Personal Enrichment Continuing Education
Western Piedmont Community College’s philosophy of “lifelong learning,” sustaining personal growth, expanding horizons, and making new friends, is well represented in this varied array of continuing education courses focusing on applied arts, music, history, recreation, computer skills, healthy lifestyles and cultural studies. There are no tests and no academic requirements. Informal class sessions encourage comments, questions, and lively discussions.
Personal Enrichment classes will display a Sign Me Up or Register Now option. The Sign Me Up option will let us know your interest in receiving more information about the class once dates, times or fees have been established. Classes with the Register Now option have been scheduled with assigned dates, times and fees.
SIGN ME UP! Register Now
Upcoming Classes
Check Availability by Class Type
Camps, Day Trips & Tours
- Experience outdoor adventure and nature walks or visit a museum or historic site
- Summer Teen Tech Camps
- Archaeology Field School
Certifications
- Classes offered include Notary Public, Electrical Code Update, & Auto Dealer Renewal
- See all current certification classes.
Computers, Technology, Software
- Classes offered include, Microsoft office, basic computer knowledge, smartphone, tablets and more
- See all current computers, technology, software classes.
Culinary, Food & Beverage
- Classes offered include, herbs, wine, beer, brewing and general food ideas
- See all current culinary, food, & beverage classes.
Genealogy
- Learn to trace the origins of your family through genealogy software.
- See all current genealogy classes
Health & Wellness
- Topics include yoga, meditation, and more.
- See all current health & wellness classes
History and Culture
- Discussion topics include American and world history, Wars, music, film, and more.
- See all current history and culture classes
Home Design/Repair
- Classes in small home repairs, plumbing, electrical and more
- See all current home design & repair classes
Gardening & Sustainable Living
- Classes in landscaping, gardening, floral design, interior decorating, and architecture.
- See all current home and garden classes
Life Enrichment
- Explore the human experience and enhance your creativity.
- See all current life enrichment classes
Outdoor Recreation
- Learn the art of bluegrass, classical guitar, and other instruments.
- See all current outdoor recreation classes
Personal Finance
- Classes focusing on saving and investing, credit and debt, and becoming savvy about personal money management.
- See all current personal finance classes
Photography
- Beginning and advanced photography courses including film, digital, landscape photography, and portraiture.
- See all current photography classes
Professional Crafts
- Classes offered include pottery, wood, sculpture, and more.
- See all current professional crafts classes.
Sign Language
- Beginning and advanced sign language classes
- See all current sign language classes
Online ed2go Course Offerings
- Learn from the comfort of your home through a wide range of online courses.
- See all current ed2go classes
Calendar
Events in April 2018–March 2019
-
- Ceramic Totems - All Levels
–
Ceramic Totems - All Levels
Rostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAClass Date: 04/12/18 - 5/10/18, Thursday
Sessions: 5 weeks - 17.5 total hours
Cost: $100
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: WPCC Rostan Building, Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 53651Spring is in the air and it is a perfect time to create themed garden art. In this class, students will create a ceramic totem to be displayed outside. Students will utilize coil and slab techniques, learn how to apply various surface treatments and select from an assortment of glazes. Upon completion, students will have an array of hollow ceramic shapes to be stacked on a metal pole, welcoming guests to personal home and garden. This class is open to all levels. Tools may be purchased in the WPCC bookstore.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
-
- Advanced Poultry Nutrition and Management Instructor Jeff Mattocks
–
Advanced Poultry Nutrition and Management Instructor Jeff Mattocks
Jim Richardson Campus/K Building200 East College DrMorganton, NC 28655USADate: 4/27/2018 Friday (Register before 4/25/2018)
Time; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; Lunch 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: K Building Sustainable Agriculture Building
Cost: $25.00
Section: 54633Join Jeff Mattocks, vice president of Fertrell and renowned poultry nutritionist, as he goes in depth to maximize the nutrition for your poultry flock. Learn how to boost and shorten grow out, increase egg production and fertility, and improve the overall health of your birds all though exemplary nutrition. The morning session will cover poultry nutrition specifics, feed formulation and group discussion. A Heritage poultry lunch will be provided, followed by the afternoon session featuring a hands-on poultry workshop on the Western Piedmont Community College Farm. This session represents a rare opportunity to get one-on-one with Jeff and will be beneficial for the backyard flock raiser and commercial pastured poultry producer alike. Join us for a great day of education, good food, and hands-on poultry experience!
Questions?
If you need more information or have questions, please contact Meagan Roberts at (828) 448-3562 or e-mail at mroberts@wpcc.edu.
Registration Information
You can also register and pay in person for Continuing Education and Workforce Development classes with Yvette Logan in Hildebrand Hall, Room 100E [map]. Yvette will be available for registrations Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Remember, you need to register for classes prior to the class start date (preferably 48 hours prior), allowing time for all payments to process before the class begins.
-
- Ceramic Wind Chimes
–
Ceramic Wind Chimes
Rostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 5/31/18 - 6/21/18, Thursdays
Cost: $75
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55226Wind chimes are one of the world’s first musical instruments and in this class, students will learn the basics of clay by exploring various hand-building techniques to make uniquely designed wind chimes to hang on their porch, balcony or garden! Students will create two wind chimes of various sizes and themes. A basic pottery tool set is required for this class and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. All skill levels welcome.
Limited to 6 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
-
- Raku Box
–
Raku Box
Rostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/07/18 - 6/21/18, Thursdays
Cost: $60
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55227In this class, students will explore the traditional art of Japanese Raku firing. Using slab techniques, students will design a variety of clay boxes. Students will have the opportunity to assist in firing a Raku kiln and experience remarkable surface finishes achieved with this fast and fun firing process. A basic pottery tool set is required for this class and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. All skill levels welcome.
Limited to 6 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
-
- Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55243
N/A
Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55243
C Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAForging example
Dates: 6/22 - 6/24/2018
6/22 - Friday 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
6/23 - Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (one hour for lunch 12 - 1)
6/23 - Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
6/24 - Sunday 9:00 am - 12:00 pmCost: $125
Location: C110
Section: 55243Limit Class Size to 8
Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging
Forging steel is a physically and mentally rewarding experience. The rewards continue when
you are able to use what you have made! In this intensive weekend class, we will learn the
basics of forging steel, while creating a functional item for use in the home, cabin, and camp.
We will cover safety, basic tooling, and the fundamentals of tapers, scrolls, hooks, twisting,
upsetting, and much more. Students will complete a cumulative project; and, if time allows,
forge their own creations. All levels welcome!Course Timeline (subject to change)
● 1st Night (6-9pm):
Safety, Tools, Forging (Hammer Control, Tongs, Physical efficiency)
Hooks: Drawing out tapers, Shoulders, Scrolls, Twists
● 1st Morning (9-12):
Hooks: More Twists, Bends, Punching
Door Pulls: Shoulders, More tapers, Swagging, Hammer techniques
● 1st Afternoon (1-4):
Project Time: Coat/Pot Rack Assembly
● 2nd Morning (9-12):
Project Day and Free ForgingSigning Up for a Personal Enrichment Class
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, EMT/EMS, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. You must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example, if the class starts on Monday, the last day to register is Thursday. For information, please contact our Records and Registration Department at (828) 448-6046.
You may register via the following methods:
- Online (click the button below)
- Walk-in registration held Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. in Hildebrand Hall, Main Campus; or
- Download and Fax the Registration-Form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
-
- Stained Glass Mosaic Wall Art
–
Stained Glass Mosaic Wall Art
Rostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/23/18 - 6/30/18, Saturdays
Cost: $55
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55228In this class, students will create a mosaic using stained glass suitable for display. During the first class, students will select from available patterns or adapt their own concept into a 12” x 12” framed substrate, learn the method of breaking stained glass, configuring and gluing pieces into place. In the second class, students will learn to grout, clean and polish their mosaic. Upon completion, students will have a unique piece of art. This class is open to all levels. Students must purchase a wheeled glass mosaic nipper available from hobby stores. All skill levels welcome.
Limited to 6 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
-
- Christmas in July
–
Christmas in July
Rostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/28/18 - 7/26/18, Thursdays (No class July 5th)
Cost: $75
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55229Want a head start on your Christmas presents? Create and design homemade holiday decorations and gifts before the holiday rush. In this course, students will create holiday tea light holders and a variety of ornaments using hand-building methods. Students will learn how to use a slab roller, apply various surface textures and are encouraged to bring their favorite holiday silhouette cookie cutters to personalize their creations. Students will choose from an array of glazes for the finishing touch. A basic pottery tool set is required for this class and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. All skill levels welcome. Class will not be held on July 5.
Limited to 8 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
Like More Information?
We welcome the opportunity to serve your interests and needs. Feel free to ask questions, give your thoughts, or share ideas about classes you would like to see offered through the form below.
Note: All classes are self-supporting. Self-supporting classes are classes not supported by state dollars. All costs associated with these classes are paid through student registration fees.