Southeastern Illinois College Board of trustees met Tuesday, July 12.
Here are the minutes as provided by SIC:
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING
SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE
3575 COLLEGE ROAD; HARRISBURG, IL 62946
JULY 12, 2016
The Southeastern Illinois College Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 6:00 pm in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room. On roll call, the following members were present: Blake Bradley, David Dennison, Debbie Hughes, Jim Ellis, Richard Morgan, Dr. Frank Barbre, Dr. Pat York, and Bridget Fitzpatrick, student trustee. Absent: None. Also present were: Dr. Jonah Rice, Dr. Karen Weiss, Chad Flannery, David Wright, Karla Lewis, Dr. Diane King, Dr. Julia Schroeder, and Barbara Potter.
Dr. York welcomed guests and allowed a time for comment. There were no comments from the audience.
Reports
Dr. Frank Barbre, ICCTA Representative, reported on the following: The ICCTA Board of Representatives took the following actions at its June 4, 2016, meeting at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre in Springfield, Illinois: Elected the following ICCTA officers for 2016-2017: James Endress (Highland) – Vice president, Kathy Spears (Kishwaukee) – Secretary, Fritz Larsen (Black Hawk) – Treasurer. Current vice president Linda Liddell (McHenry) will assume the ICCTA presidency on July 1, 2016 succeeding president Andrew Bollman (Sauk Valley);
Reviewed ICCTA’s June 3-4 annual convention in Springfield. Highlights included a seminar on the Monetary Award Program, a Trustees Roundtable discussion, and the 50th Anniversary Awards Banquet celebrating the founding of the Illinois community college system in 1965; Congratulated the recipients of ICCTA’s 2016 awards; Received an update on the Illinois General Assembly’s spring 2016 session. Lawmakers adjourned on May 31 without passing a Fiscal Year 2017 budget, but meetings between bi-partisan working groups will continue throughout the summer; Adopted the association’s FY17 budget. Given the uncertainty of the state’s fiscal situation, the ICCTA Executive Committee will review the status of ICCTA’s budget at its August 5-6 retreat in Springfield; Learned that the Illinois Community College Board’s June 3-4 Student Leadership Institute experienced a strong turnout of students from across the system; Received updates regarding ICCB, the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents, and the Association of Community College Trustees; and thanked the sponsors of ICCTA’s convention activities. Dr. Barbre reported that the ICCTA Board of Representatives created the Trustee Education Award in 1992 to recognize outstanding achievement in the area of professional development. Recipients of this honor have participated in 15 or more ICCTA seminars. This year 10 trustees and presidents have achieved that status and Jim Ellis was recognized as one of the trustees who had reached this milestone. Dr. Barbre noted the sad passing of Andrew Bollman who was the ICCTA president for 2015 and was a speaker at our Fall 2015 Southeast Region Trustees Meeting and was an outstanding ICCTA president.
Dr. Rice reported on the following items: State Budget: Higher Education in Survival Mode: That was the message from IBHE Board Chairman, Tom Cross. The meeting included a variety of testimony from higher education officials highlighting the uncertainty for the future and how plans are undermined as a result. Short-term/Stop Gap Good but Not a Solution: Any funding is good funding, but some funding is not enough funding. That would be my take away from “just in time” trickles of money. Former Gov Jim Edgar recently called for a focus on settling the budget and postponing the structural and operational reforms. Sadly, he surmised by saying he wished he could see “a light at the end of the tunnel” but doesn’t. Statements from around the state: “Without an agreement to restore state funding for our campuses, this impasse threatens to touch every corner of our state, troubling economic engines that are really critical to moving Illinois forward and create the kind of tax base that will allow us to recover from our fiscal challenges,” University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen said during an Illinois Coalition to Invest in Higher Education news conference at the Capitol. “It will get worse if a fiscal year 2016 budget isn’t passed immediately,” said Illinois State University President Larry Dietz. “Students will be unable to graduate or continue classes because the MAP grants that let them afford college in the first place are being held up. Although throughout this impasse, we’ve heard the governor and our legislators say how important higher education is to the state and bestowing the virtues of an educated and engaged Illinois citizen rate, the time for talk has long since passed, and we simply need action on this impasse.” “In the private system, we are absolutely depending on conclusion to the 2016 budget of a fully funded MAP program. We think that to fund 2016 is a statement about the strength and importance of higher education, and upon that funding, we will build to 2017,” said Illinois College President Barbara Farley. SIC Budget Assumption: We will work with the budget subcommittee on this. ICCB has not, unlike the past, sent us communication regarding state appropriations for budget construction. We are flying on our own with predictions. Other colleges are guessing at 50%. Some at 70-80%. Some may even guess at full (flat from FY 15). Conventional wisdom and the recurring number is 50% funding for FY 17. However, by budgeting that amount from the state, that message could send a misinterpretation of our need for much greater support. We can’t exist as we are from here on out with just 50% from the State. Our nextmeeting with the budget subcommittee will engage the possibility of guessing at 80%, although we may not anywhere near that, but that move would prevent us from conceding to a number we cannot sustain. Plus, our CFIs and ratings may not be harmed as much as fast as we wait out this turmoil in Illinois.
GAP Discussion: Most colleges are looking at more reductions and revenue enhancements. Using our hopeful model of losing only 20% of state funding, that’s about 10% of our total operational budget, otherwise, one million dollars. To cut/raise that amount will be a real challenge. I have charged cabinet to think of ideas and I will engage various bodies in the fall of how to deal with such a task. Likewise, I have heard a college about three times our size is looking at a possible $3 million cut (proportional to us) if the funding outlook remains bleak from the State. I will work with the subcommittee in the future on this. The Board subcommittee on finance met recently to prepare for the FY 2016 audit as well as to review the latest news from the State and make decisions on the FY 2017 budget. I wish we had better news to report, but here are the hard truths: Because the State funding for FY 2016 fell short by 58%, SIC will end the year between $2 million and $2.3 million in the hole. If the State had just funded us flat as in FY 2015, we would have ended in the black for a seventh straight year. As for FY 2017, most colleges, like SIC, do not expect to receive any funding until past the election. That means SIC will not see State funding until sometime after January 1, 2017—most likely. We will budget, however, for funding based on a reduction from the FY 15 appropriation, the last time our state had a budget for higher education. This is simply a hope and non-admission of defeat. When and if funding is approved, whether it be stopgap or some emergency appropriation, we do not know how much will be there. We are in unchartered waters as the ICCB has not given us their usual notification of anticipated funds so that we can construct our budgets. Given a popular scenario of two years with a combined average of less than half of our expected State funding, SIC will be hard pressed to complete FY 2018 without projected significant operational debt with exhausted reserves. That debt will occur given a repeat of that same State shortfall. It’s a simple matter of spending our savings to float the State’s shortcoming to funding us as they should. Our reserve, AKA emergency savings, will run precariously low in FY 17 with such a situation. We will not meet the mandatory cash reserve ratio at that point. Speculation we have heard: higher education could be held hostage for four straight years without a budget; if K-12 funding is kept in the overall budget, that could force a budget for higher education, but if an appropriation splits K-12 out of the overall budget, higher education will be cut short. As of today, it looks like a deal might be cut to give K-12 more money (Chicago and downstate). Higher education is not in the discussion from what I’ve seen or heard. Recruitment/Enrollment From the Washington Post: Public colleges and universities are drawing a large percentage of their students from community colleges, where nearly two-thirds of students transfer to a four-year institution, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The nonprofit group found that two in five students who obtained an associate degree in the 2009-2010 academic year went on to complete a bachelor’s within six years. Researchers say students under 20 years of age were most likely to take the associate-to-bachelor’s pathway, with almost 61 percent earning a bachelor’s degree within six years. Of the students with associate degrees who pursued a bachelor’s, 66 percent finished within three years, the report said. “Students are consuming postsecondary education in smaller chunks today,” said Doug Shapiro, executive research director of the Clearinghouse. “They’re increasingly starting at a community college whether that’s to save money, stay closer to home or be able to work and care for their families.” The Clearinghouse report offers important insight into the changing landscape of higher education. Although 40 percent of students pursuing a degree are in community colleges, states have been slashing funding to such institutions. An estimated 96 percent of community colleges receive less than 5 percent of their budget from state funding, with states like Arizona cutting all appropriations to its community colleges. As the population of students entering community colleges continues to grow, higher education experts say state legislatures will need to reconsider how they allocate funding. Shapiro said it is also important for state policymakers to explore whether delays in graduating are the result of student behavior, transfer polices or state articulation policies. IBHE discussion at its most recent meeting highlighted the out flow of students from Illinois, especially in certain disciplines. Uncertainty in Illinois and lack of MAP funding, especially for universities, are big factors. Dr. Keating’s Plaque: This has arrived and will be installed soon in at the entrance to the Student Success Center. Board Policy Update: I have more changes to the Board Policy as a result of our continuing efforts to update and screen policies. Some are more editorial, while others are more sustentative in light of changes to statute/law. Agreement with Missouri Baptist: We are excited to bring this opportunity to the residents in SIC’s district. We may partner with RLC to offer two-way interactive courses in criminal justice if enrollments are lower than expected. Inter district Agreements: We have added a new line to our inter-district agreements that requests notification of any out of district recruiting in our district from neighboring colleges. Two have already agreed to the changes.
ICCB and Presidents’ Council: Presidents’ Council voted to loan the ICCB funds to fix the air conditioning at ICCB headquarters in Springfield. The ICCB has no operational funds. Staff members have to bring their own toilet paper to work. Pell Update: We continue to monitor and hope for summer Pell to return. I do know that after communicating with our local Congressman, he is inclined to not pursue in order to prevent more deficit spending. Online Expansion Task Force: This is being formed and headed by Dr. Weiss. She has assembled this team to explore online expansion and such possibilities due to the SARA interstate agreement. We will keep you posted on their work. Presidents Planning Retreat (Parkland): I will attend this retreat to help set the agenda for Presidents’ Council. The meeting will be on July 21.
Risk Management Update: This is the fourth year we will enter with our new risk management program and plan. Minor revisions were made on these documents during our annual review. Phase III of tort usage per job descriptions was conducted and will be implemented. Some additional use of tort funding was discussed and approved. Campus safety tests are being planned for the near future (August).
Master Facilities Plan: Our master facilities plan was chosen by a local architect to use as a model for a regional medical center with multiple sites for their master planning process and product. I am very proud of the system we created and implemented as well as the final document and use in actual facilities projects.
Institutional Effectiveness: Included in my report is our institutional effectiveness calendar. We are on target with beginning the next year’s cycle.
HMC Winter Gala Meeting: Staff and I met with HMC Foundation personnel to discuss use of SIC for their Winter Gala. All went well and were in agreement with usage.
SICF Bass Fishing: This went well. We are working on the history of this event and use of funds. We will engage at the next Foundation meeting. Brick Campaign: We are well over $30,000 and the project will be underway soon. The committee has some work to do before the final brick order and then we can proceed.
Bow Fishing: All is going well and plans are progressing.
Pond Fountain: The Foundation will repair this fountain as the SICF purchased it years ago. Data Bank and Marketing Strategy: We have developed a comprehensive marketing strategy for the Foundation in preparation for the strategic planning this summer and fall.
The administrative cabinet presented brief reports. Student trustee Bridget Fitzpatrick reported on student fundraising and activities.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Trustee Ellis and seconded by Trustee Bradley to approve the consent agenda which included the May 17, 2016 regular and closed session minutes, destroying tapes of the January 2015 closed session, the Treasurer’s report and the May bills which totaled
$1,215,924.10 that included $736,056.25 in payroll.
On roll call the following members voted:
Aye Nay
Mr. Bradley
Mr. Dennison
Ms. Hughes
Mr. Ellis
Mr. Morgan
Dr. Barbre
Dr. York
Ms. Fitzpatrick, Advisory Vote
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
Action Items
A motion was made by Trustee Bradley seconded by Trustee Hughes that the Board of Trustees approve the RAMP application for FY18.
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Hughes seconded by Trustee Barbre that the Board of Trustees approve the course fee increase recommendation to add $28.00 to NUR 172 and ADN 271 effective fall 2016 semester.
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Barbre seconded by Trustee Morgan that the Board of Trustees approve the bid of Jim Taylor Inc., Belleville, IL for the alternate bid 1 for $3,165 for the grate planks and ship ladders and alternate bid 3 for the installation of a fluid applied membrane roof for $283,629.
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Ellis seconded by Trustee Dennison that the Board of Trustees approve the Cincinnati Insurance renewal for FY17 with the caveat that Executive Dean Wright meet with Southeastern’s broker Mr. Bill Ghent and discover why the increase of 19%.
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
Dr. Schroeder addressed the Board and explained that Missouri Baptist University articulates with community colleges on specific courses and will accept 70 – 90 credit hours from transferring community colleges with the remaining 40 credit hours taken through Missouri Baptist. Dr. Schroeder noted it is a win/win for community colleges.
A motion was then made by Trustee Hughes seconded by Trustee Barbre that the Board of Trustees approve the Missouri Baptist University Agreement as presented. This Agreement between Southeastern Illinois College, and Missouri Baptist University, is intended to associate two institutions of higher learning in a cooperative and coordinated endeavor of mutual interest to better serve the educational needs of the residents of Southeastern Illinois College district.
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Bradley seconded by Trustee Ellis that the Board of Trustees approve a Cooperative Agreement with John A. Logan for the 2016-17 academic year.
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Bradley seconded by Trustee Hughes that the Board of Trustees approve the high school dual credit agreements that Southeastern has with each district high school.
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Ellis seconded by Trustee Morgan that the Board of Trustees approve revisions to board policy “Officers 2002”. (Policy included at the end of the minutes).
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Bradley seconded by Trustee Dennison that the Board of Trustees approve revisions to board policy “Board Treasurer 2004”. (Policy included at the end of the minutes).
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Ellis seconded by Trustee Hughes that the Board of Trustees approve revisions to board policy “Annual Review 2007.1”. (Policy included at the end of the minutes).
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Morgan seconded by Trustee Barbre that the Board of Trustees approve revisions to board policy “SIC Code of Ethics – Board of Trustees 2020”. (Policy included at the end of the minutes).
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Hughes seconded by Trustee Dennison that the Board of Trustees approve revisions to board policy “Organizational Chart 3001”. (Organizational Chart may be found in the board policy manual, executive assistant to the president’s office, or on IntrinSIC under Forms and Manuals/Human Resources/Organizational Chart).
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Dennison seconded by Trustee Bradley that the Board of Trustees approve revisions to board policy “Line and Staff Relationships 3002”. (Policy included at the end of the minutes).
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Trustee Bradley seconded by Trustee Ellis that the Board of Trustees approve revisions to board policy “Councils, Cabinet and Committees 3003”. (Policy included at the end of the minutes).
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
Non-Action Items
In non-action items, Dr. Rice presented the board with a Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market (SICCM) program analysis report. Dr. Rice reported five different options for SIC with regard to the College’s participation in SICCM. After much discussion, Dr. Rice will engage cabinet recommendations after the next SICCM quarterly meeting barring any significant changes to SICCM by the SICCM Board.
The board was presented with revisions to board policy “Faculty Qualifications 4001.1” for a first reading with adoption at the August meeting.
A tort update was presented to the board per the Risk Assessment Plan.
Closed Session
There was no closed session.
Personnel
A motion was made by Trustee Ellis and seconded by Trustee Morgan to approve all items under personnel.
Accepted the resignation of Kiley Adams, Financial Aid Specialist, effective June 2, 2016, approved the employment of Melisa Berendson as the SICEA full-time nursing instructor, who will be placed on the SICEA salary schedule at MS+0, Step 5, $44,478 effective August 15, 2016, approved the employment of Dominique Taylor as the Financial Aid Specialist effective July 18, 2016 at a salary of $20,414 per the UMWA salary schedule and approved a number of adjunct faculty positions.
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
Adjournment
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