KPC offers current students, based on class standing, the chance to choose classes before registration opens to the general public. The idea is to provide those closest to graduation the opportunity to complete required courses in the timeliest manner possible.

Students are encouraged to register on ‘their day’ to take advantage of the priority period. Veteran students are always given first priority and they began registering Nov. 11. Senior status students will register today, followed by juniors on Nov. 15, sophomores on Nov. 16 and freshmen on Nov. 17. Students with pending applications for the spring semester get registration access on Nov. 21.

General public registration opens on Nov. 28. The first day of spring semester classes will be Jan. 17, 2017. Registration is available online at https://uaonline.alaska.edu/. For more information, contact Campus Services at 262-0330.

Celebrating Alaska Native/ American Indian culture

Last week, students, staff and faculty came together in the McLane commons for a kick-off event to recognize and celebrate Alaska Native/American Indian Heritage month. Helen Dick, respected elder, Dena’ina language instructor and guest chef, provided traditional fry bread to students, staff and faculty. The social occasion was part of a month of activities designed to celebrate Alaska Native/American Indian culture.

The public is invited to a Dena’ina Language Gathering from 5:30-7:15 p.m. on Nov. 17 in the McLane commons. Students from the Dena’ina language class, along with elders and language instructors, will be sharing what they have been learning this semester.

“This will be a participatory session, so all can learn and grow our language learning,” said Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart, KPC Alaska Native and Rural student coordinator and Dena’ina language instructor.

The following week everyone is invited to attend Native Creations and Reflections: Indigenous Art Showcase from 5:30-7:15 p.m. on Nov. 22 in the McLane commons. Alaska Native artists will present their specialties. Sassa Petersen will demonstrate kuspuk making, Melissa Shaginoff will present ‘Objects of Importance’ and Joel Issak will demonstrate salmon skin sewing.

The final heritage month event will be a presentation by Dr. James Kari, noted linguist and professor emeritus with the UAF Alaska Native Language Center, from 6:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 30. According to Wikipedia, Kari has specialized in the Dene or Athabascan languages and has written extensively for many publications and for the Alaska Native Language Archive.

Kari will discuss his revision of the second edition of “Shem Pete’s Alaska.”

“The book demonstrates the connection to the Athabaskan languages of Ahtna and Dena’ina through interviews of Native speakers, many who are no longer with us. Dr. Kari is also the writer of the Dena’ina and Ahtna Language Dictionary’s and materials that we use in our Native language classes. We are honored to have him join our campus to share his work,” said Shaginoff-Stuart.

Gun safety and maintenance non-credit course offered

KPC is offering a six hour non-shooting course that provides participants with the basic fundamentals, skills, and rules for safe handling of firearms. Participants will learn about the various components of firearms and get guidance on how to determine which gun is best for them.

The subjects covered include safe handling of firearms, common safety devices, intended uses of different firearms and their maintenance. The following firearms will be discussed: AR15, Berretta PX4, Ruger MK3 22/45, Savage 110, Mossberg 100 ATR, Winchester 1300, S&W J Frame, Springfield M1-A, Remington 597, Colt Trooper and the S&W M&P .45.

The course will be taught by Jason Gahm, NRA certified instructor and owner and operator of Gahm’s Guns and Gunsmithing in Nikiski, Alaska.

The course will be offered from 10 a.m.-noon and from 2-5 p.m. on both Dec. 16 and 17. Both sessions will be held at the Peninsula Center Mall (room 16A) in Soldotna.

The cost of the course is $89. Register at https://kpckenairiver.asapconnected.com/default.aspx or call Joe Thornton, KPC workforce development and training coordinator, at 262-0212 or email jwthornton2@alaska.edu.

This column is provided by Suzie Kendrick, Advancement Programs Manager at Kenai Peninsula College.