NWACC’s Corporate and Continuing Education Division provides learning experiences to allow residents of northwest Arkansas to continue to grow professionally, personally and academically. The majority of classes and programs are non-credit, and therefore do not require college admission. Classes begin throughout the year and are fast-track, lasting from a few hours to several weeks in length. Registration is continuous, and new classes are added to our schedule daily. The schedule may be reviewed at: http://www.nwacc.edu/scwt/corp-conted.phd.
Workforce Development Training
NWACC’s workforce development training mission is broad, addressing all stages in a worker’s career. Classes and programs are designed to meet the training needs of the emerging workforce; incumbent workers; transitional workers; and entrepreneurs. Workforce-related classes award CEUs (Continuing Education Units), a nationally recognized measure of competency.
Workforce development training encompasses the following:
Workforce Certificates: Geared toward the emerging or transitional worker, these programs offer training for those occupations which require a set of specialized industry-recognized skills, but not a higher education degree. (See Workforce Certificate Programs section, which follows.) For more information, contact pwatkins@nwacc.edu.
Professional Development Classes: These classes cater to individuals seeking to obtain or improve skills in a specific subject area or to complete profession-related CEU requirements. For more information, contact pwatkins@nwacc.edu.
Apprenticeship Programs: Developed to address the growing trade skills needs in the area, these programs allow students to work in and study their trade concurrently. Upon graduation, students become state-certified apprentices. (See Workforce Certificate Programs section, which follows.) For more information, contact swilson@nwacc.edu.
Marketing Analyst Program: The only credit program taught through Corporate and Continuing Education, this unique program meets the area’s growing need for professionals with advanced computer skills who understand today’s retail business environment. CCE also offers several non-credit classes for retail professionals seeking continuing education. For more information, contact sbeezley@nwacc.edu. (See Workforce Certificate Programs section, which follows.)
Customized Workforce Training: These classes are developed collaboratively with business and industry to meet specialized training needs. Classes may be taught on-campus at the Shewmaker Center or on the company’s site. If your company has training needs, contact jcorbin@nwacc.edu.
Corporate Consulting and Facilitation: We provide consulting, needs analyses and other services to help companies strengthen organizational objects and develop frameworks for analysis and implementation. To discuss these needs, contact relliott@nwacc.edu.
Adult Education
GED and ESL classes are offered free of charge through NWACC’s Adult Education Department. Classes are open entry/open exit. Successful completion of the GED test will allow students to become eligible to take credit classes at NWACC. For more information, contact baldama@nwacc.edu.
Personal Enrichment
This program offers non-credit classes on a variety of subjects for educational and enrichment purposes. Classes are designed for the general population, senior citizens and children. Classes are held on campus and at other locations throughout the community. For more information, contact pwatkins@nwacc.edu.
Classes for Seniors
Classes for the senior population are taught through our Personal Enrichment program and also at our senior outreach center in Bella Vista. (Please see following section on College At the Crossings.)
Kids’ College
Kid’s College is a summer enrichment program for area youth in grades 3-9. The program, taught on-campus, centers around different themes annually, allowing students the opportunity to repeat the program in subsequent years. Program information is made available in April. For more information, contact bcromwell@nwacc.edu.
CCE Policies and Procedures
Registration
Registration for non-credit classes may be completed using the following methods. A printable registration form may be downloaded at www.nwacc.edu. Click on Corporate and Continuing Education. Beginning Spring 2006, online registration will become available.
1. BY MAIL: Mail your completed registration form to the address on the registration form. Make check or money order payable to NWACC or use a Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card. Include your card number, card expiration date and signature on the form.
2. BY PHONE: Call us at (479) 936-5175 and use your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card.
3. BY FAX: Fax your registration form to (479) 936-5198 with your credit card number, card expiration date and signature on the form.
4. IN PERSON: Visit us from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Shewmaker Center, 1100 Southeast Eagle Way, Bentonville (at the back of campus). Pay by check or credit card. (A drop box is conveniently located in the Shewmaker Center for after-hours drop-off registration forms and payment. Please do not leave cash in the drop box.)
Fees must be paid at the time of registration, which must be completed no later than three days prior to the class start. Many classes have limited enrollment , so register early to avoid disappointment.
Refund and Transfer Policy
Requested Refunds
For classes less than 12 weeks in length:
• A 100 percent refund will be issued for drop requests received by 5 p.m. three or more business days prior to the first class meeting. (Ex.: if a class starts on Tuesday, Jan. 11, the refund request must be received by Thursday, Jan. 6 to qualify for a 100 percent refund.)
For classes meeting 12 or more weeks:
• A 100 percent refund will be issued for drop requests received three or more business days prior to the first class meeting (see example above).
• A 50 percent refund will be issued for drop requests received prior to the third class meeting. After the third meeting of class, there will be no refunds issued.
A Drop/Transfer Form must be completed and signed by the student in order for a refund to be issued. No refunds will be granted by telephone request. The signed Drop/Transfer Form may be mailed, faxed to 479-936-5198 or presented in person. Forms may be obtained by calling 479-936-5175. Allow three weeks for receipt of your refund check.
Refunds for Cancelled Classes
In the event of a class cancellation, students will receive a 100 percent refund. Allow two to three weeks for the refund check to arrive.
Although the CCE Office will attempt to contact you in the event a class cancels, it is your responsibility to check on the status of your class prior to attending. You may do so by calling 479-936-5175 or logging onto www.nwacc.edu and clicking on Corporate and Continuing Education.
Transfers
A student may request one transfer to another available class provided that a Drop/Transfer Form signed by the student is received by the CCE Office no later than three days prior to the first class meeting. The form may be mailed, faxed to 479-936-5198 or presented in person. Forms may be obtained by calling 479-936-5175.Transfers will be processed based on seat availability in the desired class. There is no guarantee that the class a student is being transferred into will make. Should the class not make, the student will be issued a refund.
Companies sending an employee to a class will have the option to transfer the registration to another employee if the original attendee cannot attend. Transfers will not be issued after the first class meeting is underway.
CEUs/ Certificates/Transcripts
Work-Related Courses
All workforce development courses award Continuing Education Units (CEUs), based on satisfactory performance in the course. One CEU is defined as 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education teaching environment. Satisfactory performance may be based on classroom activities, tests, outside assignments and attendance.
Certificates
Certificates of completion are awarded for most Continuing Education classes. Certificates can be replaced through Continuing Education upon a payment of $5 per certificate request. Requests for replacement certificates must be in writing from the student.
Program Certificates
Students who successfully complete all courses in a workforce certificate program are eligible to receive a Workforce Development Certificate. Those certificates may be obtained by presenting the CCE Office with copies of certificates from each of the courses that comprise the workforce development program. (See Workforce Development Certificates section.).
Transcripts
Requests for Continuing Education transcripts may be made in the campus Registrar’s Office.
CCE Workforce Certificate Programs
The following certification programs have been developed with industry input to assure that applicable knowledge and skills sets are taught. Companies look to certification on resumes because: it sets a standard of performance; it measures individual achievement against established standards; and It documents results.
Students earn a program Certificate of Completion upon completing all classes in the program. Any of the classes listed within a certificate program may also be taken as stand-alone classes provided any stated prerequisites are met. The number of hours listed is actual in-class contact hours, unless otherwise indicated.
Computer Help Desk Certificate
Program Length: 109 Contact Hours
Curriculum Description: This comprehensive program trains participants to perform effectively as a Computer Help Desk Professional within an organization. Includes relevant training in computer hardware, operating systems, networking, software, computer programming, information management, and effective communications and customer service skills. Students may undertake the entire curriculum for certification, or individual courses for continuing education purposes.
Who Should Enroll?
• Persons desiring employment as a Help Desk Professional
• Computer Support Staffers
• Any person desiring to gain working knowledge and skills in Help Desk Support and Technology
Prerequisites: Solid beginner to intermediate computer operating skills, including familiarity with Windows operating systems, basic MS Office skills and basic networking skills.
Courses
Business Interpersonal & Technical Communications 12 hours
Advanced Topics in MS Office 28 hours
Computer Help Desk Technology 38 hours
Introduction to Computer Programming 15 hours
Excelling in the Workplace 16 hours
Banking Certification Program
(Under development)
This curriculum introduces the role of banking in the U.S. economy and specific banking functions. This series of courses develops practical skills related to basic banking services and provides a focused knowledge of the banking industry.
Computer Job Skills Certificate
Program Length: 128 Contact Hours
Curriculum Description: A great preparation for entering the office environment job market! Learn keyboarding, how to use an operating system, and how to use word processing and spreadsheet applications using MS Office products. The Internet and PowerPoint are also covered, as are job search and resume writing skills. No previous computer skills are required.
Who Should Enroll?
• Anyone who would like to learn the skills to advance into an entry-level office environment job
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this program, other than the ability to read and speak English.
Courses
Computer Job Skills 128 hours
Hospitality Management Certificate
Program Length: 272 Contact Hours
Curriculum Description: This program is offered in response to requests by the hospitality industry of Northwest Arkansas to provide more professional hospitality workers. Its focus is to create opportunities for current and future employees to be more productive employees and enter the management track. The program is taught concurrently with NWACC’s academic credit classes.
Who Should Enroll?
• Anyone currently in a hospitality field, including lodging, food and beverage or tourism
• Anyone interested in entering the hospitality field who has an interest in management
Prerequisites: This program is open to anyone with an interest in hospitality management. Persons planning on taking the whole certificate curriculum should take Introduction to Hospitality Management first.
Required Courses Contact Hours
Introduction to Hospitality Management 48 hours
Interpersonal Communications 48 hours
Hospitality Internship 64 hours
Excelling in the Workplace 16 hours
Two of the following four courses
Food Safety and Sanitation 48 hours
Food & Beverage Management 48 hours
Hotel Operations 48 hours
Arkansas Tourism 48 hours
Medical Coding Certificate
Program Length: 130 Contact Hours
Curriculum Description: The medical industry is experiencing tremendous demand for individuals with knowledge of medical office operations, billing and coding. According to the US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Billing/Coding is one of the ten fastest-growing professions in the United States. Change your life today. Start down the road to success with this outstanding opportunity to join the ranks of working medical professionals.
Who Should Enroll:
• Medical Records Clerks, Secretaries or Office Assistants who would like to step up their careers
• Anyone who has an interest in entering the health information profession
Prerequisites: The Medical Coding Certificate is open to anyone with a general interest in the subject area. Medical Terminology must be completed before ICD-9 Coding or CPT Coding can be taken.
Courses Contact Hours
Medical Terminology 24 hours
ICD-9 Coding 45 hours
CPT Coding 45 hours
Excelling in the Workplace 16 hours
Supervision (AMA) Certificate
Program Length: 75 Contact Hours
Curriculum Description: Learn contemporary methodologies that will allow you to stand out as an effective supervisor. These courses show you how to increase performance by tackling issues and enhancing opportunities that can impact that performance. Earn your Certificate in Supervision from the American Management Association after successfully completing five of the seven courses offered.
Who Should Enroll:
• The AMA Certificate in Human Resource Management program is open to all who have an interest in learning more about the subject presented.
Prerequisites: Anyone who has a general interest in the subject area may enroll.
Five of the seven following courses Contact Hours
Performance Appraisals: How to Achieve Top Results 15 hours
How to Recruit, Interview and Select the Right Employee 15 hours
The Complete Training Course for Managers 15 hours
First-Line Supervision 15 hours
Coaching for Top Performance 15 hours
How to Be an Effective Supervisor 15 hours
Delegating for Business Success 15 hours
Human Resource Management (AMA) Certificate
Program Length: 75 Contact Hours
Curriculum Description: Develop a fundamental understanding of human resources and prepare to meet the needs of specific employee groups as well as organizational objectives. In the process, you’ll improve your management, facilitation and communication skills to enhance the HR function overall and position yourself for career growth. Earn your Certificate in Human Resources Management from the American Management Association after successfully completing five of the six courses offered.
Who Should Enroll:
• The AMA Certificate in Human Resource Management program is open to all who have an interest in learning more about the subject presented.
Prerequisites: Anyone who has a general interest in the subject area may enroll.
Five of the seven following courses
Fundamentals of Human Resources 15 hours
Performance Appraisals: How to Achieve Top Results 15 hours
How to Recruit, Interview and Select the Right Employee 15 hours
Compensation: How to Develop Effective Reward Programs 15 hours
Fair, Square and Legal: A Manager’s Guide to
Safe Hiring, Managing and Firing 15 hours
The Complete Training Course for Managers 15 hours
Administrative Assistant Certificate
Program Length: 58 Contact Hours
Curriculum Description: Gain professional recognition and personal confidence as an administrative assistant. The Administrative Assistant Certificate is designed to equip learners with skills and competencies needed to be an efficient, productive member of an office support team. Earn your certificate by completing all four courses.
Who Should Enroll?:
• Persons who are interested in transitioning to an office career, furthering their skills or gaining credentials.
Prerequisites: Excel Level 1 and Word Level 1.
Courses Contact Hours
Small Business Accounting 12 hours
Office Communications and Procedures 30 hours
Excelling in the Workplace 16 hours
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Program
Program Length: 2 years
Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students wishing to improve their skills or seeking a career in HVAC. The program is an on-going, semester program of approximately 80 hours/semester. The instruction is formatted in blocks of about 27 hours each, requiring only classroom instruction hours, with ‘hands-on’ lab experience (on-the-job hours not required). Classes are conducted two evenings per week in the Shewmaker Center of NWACC. The HVAC Program will enhance the student’s expertise with his present skill level or prepare him/her for entering the HVAC employment trade. Each block of successful completion earns a ‘certificate of completion’ and completing 6 blocks (or 160 hours/year) awards the student with a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Certificate from NorthWest Arkansas Community College. The second year successful completion will award the student a 360-hour, two-year HVAC Certification level.
Courses Contact Hours
Block 1: Fundamentals of Refrigeration 24 hours
Block 2: Fundamentals of Electricity 28 hours
Block 3: Fundamentals of Air Conditioning 28 hours
Block 4 Temperature/Pressure/Measurements/Safety 27 hours
Block 5: Refrigerants & Recovery 26 hours
Block 6: Electric Circuits & Controls 27 hours
Block 7: Air Conditioning Systems/Safety 27 hours
Block 8: Central Air & Heat Pumps 26 hours
Block 9: Heating & Humidification 27 hours
Block 10: Cooling & Dehumidifying Systems 27 hours
Block 11: Heating & Air Control Systems 26 hours
Block 12: Servicing & Troubleshooting/Safety 27 hours
Maintenance Certificate (Electrical/Electronics)
(This program is under review and will be revised for Fall 2005.)
Program Length: 39 contact hours
Curriculum Description: The Maintenance certificate Program focus is to enhance the professional business and industrial maintenance employee’s expertise in the field of electrical and electronics application, a critical component to smooth industrial operations.
Courses Contact Hours
Basic AC & DC Theory 6 hours
Electrical Motors 6 hours
Power Supply & Distribution 3 hours
Schematics & Print Reading /Control Circuits 6 hours
Test Instruments & Troubleshooting 6 hours
Electronics: Computers & PLC’s 12 hours
Marketing Analyst Certificate
This program has selective admissions requirements.
Contact sbeezley@nwacc.edu for information.
Program Length: 2 semesters
Curriculum Description: Learn to combine advanced computer skills with an understanding of today’s retail business. Local industry experts, emphasizing practical business case studies, will teach you the skills you need to succeed.
Courses Contact Hours
Practical Retailing Solutions 6 hours
Computer Skills I 45 hours
Computer Skills II 45 hours
Business Communication Skills in a Retail Environment 45 hours
Retail Fundamentals 45 hours
Merchandising & Data Analysis 45 hours
Quality Certification
(This program is under review and will be revised for Fall 2005.)
Program Length: 24 contact hours
Curriculum Description: There is no substitute for quality. This program offers a blend of current, proven strategies to address real-world scenarios. A must for any organization seeking efficient operations.
Courses Contact Hours
Three of the four following courses
Five-S (Organization of the Workplace) 8 hours
SPC (Statistical Process Control) 8 hours
Problem Solving 8 hours
Balanced Score Card & Visual Management 8 hours
Water Quality Certificate
Program Length: 42 contact hours
Curriculum Description: This certificate is geared toward employees who address environmental issues in their professions. Water sampling, field analysis, preservation and transport to the laboratory for quality assurance are emphasized. The curriculum includes federal/state regulations.
Courses
Water Quality Instrumentation and Analysis 14 hours
Two of the Following Three Courses
Water Treatment and Quality 14 hours
Storm Water Regulations 14 hours
Wastewater Treatment 14 hours
Apprenticeship: Electrical Program
Program Length: 4 years
Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students seeking a career in electricity. The apprenticeship program is a four-year program sanctioned by the State of Arkansas Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training. The program requires both classroom instruction hours (148/year) as well as on-the-job training hours (2000/year). The classes are conducted one evening per week in the college’s Shewmaker Center. The student will receive an apprentice license, issued by the State of Arkansas, while an active participant in this program. Upon completion of the 4-year program the student will be eligible to take the Journeyman Electrician Exam, administered by the State of Arkansas.
Prerequisites: 18 years of age. Employed with an electrical contractor in the state of Arkansas.
Apprenticeship: Plumbing Program
Program Length: 4 years
Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students seeking a career in Plumbing. The apprenticeship program is a four-year program sanctioned by the State of Arkansas Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training. The program requires both classroom instruction hours (160/year) as well as on-the-job training hours (2000/year). The classes are conducted one evening per week in the college’s Shewmaker Center. The student will receive an apprentice license, issued by the State of Arkansas, while an active participant in this program. Upon completion of the 4-year program the student will be eligible to take the Journeyman Plumbing Exam, administered by the State of Arkansas.
Prerequisites: 18 years of age. Employed with a company who has an employee with a Master Plumbing License in the State of Arkansas who supervises the student’s work.
Adult Education
The Adult Education Program offers non-credit classes that teach/review academic skills normally associated with the public school secondary curriculum to prepare students for the high school equivalency exam, the General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Classes offered focus on Adult Basic Education (ABE) and GED Preparation.
The Adult Education Program also offers English as a Second Language (ESL), designed for those people whose native language is not English. Basic Computer Literacy is integrated into the ABE, GED, and ESL classroom instruction.
All classes are all open-entry and open-exit. Students may enroll at any time during the year and may attend at any time of day or evening that their particular class is offered. The pace of learning is individualized for each student. The length of attendance is determined by the learner’s needs and scheduling constraints.
There is no charge for any Adult Education class.
Adult Education classes are taught at the Adult Education Center on Woods Lane in Rogers (479-986-6911), on-site at various local industries, and at other locations throughout Benton County.
Adult Basic Education
This course is for persons who need to review reading and math skills below the ninth-grade level. Topics may focus on skill development through the areas of science, social studies, and literature. Emphasis is on vocabulary development, comprehension improvement, dictionary skills, critical thinking, basic mathematical computation procedures, and mathematical problem solving.
GED Preparation
This course is for persons who would like to complete the requirements for the General Educational Development (GED) diploma or Arkansas High School Diploma. Persons who enroll in this course are able to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations above the ninth-grade level. Students must take and have a passing score on the GED practice test before they can take the official GED test. Instructional focus will be on the topics that are included in the GED battery of five tests covering language arts/writing, language arts/reading, science, social studies and mathematics.
English as a Second Language
Literacy and Beginning Levels
Literacy and Beginning ESL courses are designed for the person who has little to no facility in the English language. Emphasis is on development of vocabulary used in daily living, conversational skills (listening and speaking), pronunciation, intonation, and skills in writing and reading English.
Intermediate and Advanced Levels
These courses are a continuation of Beginning ESL with progressively more emphasis on reading, writing, and grammatical structure. Continued development of vocabulary and refinement of pronunciation are emphasized. Certain classes focus on one or more language skills: listening/speaking, reading/writing, pronunciation, conversation, and ESL Technology.
ESL Technology
ESL Technology is an ESL class focused on the transfer of language skills to students utilizing computer literacy as an integral part of the instruction. Students practice and refine reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while acquiring computer literacy skills related to using the Internet and word processing programs. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to create and maintain an e-mail account, do research on the Internet, create a newsletter and articles for the newsletter, and use Microsoft Word to accomplish other tasks such as writing letters, creating flyers, and designing and creating a personal portfolio of accomplishments from the class.
College At The Crossings-Senior College
Located in Bella Vista at Highlands Crossings, College At The Crossings (CATC) is the senior outreach center for NWACC. Begun in 2004, this center focuses on providing high quality and low cost personal enrichment classes, trips and seminars to the senior citizens of Benton County. These short-term, non-credit courses are typically offered to meet the needs and demands of students who have completed a career and are now exploring other ways to enrich their lives.
Courses focus on development and expansion in health and wellness; the humanities; information technology; the arts; investmenst and banking; current events; and other courses that contribute to personal enrichment. Most courses meet for 12 contact hours in a three week period of time.
The foundation of the center is the membership program. Students purchase annual memberships to CATC, entitling them to reduced costs for the regular CATC courses, first choice of any planned field-trips and excursions, regular electronic newsletters, and free admissions to the center’s many Brown Bag Seminars featuring special guest speakers. For information on acquiring a membership, or for a schedule of classes, contact dscott@nwacc.edu. or call 479-855-1903.
Institute of Corporate and Public Safety
About ICPS
The Institute of Corporate and Public Safety (ICPS) combines the resources of NWACC's first responder departments, (Criminal Justice, Fire Science and Emergency Medical Technician) the departments of Aviation, Environmental & Regulatory Science, Nursing and Corporate and Continuing Education in partnership with the major corporate entities of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., and J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. The purpose of the Institute is to facilitate a private security/public safety training program, sponsored by The Office of Domestic Preparedness/Department of Homeland Security.
ICPS was created as a result of The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Office for Domestic Preparedness' (ODP) 2004 Competitive Training Grant Program (CTGP). The CTGP program provides funding for training initiatives that further ODP's mission of preparing the nation to prevent, deter, respond to and recover from incidents of terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Applicants were invited to submit training proposals that enhance state and local prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities. Over 217 applications were received in 2004, and the Department selected 14 programs for funding including NWACC's Institute of Corporate and Public Safety.
ICPS has partnered with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc, J.B. Hunt Transportation, Inc. and Tyson Foods Inc., to work together in a joint effort to develop, pilot and deploy a series of DHS certified training courses designed to overcome the training gap between the private and public sectors. The expertise of these major U.S. corporations will assist in ensuring the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the private sector, thus ensuring the preparedness of our nation's critical infrastructure. After approval of the curriculum training will be conducted in communities nationwide serving to facilitate increased dialogue and preparedness between private sector representatives and first responders.
ICPS Charge
To bridge the training gap between private security and public safety sectors, while enhancing safety and addressing America's rural preparedness challenges.
Departmental Goals
1) To deploy a training cooperative that builds sustainable preparedness in rural areas.
2) To deliver cross-disciplinary ODP coursework that focuses on facilitating improved cooperation between the private and public sectors in rural areas.
3) To develop a training program that ensures continuous improvement through the compilation of best practices.
4) To help private security identify vulnerabilities, evaluate and enhance preparedness, and manage responses to intentional terrorist attacks using weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
5) To bridge gaps between private security and public safety providers by identifying site vulnerabilities and developing a response system that ensures communication and cooperation among all partners on all levels.