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WCCC plan would push some programs off campus
Nov 05, 2009 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Westmoreland County Community College has approved a 10-year master plan that calls for moving the technology and work force training programs, but does not call for construction of new buildings.
The college board of trustees last week adopted the plan, which was an outgrowth of a facilities study done by JMZ Architects and Planners.
The firm evaluated space at the Youngwood campus; the Bushy Run, Laurel, Mon Valley and Indiana County education centers; and the Public Safety Training Center.
In a news release, WCCC President Daniel Obara said, "The space utilization study shows that we have enough capacity at the Youngwood campus if we more efficiently use classrooms and follow through on the renovations and modernization plan."
The plan calls for relocating the technology and work force training programs from the Business and Industry Center to an off-campus location. This would be the first step, thus opening space for temporary locations for various programs as renovations continue.
The board in September authorized retaining an architect to study whether it is possible to lease and renovate space at Sony Technology Center-Pittsburgh in East Huntingdon, about five miles from the Youngwood campus, for that purpose.
If feasible, programs that might be moved include computer numerical control, drafting, electronics, machine technology, robotics and heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration.
College spokeswoman Anna Marie Palatella said such a move, if possible, would be more than a year away. The board approved the overall plan, but each project still would require a separate board approval.
Some of the proposed renovations are:
--Founders Hall: A larger student center, new welcome center, improved science labs.
--Commissioners Hall: Ex- panded space for nursing program, two new nursing labs, new lab for culinary arts.
--Business and Industry Center: Would provide space for various programs while renovations are under way. It ultimately would house Campus Children's Center, art program space and general classrooms.
Like many community colleges, WCCC is experiencing growth in enrollment. The number of class registrations this fall was 24,123, an increase of 22.3 percent over last year.
The college has 3,609 full-time and 3,491 part-time students. This is the first time full-time students outnumbered part-timers.
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