Saturday, November 2, 2024

NCMC Board Meeting Highlights: Enrollment up, new policies, infrastructure

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At the recent North Central Missouri College (NCMC) Board of Trustees meeting, held on July 23rd, NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver presented updates on various aspects of the college’s operations and plans.

Dr. Klaver reported that enrollment figures show a 10% increase in headcount (including high school students) and a 2% increase (excluding high school students) four weeks before the start of fall classes. Credit hours have risen by 3% with high school students included, while they remain flat without them. He noted that these numbers might decrease by the start of classes.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Tristan Londre is organizing new employee meetings, convocation, and an in-service day. The new employee meetings are scheduled for August 14th, followed by convocation on August 15th at 10 a.m. with subsequent meetings and activities. The in-service day will be on August 16th, involving faculty and group meetings as well as classroom set-ups.

A cabinet and deans retreat is set for July 30th, focusing on strengthening NCMC’s centennial year and future planning. Dr. Klaver also mentioned the creation of a workforce compendium document showcasing NCMC’s contributions to workforce development in the region and beyond.

Dr. Klaver had a meeting with Northwest Missouri State University President Dr. Lance Tatum, where they discussed transfers and articulation agreements, particularly in the agriculture sector. The Convergent Technology Alliance Center building in Saint Joseph is nearing completion, with NCMC’s manufacturing automated robotics and assembly line scheduled for shipment and installation soon.

The United States Department of Agriculture offices in Savannah will be vacated by January 1st. NCMC is considering potential usage for the space, aiming for readiness by fall 2025. NCMC acquired adjacent property at 105 and 107 U.S. Highway 71 in February, including the USDA building and a strip mall, for future development without immediate plans to vacate current renters.

Dr. Klaver attended a Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) meeting on July 23rd, which reviewed a recent meeting in Jefferson City. The MDHEWD meeting covered performance funding, transfer processes, and enrollment initiatives. A Performance Funding Task Force meeting on July 24th was anticipated to be more controversial, focusing on better positioning funding for Missouri’s higher institutions.

Chief Information Officer Jennifer Triplett provided an update on IT Services, including upgrades to the OneCard information system and the Trenton internet circuit. IT Services also implemented a registration summary feature on PowerCampus, enhancing visibility for students and advisors.

Green Hills Head Start Director Jenny Lewis reported that six health screenings were completed for 115 children, and two dental vans served 20 children combined. The Early Head Start center-based program ended its year this month, with more children to be added in the fall.

New NCMC employees introduced at the meeting included Trio Director Tocarra Williams, Students Accessing Individualized Learning Program Director Tara Hoffman, and Dean/Director of the Savannah Campus Dr. Clarence Green.

The board approved athletic insurance for the 2024-2025 sports year through Dissinger Reed for $27,120, down from last year’s $32,270. Ward Roofing was paid $51,860 for the Hoffman Hall roof replacement, covered by insurance proceeds. A new sexual harassment policy was approved, aligning with updates to Title IX legislation, effective August 1st.

An open records request policy was tabled for the next meeting to allow for a first reading. The new policy aims to provide detailed procedures for making requests, timelines, potential fees, and responsibilities of the custodian of records.

The board declared several IT items as surplus property for disposal according to NCMC policy. The resignation of Enrollment Marketing Specialist Amanda Sampsel, effective July 31st, was approved, as was the hiring of Marissa Buckallew as Assistant Softball Coach/Residence Life Coordinator, effective July 15th. Adjunct instructors Leticia “Tish” Gerling, Tess Bravo, Jaryn Black, Korbin Koch, and Lexie Gutshall were also approved for hiring.

The board scheduled its annual levy hearing for August 27th at 5:25 p.m., preceding the regular August meeting. The board also approved Head Start’s submission of a supplemental one-time funding application and the Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Plan and Wage Comparability Study.

The meeting concluded with a closed session for discussions on employees, legal action, and/or real estate.

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