September 2007 Board Meeting Report

At Tuesday night’s board meeting, Illinois Valley Community College approved an articulation agreement with Ashford University. Dr. Jerry Corcoran, vice-president for business services and finance/treasurer and the IVCC administration have been working with representatives from Ashford University on the terms of an articulation agreement which would allow IVCC students to pursue an online bachelor of arts degree in up to five disciplines including: organizational management, business administration, criminal and social justice, psychology and social science with a concentration in education. Instead of the traditional sixty semester hours, students will be allowed to transfer up to 90 credit hours toward their baccalaureate degree making this a three plus one partnership. IVCC graduates will not be required to repeat lower division requirements at Ashford except where major course work applies as all credits will be accepted and applied to the designated university degree. IVCC students with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 are guaranteed admission.

“I'm delighted with the fact that our board has approved the recommended agreement with Ashford University because it will give IVCC students another option for pursuing the baccalaureate degree in up to five disciplines at a very affordable price. Entering into this "three plus one" partnership ensures high quality, affordable access and effective transitions for our students, three of the goals expressed in the Illinois Community College Board's strategic plan,” stated Dr. Corcoran.

Ashford University, located in Clinton Iowa, was founded in 1918 as a coeducational institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition to the online articulation agreement with IVCC the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees on their campus in Clinton.

The IVCC Board appointed the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and established the committee’s charge. The board is inviting representatives from the college staff, Foundation Board, and community to assist in the search for the college’s next president by reviewing applications and making suggestions regarding finalists to be invited for interviews. The Presidential Search and Advisory Committee is composed of the following members: representing faculty are Dr. Stephen Charry, Pam Mammano and Dr. Jane Sack; representing students is Elizabeth Kunkel; representing administration is Dr. Robert Marshall; representing support staff administrative assistants is Sandy Beard; representing support staff professional/technical is Sue Mertel; representing the community and IVCC foundation are Everett Solon and O.J. Stoutner and representing the IVCC Board of Trustees are Dr. Lori Scroggs and Dennis Thompson.

In other business, the board accepted bids at the architects’ recommendations from: JB Contracting in the amount of $280,942 for an emergency generator replacement and from George’s Landscaping in the amount of $75,734 for a retaining wall and handrail installation and authorized the business office to seek bids for a utility vehicle at an estimated cost of $14,000.

The board approved the:

Stipends for pay periods ending Aug. 25.
Renewal of an annual farm lease with Keith Gehm for the amount of $23,194.
Rescinding an earlier board decision to discontinue the contract with the Illinois Department of Corrections for educational and training services at the Sheridan Correction Center and to continue those services for fiscal year 2008.
The expansion of a part time position in Information and Technology to a full time position.