SIC BOASTS STRONG SHOWING IN COMPLETION, RETENTION RATES

The SIC Board of Trustees learned last night that the College has some of the strongest retention and completion rates for full-time students in the region, but there are plans to make those rates even stronger.

SIC boasts about a 10 percent completion rate advantage over its southernmost neighbors and also leads in retention of full-time students.

“The Higher Learning Commission, the College’s accrediting agency, as well as state and local governments demand these solid retention and completion rates,” said President Dr. Jonah Rice. “SIC does a great job, but we can’t relax on yesterday’s results.  We must continue to excel.”

The College has undertaken a quality initiative project to engage retention in an even more rigorous manner and continuing work is expected.

“SIC is a leader in completion and retention,” said Dean Chad Flannery. “Even the Lt. Governor’s recent report ranked SIC in the top of the state in that category.”

Enrollment reports show that SIC is on par with state and national statistics with a slight turn downward.  However, reports for the spring 2014 semester show a positive gain so far.

The board also approved a tax levy that included a bond reduction for taxpayers resulting in a levy that is about half of what is allowable to collect.

“We want to be prudent fiscal stewards for the taxpayer in these tough times,” said Board Chairperson Dr. Pat York.

The board also approved a very positive audit presented by Kemper, CPA of Harrisburg.  This year’s audit was unqualified and indicated the hard work made to ensure that the component unit qualification from last year did not affect the College.

Board members approved a debt recovery intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Comptroller to help recover funds owed to the College.

In other business, the board approved a collective bargaining agreement with the SICEA, accepted the retirement of Darlene Dearing, secretary to the dean of community education, and accepted the resignation of Beth Wead the Title III administrative assistant.  The board approved the employment of Kim Keating as part-time Saline County Chamber assistant, Amy Brombaugh as part-time small business consultant, and Bre Bergeron as part-time customer service center specialist.

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