Stefani Hicswa

Northwest College will be undergoing major transformational changes in the upcoming year, college leaders say, and they’re seeking community input on what those changes should be. The events, which begin today (Tuesday), offer a chance to sit alongside faculty and staff to discuss the future of NWC and for community voices to be heard in this process.

In order to ensure sustainability through the ups and downs of enrollment and economic trends, a transformation of who the college is and how it operates is a critical and necessary process. As a result, NWC is hosting a series of action-oriented focus groups throughout August and early September to discuss what the future of NWC should look like with the community. 

The first focus group meeting of the series will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Yellowstone Building, and is the only meeting that will be held on the NWC campus; the following focus groups will be hosted via Zoom video conferencing.

“For those who have a vested interest in NWC, these focus groups are an opportunity to actively participate and voice opinions about how the institution must transform in order to meet the demands of an education landscape that is rapidly changing,” NWC said in a news release. 

Individual focus group meetings will bring area residents, as well as faculty and staff, together to discuss “how the institution can most successfully position itself and its students for the future and best meet the community’s needs and aspirations.”

Interested individuals are encouraged to participate in one of the following focus group dates:

• Today (Tuesday) at 5:30 p.m. in the Yellowstone Building Conference Center (in person)

• Wednesday at 3 p.m. (via Zoom)

• Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 a.m. (via Zoom)

• Thursday, Sept. 3, at 3 p.m. (via Zoom)

• Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 3 p.m. (via Zoom)

Focus group meetings will last two hours and be relaxed and informal.

Those who attend the in-person meeting are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. 

The work from the focus groups will culminate with a half-day Future Summit on the NWC campus Thursday, Sept. 10, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Yellowstone Building Conference Center. A video conferencing component will be added to the Summit for those who choose not to come in-person.

During the Future Summit event, the college will host expert speakers and interactive break-out sessions with community members as well as faculty and staff to bring forward core ideas for the college to concentrate on in future planning.

Those who would like to participate in this transformative process with the college are encouraged to RSVP online at nwc.edu/events/transformation or call 307-754-6096 to reserve a spot.