Southern Illinois College trustees discuss business center and grants, vote for tuition hike
Southern Illinois College trustees discuss business center and grants, vote for tuition hike
The Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) board of trustees recently discussed its business center, new grants and a tuition increase.
One topic covered was how to maintain the Workforce and Illinois Small Business Development Center (WISBDC).
“Many colleges in the state have shut down their SBDC operations due to a lack of funding,” President Jonah Rice said. “SIC understands the important role of our WISBDC, and we want to continue those services. The college knows how important small business development is to our region. We’re doing everything we can with great leadership by Lori (Cox) to maintain these vital services.”
The board also discussed several grants. The school's diesel program is receiving nearly $50,000 from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to buy two diesel engine trainers.
Two more grants will help develop dual credit classes in English, business and math.
“We are working with most of the high schools in our district to implement new dual credit offerings and engage secondary and post-secondary faculty in curriculum alignment and articulation activities related to current and new dual credit offerings,” Executive Dean of Academic Services Gina Sirach said.
The board also increased tuition by $7 per credit hour, for a new total of $106 per credit hour, which will go into effect this summer.
Rice does not consider the hike as significant.
“Our tuition is still a far cry from the cost of a university, especially when you consider the exorbitant fee structure at a senior institution,” he said.
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