Charles Hamby, Information Technology Instructor, reports that his CNT A276 class recently completed the successful installation of over 11,000 ft. of network cable and 108 network jacks for Mat-Su Recovery, an outpatient substance treatment facility in Wasilla. As part of a hands-on practicum, students provide supervised computer networking services for non-profit agencies in the valley. This is a win-win situation where our students gain experience in their field of study, while non-profits receive installation of a computer network system, which would otherwise be unaffordable.

John Rogers, Associate Professor of Electronics Technology, will be attending a statewide meeting on MSSP (Microcomputer Support Specialist Program) in Kodiak on October 19. Anyone who has something they’d like brought up at the meeting should let John know by Wednesday, the 17^th.

Dr. Carolyn Holbert, Assistant Professor English, has been invited to present a paper at the V Congress of the Americas on October 19, in Puebla, Mexico. Her presentation is entitled "Reel" History and Literary Fictions: The American Indian and the Western.

Joan O’Leary, Assistant Professor of English, will be attending the College Reading and Learning Association Conference in Spokane next week. Joan and Gail Johnston, Assistant Professor of Math, are co-leaders for the Workforce Literacy Special Interest Group.

Forum - Last week’s forum and panel discussion hosted by CAFÉ Mat-Su, entitled "America Under Attack: What Happens Now?" went very well and was attended by about 60 people. Panelists provided good information for stimulating discussion. Comments were positive and apparently there is interest in continuing the monthly forums. Next month CAFÉ will host a forum on the topic "Living Enjoyably With Alaskan Bears."

Library Tour - Approximately 40 Wasilla Christian School students visited Mat-Su College Library on October 2. The students were given a library orientation by Library staff and enjoyed lunch at Expressions. Many expressed surprise at how nice the campus was and how much it has to offer.

Title III Report - The new CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting) program has 58 students enrolled in four of the program classes this fall. Foxy Hanners, Activity Director for Title III, is mailing letters to all past and present students to keep them updated on the program. He is also conducting a survey of all students to determine their educational needs and career objectives. Title III submitted activity objectives and performance indicators last week. Year three of the five year grant began October 1.

Evacuation Drills - Sometime later this month we will be conducting building evacuation drills. Each day of the week there will be a drill in the morning around 9:00 a.m. and another in the evening around 7:00 p.m. We will not know which classes will be affected, but should you hear the alarm go off, please have your students exit the building and proceed to either the parking lot in front of the Library building OLB or in front of Snodgrass Hall (SNOD). More details will be forthcoming.

Guests at MSC - Professor Carol Gold, our Academic Liaison will be visiting with full time faculty at their October 22 meeting to discuss "Two Cultures: Relations between Faculty and Statewide Office of UA."

Following that meeting UAA’s Chief Information Officer, Rich Whitney, will be here to meet with full time and adjunct faculty to explain the technology resources currently available to faculty and to discuss the technology needs of faculty at MSC.

Director Search - Votes were tallied and the results for the selection committee representatives for full time faculty are Rebecca Evans and John Rogers, APT staff is Debbie Dickey, and classified staff is Gini Geary. Representing adjunct faculty will be Dean Milligan. Advisory Council members Ray DePriest Jr. and John Duffy will represent the community. Provost Chapman will be adding others to the committee and will be sending out appointment letters very soon.

The Spring 2002 schedule is in the final stages of production and a draft should be available by tomorrow for students to review. It goes to print Friday, October 12.