Liberal, KS

Now: 46 °

Currently: Clear

Hi: 78 ° | Lo: 46 °

SCCC/ATS Trustees Meet

KSCB News - March 6, 2012 8:35 pm

The Seward County Community College/Board of Trustees heard a variety of reports Monday during its regularly scheduled meeting, including a recommendation for an increase in tuition and fees.
Sharon Hobble reported on the annual meeting of the SCCC/ATS Foundation, which was held on campus recently, stating that the Foundation ended the year in a good financial state. New foundation officers for 2012 are George Roldan, president; Duane Bozarth, vice president; Al Shank Jr., treasurer; and Tammy Doll, secretary. Stephanie Ormiston is the drive chair.
Marvin Chance Jr. reported on the annual Phi Theta Kappa banquet in Topeka recently that honored Kelsey Cook and Kelsey Willson as part of the 2012 All-Kansas Academic Team.
Dr. Duane Dunn, SCCC/ATS president, presented an overview of the financial statements and audit of EduKan, the Western Kansas Community College Virtual Education Consortium between SCCC/ATS and Garden City, Dodge City, Barton County, Pratt and Colby community colleges. The report reflects an increase in net assets and SCCC/ATS can expect another return on its investment this year as enrollments continue to increase.
The board approved an increase in tuition and fees, including $5 in credit hour fees. Seward County tuition will increase $2 per credit hour; in-state (non-Seward County resident), $2 per credit hour; Border State, a $5 per credit hour; out-of-state and international tuition, a $5 per credit hour; Seward Online (in-state), a $12 per credit hour; and Seward Online (out-of-state/international), a $8 per credit hour.
The distribution of fees will include a $.50 increase in fees to both scholarships and student activities; $1 increase to the reserve fund for future expansion; and $3 for technology.
Even with these increases, SCCC/ATS is below the tuition and fees charged at Dodge City, Garden City, Pratt and Colby community colleges and Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
Linda Billings of Byron Bird & Associates presented the 2011 audit with an unqualified opinion. The board accepted the audit as presented.
The Process Technology instructional program application was submitted to the Kansas Board of Regents, said Cynthia Rapp, dean of instruction. The program is scheduled to begin in fall 2012.
Celeste Donovan gave an overview of recent campus activities including Career Day for high school juniors and seniors; Science Fair for 4th through 12th graders and SCCC/ATS student visits to both Kansas State University and the University of Kansas.
Donovan also explained that the default rate on student loans for students attending SCCC/ATS dropped from 11.5 percent in 2010 to 8.9 percent in 2011. She credited the advising and counseling provided by the Financial Aid office as those staff members explain the student responsibilities for receiving federal financial aid through the student loan program.
Dennis Sander, dean of finance and operations, told the board that money available through the Postsecondary Educational Institution Bond program that are being used to construct a green house must be spent by the end of this month. The construction of the greenhouse is nearing completion and the bond program funds will be closed out according to state guidelines.
Dunn told the board that with more Kansas community colleges in the east going Division II in men’s basketball, SCCC/ATS may be playing more Division I teams in the east, which will increase the travel costs.
He also presented the federal legislative priorities from the American Association of Community Colleges, which includes Pell Grant and Carl Perkins funding, workforce development, STEM grant programs and more. Of particular concern is the proposed elimination of Pell Grant opportunities for students who are completing a GED while also completing their college courses. This has potential to have a negative impact on individuals who are returning to college to improve their employment potential.
He also said the Obama administration is urging more students to enroll in community colleges nationwide through a “Community College to Career” fund.
In other action, the board
1. Hired Derric Moore as the new STEM Math Lab monitor/instructor; and Donald Thompson as the new STEM Sustainable Agriculture Resources program specialist;
2. Approved the purchase of a wash sink for Automotive Collision Repair from B&J Supply of Liberal in the amount of $4,860; and
3. Accepted the sole bid form Alpha Pipe Co. of St. Louis, MO., in the amount of $14,425 for the purchase of pipe for the Corrosion Technology outdoor lab.
Upcoming events include a student phon-a-than to raise money for scholarships, March 26-April 5, Xtreme Challenge for high school students, March 28, and the annual Car Show, March 31. Spring break is March 12-16. Administrative offices will be open.
Summer and fall enrollment begi ns April 2.

 

Latest Stories

USDA Awards Grants for Renewable Energy and Efficiency Projects

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis announced $1,809,677 in investments...

First Southern Baptist Church in Liberal to Host 20K Egg Day

First Southern Baptist Church in Liberal will be hosting a 20K Egg Day, Easter Egg Hunt....

Industrial Accident/Explosion in Garden City

Garden City, KS (March 27, 2024): At approximately 11:25 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the...

 
KSCB Radio News