Blackboard Learn & Collaborate
Blackboard Learn is a web-based course management system designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes delivered online or to share online materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching and learning. Blackboard Learn enables instructors to provide students with course materials, discussion boards, virtual chat, online quizzes and lectures, and more. Blackboard Collaborate is a webinar system that allows students to connect real-time to a class from home. Students will utilize Blackboard Learn & Collaborate throughout their enrollment at WNCC.
Bookstore
The Cougar Bookstore is operated by WNCC on the Scottsbluff campus.
New and used books are sold at the beginning of each semester and can be delivered to the Alliance and Scottsbluff campuses.
Books may also be purchased online at wncc.edu/student-life/bookstore. If the text is to be used again, books are purchased at the end of each semester for resale. General merchandise, such as art supplies, school supplies, novelties, greeting cards, and College apparel, is also sold in the bookstore and online.
Career Pathways & Advising Center
The staff of the Career Pathways and Advising Center are committed to providing academic advising and career resources that promote knowledge of self, career exploration, and job search skills. The center empowers students to make decisions, develop a plan, and achieve academic and career goals as part of a life-long process.
Services available through the center include:
- career exploration and academic navigation
- career screening assessment and interpretation of results
- career development services, for students and alumni
- job application, resume, cover letter, and interview assistance
- occupational salary, outlook, availability, and training information
- online posting of job opportunities
- connections with employers, internships, and job shadowing opportunities
The Career Pathways and Advising Center is located on the Scottsbluff campus but serves all locations and all students, including CollegeNOW! students. In Alliance, career assistance resources are in the administrative area; in Sidney, the resources are in the library. Students from Alliance and Sidney can also contact the center for phone, Zoom, or in-person appointments.
Counseling Services
Wellness is a lifestyle that maximizes human potential. It involves striving for growth-socially, physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and in a career-and having a positive state of mind. The WNCC Counseling Services Office strives to help students achieve their highest potential. Counselors provides short-term counseling services to all students upon request and at no additional charge. The counselors are available to discuss personal, academic, and career questions or problems. All counselors are committed to providing students with the opportunity for a successful educational experience at WNCC.
Personal Counseling
Counseling Services serves as a comprehensive resource for the personal growth and life skills development of students. Personal counseling is available at all three locations by appointment to discuss concerns about school, relationships, parents, gender issues, substance use and abuse, divorce, or other personal issues. Experienced, professional counselors assist in a variety of personal development areas, including stress management, acquaintance rape education, wellness education, and improved self-image.
Disability Services
WNCC is committed to providing support for all students so they may achieve their academic potential. Services are provided to give WNCC students with disabilities equal opportunity for success. WNCC is committed to providing students with disabilities full access to regular courses and full participation in the services and activities of the College.
Students qualifying for academic and residence hall accommodations are encouraged to contact the WNCC Counseling Director at 308.635.6090.
Copies of the policies and procedures for Disability Services are available from the Counseling Director and Dean of Students in Scottsbluff; the front offices in Alliance and Sidney; and by accessing the WNCC Disability Services website at www.wncc.edu/student-life/student-services/disability-services.
eHelp
libguides.wncc.edu/ehelp
eHelp assists students, staff, and faculty with access and basic technical problems using WNCC ClassLink, WNCC e-mail, and Blackboard. eHelp assistance is available by phone, chat, text, or through an ever-expanding online knowledge base on the eHelp center website.
Please contact eHelp by phone at 308.635.6071, by email at ehelp@wncc.edu, or by text at 308.225.5015.
Housing & Dining Services
In Scottsbluff, WNCC operates two on-campus residence facilities: Pioneer Hall, which offers accommodations for 160 single students and Conestoga Hall, which offers housing for 148 single students. In addition to traditional living amenities, both facilities offer students a great place to study, network, make friendships, get involved, learn a new culture, and participate in student activities.
All students living in Pioneer Hall and Conestoga Hall are required to participate in a 19- or 14-meal plan program. Meal plans include two components to ensure flexible and fulfilling options: all-you-care-to-eat meals and Cougar Dollars. Cougar Dollars may be used to purchase a meal for visiting family or friends in the Bishop Dining Hall. Additional funds may be added to Cougar Dollars at any time. Meal options are also available for students living off-campus.
While on-campus housing is not available in Alliance, the Chamber of Commerce has information regarding available rooms and apartments. In Sidney, WNCC operates two housing units that accommodate 24 students. Dining services are not available in either Alliance or Sidney.
For more information about housing at WNCC and to find an application, please go to wncc.edu/student-life/residence-life. Information about dining services can be found at wncc.edu/student-life/dining-on-campus.
At all locations, WNCC is not responsible for off-campus housing.
Immunization Policy
With the continued growth of WNCC, there is an increasing population of domestic and international students residing in campus housing. The College believes it is in the best interest of students, faculty, and staff to adopt a proactive stance concerning student immunizations.
The following recommendations are based on Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov) and the American College Health Association (acha.org) guidelines:
WNCC REQUIRES proof of childhood immunizations for students applying to reside in on-campus housing, including:
- Polio series
- DPT series plus appropriate boosters
- Two MMRs or proof of titer
- Hepatitis B titer demonstrating proof of immunity
- Meningococcal tetravalent injection
For all international students, a TB test is also required.
Students may also want to consider the following optional vaccinations:
- Varicella (Chicken pox)
- Flu and Pneumonia
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Student Health Statement
Each residence life student is requested to submit a self-reported medical history at the time of initial enrollment. It is further requested that the student update their medical history each semester if there is a change in any health-related condition.
Identification Card
The Student Services offices in Scottsbluff, Alliance, and Sidney issue WNCC ID cards at the beginning of each semester. Identification cards are required for meal plan usage (no exceptions) and admittance to College activities such as athletic events, dances, etc. Charges for activities are set individually, but the ID card often provides no-charge or a reduced admission rate. In Scottsbluff, the Road Runner Bus is free with a valid ID card. The ID in Sidney also allows access to the Cheyenne County Community Center.
Library
libguides.wncc.edu/library
The WNCC Library is located in the Main Building on the Scottsbluff campus with a branch location on the Sidney campus. There are also selected library resources available on the Alliance campus.
Library staff are available to assist students with research needs and using the library’s resources. Support is also available by email, chat, SMS text messaging, and phone, which can be accessed through the library’s website.
The WNCC Library offers a large selection of electronic and print resources to support the curriculum, student learning, and members of the community. Free charging stations for cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are available for use both in the Scottsbluff campus library and throughout the Learning Commons. Library materials can be searched and accessed through the library web page at libguides.wncc.edu/library. Magazines, newspapers, audio books and DVDs are available in the Scottsbluff and Sidney libraries.
Interlibrary loans for items not found in the library collection are available to students, faculty, and staff. Laptop and tablet computers in addition to calculators are available for checkout in the Library on the Scottsbluff campus.
The libraries in Scottsbluff and Sidney have computer labs that offer a range of software as well as printing. Quiet study is encouraged throughout the library, but study rooms are available in the Scottsbluff library.
Education Success Center
The Education Success Center (ESC) is located within the Sidney campus library. The ESC provides academic support services outside of the classroom setting.
For more information, please email the library at library@wncc.edu, call 308.635.6068, or text 308.225.5015.
Military and Veterans Affairs Office
Western Nebraska Community College proudly supports its veterans. Services to support current military and veteran students are provided through the Military/Veteran’s Services Office, and the office is the certification site for VA educational benefits including:
- Montgomery G.I. Bill® GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (Chapter 30)
- Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
- Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Chapter 33)
- Dependents Benefits (Chapter 35)
- Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW)
- Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (VRAP)
- National Guard and Reservists (1606 and 1607)
- MyCAA Program (active-duty military spouses)
The office also supports the Student Veterans Organization and works in conjunction with TRIO Veterans Upward Bound Program.
All military connected students and family members are encouraged to visit the office. Please go to wncc.edu/student-life/student-services/military-veterans-services or call 308.635.6152 for more information.
VA Educational Benefits
WNCC’s educational programs are approved by the Department of Education for students eligible to receive veterans’ educational benefits. WNCC also offers college credit for qualifying military experiences, based on American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines. Qualifying students are eligible for in-state tuition rates.
Consistent with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, Section 103, WNCC may not impose any penalties due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, VA, on recipients of Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 VA Benefits. WNCC will permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides WNCC with a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33, and ending on the earlier of the following dates: 1) The date on which payment from the VA is made to the institution or 2) 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the COE (Certificate of Eligibility). For more information please visit https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/fgib/transition_act.asp
In addition, WNCC will not require that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered expense because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the College, due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs under Chapter 31 or 33. A covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Veterans Readiness and Employment Services, or Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits, and has been verified by the school certifying official as benefit eligible. This requirement is limited to the portion of funds paid by VA.
Standards of Progress Policy: A veteran and/or eligible person must make satisfactory progress toward an approved educational objective leading to employment. Veteran and/or eligible person Standard of Progress will be determined utilizing the academic standards as listed in the college catalog consisting of overall grade point average, pace, program length, maximum time for completion, attendance and/or conduct.
Students planning to use any type of military educational benefit must complete the WNCC Request Certification Form in each term. This electronic form is located on the Veteran Support page of the WNCC website.
G.I. Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation is held prior to the beginning of spring and fall classes for all new transfer and incoming students. The orientation is an exciting experience that gets students ready for both in class and out of classroom experiences. New students meet current students, staff, and faculty and begin long-lasting friendships. New Student Orientation helps students navigate the campus and introduces them to the resources they need to make informed decisions about majors, financial aid, books, student support services, housing, graduation, and student organizations. For more information, please contact orientation@wncc.edu.
Student Accounts
The Business Office offers payment plan options to help students pay for their educational costs. Please see wncc.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-fees/index for more information about the cost of attendance. It is expected that students who take advantage of a payment plan will follow up on all payment arrangements and ensure that the funds are applied to the costs of education.
Students may access their student account information 24 hours a day, seven days a week by logging into MyWNCC Self-Service. Payments can be made online by credit card.
Non-Payment
When a student has a past due account, they may be in jeopardy of being withdrawn from current classes and a hold will be placed on their account to prevent future enrollment, living in College housing, obtaining a transcript, or graduating. A student will be notified by the Office of the Registrar via their WNCC email if any actions are taken regarding registration. A student must confirm the status of their registration and keep attending class unless notified otherwise.
Questions regarding the status of registration and verification if an administrative withdrawal for non-payment has occurred should be directed to the Office of the Registrar at 308.635.6012.
When a student is withdrawn for nonpayment, the account is still due in full and may be sent to collection. A student is responsible for all fees associated with collection and is not relinquished from their financial responsibilities.
If there are issues with paying tuition, fees, or charges, students should first contact the WNCC Business Office at 308.635.6020. Other offices of potential support are the Financial Aid Office at 308.635.6011 and the Office of the Dean of Students at 308.635.6050.
Student Activities and Organizations
Many of the most beneficial experiences and lasting impressions in college are those acquired in co-curricular activities. Student activities programs at WNCC are varied to appeal to the interests and meet the needs of all students. Some student organizations are primarily social, while others are academic, professional, recreational, or service oriented. Opportunities exist to develop students’ leadership skills, and programs such as intramural sports give students the opportunity to enjoy familiar sports with new friends. There are opportunities to meet any student need!
Any student activity must have the approval of the campus administration and be sponsored by a member of the faculty or staff. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend and participate in these programs.
Student organizations at WNCC may vary from year-to-year in accordance with changes in student interests and needs. Detailed descriptions of student organizations can be found in the Student Handbook or at wncc.edu/student-life/get-involved/index.
Student Health and Insurance
WNCC does not provide medical, hospital, or surgical services. The College, likewise, assumes no responsibility for students who are injured when taking part in intramural sports, physical activity courses, class activities, or student activities.
It is the responsibility of students to provide their own health and accident insurance, as well as insurance on personal items in student housing if so desired. The College does not carry such insurance. Although the College does not endorse any specific company, the College attempts to offer the option of student health insurance each semester. Application forms and a statement of coverage and costs are available in the Student Services Office.
Support for Transferring Students
Transfer of Credits to Other Colleges
WNCC makes every effort to assist students wishing to transfer to other colleges and universities. The generally accepted requirements for transfer to another institution include a minimum of “C” grades in coursework and a program taken at WNCC that corresponds with the program at the institution to which the student is transferring. The student works with a faculty advisor and transfer advisor to plan a course of study that enables the student to meet the requirements of the four-year institution. Most four-year institutions recommend that the student complete general educational requirements and lower division courses at the community college level.
Transfer Advising
A transfer advisor is available to assist students who are planning to transfer to a four-year or other institution. Transfer advisor can provide information regarding transfer procedures and deadlines, contact people at the receiving institution, applications, catalogs, and other general information. Transfer advisor can assist the student in selecting an institution and coursework necessary to transfer to that institution. It is strongly recommended that students meet with a transfer advisor as early as their first semester of enrollment at WNCC. Again, students who transfer before graduating will be encouraged to complete their degree by utilizing the Reverse Transfer program. Students can also use resources such as transferology.com or transfer.nebraska.edu to search for course equivalencies to transfer institutions.
Testing and IT Certifications
The Academic Testing & Tutoring Center, located in the D-Pod in the Main Campus Building on the Scottsbluff Campus, provides a wide range of placement testing - including ACCUPLACER, CLEP, and ATI and HESI-LPN to AD-N exams for entrance into the WNCC nursing programs - and certification testing - including the CST for surgical technology - as well as serving as a testing site for the national ACT and SAT tests, Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), and WorkKeys. Staff of the center also proctor exams for other institutions, including Chadron State College and UNL, as needed.
In addition, the Professional Testing Center, located in the John N. Harms Center, administers a variety of professional certification exams for community members looking to further their careers or maintain their current certifications. Some of the options at the Professional Testing Center include Prometric testing for auto mechanics, Nebraska insurance, education, and healthcare; PearsonVUE testing for paramedics, EMTs, other healthcare workers, as well as GED testing; and PSI exams for real estate, water treatment, and pesticide application professionals. Various exams are also offered through Kryterion.
For questions about placement, certification, or professional testing, please contact the Testing & Tutoring Services Director at 308.635.6072.
IT Certifications
Information technology students are prepared to take industry certification exams at the completion of specific courses. Certifications are internationally recognized and reflect a student’s ability to troubleshoot and maintain the latest technologies. Among the exams offered are CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and others from CompTIA and Microsoft. For any WNCC employee, student, or alumni, Microsoft Office Specialist exams are offered for free in the information technology classroom on the WNCC main campus.
For questions about IT certifications, please contact 308.635.6163.
Transcript Requests
Students can access an unofficial academic history of their courses and grades at any time online through their MyWNCC Self-Service app within ClassLink. To request official transcripts, go to wncc.edu/academics/office-of-the-registrar and follow the instructions. In most cases, the transcripts are sent electronically, and a fee applies. No transcript is released until all financial obligations to the College have been satisfied. Transcripts are processed within one or two business days for students who submit the requested information.
TRIO Programs
TRIO programs are federally funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, but TRIO Programs are educational opportunity programs that help students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to postsecondary education. The programs are designed to assist qualified college students, high school students, and military veterans.
TRIO Student Support Services helps qualified college students persist toward completion of a certificate, diploma or associates degree, and encourages transfer and four-year college graduation.
For more information about the TRIO SSS program, visit wncc.edu/student-life/student-services/trio-sss.
TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program provides academic, career, and financial assistance to qualified veterans at no cost.
For more information visit wncc.edu/student-life/student-services/military-veterans-services.
Tutoring
Free tutoring services are available to all WNCC students. Professional and student tutors assist students one-on-one or in group settings so that students can find a learning environment to fit individual needs.
For more information, visit the Academic Testing and Tutoring Center at wncc.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-testing-tutoring.
Math Center
Located on the second floor of the Main Building on the Scottsbluff Campus, the Math Center, staffed with trained tutors with degrees in mathematics, are available to help students tackle any math assignment or concept that is proving to be a challenge. Online support is also available through the center. More information can be found at wncc.edu/academics/academic-resources/.
Writing Center
The Writing Center provides certified tutors to help students with a variety of writing assignments including essays, research papers, speech outlines, resumes, and scholarship applications. The Writing Center also hosts mandatory labs for students enrolled in Basic Writing and Developmental Writing courses. Located on the second floor of the Main Building, online support is also available through the center. More information can be found at wncc.edu/academics/academic-resources/.
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