The public is invited to the One Room University on the second floor of City National Bank in Marlinton on Thursday, August 4, from 4-7 p.m. to learn about courses that will be offered by New River Community and Technical College during the fall semester.

New River representatives will be on hand to answer questions and assist with admissions and registration. Classes begin on August 22.

The ORU hosted a similar open house on Monday, July 18, and a number of visitors stopped by to learn more about the offerings.

"We were very pleased with the number of students who enrolled at that event, and we thought it would be a good idea to give the community another opportunity to come and learn about our programs," commented Roger Griffith, dean of New River's Greenbrier Valley Campus in Lewisburg.

The One Room University has come about through a partnership between New River, the Pocahontas County Commission and City National Bank, which is providing the second floor space free of charge.

The ORU has seven study carrels, each equipped with a laptop computer, camera and headset to provide two-way, personal communication between the student and a classroom instructor on one of New River's four campuses. Multiple students can take the same course at the same time using separate carrels, or up to seven students can take different courses at the same time using all seven carrels. Some traditional classes also may be offered depending on demand.

Site supervisor Elaine Diller or assistant site supervisor Dottie Shamblin will be available to assist students whenever classes are underway.ﾠ Both day and evening classes will be offered.
A unique feature of the ORU is that each student taking six or more credit hours will be issued a refurbished laptop computer with Microsoft Windows and Office software installed. The County Commission has provided funds for up to 40 laptops during the next school year. A refundable deposit of $100 will be required, but students may keep the laptops as long as they are enrolled. The ORU will be a WiFi hot spot and will include a student lounge, work tables and printer to do homework and research papers.

For additional information, contact the ORU at 304-799-4950.