in addition to providing heating and air conditioning labs and equipment at their Applied Technology Center. With the rise in jobs in the oil and gas industry and with the expected announcement of the proposed PTT Global Chemical ethane cracker plant for Belmont County, Tackett said it is an exciting time in the area for those who want to study a particular trade. West Virginia Northern Community College is experiencing a surge in not only graduating high school students, but also older adults looking to change careers. “Our student body is made up of a mix of high school graduates to older folks that already have a job but what to change careers ... and that’s across the board, not just in the tech area,” Tackett explained. “The average age of our student body is about 27 or 28 for example, as opposed to a four year school where it is 19 or 20,” he added.

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A CLEARER VISION

Photos by Scott McCloskey

Welding is just one of many courses West Virginia Northern Community College offers for those looking to study a trade. Students taking a tour of the college recently had the opportunity to observe college employee Cameron Kefauver do some welding while working on a steel fabrication project at the school’s industrial technology center.

on Vo-Tech Classes: ∫ West Virginia Northern Community College has locations in Wheeling, New Martinsville and Weirton. ∫ WVNCC offers a wide range of courses for those looking to study a trade. ∫ The school is seeing a surge in graduating high school students, along with older adults looking to change careers.

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Progress

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Photo by Scott McCloskey

High school students throughout the Ohio Valley attend a Construction Job and Career Fair sponsored by Project BEST at the Wheeling Park in May 2019.

Union Apprenticeship Programs Offered in Local Trades

By SCOTT McCLOSKEY Staff Writer WHEELING — Union apprenticeship programs available through Project Best provide an excellent alternative to college — providing area men and women the opportunity for high-paying careers, according to Project BEST Co-Chair Bengy Swanson. Swanson said for anyone participating in apprenticeship programs, “you can earn while you learn,” while pointing out that you’re going to apprentice school and working the trade at the same time and there is no tuition. “It’s the No. 1 alternative (to college) and this day and age with the blue collar coming back around, it’s not only an alternative, it’s kind of the thing right now,” Swanson explained. “You start out at $20plus in every trade,” he added. Swanson said there are a

A CLEARER VISION on Union Apprenticeships: ∫ Project BEST is a construction industry labor-management organization in the Upper Ohio Valley region. ∫ Depending on the trade, union apprenticeship programs run between 3-5 years. ∫ Project BEST represents a joint effort by the Upper Ohio Valley Building & Construction Trades Council and the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council.

large variety of apprenticeship programs available through Project BEST. Ironworkers, electricians, carpenters, cement masons, mill wrights, paint-

ers, plasterers, plumbers and pipefitters, are just some of the jobs offering apprenticeships. He said the apprenticeship programs run between 3-5 years, depending on the trade. Swanson said the future is extremely bright for all the trades in the region, especially with the expected announcement of the proposed PTT Global Chemical America/Daelim Cheimcal USA ethane cracker plant for Belmont County. “With all the upcoming work ... and of course with the anticipated cracker to be built, as many as 10,000 workers in the unions trades will be employed down there. So there’s lots of man hours coming in the next four or five years,” Swanson explained. He said there continues to be a tremendous interest in the local trades among high school students and young adults looking to switch a careers in the region.

Project BEST is a construction industry labor-management organization encompassing more than 500 contractors and 6,000 building trades craftsmen and apprentices serving the Upper Ohio Valley region. Recognizing that education is a cornerstone of economic development, the nonprofit organization provides annual scholarships to area universities and colleges that are available to Project BEST participants. Project BEST represents a joint effort by the Upper Ohio Valley Building & Construction Trades Council and the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council to create a positive labor-relations climate. Project BEST continues to host a local career fair and trade show every spring which provides opportunities for students and their parents to gain a better understanding of the

construction trades and available careers. The fair provides high school students, or any one looking to begin a career in the trades with hands-on experience as they participate in interactive activities at booths manned by representatives of the various trades. While the fair has been held at WesBanco Arena and Wheeling Park in recent year’s, this year’s site has yet to be decided, according to Swanson. He said it will be held in the first week of May. “Last year around 800 students attended (the career fair), there was 500 the year before, and we anticipate around 1,000 this year,” Swanson commented. “I believe all locals are taking applications either in person or online,” he added. He said for anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship program, they can visit the Project BEST website at www. projectbest.com.

Education centered around

CONNECTION Nestled within 1,300 beautiful acres of rolling West Virginia countryside, Bethany College provides the perfect setting for students to experience an education with connections at the core. From students’ first walk through the Oglebay Gates to the final walk at graduation, students form immediate connections with each other, faculty, and the world thanks to the College’s commitment to intentional learning.

APPLY NOW B E T H A N Y W V. E D U

Progress

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 9

Higher Ed Leaders Envision Benefits of Cooperative Agreement By LINDA COMINS Staff Writer Leaders of Bethany College, West Liberty University and Wheeling University envision that a new cooperative registration agreement will be beneficial to all three Northern Panhandle institutions. The agreement — reportedly the first of its kind in West Virginia — allows students at the three institutions to take one class each semester (fall and spring) at one of the other schools for credit toward their degrees. The partnership includes online courses. West Liberty officials have received a few inquiries about the initiative, which was announced in December. “The cooperative registration agreement is a student-centered step that allows students a chance to take a class at any of the three partner schools if it assists them in completing their degree,” President Ste-

A CLEARER VISION on Cooperative Agreements:

∫ A parternship between Bethany College, West Liberty University and Wheeling University is reportedly the first of its kind in West Virginia. ∫ The agreement allows students at the three institutions to take one class each fall and spring semester at one of the other schools for credit toward their degrees. ∫ The partnership also includes online courses.

phen Greiner said. “West Liberty University is pleased to be a part of this new cooperative arrangement.” Please see COOPERATIVE, Page 10

A Wheeling University student works on a class assignment.

Photos Provided

Bethany College students, from left, Gabrielle Ashton, Issiah Gossett and Sydnee Lipscomb discuss current topics while studying in Phillips Hall.

Wheeling University students conduct an experiment while a classmate records their progress.

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10 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers

Progress

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Cooperative

“Our goal in the agreement is to demonstrate the power of working together”

(Continued from Page 9)

Bethany President Tamara Nichols Rodenberg said, “The partnership will help all three institutions with increased flexibility and visibility. Our students will benefit with the option to take courses that Bethany College does not offer and vice versa. “Our goal in the agreement is to demonstrate the power of working together,” she said. “We anticipate, once the program is well developed, our students will have the opportunity to explore broadly areas of interest that will expand their own creativity in arranging and completing their degrees.” Joe Lane, Bethany’s provost

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and dean of faculty, said, “In general terms, we think greater opportunities for partnership will benefit all three institutions. Specifically, we think that Bethany students may benefit from having access to courses that are infrequently taught at Bethany. They may want to take advantage of courses in fields we don’t offer, and opportunities for exploring new areas of study will be a great benefit.” Regarding response to the partnership, Lane said, “We have had few inquiries to date, but we are still working out the details of how students will access course lists at our neigh-

boring institutions. I suspect there will be relatively few cross-registrations at first, but it may pick up over time.” Unlike the two universities, Bethany requires successful completion of comprehensive examinations in a student’s major field of study before graduation. In light of that requirement, Rodenberg said, “Bethany College will reserve the right to approve courses taken at a partner school and set guidelines for students wishing to take a course that may impact their comprehensive exams.” Lane added that college officials “only anticipate stu-

— Bethany President Tamara Nichols Rodenberg dents taking classes elsewhere when they are not available at Bethany or when they create time conflicts that are not easily avoided. We will certainly advise students when we expect taking a course elsewhere might make it harder for the student to be well-prepared for comps.” Ginny Favede, president of Wheeling University, said,

“First and foremost, this agreement will better serve the academic interests of our students. Through this partnership, a wider variety of undergraduate course choices are available. This not only gives students a wider breadth of scheduling and instructor options, but also provides the opportunity for a greater selection of online learning.”

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Progress

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

20 20

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 11

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12 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers

Progress

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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