WSU partners with Big Bend for counseling

Representative networks with universities

MOSES LAKE — A representative from Washington State University is now at Big Bend Community College to advise students on their futures, whether or not their futures include WSU.

WSU Center for Distance and Professional Education representative Randy de Mars said he or someone else is present at the community college from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. Mondays.

Students "time and place bound" can learn about distance learning programs, allowing them to earn their bachelor's degree locally. About 30 students that graduated from Big Bend are earning bachelor's degrees through WSU, de Mars said.

"Having an actual physical person to talk to, that kind of a thing really helps," he said.

Students who are unsure about what to do after graduating from Big Bend can benefit from the center's services, where a representative can help them make a decision, de Mars said. He tells students about programs offered online, even if the program is not offered through WSU.

"I send people to Central all the time," de Mars said, adding Central sends students to WSU as well. Each school knows what the other offers and works in partnership, he said.

The benefit of taking classes online include the opportunity to take classes while continuing to work and taking classes without long distance travel.

"You don't have to leave your family, you don't have to leave your job," de Mars said.

Students interested in transferring to WSU can visit the center, and the center welcomes students who do not have a GED, de Mars said. He said he works as a

counselor and can provide general academic advice.

During his journey toward a master's degree, de Mars took classes online, in a physical classroom and took night classes. Students benefit from talking to someone who knows where they are coming from, de Mars said.

Adults returning to school can get intimidated because they have not been in a classroom for so long, and they imagine going to school surrounded by younger minds, he said.

"I tell them, 'Hey, you've got a master's degree in life experience,'" de Mars said.

Online bachelor's degree choices through WSU include business management and operations, business management information systems, criminal justice, social sciences, human development and humanities. A master's degree in engineering administration is offered.

For more information or to schedule and appointment, call 509-793-2175 between noon and 7 p.m. or visit ATEC 1841 at BBCC.