SIC Board of Trustees Eyes State, Federal Developments
The SIC Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and passed several policy reforms, including revisions to its dual credit and drug-free workplace policies.
New policies include an identity theft prevention policy and a concealed carry policy.
“State and federal laws and regulations drove these changes at the College as we make SIC a positive learning environment,” said Dr. Dana Keating, Vice-President for Academic and Student Affairs.
In terms of budget, the board heard that the governor’s office of management and budget created a three-year projection for when the temporary tax increase expires next January. The state’s deficit would be around $2 billion next year and double that in four years. A result of that deficit would be a mounting backlog of bills, growing from over $5 billion in 2015 to over $16 billion in 2017.
“If that happens, cash flow will be paramount aside from probable funding reductions from the state,” said President Jonah Rice, Ph.D.
The administration presented information about a possible new rule at a regional consortium that would place restrictions on non-participation in a program. After some discussion, the board requested a report for its next meeting on the consortium programs as they relate to SIC.
The college’s national championship shooting team will branch out with a pilot competitive handgun team for next year. Most tournaments have both competitions and this addition will be attractive to more students who want to compete in both activities.
The Board heard an update on comparative data from the White House college score card. SIC has high ranks in the areas of affordability, graduation rate, loans, and borrowing. SIC ranks among the best in terms of less borrowing of the comparative data presented.
In other business, the Board approved the removal of the “interim” designation from the title of Amy Murphy – now Director of Nursing and Allied Health – and amended David Wright’s title to Dean of Administration and Business Affairs. The board approved the employment of Lane O’Brien as Title III Administrative/Technical Support Assistant, the retirement of Jeff Kisner as Automotive Maintenance Specialist, and the resignation of Vicki Blackman as Payroll/Accounting Clerk. Several adjunct faculty were also approved.
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