Inspired, equipped and ready to work
Over the last few years, there have been a lot of changes at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC), some of which include reorganization to
8-week terms. The changes at the college over the last few weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic make those changes look easy. The college is based in Minden, with campuses in Shreveport and Mansfield.
The transformation of our college was accomplished through listening to our students, staff, community leaders, and employers that hire our graduates. This journey of self-evaluation helped prepare our team for the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are transitioning to the “new normal” by never losing sight of our motto: Inspired, Equipped, and Ready to Work. This is more than a motto, it is the culture and the very reason we exist as a college. Students come to us with a dream of a future, a future for themselves and their families. It is the culture in every classroom, every department, and every decision that happens at NLTCC. Each student that walks through our door brings a different story but has the same goal, a brighter future! In the midst of the distractions and obstacles, the goal remains. Failure is not an option for the students, families, and communities we serve.
THE CHALLENGE
Our college takes a lot of pride in the hands on training our students receive to assure that they are “ready to work” upon graduation. This includes not just a hands on approach, but often team assignments to assure they are ready for the business environment they will face upon employment. Because of the hands-on focus the vast majority of our course syllabuses include extensive lab work.
WHAT’S CHANGED?
In the weeks leading up to the campus facility shut down, planning was underway to enhance the online portion of our training. As this subject was explored, we learned two important facts. One: Every program had a significant portion that could be presented via on line training. Two: Our professionals were ready to adapt and learn new skills to support our students.
Through the crisis, we are serving our students and communities utilizing new and innovative teaching methods. Every faculty member has undergone extensive training to upgrade and enhance his or her online teaching skills. Our faculty and staff have stepped forward and embraced the new world with amazing enthusiasm. We have educators that rarely utilized a computer now teaching on-line, giving lectures via zoom calls and even learning to add animation to the on line presentations.
Currently the college is 100% on-line and utilizing both virtual and low-tech options. We have developed packets and textbook for those without internet.
Important Facts for Students:
Check the college website daily for updates.
Chat capabilities from www.nltcc.edu home page are available for communication with NLTCC’s Student Success Team. Be sure to leave contact information when you post a question. We want to talk to you and work through your challenges.
Allied Health and Nursing Students: Keep studying for your Board Exams. Plans are underway to move you forward to completion of your studies even with the shutdown of clinical facilities.
To our communities, we are here to serve you and planning ahead to offer opportunities for all students to complete their studies that may be slowed due to the challenge. Plans are also underway to offer new opportunities to those that will find life disrupted and need to new skills. Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College will be here ready to be sure you are “INSPIRED, EQUIPPED, AND READY TO WORK”.
Dr. Earl Meador | Chancellor of Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College.
