Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. in the Administration Center on the Creston campus.
Jolene Griffith, SWCC director of human resources, briefed the board regarding revisions made to the Quality Faculty Plan. The Quality Faculty Plan, in accordance with Iowa Code, has been in place since 2003 to assure the hiring and developing of quality faculty members at the college. Following Griffith’s presentation, the board approved the Quality Faculty Plan as presented.
Phil Tyler, Tyler Insurance Services, Inc., spoke with the board about the college’s insurance coverage. Tyler noted an increase of 3 percent in the college’s property blanket coverage due primarily to an across-the-board inflation guard on the policy. Tyler said the college’s Worker’s Compensation Modification Factor increased from .93 to 1.04 as well.
Tom Lesan, SWCC vice president of economic development, reviewed the 260E Bond Trac report. He noted SWCC has three remaining issuances with seven companies still having financial obligations to the college.
Lesan also updated the board on the continued construction in the 200-bay hallway of the Instructional Center. Lesan stated that doors will be delivered this week and painting started today. According to Lesan, the project is still approximately two weeks behind schedule.
Beth Kulow, SWCC’s dean of students, reported preliminary fall 2015 enrollment is at approximately 1,676 students, with students enrolled for almost 16,767 credits. Kulow stated this is a 4.5 percent increase in headcount and credit hours from last fall. Kulow will give the final fall 2015 enrollment report at the October board of trustees meeting.
Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, spoke to the board regarding the college’s 50th anniversary celebration, which is planned for April 16, 2016. According to Crittenden, there will be an open house and activities planned throughout the day.
Jerry Smith, SWCC board member from Osceola, reported he will attend the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT) meeting on Friday, September 11, in Des Moines.
At the close of the meeting, the annual board planning cycle was distributed and reviewed. It was suggested that various educational sessions be held during upcoming board meetings. The board members will be surveyed for suggestions of topics.
Following adjournment, the board toured the new simulation lab in the Allied Health & Science Center. Dr. Susan White, nursing chair, and Brooke Owen, simulation lab coordinator, demonstrated use of the patient simulators for board members.
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