SIC Board Hears of Scholarships and Personnel Changes
The Southeastern Illinois College Board of Trustees met in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room on Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. to approve a revised financial aid policy, report on new scholarships, and discuss personnel changes.
The board approved a revised policy on financial aid satisfactory academic progress to reflect the language used by the Department of Education to insure continued compliance with federal regulations.
There was a slight increase in facilities fees, to $6 per credit hour. This $2 bump will be used for buildings, equipment and maintenance along with related expenses.
SIC President, Dr. Jonah Rice, reported on the newly established Graves-Absher Scholarship available to Harrisburg High School students beginning in the fall of 2016. This scholarship is a $40,000 annual award that will follow a student through SIC to a senior institution.
“Southeastern is very fortunate to receive this generous gift from Gordon and Linda Graves,” said Rice. “This scholarship will serve as a silent memorial to Linda’s late son, Brad, who attended Harrisburg High School.”
Harrisburg students are encouraged to see their student counselor for more information on this scholarship.
The board heard about outstanding state pass rates in both SIC’s Practical Nursing (PN) program and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. The PN pass rate was tied for first place at 100 percent, with the state average being 88 percent. The ADN pass rate was 92 percent, with the state average being 86 percent. This places SIC in the top quarter among all colleges in the state.
“We could not be more proud of our nursing faculty and students,” said Gina Sirach, Dean of Academic Services. “Our instructors’ high standards push our students to reach their maximum potential and rank with the best in the state, and our students demonstrate hard work and determination to achieve such stellar pass rates.”
As for the budget, there have still been no major changes in Springfield.
“Currently, we are carefully monitoring the budget situation and will adjust accordingly,” said Rice. “As for SIC, we are still here and we will continue to serve our region.”
In personnel, multiple positions were eliminated, including the administrative accounts receivable specialist, one staff grant position and three faculty positions. The board approved early retirement agreements of chemistry instructor, Gene Forster and custodian, Eldon McDowell. The board accepted the resignations of Lindsey Bullman, Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study coordinator and Melissa Nicks, part-time bookstore clerk, as well as employed Keturah Tanner as the part-time bookstore clerk and approved a number of adjunct faculty members.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for March 29 at 6 p.m. in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room.
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