As the days are getting shorter, students need to be thinking about and planning for the upcoming spring semester. Priority registration opens for students who are admitted into degree or certificate programs next week.

Veteran students will be given the first priority period and can walk in and register on Nov. 6 (for KPC classes only). The remainder of priority registration is staggered according to class standing, with seniors (90+ credits) registering beginning on Nov. 9, juniors (60-89 credits) on Nov. 10, sophomores (30-59 credits) on Nov. 11 and freshmen (0-29 credits) on Nov. 12. Beginning the following week on Nov. 16, students with pending spring admission applications can begin registering.

The spring 2016 schedule is accessible from the homepage of the KPC website and there are more than 350 course sections available, including 127 high-quality, online classes. Students should check the schedule for changes before registering at UAOnline, the University of Alaska portal, from the KPC homepage. General public web registration opens Nov. 23 and spring semester classes begin on Jan. 11, 2016. For more information about the registration process, or to schedule an advising session, contact Student Services at 262-0330 or toll free at 877-262-0330.

Industrial hand tools short course

KRC will offer a one-credit course that provides basic knowledge of tools that are used in industry workplaces. The course introduces procedures that ensure the safe, efficient and effective use of a large variety of hand tools that are typically used at job sites.

According to the instructor, Tom Dalrymple, KRC associate professor, the course may be quite helpful to students seeking jobs where they will use tools on a regular basis.

“This course focuses on the proper selection, use and maintenance of industrial hand tools and related equipment, including environmental and general work-safety considerations such as personal protective equipment.

And a highlight is that all who register will share a free pizza dinner on the first night of class,” Dalrymple quipped.

The classes will be offered five, consecutive Wednesday evenings, from 5:30-8:15 p.m., beginning on Nov. 4 in room 121 of the KRC Career and Technical Education Center.

For more information, contact Tom Dalrymple at 262-0295 or email tdarymp@kpc.alaska.edu.

KRC Community Health Fair

The public is reminded to take advantage of the upcoming health fair scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 in the KRC McLane and Brockel commons.

There will be free health screenings, low cost blood tests (blood draws available between 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) and general health care information available. There will also be representatives available to provide information about the Affordable Health Care Act and the Providence Mobile Mammography unit will be available by appointment (call toll free 888-458-3151 before Nov. 6).

Alaska’s Fiscal Future: taking a closer look

KRC, in conjunction with the Alaska League of Women Voters, Alaska Common Ground and the KRC Student Union, will provide a forum that will explore Alaska’s volatile fiscal climate from 6:30-8 p.m., Nov. 10 in KRC’s McLane commons.

Dr. Gunnar Knapp, director and professor of economics at UAA’s Institute of Social and Economic Research, and Cliff Groh, chair of Alaska Common Ground, a public policy organization focused on helping Alaskans seek consensus on the major issues facing the state, will make presentations and lead the discussions.

The purpose of the forum is to increase understanding of major public policy issues and to influence public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, contact Gail Knobf at gailknobf2@gmail.com or the KRCSU at 262-0339 or iysgov@kpc.alaska.edu.