10th-Day Spring 2007 enrollment numbers up
Heard a report from Interim Dean of Student Services Mary Bornheimer that 10th-day Spring 2007 enrollment numbers are up over last year. Credit hours generated as of 10th day this spring were 31,506, up 1,214 (4 percent) over the credit hours generated at this time last year (30,292). Spring 10th-day head count numbers are up slightly over last year, going from 3,638 to 3,648 this year.
Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit expected in late 2008 or early 2009
Heard a report from Steve Holman, Biology Associate Professor, regarding the Higher Learning Commission's upcoming accreditation visit and the work now underway in preparation for that visit. Holman and two other faculty members serve as co-chairs for the HLC Self-Study, a project by which college personnel examine RLC's strengths and challenges, then analyze and present their findings in a report. The Self-Study is a major part of the accreditation process. In 1999, RLC received a 10-year accreditation from HLC (known then as the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), which is the maximum award granted by the organization. Accreditation is an important part of a college's ability to transfer credits to four-year universities. The HLC visit to Rend Lake College is expected in either November 2008 or January 2009.
In addition, the board granted permission to create new stipends for the three Higher Learning Commission Self-Study Co-Chairs and two related support positions.
New tuition rate approved
Effective beginning with the Fall 2007 semester, in-district tuition will go from $65 to $69 per credit hour. According to administrative rationale, the increase was made in order to meet the forecasted budgetary needs of the college in light of the fact that RLC is expecting to receive level amounts of funding from state sources and to maintain non-deficit spending. The increase will allow the college to remain competitive with its peers and to maintain its stature as one of the most affordable community colleges in the state. Out-of-district tuition rates will be set at a later date.
RLC gearing up to help Technicolor workers
Heard a report regarding the college's efforts to help workers at Technicolor in Pinckneyville, which is slated to close its doors on March 22, displacing 440 workers. Unemployment workshops will be held Feb. 21, 22 and 23 at Technicolor, and a recruitment team will be on hand there to provide new student packets and answer questions from anyone interested in enrolling at RLC to train for a new career.
Tadlock becomes Enrollment Specialist
Created the position of Enrollment Specialist, approved the job description and transferred Tammy Tadlock to the position. Tadlock had been the Director of Student Records at RLC.
Welding Tech equipment bid accepted
Accepted the bid from Airgas of Benton for welders for the Welding Technology program. Airgas was the low bid of four, with a price of $1,118.63 per welder. Twelve welders were recommended for purchase at a total cost of $13,423.56.
Resignation accepted with regret
Accepted with regret the resignation of Jennifer O'Daniel, Director of the Center for Business Services.
In other business, the board ...
-- Approved revisions to administrative procedures concerning tenure and class fees.
-- Approved revisions to the Cosmetology Student Handbook.
-- Approved the Notice of Election for Student Trustee.
Mark your calendars ...
-- RLC Spring Musical, "Grease," 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 1-3; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4; all performances at RLC Theatre. NOTE: The Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances are sold out. Tickets still remain for the Thursday performance. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling (618) 437-5321, Ext. 1243.
-- Rend Lake College Board / Faculty / Staff Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, Rend Lake Resort Conference Center.
-- Commencement, 7 p.m. Friday, May 11, James "Hummer" Waugh Gymnasium.