MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Southwestern Community College

April 22 , 2003, 6:00 P.M. - SCC Campus

Attending:

The Board of Trustees of Southwestern Community College met for its regular quarterly meeting, with dinner preceding the meeting at 6:00 p.m. on April 22, 2003.

Following dinner, Dr. Groves introduced new employees, Gina Biddix, Robert Burns, Richard Sommers, Sheri Turk and Tammy Zollinger.

Chairman Conrad Burrell called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

Mr. Holt made a motion to approve the minutes of the quarterly meeting of January 28, 2003 as mailed. Mr. Sutton seconded the motion which carried.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

President - Cecil Groves

No report.

Business Services - Janet Burnette

No report.

Continuing Education - Dwight Wiggins

Vice President Wiggins called upon Susan McCaskill. Ms. McCaskill gave a brief overview of new courses and program initiatives at the Public Safety Training Center. New offerings at the Center include escort vehicle certification, motorcycle safety, on-line defensive driving, specialized driver instructor and armed transport officer training. Several courses have been developed in response to requests from local law enforcement or community members and completion of the driving training range has also enabled the Center to expand its offerings. Dr. Groves and Mr. Wiggins commended Ms. McCaskill and the off-campus Continuing Education staff for their efforts in providing services to residents in the college's service area.

Instructional Services - Gene Couch

The college reviews and monitors the viability of curriculum programs on a continuous basis. Several years ago changes in health care reimbursements led to a lack of job opportunities for graduating students in the occupational therapy field. This also had a negative impact on enrollment in the Occupational Therapy Program at Southwestern. Due to these circumstances, a decision has been made to discontinue the program.

Student/Institutional Development - Connie Haire

No report.

Technology/Telecommunications - Jim Campbell

No report.

CURRICULUM AND STUDENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Vice President Wiggins reviewed the Fall Term 2002 Continuing Education Enrollment Report
(V A 1-a).

Vice President Couch reported on the recent Automotive self-study and site visit conducted by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF). The NATEF, a national organization, provides official certification for automotive educational programs. This was the first site visit for the SCC Automotive program and notification of official NATEF certification is anticipated soon. Dr. Couch noted that this evaluation gives an external stamp of approval to the program and the college will be pleased and proud to receive this distinction. Dr. Couch also commended Pete Wolosin, Automotive program director/instructor, for his efforts in the self-study.

Dr. Couch provided an update on the status of the recently approved Nursing Education LPN program which has been created to address the acute nursing shortage. Three area hospitals contributed funds to help finance the initiative. The college will implement the program Fall Semester 2003.

Dr. Couch reviewed the Curriculum Enrollment Data (V B 1-c) for Spring 2003.

Vice President Haire provided a quarterly update on activities and highlights for the Student and Institutional Development area (V C 1-a). Dr. Haire encouraged Trustees to attend Spring Commencement on May 9.

FINANCE AND CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE

Fieldwork has been completed on the financial audit for the year ended June 30, 2002. No instances of noncompliance and no material weaknesses in internal control were noted.

Vice President Burnette reviewed the Local Revenue Analysis (VI A-1) and State Current Expenditures (VI A-2) for the period ending March 31, 2003. There is a possibility the State will ask for a reversion of an additional one percent.

Ms. Burnette presented the Budget Transfers/Amendments (VI B-1), Annual Local Budget (VI B-2) and Annual College Budget (VI B-3). It is anticipated that the 2003-2004 budget will approximate the current budget.

Mr. Holt made a motion that the Budget Transfers/ Amendments, Annual Local Budget and Annual College Budget be approved. Dr. Neslen seconded the motion which carried.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The System Office Program Audit Services staff recently completed a program audit at SCC for Spring Semester 2001 through Spring Semester 2002. Dr. Groves has received notification that there were no audit exceptions or concerns identified for the classes/programs reviewed.

Dr. Groves provided an update on college facilities and acquisition projects and reviewed efforts regarding the joint library, wellness center and Cashiers projects. He gave a brief history and timeline of the college's involvement in each project. A public forum on the joint library project will be held on May 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the SCC Myers Auditorium.

Plans are moving forward regarding the new Macon campus. The college has advertised for a master planner and building architect to do a master plan for the site. A called meeting will probably be scheduled next month to review applicants to do the master plan. Mr. Holt suggested the college ask five or six qualified candidates to meet with the Board of Trustees and present examples of their work, preferably for built projects.

Dr. Groves gave an update on the fiber optic initiative. Progress is being made on the project. He reported on recent meetings with representatives from DNet and the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

Mr. Hyatt made a motion that the additions to the Full-Time Employee List (VII B-l) be approved. Mr. Sutton seconded the motion which carried.

Mr. Penland made a motion that the additions to the Part-Time Employee List (VII B-2) be approved. Mr. Bell seconded the motion which carried.

Presidential Evaluation forms were distributed to the Trustees. Evaluations should be completed and forwarded to Chairman Burrell by May 22.

Commencement exercises will be held on May 9. The commencement speaker will be Trustee Leon Jones, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. The Spring 2003 graduating class is the largest in the college's history. Trustees planning to attend should notify Sharon Grasty in order to ensure parking and seating arrangements.

Mr. Sutton made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Neslen seconded the motion which carried.

The next quarterly Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2003.

The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

Back to Board of Trustees home