WSU will close local and statewide distance learning centers

he NCW Learning Center serves about 70 online students in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. Students can still carry on with their programs, but without the center’s on-site help.

"They will continue to be served and pursue their de-grees," said NCW Learning Center Coordinator Randy de Mars, Jr. "The online degrees are not going away, just the presence we have in the counties."

All WSU nine learning centers statewide will close June 30 to make up a $54 million deficit in the university’s budget for the next two years.

"It’s a sad thing for Wenat-chee," said Wenatchee Valley College President Jim Richardson. "From my understanding, it was one of the busiest learning centers they had. I always get the question, ‘When are you going to become a four-year university?’ and I tell them you can get all those degrees right here through Heritage, WSU and Central."

The NCW Learning Center, housed in WVC’s Wells Hall, offers advising, exam proctoring, computers for about 10 online bachelor’s degrees, three master’s degrees and five professional certifications through WSU. The center was established in 1996.

The center also hosts the summer Spanish Immersion program, which will still be offered this summer at both Moses Lake and Wenatchee. De Mars said he did not know if the program would run next year.

The university is trying to find other places for online students to take exams, Debbie O’Donnell, spokeswoman for WSU’s Center for Distance and Professional Education in Pullman.

Three people work in the NCW Learning Center. WSU sent a preliminary layoff notice to De Mars on May 1. Another full-time staff member is employed by the local WSU extension office and will keep her job.

Another staff member will be laid off from her half-time job with the learning center. She will continue working half-time with WSU Extension.

"The biggest thing they’ll (students) miss is being able to talk to someone right there face to face about what’s the next step after graduating from Wenatchee Valley College," Richardson said. "Even those going straight to WSU could find good advice there."

Central Washington University and Heritage University still offer online four-year degrees through WVC.

CWU’s Wenatchee branch will remain open next year and is looking at adding classes, said site director Diana Haglund.

Heritage University also confirmed they will maintain their Wenatchee satellite campus.