SIC Board Receives Five-Year ICCB Recognition Review Approval
The Southeastern Illinois College Board of Trustees received notification during its regular meeting Tuesday, May 19, that the college successfully earned a five-year Recognition Review certificate from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), reaffirming the strength and integrity of SIC’s educational programs and institutional operations.
The ICCB Recognition Review process evaluates Illinois community colleges to ensure compliance with state standards and criteria related to academics, finance, administration, and operations. The five-year recognition status represents the highest level of continued approval from the state.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of our faculty, staff, and administration,” said SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss. “It confirms that Southeastern Illinois College continues to meet the high standards established by the state while serving students and communities with excellence.”
During administrative reports, trustees reviewed results from the Spring 2026 student satisfaction survey. Overall feedback was positive among the 110 student responses received, with particularly strong ratings for the Learning Commons and the Cafeteria/Falcon Bistro.
Trustees also received enrollment updates from the college’s nursing programs. The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program has accepted 30 students for the Fall 2026 semester and currently maintains a waiting list. The Practical Nursing (PN) program has accepted 45 full-time students and six part-time students for the upcoming fall semester.
The board was informed that SIC has partnered with Job Corps to provide American Welding Society (AWS) testing through the college’s welding program, expanding workforce training and certification opportunities for students and regional partners.
In additional reports, trustees learned that SIC’s funding proposal to Sol Systems was approved for $225,000 over a two-year period to support the development and implementation of emerging technology programs integrated into the college’s agriculture and trades curricula. Funding will support equipment purchases, training, curriculum development, and assistance for Career and Technical Education students with transportation and food needs.
In action items, the board approved the renewal of the college’s janitorial services contract and approved Ms. Gracelynn Cox of Ridgeway as the 2026-2027 Student Trustee.
Trustees also approved an intergovernmental agreement establishing community college membership participation on the SI Now Board, a Working Cash Fund resolution, and revisions to Board Policy 9022.1 related to financial aid refunds. The revised policy allows refund disbursements through ACH transactions and prepaid card options.
The board additionally approved a cost-of-living raise for all non-bargaining employees.
In personnel actions, trustees approved the hiring of Clarence Farmer as Assistant to the Executive Director of Environmental Services effective June 1, 2026, and approved the hiring of Mark Stucker as Part-time Facilities Services (Temporary), effective April 23, 2026.
The board also accepted the resignation of Workforce Non-Credit Program Specialist Lisa (Johnson) Stroh effective May 20, 2026, and the resignation of Volleyball Coach Jon Watts effective May 7.
The next regular meeting of the SIC Board of Trustees is scheduled for July 21, at 4 p.m. in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room on the Harrisburg campus.
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