AWC opens Quartzsite learning center

After much preparation and anticipation, Arizona Western College has announced the opening of its newest learning center at its Quartzsite campus.

The spacious building of 5,886 square feet, is Quartzsite's first dedicated AWC building, according to a school news release. It comprises multipurpose community/classrooms, a one-stop student services shop that provides enrollment, registration, advising and testing under one roof.

There will also be an interactive television network, said James Brouillette, associate dean of college services in La Paz County.

"Students can take a class through our closed circuit system so that way an instructor can teach one class to all sites: Yuma, Parker, San Luis and Quartzsite."

Previously, ITN classes were linked by microwave dishes but the new facility will be linked by a fiber optic network. To ensure the reliability of the system ITN will be limited to just a few selected courses, Brouillette said.

Those courses will include introduction to administrative justice, procedural criminal law, biology concepts, U.S. History to 1865, introduction to psychology, comparative world religions and history of contemporary theatre.

And in recognition of the large population of winter visitors, Quartzsite will offer a variety of personal enrichment classes, ones that have proved popular in the past such as arts and crafts, a book club, and possibly a chess instruction class as well. Quartzsite welcomes the applications of any potential instructors who are willing to offer their skills in both academics and personal enrichment classes, Brouillette added.

The center is also slated to include a computer lab and wireless Internet access in the near future. Construction of the building began in May 2008; a ribbon cutting ceremony was held this past March.

Spring semester classes and the center open on Jan. 11. For further information people may phone 928-927-8299. The center is located at 695 N. Kofa Ave. Students may also register online at www.azwestern.edu.

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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.