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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North Adams Worked the Weekend Fixing Water Line Breaks
Staff Reports iBerkshires
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Water Department and Department of Public Works have been responding since Friday to multiple water line breaks throughout the city that are causing temporary loss of water in some areas.
"Everyone has water or very low pressure," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, as of Sunday evening. "We're asking people to just conserve as much as they can. Once the system gets in balance, everything will come back, but we've got to fix them."
The first break occurred Friday in the field behind the water filtration plant, which was difficult to access. That repair was completed on Sunday morning.
"Then we started at 3:30 this morning on American Legion Drive," she said. "We dad to wait a few hours for Dig Safe, which slowed us down, and they're still over there, still trying to make the repair.
"Then about, probably, I would say, eight o'clock [Sunday morning]. We were called to Carr Hardware, where we had another bubble, another break. I don't know if we'll get to that break tonight. The guys are very tired, it's cold, it's unsafe."
Crews have been working in frigid temperatures trying to find where the lines are broken and fix them. The loss of the main line caused a drop in pressure, and the pressure changes are causing more breaks.
Commissioner of Public Services Timothy Lescarbeau was able to assess and get the first break fixed, she said, "but now it's regulating the system and that, coupled with the cold weather, is working against us tonight, but the team has been great.
The Water Department has been responding to multiple water line breaks throughout the city since Friday, causing temporary loss of water in some areas. click for more
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