February 15, 2011 Minutes of Regular Meeting

TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Rick Pearce noted that the tenure in the State of Illinois is regulated by the Tenure Act, but institutions across the State implement their own process.  The tenure process at IVCC is very rigorous and it usually takes three years to complete. Up to eleven evaluations may be conducted where the dean, vice president and associate vice president go into the classroom and view the teaching at different times during the semester and eleven self-evaluations are completed by the faculty. There are evaluations conducted by the students, semester after semester. The instructor prepares an extensive portfolio of their evaluations and contributions to the institution.  Tenure is not a given; it is earned and IVCC’s process demonstrates the quality of the institution.

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve the tenure for Richard J. Serafini, accounting instructor.  Dean Ron Groleau introduced Mr. Serafini who received his master’s degree in Accountancy from Golden Gate University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  He has been a controller for a manufacturing firm, a self-employed CPA and was employed as a part-time faculty member at IVCC for seven years before becoming full-time. He uses his knowledge and past work experience to bring practical application to the classroom.  He is active in course development and innovative in the classroom by using Glo-Bus Business simulation software which allows students to compete in a real-world, business simulated environment managing a digital camera company.  He is an active community member and past president of the Granville Rotary.  He is also active at IVCC serving on a number of committees.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve the tenure for Jeffrey A. Spanbauer, history instructor.  Interim Dean, Mike Pecherek, introduced Mr. Spanbauer who received his master’s degree in American History from Illinois State University in 1993. He has taught at Eureka High School and Black Hawk College before being offered a position at IVCC to replace the late Stephen Charry.  He knew the College well before coming as his mother had been a member of the nursing faculty at IVCC.  He is the advisor for the IVCC Student Veteran’s Association and serves on the curriculum committee.  He was a panelist for the fall and spring Preview, a member of the General Education Assessment Pilot team, and an IVCC Leadership and Core Values Retreat participant.  He has excellent teaching evaluations and it shows by the enthusiasm of the students who enroll in his classes.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Mr. Zallis and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the tenure for Promise K. Yong, chemistry instructor.  Dean Ron Groleau introduced Dr. Yong who received his PhD. in Organic Chemistry/Photochemistry from North Dakota University and was an instructor at St. Bedes College in Cameroon Africa. He does an excellent job of preparing students.  He incorporated “peer challenge” into his organic chemistry classes.  This innovative practice facilitates group working and learning.  Dr. Yong developed a new course for student planning to transfer for a four-year degree in nursing and radiology.  He is co-faculty advisor for the IVCC Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society and the chapter has received the highest recognition from the National Organization in each of the three years Dr. Yong has been with IVCC.  Dr. Yong is very active in the community and presents a Wonder Science show for over 1,000 students each year.  As a faculty advisor he has played a leadership role in an annual Christmas party for area underprivileged children.  He is also an active member of the IVCC Networking Committee.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported that Tracy Morris and her staff have prepared an attractive postcard reminding everyone eligible to participate in the May 20 Commencement to attend a grad fair program on March 9. This year’s ceremony will be special for a number of reasons, one of them being one of the College’s  most distinguished alumni, Dan Janka, president and CEO of MAG Global, the largest machine tool manufacturer in the United States and third largest worldwide, has agreed to deliver the commencement address to the graduates.  The administration is hoping for a great turnout.  The Lincoln College-Normal Accelerated Bridge to Education program will be offering classes on the IVCC campus in business management, criminal justice, health services administration and liberal arts beginning March 14. The College is excited about the opportunities this program will afford busy professionals interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree with Lincoln College-Normal faculty on the IVCC campus.  Dr. Corcoran commended Dr. Rick Pearce for his work on this partnership.  The Illinois Community College Board and Illinois Board of Higher Education will soon be hosting eight regional workshops around the State focusing on College Readiness Standards and curriculum alignment and IVCC will be the site for one of these all-day workshops on April 20. The idea will be to bring secondary and postsecondary educators together so that students graduating from high school are prepared to enroll and succeed in credit-bearing college courses, or go to work with the skills expected by employers. The administration will begin working on a letter to all of its educational partners next week so that everyone can do their best to attend on April 20 beginning at 9 a.m.   The process of updating our Master Plan began on February 8 with a meeting that involved approximately 45 individuals representing at least 10 partner agencies, all willing to provide feedback on the College’s facilities. What came out of that first meeting was the decision to group comments under space needs for academic programs, career and technical programs, health professions, fine arts, athletic facilities, fitness center, community needs, youth programs, satellite locations, technology and computer labs, childcare, landscaping/grounds, food service, way-finding/signage, parking/accessibility and other. A suggestion was made to encourage as much participation in the process as possible by having a survey available online at the College’s home page, so the administration followed through on that idea.  Dr. Corcoran and the three vice presidents will be meeting with the Student Government Association and will encourage the student body to participate in the process. The administration will also reach out to the students via social media, again with the intent being to receive as much information as possible for planning purposes. The deadline for completing the online survey will be February 28. Shortly thereafter, a meeting with the steering committee - which will include Board representation - will be scheduled.  Dr. Corcoran appreciates the time and effort that Cheryl Roelfsema and her Business Office coworkers have put into making this exercise a worthwhile activity.  Spring semester enrollments continue to look strong. As of February 11, spring semester headcount was up slightly when compared to spring 2010, and credit hours were down 2.68 percent; however, if the Sheridan numbers are pulled out, headcount is up almost 1 percent and credit hours are down approximately 1 percent. Dr. Corcoran reminded everyone to check their calendars and consider attending the IVCC Foundation’s seventh annual Irish Night celebration on Saturday, March 5 at Celebrations featuring the Silhouettes of Kankakee.  Fran Brolley placed reminders for each board member on the board table.  Dr. Corcoran was happy to announce that George Needs, Human Resources Specialist, recently passed the rigorous SPHR exam and has earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources credential. He congratulated George Needs on a job well done.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Thompson noted that the President’s evaluation form was distributed to each board member and will also be available online along with the board’s self evaluation.  Both evaluations will need to be submitted approximately ten days before the March board meeting to allow time to compile the results.

Dr. Driscoll reported on the Audit/Finance Committee meeting held on Thursday, February 3.  Cheryl Roelfsema and Patrick Berry had prepared the five-year financial forecast and a list of the factors, assumptions, and findings that were included in the forecast were listed in the minutes from the meeting in the board book.  An increase in tuition from $68.36 to $76.13 per credit hour was discussed.  IVCC had received a letter from the Illinois Community College Board stating that IVCC must set its tuition and universal fee rate at 85 percent of the statewide average (an increase of $7.77) in order to qualify for equalization.  Qualifying for equalization means approximately $2.6 million to the College when one considers eligibility for receiving an equalization grant and levying an equity tax. With the increase, the College may remain the lowest tuition in the State.  The Committee also discussed course fee adjustments.  Course fees are reviewed annually using the approved Course Fee Guidelines.  Recommended adjustments were made on 252 course fees:  199 increases, 29 decreases, add course fees to 12 existing courses, and add course fees for 12 new courses.   The Committee’s recommendation to the Board was to approve the course fee adjustments and increase the tuition.

Dr. Driscoll noted that the Board Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 23 at 5 p.m. in the Board Room.

FY12 BUDGET

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 1011 to June 30, 2012; adopt the resolution designating Dr. Jerry Corcoran as the District’s officer appointed to prepare the tentative budget; and approve the budget calendar, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TUITION RATE ADJUSTMENT

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve the increase in tuition by $7.77 from $68.36 to $76.13 per credit hour beginning with the summer 2011 semester.  Mr. Mallery noted that he had received a list of Senate and House bills that are pending and one was to amend the Community College Act to lock in tuition for students.  He wanted to know how this would affect the College in planning and looking at projections.  He wanted to consider a position on the bill and be more active.  He noted it did not specifically identify the colleges that qualify for equalization and he wanted to know if it would leave the College with the same flexibility.  The administration noted that it would be very difficult for IVCC to keep everyone separate.  Mr. Mallery noted that he was opposed to raising tuition.

Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Driscoll, Dr. Huffman, Ms. Olivero, Mr. Setchell, and Mr. Thompson. “Nays” – Mr. Mallery, motion carried.

COURSE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Mr. Mallery to add fees for 12 new courses, add fees to 12 existing courses, increase fees for 199 courses and reduce fees for 29 courses, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY CONTRACT – SHERIDAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees Community College District Number 513 and the American Federation of Teachers Local 1810 Sheridan for academic year 2010-2011, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

REDUCTION IN FORCE – SHERIDAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Mr. Zallis to authorize the College to officially notify the Sheridan Correctional Center instructional and academic support staff (Harry Bell, Jr., Jerry Christensen, Mary Neps, Suzanne Porter, Janice Sharp, Keith Stevenson, and Steve Swett) of the Reduction in Force.  Motion passed by voice vote.

REDUCTION IN FORCE – JOINT APPRENTICEHIP AND TRAINING COMMITTEE (JATC) LOCAL UNION 176

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to authorize the College to officially notify the full-time employees of the JATC Local Union 176 (Michael J. Clemmons and Terrence P. Smolik) of the Reduction in Force.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Mr. Mallery asked if the contract would automatically be renewed when the contract is received and the answer was “yes.”  Mr. Walt Zukowski added that the IBEW instructors are full-time faculty and have all the rights and privileges per the Act and if the program was discontinued, they would have recall rights for 24 months. 

STAFF APPOINTMENT – MARK J. GRZYBOWSKI, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & RECORDS

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve the appointment of Mark J. Grzybowski as the Director of Admissions & Records with an annualized salary of $55,000.  Tracy Morris introduced Mr. Grzybowski who has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and a master of business administration from Loyola University.  He has been employed at IVCC for three years and brought together all the gaps in the Dual Credit program.  He has strong relationships with area high schools and has experience with Datatel.  He serves on the park board in LaSalle.  Ms. Morris thanked Connie Skerston for doing a fantastic job in the interim.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY RESIGNATION – SCOT L. ALLEN, INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept Scot L. Allen’s letter of resignation as Instructor/Program Coordinator in Emergency Medical Services, effective January 28, 2011.  Motion passed by voice vote.

RESOLUTION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE ILLINOIS VALLEY CRIME PREVENTION COMMISSION

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to adopt the resolution to become a member of the Illinois Valley Crime Prevention Commission in fiscal year 2012.  Dr. Corcoran noted to meet the training needs of our security staff, this will allow them to receive the training locally and at a reasonable cost.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS – CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD TRUST ACCOUNT

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve the transfer of $14,702 to the Capital Development Board trust account at Citizens First National Bank to cover additional anticipated costs for Project No. 810-046-106 to oversee the asbestos abatement.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Mr. Setchell suggested developing a curriculum for crime prevention training that could be hosted locally.  Dr. Pearce plans to meet with Tom Templeton, LaSalle County Sheriff, to discuss this and also a discussion on a county morgue.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to convene a closed session to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives; 3) imminent litigation; and 4) closed session minutes.

Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Driscoll, Dr. Huffman, Ms. Olivero, Mr. Mallery, Mr. Setchell, and Mr. Thompson. “Nays” – None, motion carried.