KPC has always striven to keep pace with technology. In recent years, the advent of electronic devices such as cell phones and tablets has necessitated a new, responsive design website to provide optimal viewing experiences for all devices.

Whereas the previous static site translated poorly to small screens, requiring resizing, panning and scrolling, the new site adapts the layout to the viewing environment by using fluid, proportion-based grids that allows page features to resize in order to fit the screen.

The new website is graphically rich, using infographics and images for a visually interesting experience. The new site tailors content for different users, including students, parents, faculty, staff, job seekers and college benefactors.

The site just launched and is organized to bring all KPC locations under the same umbrella, as there are more similarities than differences at the campuses and extension sites. The website will integrate the variations that exist at specific locations and the content has been streamlined to make the user experience more efficient.

Development and refinement of the new website will continue into the next semester with student focus group and user feedback.

Spring semester registration underway

The current, fall semester wrapped up last week with enrollments across the KPC system up more than five percent compared to the same time last year. And although students can breathe easy for a while and are ecstatic to get closer to earning their degrees, it is important they remember to register before key courses fill and close.

Registration for the upcoming spring semester is available from the KPC homepage by clicking on UAOnline. Spring semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015.

KPC process technology student named to serve on industry advisory panel

In an effort to establish good working relationships with surrounding communities, the Tesoro Alaska Refinery in Nikiski has established a community advisory panel to serve as an interface between the management of the facility and the citizens of the central Kenai Peninsula. The goal is a better understanding of refinery operation and plans by the general population and a better representation of community concerns to the corporate owners and operators of the refinery.

Members are selected from a variety of categories and geographical areas. The citizen’s advisory panel is a private, non-public, advisory body and meetings will not be open to the general public or the media. One of the categories defined for panel membership is a KPC process technology student.

According to Henry Haney, KRC assistant professor of process technology, he had been offered a position on the panel but declined due to prior commitments. He did, however, recommend one of his students.

“I had recommended Owen Brewer. Owen has worked as a contractor in the Tesoro Lab and as a roustabout in the field, has a degree in zoology, grew up in Nikiski, and is going to make an excellent operator in the future. He will represent KPC as the student member very well,” Haney said.

It was reported that Brewer’s application was accepted unanimously. Brewer said he is thankful for the opportunity to serve on the panel.

Holiday closure schedule

KPC’s two campuses (Kenai River and Kachemak Bay) and two extension sites (Anchorage and Resurrection Bay) will close for the holidays on Dec. 25, 2014 and re-open at noon, Jan. 5, 2015.

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