March 15, 2011 Minutes of Regular Meeting

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran has appreciated the work that has been done so far by the Health Insurance Committee in reviewing six proposals submitted for employee health insurance.  The Committee consists of faculty members, support staff, and administrators. On March 3 two finalists, Healthscope and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, gave outstanding presentations. Board of Trustee member, Tom Setchell and Dr. Corcoran sat in on the presentations. Once the renewal rates for FY 2012 are received from the health insurance cooperative, the College’s current health plan, a recommendation will then be prepared for the April meeting of the Board.  Dr. Corcoran noted the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents passed a resolution asking for the ICCB and Trustees Association to support their request that the General Assembly and Governor freeze the distribution of credit hour grants to all community colleges in fiscal year 2012 at fiscal year 2011 levels. The credit hour funding formula is not working well because the overall system is significantly under-funded.  In comparing the 2011 distribution of funds for all community colleges to 2010, out of 39 districts, 36 received less funding from the credit hour formula while three received more. IVCC received $239,000 (10%) less while the City Colleges of Chicago district received $5.9 million (13%) more. Under the current system, colleges that generate significant credit hours in Adult Education are receiving tremendous increases in their reimbursement for claimable hours, while colleges that generate most of their hours in traditional baccalaureate and remedial categories are seeing reductions in their funding. Again, in the case of IVCC, around 60% of its credit hours are in the baccalaureate category compared to 39% for the City Colleges, while .01% of IVCC hours in Adult Education compared to those hours accounting for 33% at the City Colleges. Terry Bruce, president of Illinois Eastern Community College, and Dr. Corcoran co-chair the Council’s Finance and Administrative Services Committee and after bringing this matter to an excellent group of CFOs, including Cheryl Roelfsema, the group unanimously approved the resolution to freeze all distributions for next fiscal year and in the meantime appoint a committee of CFOs to study a more balanced division of credit hour funding for fiscal year 2013 and beyond. Dr. Corcoran reported Professor Rick Shields coordinates the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for IVCC and this weekend he reported that six students have done 140 Federal and 142 State returns resulting in $225,000 to 161 taxpayers and their 72 dependents in the district. They are also planning to handle the returns for over 80 Horizon House clients and staff this year. Former IVCC vice president, Dr. Frank Zeller is one of three volunteer preparers working with the students and Rick Shields. Overall, they are doing a wonderful job of representing the college in the district with their community service and Dr. Corcoran is very proud of them.  Congratulations are in order to Coach Pat Cinotte and IVCC’s women’s basketball team for the great season they have had so far (going into today’s game with a record of 29-4) - the most wins for a women’s team in the College’s history. Dr. Corcoran plans to do something similar to the way in which last year’s record-setting team was honored with a recognition program as part of next month’s regular board meeting. It should be noted that the men’s team, under the direction of Coach Tommy Canale also had a fine year with a record of 17-14.   On March 10 Dr. Corcoran met with IVCC employees assigned to work at the Sheridan Correctional Center and told them that he had begun laying the groundwork to have another Illinois community college assume oversight of the programs offered at the correctional center next fiscal year. Although these employees have been loyal to IVCC and the inmates they serve, Dr. Corcoran’s opinion is it no longer makes good business sense to continue this arrangement with the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Over the last 5-7 years, IVCC Sheridan employees have received 2 pay raises and IDOC has not allowed the College to fill several open positions. As Dr. Corcoran has told many of IVCC’s administrators lately, with State funding being as it is the College needs to take a hard look at what are the essential programs and services it must provide, and be willing to let go of others. It is clear to Dr. Corcoran that this program needs to be let go and let another college take it over. Over the next few weeks, he plans to let all of the parties that need to be involved know of the direction in which the College is headed and on April 19, the administration will present an action item for Board consideration that will officially bring our relationship with IDOC to an end with the close of the current contract.  On an equally serious note, Dr. Corcoran met with the Safety Services staff to advise them that in light of the department director’s plans for retirement in May, he has begun exploring alternative options for providing security at IVCC that would ultimately “raise the bar” for what is expected in terms of providing a safe and secure campus. Dr. Corcoran has asked Cheryl Roelfsema to research what trends are being seen in terms of campus security at other community colleges; ultimately, he thinks the time has come to consider partnering with an outside agency that could include having at least one armed security member on campus. After the research is complete, the administration will prepare RFPs for Board consideration with the plan being to recommend a new approach to this service as the College enters the next fiscal year. At this point in the College’s history, Dr. Corcoran does not pretend to know what model is best for IVCC right now; however, he knows two things for sure: (1) it’s a good business practice to always take a close look at every vacant position when the opportunity presents itself and assess if there’s a better way of achieving the College’s objectives, rather than hastily filling the position; and (2) he wants the campus to be as safe as possible for students, faculty, staff and visitors.  On March 4, the administration welcomed Senator Sue Rezin to the campus for the first time and Dr. Corcoran was very impressed with her knowledge regarding the mission of community colleges overall and her sincere interest in hearing about IVCC’s strategic goals and what she can do to help the College achieve them.  The annual Student Academic Awards Banquet is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 in Starved Rock Lodge’s Great Hall. Mike Phillips, winner of the 2011 Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching and student Caitlin Rinker, representing IVCC’s Honors program, will be the speakers. Dr. Corcoran asked the Board members to let Jeanne Hayden know if they plan to attend.  The fourth annual IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 16 in the Cultural Centre will honor IVCC alumni Jim Bergagna (deceased), IV Cellular CEO Tom Walsh, former journalism instructor Dr. Rose Marie Lynch, former State Sen. Gary Dahl and the 1958-59 LPO national tournament basketball team. Dr. Corcoran encouraged everyone to recognize these fine individuals by attending.  The annual employee recognition event will be held on April 29 at Celebrations 150. Activities will begin with a social hour at 4 p.m. and the presentation of awards will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m.  Dr. Corcoran asked everyone to mark their calendars and plan on attending if their schedule will allow.  On behalf of the Athletic Department and specifically the baseball team, Dr. Corcoran thanked the chairman of the Board, Dennis Thompson, for the work he and his crew did on the baseball dugouts. The dugouts look great and the teams are ready for a new season.  Dr. Corcoran also thanked Fran Brolley, director of community relations and development, on the fine job he and his staff did of producing the college’s recent triennial report. Dr. Corcoran has heard nothing but tremendous feedback on this project and the credit needs to be given to Fran and the dedicated individuals that work with him including, Kim Stahly, David Dodge, Sue Monroe, and Donna Swiskoski.  Dr. Corcoran reported the women’s basketball and their coaches witnessed an accident while at the national tournament and the coaches lent a hand to those that were injured.   A family member of the injured person commended Pat Cinotte and his assistant coaches for their support.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Driscoll reported on the Board Planning Committee which met on Wednesday, February 23. The National Community College Benchmarking Project for 2010 was reviewed.  It was reported that the student persistence rate from fall to spring was 68 percent and the student persistence rate from fall to fall was 45-50 percent.  All other items were close to the median compared to the other community colleges.  It was noted that ISU students that need remedial help take the same classes as the other freshman, but take the classes five days a week instead of three.  The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System Data Feedback Report 2010 (IPEDS) shows that IVCC is very cost effective.  The National Student Clearinghouse Student Transfer Patterns show that 73.4 percent of recent IVCC graduates continue with their education.  Also 224 students transferred to other community colleges.  This number may be misleading as IVCC students may transfer to ISU and also take a class at Heartland.  But this also encourages the staff to look at new programs IVCC may want to offer.  The Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory – 2010 Fall Results were reviewed.  Dr. Driscoll commended Bob Mattson, Drew McConville, and Jeannette Frahm for collecting data from over 1,000 students.  The report shows the College’s commitment in serving the students.  The College was above average on the 28 key areas.  The Demographics Report was reviewed which showed a slight increase in enrollments for Fall 2010.  Section 4 of the Board Policy Manual was reviewed.  This section was included in the Board Book for the whole Board to review. 

2011 ICCTA OUTSTANDING FACULTY AWARD NOMINATION – MICHAEL PHILLIPS

It was moved by Ms. Englehaupt and seconded by Ms. Olivero to nominate Mike Phillips, Geology Instructor and 2011 recipient of IVCC’s Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence to represent IVCC for the Illinois Community College Trustee Association’s Outstanding Faculty Award.  The recipient of the Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence is determined by receiving nominations from students, faculty, and counselors.  Six nominations were submitted.  Mike Phillips was nominated by one of his colleagues and two students.  All three talked about his passion for geology and learning and how infectious it was.  Mike Phillips thanked the college for its support in his professional development.  He commended Dean Ron Groleau for providing evaluations that made him a better instructor.  He expressed his 14 years at IVCC as a great place to teach.  Motion passed by voice vote.

2011 ICCTA OUTSTANDING PART-TIME FACULTY MEMBER AWARD NOMINATION – TINA HARDY

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Dr. Huffman to nominate Tina Hardy, Education Instructor and Disability Services Coordinator, to represent IVCC for the Illinois Community College Trustee Association’s Outstanding Part-time Faculty Member Award.  Tina Hardy, Coordinator of IVCC’s Disability Services and part-time instructor, was nominated by Marianne Dzik. Tina finds different approaches to working with students in remediation.  She explores ways of finding a meaningful education path for these students and ways for the College to serve them in a better way.  Dr. Driscoll noted that Tina hosts an education panel each semester.  Tina’s students prepare questions for the panel, which is composed of educators, a legislator, school superintendents, school board members, etc. and the result is an invigorating discussion on education.  It leaves her students excited about teaching.   Motion passed by voice vote.

BOARDY POLICY SECTION 4 (FIRST OF TWO READINGS)

Section 4 of the Board Policy Manual was presented for its first reading.  Dr. Driscoll encouraged Board members to send him an email on any concerns they may have and he would discuss it with the Board Planning Committee and then with Dr. Corcoran.  This agenda item will be presented at the April Board meeting for a second reading.  No action was taken at this time.

FY2012 BOARD OF TRUSTEES BUDGET

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve the tentative FY2012 Board of Trustees Budget with no changes from the FY2011 budget.  Mr. Thompson would like to have more discussion on the budget at the next Board Retreat.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Huffman commended the Illinois presidents for pursuing the State funding issue.  State funding is a residual funding formula.  When the state does not provide the money, the colleges increase their tuition and raise their tax levies to provide quality programs; thus, the State does not have to provide as much.  This continues to let the State off the hook.  Theoretically, the State should provide 1/3 of the cost; they are providing 12 percent.  The local tax payers and students are carrying the load.

Ms. Olivero did not attend the ICCTA Board of Representatives meeting in March, but did receive an email from ICCTA on the highlights of the meeting. The summary identifies bills that ICCTA opposes and supports.  All board members would have received the email on the highlights of the meeting. The next meeting is May 3 with Lobby Day on May 4.  Ms. Olivero plans to attend.  Mr. Thompson feels one-day meetings would suffice.  Some of the same items discussed on Friday are discussed again on Saturday.  Ms. Olivero has found the meetings to be beneficial, but has a hard time justifying the expense of attending in light of the economical climate.  Traveling to Chicago is expensive and it was suggested to video the meetings.  It was also suggested that ICCTA organize one annual meeting and look toward community colleges willing to host the other meetings.  

The administration will be looking to schedule a meeting of the Board Facilities Committee in the next two weeks.  Items to be covered will be the master plan, PHS project, and RFP for security services.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Dr. Huffman 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; 4) closed session minutes; and 5) hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity.

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

The Board recessed at 7:30 p.m.  The Board entered closed session at 7:42 p.m.  On a motion by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt, the regular meeting resumed at 9:49 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.