By LYDIA EARHART

Staff Writer

Tech students dream of a class with no grades.

Tech's continuing education department is offering new classes for anyone in and around the community for the winter quarter. Classes range from yoga to knitting for beginners.

"Our goal is to work consistently to develop short courses designed to meet the general learning and workforce needs of the local communities in our area," Latoshia McCoy, a student worker in the department of continuing education and a senior business management major, said.

McCoy said the department is offering a wide range of classes this quarter.

McCoy said the new classes offered include yoga, beginning knitting, making Christmas simple, cooking the healthy way with herbs and two new online classes in paralegal and project management.

McCoy said the teachers range from certified in the particular area or have experience and background in that field.

"This quarter, in one of our photography classes, we have a teacher who actually owns his own business," McCoy said.

McCoy also said they are using advertisements to let other people know about the classes.

"We are advertising through the Ruston Daily Leader and our Web site," McCoy said.

Tamor Ursin, a senior computer information systems, major, said he has taken belly dancing and water aerobics through the continuing education department.

Ursin said the classes offered are worth the money.

"Belly dancing was a fun class because you get to go to Texas where they have authentic belly dancing," Ursin said.

"[The teacher] taught me that the bigger you are, the better the belly dancing, because you can really roll your belly."

Ursin said the same teacher who taught belly dancing also taught water aerobics.

"The teachers are good because they make you want to keep coming," Ursin said. "Good instructors make the class right."

Linda Cummings, the interim director of continuing education, said she is excited about offering these classes.

"The continuing education program is a program with opportunities geared to fit the needs for people in and around the community," Cummings said.

The classes cost anywhere from $25-$1,795, and students who complete the course will not receive credit for the classes.

To enroll in a class, go to the department of continuing education in Davison Hall, Room 110, and fill out an application. It is also possible to apply through their mailing list or apply online at http://www.latech.edu/ce.

Deadlines to enroll vary with each class.

For more information, contact Cummings in the department of continuing education at 257-4433.