P O W E L L, W y o. - Northwest College wants Meeteetse residents to start telling tales in school - specifically tales about NWC. The college invites area residents to share their observations about Northwest at a 5:30 p.m. public meeting Monday, Sept. 8, in the Meeteetse School Cafeteria. College officials will be present to listen and take notes.
They're primarily looking for responses to four questions: What is NWC doing in the community that is effective or ineffective? Where do opportunities exist for NWC to expand services in the community? What NWC services, facilities and resources are Meeteetse residents using? What questions and comments do those same audiences have for NWC?
The comments fielded during the meeting will help inform Northwest's reaccreditation self-study. NWC is gathering information in preparation for a spring 2011 visit by its accreditation agency, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.higherlearningcommission.org).
Accreditation indicates to other colleges and universities and to the public that an organization meets established criteria in areas such as student academic achievement, financial stability and relationships with outside constituencies. Without accreditation, a college is unable to grant credit, offer degrees or administer federal financial aid-basic elements at the core of any institution.
The short meeting is designed to have participants home for dinner at a reasonable hour. It follows the NWC Board of Trustees meeting in the same location at 4 p.m.
"We'd appreciate any and all input," said Mark Kitchen, vice president for college relations, "and hope interested area residents will come a bit early to attend the board of trustees meeting that day."
For those who would like to voice their opinions about Northwest College's service to Meeteetse but are unable to attend the meeting, comments can be expressed by e-mailing Mark Kitchen or calling toll-free (800) 560-4692, ext 6405.