What’s your new year’s resolution? Whether it’s brushing up on your computer skills or learning to draw, sing or speak a foreign language, the University of Tennessee at Martin department of extended campus and continuing education (ECCE) can help with a variety of non-degree courses which get under way in January and February.

The courses include:

• Microsoft Word - Learn the features of Word including how to work with multiple documents, format painter, cut, paste, search, replace, rulers, tabs, bulleted lists, columns, styles, sections, headers and footers, backups, creating folders, sharing data between documents and applications.

Also learn to use tables and mail merge to simplify your work. Play with graphics and drawing tools to make your life more exciting. Many hints and tips and much more will be offered to make your work more efficient and have fun doing it.

This class is set for 9 a.m.-12 p.m., January 28 and 30. Course fee is $45. The instructor is Shannon Burgin, interim director of UT Martin Computer Services.

• Beginning Microsoft Access - Learn to design and create a database and what relational databases can do for you. Design and setup tables and relationships. Edit your data, and sort and filter it. Learn how queries can give you answers. Create quick forms for data entry. Create quick reports that can be customized to your needs.

This class will be offered from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Feb. 11 and 13. Course fee is $109. The instructor is Shannon Burgin, interim director of UT Martin Computer Services.

• ACT Preparation - More Scholarship Dollars for You! In this class, students will learn test-taking skills, practice the ACT and review the mathematics section completely. Higher scores mean going to the college of your choice - and perhaps scholarship money.

Students will use the book ARCO Master the ACT Assessment 2003. Cost of the test is not included in the fees, and students are responsible for bringing the book on the first night of class. The book may be purchased at the UT Martin Bookstore. This class is designed for high school juniors and seniors.

This class will be offered from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 1-22. Course fee is $45. The instructor is Ron Ramage, a teacher at Obion County High School.

• Spanish For Whatever Reason - Going on a trip? Is your church starting a Hispanic ministry? Are you conducting business in Mexico? Whatever reason you have, learning to speak Spanish could be beneficial to you.

This course, taught in an easy, no-stress format, is designed to teach the basic vocabulary you’ll need. The course will be offered from 6-8 p.m., Feb. 4-March 11. Course fee is $55. The instructor is Ron Ramage, a teacher at Obion County High School.

• Drawing Is Fun - If you can’t draw a straight line, this class is for you. First, learn the basics of drawing using line, form and space. Then explore shadowing and three-dimensional drawing. Create contour, gestural and figure drawings. Discover how to work from a live model. Supplies to bring include: 11 by 14 inch (or larger) drawing pad, pencils and erasers.

This class will be taught from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 30-March 20. Course fee is $35. The instructor is local artist Les MacDiarmid.

• Class Voice for Beginning Adults - This course will help develop basic vocal technique and skills in the beginning adult student. In a relaxed group setting, we will explore a range of vocal exercises and then apply them to song. We will learn the main aspects of vocal technique including: breathing, vowel formation, resonance, range expansion and dynamic control.

This course will provide a good foundation to explore singing in many environments such as church, community theater, choirs and more. A basic text/song book will be used and needs to be purchased at the student’s expense. The semester will culminate in a small class recital.

This course will be offered from 7-8 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 21-Feb. 25. The instructor is Margaret Olson.

Due to limited seating, advance registration is required. To register for classes or for more information, contact ECCE at (731) 587-7082 or visit their Web site at www.utm.edu/~ecce.