MCLA to offer ‘Fast-Track’ Bachelor’s Degree Program

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This fall, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will introduce a new vehicle for offering existing majors. “Fast-Track” is designed to meet the needs of the busy adult learner who would like to go back to school to complete his or her Bachelor’s degree, or start studies toward a degree. “Residents of the County now can take advantage of a faster paced delivery mode in earning their four-year degree. Earning a Bachelor’s degree while working can be a challenge for many. We are offering an opportunity for adults to complete their degree through six- and eight-week modules of a blend of venues; on-line, Saturdays and evenings,” said Nicolas Spina, MCLA associate dean of continuing education. Although the delivery method of the program is different, the academic standards will not change, as graduates of the Fast-Track program will receive the same degree as traditional four-year college students. “The only difference is, they will earn that degree in a compressed timeframe,” Spina said. At MCLA, Fast-Track will provide working individuals with a number of flexible enrollment options to earn an undergraduate degree. Students will have a choice of two degree programs – a Bachelor of Science in business administration or a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, which will allow them to create a custom-built program of study by including courses from more than one department. Classes will be offered on the MCLA campus or in Pittsfield, with modules to begin this fall. Four eight-week modules will be offered during the regular academic year. Two six-week modules will be offered during the summer. Students who take two courses each module will complete 36 credit hours per year. Students who have completed coursework at other colleges or who hold an Associate’s degree are encouraged to consider the Fast-Track program. Transfer students will be afforded flexible consideration in transferring previous college credits. Prior learning assessment for life and work experience credit also will be available. For more information, contact the MCLA Office of Continuing Education, (413) 662-5543, or go to www.mcla.edu/fast-track .
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

 

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.)  The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.  

 

 

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

 

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few.  All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

 

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house.  New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house.  New paver patio in the back yard.

 

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

 

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

 

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

 

 

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

 

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

 

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

 

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

 

What do the current owners love about this home?

 

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

 

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

 

 

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

 

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.  

 

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

 

 

 

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