Fall quarter begins today at Clark College

Clark College students will see two big changes during their fall quarter, which starts today.

A significant addition to Clark College is the new STEM Building. At 70,000 square feet, it is the largest building on Clark’s main campus. It’s as long as a football field and is three stories tall.

The new STEM Building will hold science, technology and engineering classes. And even the hallways will offer some lessons. Corridor ceilings are open, with exposed electrical and mechanical systems, so students can see how the systems work.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the STEM Building is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3. There will tours and demonstrations by STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students and faculty.

Also new is a bachelor of applied science in applied management program. Clark College received approval in July from its regional accrediting body, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Classes begin in January. The first group is limited to 35 students. Courses will be offered through online and face-to-face evening formats. It will be the second bachelor’s degree offered at the community college.

In something of a tradition, free hot oatmeal and cocoa will be offered during Welcome Week, starting at 8 a.m. at the Student Life Office in the Penguin Union Building.

The first students who reported to class locally for 2016-17 were at Washington State University Vancouver, where fall semester opened on Aug. 22.