Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. in the college’s Administration Center for their regular board meeting.
Uncollectible account write-offs were approved as presented by Randy Cook, SWCC chief financial officer. Cook said the majority of the accounts being recommended for write-off were from fiscal years 2011-13 and had been at collections with little or no activity for 18 months or more. Cook explained although the account balances are written-off, students’ transcripts are held and students cannot register for additional classes until the balances are paid. According to Cook, the college utilizes two collection agencies, as well as the state of Iowa Offset Program, to attempt to collect the accounts after write-off.
Jolene Griffith, SWCC human resources director/educational equity and Title IX coordinator, presented the college’s 2014 Affirmative Action Plan. The board approved the plan as presented.
During the president’s report, Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, informed the board summer commencement will be held Fri., June 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center gymnasium.
Beth Kulow, SWCC dean of student services, gave the summer enrollment report. Kulow stated summer enrollment at the college is at 568 students for the two summer sessions. This is up from 537 students in summer 2014.
Tom Lesan, SWCC vice president for economic development, reported to the board regarding the ongoing construction in the Allied Health & Science Center. Lesan said the installation of equipment for the simulation lab will be completed this week. He also noted the remodeling project in the 200-bay hallway in the Instructional Center is on schedule. Completion will be prior to the start of the fall semester.
Crittenden told the board William Penn University will begin offering the RN (registered nursing) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program on the college’s Creston campus as of fall 2015. William Penn’s program recently received accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This program will allow SWCC associate degree in nursing (ADN) graduates to continue their education in a face-to-face format without the need to relocate. According to William Penn’s current plans, classes will be held during daytime hours on Thursday’s in SWCC’s Allied Health & Science Center.
Crittenden explained to the board the 2015 legislative session has come to a close. According to Crittenden, state general aid for community colleges was not increased and will remain at the 2015 level for next year. The colleges will receive one-time funds, equal to 1.25 percent, that must be spent on non-recurring expenses.
The board was informed about the Iowa Association for Community College Trustees (IACCT) annual conference, which will be held July 22-24 in Ottumwa.
The board held a Collective Bargaining Strategy Session following adjournment of the meeting.
###