Seward County Community College

The Board of Trustees of Seward County Community College/Area Technical School met Monday to approve the 2008-09 budget for publication and hear reports about the fall 2008 semester. The college is now using its new name for promotional and informational purposes and will seek statutory recognition of the name during the 2009 Legislative Session.
Cynthia Rapp, dean of instruction, announced that the Higher Learning Commission will be on campus Feb. 20 to review the merger to see if the college has accomplished its goals in regards to the merger and the accrediting process.
The board authorized publication of the budget with a decrease in the mill levy of approximately ¾ of 1 mill. This decrease was possible due to the planned financial management in anticipation of the merger of the technical school, balance of cash reserves and increased county assessed valuation. The college has increased its operational budgeted costs to cover the addition of the technical school campus and estimated increases in utilities, supplies, and gasoline and diesel. The college has utilized state bond program funds to offset the cost of deferred facility maintenance projects, which has resulted in an opportunity to provide facility improvements without a significant increase in the annual budget. The budget does include a new line for capital outlay which includes funds designated for technical school equipment, the state bond program for deferred maintenance projects, and anticipated revenue and expenditure for a tax credit program recently authorized by the Kansas legislature.
The 2008-09 budget will be $24,405,592 of budgeted expenses and transfers. The budget includes a local tax increase of approximately $10,000. Dr. Dunn provided information from the governor’s budget office indicating that each public entity should plan for reduced state appropriations of 2% in 2009 and possible further reductions in 2010. Dean Williams and Dr. Dunn indicated that the recommended budget of the college should allow for those reductions for 2009.
The board elected the following officers for the 2008-09 school year: board chair, Jo Ann Sharp; board vice chair, Ron Oliver; board clerk/secretary, Dr. Duane Dunn; college treasurer, Tina Call; and assistant treasurer, Mike Brond.
Representation on board committees will include: Association of Community College Trustees, Sharp; Alumni Association, Oliver; AQIP Steering Team, Dr. Steve Cauble; Board Policy, Oliver, Sharp, Human Resources Director Deb Weilert, and legal counsel; Budget/Finance, Leo Riley and Marvin Chance Jr.; Foundation Representative, Sharon Hobble and Sharp as alternate; Insurance, Leo Riley, Hobble, and legal counsel; Interim Board, Chance and Cauble; KACCT delegates, Chance and Cauble and Sharp as alternates; Seward County Council of Governments, Cauble.
Early enrollment clinics for new students to campus in the fall are under way. Student Services has added special clinics for students enrolling in one of the 12 technical school programs that have been added to the college curriculum. The Admissions Office also is conducting a telephone campaign to encourage students to enroll early for the fall semester.
Tom Williams, dean of administrative services, informed the board that the tennis courts have been resurfaced and the nets will be installed Thursday. Other summer projects include installation of new seating, new carpet and stage drape for the theater, a new entrance on the northwest corner of the Student Activities Center including automatic doors, a new boiler and chiller to cool and heat the original buildings on campus. Fall projects will include concrete replacement and a wash rack addition for the agricultural building. On the tech campus, the college has installed new doors on campus and maintenance is in the process of removing debris and other unused materials. The majority of these projects have been funded through a bond project with the Kansas Department of Revenue and Kansas Board of Regents.
Dr. Duane Dunn, president, told the board about the possibility of adding a small business development center on the technical school campus. The outreach center would be operated in coordination with the Kansas Small Business Development Center and provide services to the Seward County area. The college would be required to provide office space and match salary.
As the college begins a new chapter in its life with 12 new technical programs, the administration will take a close look at its past accomplishments in relation to its 2004 strategic plan and begin plans to develop a new plan that will require community input as well.
In other action, the board
1. approved the employment of Sherry Farrell as Health Information and Business Instructor; Elizabeth Nosbisch as athletic trainer; and Justin Roberts, as Automotive Technology instructor;
2. approved the continuation of the Policy on Nondiscrimination with the addition of the name Seward County Community College/Area Technical School; the notice will be published in the local newspapers;
3. adopted changes to the Policy on Professional Development Grants that clarifies the use of the grants for courses/degree completion and emphasizes that the grants should be used to improve the employees’ contribution to the mission of SCCC/ATS;
4. approved the fee schedule for use of college facilities and a conference room and student union on the technical school campus at 2215 N. Kansas; and
5. approved the 2008-09 agreement to employ the firm of Sharp, McQueen, P.A., as the attorneys to represent the board with a monthly retainer rate changing from $1,800 to $1,875;
Kids College is under way on campus with a variety of opportunities for children in grades 1-6. The fall 2008 semester begins with Welcome Day for new freshmen and evening classes, Monday, Aug. 18. Area businesses will be invited to campus from 5-7 p.m. to welcome new students to Liberal. Day classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 19.
The board changed the next board meeting to 12 noon, Tuesday, Aug. 5, in the Hobble Academic Building Board Room. The September board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2 due to the Labor Day holiday.

Seward County Community College/Area Technical School Admissions has scheduled orientation and enrollment clinics for students attending SCCC in the fall. In addition, the college has added some enrollment clinics for students enrolling in 11 of the new technical programs that were formally a part of Southwest Kansas Technical School.
These clinics give a student the opportunity to schedule fall classes, meet with an academic advisor, meet new classmates and receive information about financial aid, scholarships and housing.
Students who would like to enroll in Construction Trades Technology, Drafting and Design Technology or Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration will attend from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday, July 28.
Students in Machine Tool Technology, Welding Technology, Medical Assistant or Business Administration Technology will enroll from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, July 31.
Students interested in Auto Body Collision Repair, Auto Mechanics Technology, Automotive Business Management or Diesel Technology will enroll from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Students who have already take the Compass Test or have ACT test scores available can attend from 12-3 p.m.
All students may attend the final two enrollment clinics, at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 4; or 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7. Students who have not taken the ACT or SAT must schedule the COMPASS assessment prior to the evening enrollment. Original copies of ACT or SAT scores must be on file prior to enrollment.
To sign up for a clinic, call 620-417-1100 or go online to www.sccc.edu/go/eec.

Three employees of Seward County Community College received the excellence in teaching award from the National Institute for Staff and Organization Development in Austin, Texas for 2008. SCCC recipients were Ken Killion, Respiratory Therapy instructor, Cristy Mulanax, Criminal Justice instructor, and Mark Merrihew, director of information technology. Presidents of member colleges submit names of individuals their colleges wish to recognize as NISOD excellence award recipients. Member colleges are committed to enriching the learning experiences for all students, enhancing the standards of excellence throughout the academic community and celebrating outstanding educators and their accomplishments.

Members of the Students in a Free Enterprise at Seward County Community College won first runner-up in the opening round of competition at the national SIFE last semester. From left are, Johnette Schwab, Liberal; Quinton Bartel and Joe Walter, Turpin, Okla.; Sponsor Kim Thomas; Olian Thompson, Liberal; Marcia Hatcher, Business Division chair; Amber Bond, Plains; Jazmin Hernandez, Liberal; and Heather Zerr, Ulysses.

Alexa Amerin sews a cuff to a pair of capris during Kids College recently at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, Liberal, Kansas. This sesion was “Sewing Creations.”

Seward County
Community College/Area Technical School
Monday, July 21, 2008
Student Activities Building, SW229 A
7:30 P.M.


I. Call to Order

II. Approval of Minutes of June 23, 2008

III. Visitor Reports:
A. Board of Trustee Comments

IV. Old Business

V. Hearings/Petitions

VI. New Business
A. Personnel Report

B. Annual Organization of Board
1. Election of Officers
2. Trustee Committees

C. Board Policy Manual
1. Annual Review of Board Policy Series #114, Policy on Nondiscrimination/ Appointment of Compliance Officer
2. First reading of Revisions to Policy 202 – Legal Status
3. Second reading of Revision to Policy 605 – Professional Development Grant

D. Annual Review of Facility Use Fee Schedule

E. Agreement to Employ Board Attorney

F. Establish Date and Time of August and September Board Meetings

G. Authorization to Publish Budget

VII. College Reports:
A. Associate Dean Reed
B. Dean Rapp
C. Dean Donovan
D. Dean Williams
E. Dr. Dunn

VIII. Bills Pending
A. Final FY08 Bills
B. July FY09 Bills

IX. Other

X. Adjourn

Nearly 40 years ago, leaders in Liberal and Seward County recognized that in order to prosper, the community needed to provide educational opportunities beyond high school. Initiatives at the state and federal level provided the chance for Liberal to apply to the Kansas State Board of Education for the opportunity to establish a technical school and a community college. The State Board of Education granted the requests and Liberal was authorized to establish two separate post-secondary institutions – Liberal Area Vocational Technical School (later Southwest Kansas Technical School - SWKTS) and Seward County Community College (SCCC). Classes began in 1967 at the technical school and in 1969 at the community college. Those individuals in our community who developed the applications, advocated for the approval, and helped garner local, regional and state support, had a great vision for Liberal and the entire region.
Both institutions have served southwest Kansas and surrounding communities well. Thousands of students have completed classes and programs, earned degrees and certificates, started businesses, completed university degrees, and established careers. Nearly every resident of Liberal, Seward County, and most surrounding communities has attended a class or someone in their family has attended a class at either SWKTS or SCCC. Those classes may have been for a certificate or degree, customized business and industry training, or a personal interest class.
Now the community will realize the next step toward providing high quality, effective education. The SWKTS and SCCC merger became a reality on July 1, 2008. After much deliberation and effort by the USD 480 Board of Education and the SCCC Board of Trustees an agreement was signed that brings the technical education programs and courses offered at SWKTS under the operations of SCCC. The Kansas State Board of Regents, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, and the United States Department of Education approved the agreement. The administration, faculty and staff at both SWKTS and SCCC have been diligent to insure an effective transition is available to students, and that the programs and courses meet the needs of the community, employers, and developing industries. Mrs. Jo Ann Sharp was a member of the USD480 Board of Education when the institutions were approved by the Kansas State Board of Education and the voters of Seward County. She continues her commitment to education now as a member and chair of the SCCC Board of Trustees. Sharp said that "this merger will be a benefit for Liberal and our entire region as the technical education programs are offered through the college. It creates more opportunities for students, reduces duplication of effort of operations, and provides more options for the businesses and industries to receive training and to employee well qualified workers." She also identified that students will have the ability to focus strictly on a technical program or have the option to complete the associate degree and possibly pursue a bachelor's degree. "SCCC currently has articulation agreements for students in technical career programs, and the merger will allow students greater access to further their careers."
The expanded options for students and employers were a central guiding factor for the merger. "Nearly all jobs and careers require at least some education beyond high school", said Dr. Duane Dunn, SCCC president. "As we provide more program options to students they can increase their chance to enjoy good paying jobs and pursue advanced careers in management and business operations." High school students can enroll in the programs with approval of their principal and begin their education in a specific career. They can return after high school graduation and complete advanced courses and pursue a degree. Adult students who are interested in a technical program can complete one or two year certificates or an associate degree. The merger allows a student to complete the entire program without having to enroll at two separate places.
The merger provides Liberal, southwest Kansas, and surrounding communities in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico with expanded educational opportunities. It also provides a more effective and efficient system of higher education, resulting in greater cost efficiencies. Student tuition costs will remain the same and enhanced services will be available to students.
SCCC has traditionally offered a number of different technical programs including allied health, agriculture, business, cosmetology, computer operations, and criminal justice. All of the current programs offered at Southwest Kansas Technical School will continue to be offered after the merger including air conditioning/refrigeration, automotive business management, automotive technology, automotive collision repair, business administration, carpentry, diesel technology, drafting, machine tool, medical assistant, welding, and truck driving. Enrollment is open in all of the programs and individuals interested in attending are encouraged to contact the SCCC/ATS admissions office at 620-417-1100.

The Seward County Community College Board of Trustees heard a variety of reports including technical school updates, summer projects and preliminary budget information.
Board Member Marvin Chance Jr. is chair of the search committee to hire a new executive director of the Kansas Association of Community Colleges Trustees. Sheila Frahm, KACCT executive director, submitted her resignation effective Jan. 1, 2009.
Chance also reported that KACCT tabled the proposed revisions to state funding formula for the 19 Kansas Community Colleges, since only 11 of the 19 Kansas Community Colleges voted for a change in the current funding formula. The Council of Presidents will continue work on a revised formula and will submit it to KACCT for consideration in June 2009.
The college and the Southwest Kansas Technical School will officially merge July 1. Dr. Duane Dunn told the board that the SCCC Academic Affairs Committee has now approved all of the technical courses and programs at the technical school. These have been approved by the Kansas Board of Regents and were submitted to the Kansas Department of Education for their approval of the programs for high school students. The college converted each program from clock hours to credit hours.
Currently there are 46 high school students and 77 new adult students enrolled in the technical school programs, Dunn said. SWKTS staff are providing weekly enrollment reports.
Admissions staff is working with the instructional team to register these technical school students after July 1, according to a written report from Celeste Donovan, dean of student services.
Dale Reed, associate dean of educational services, reported the Gas Compressor Institute was once again well done and profitable for both the college and the Petroleum Industry Education Committee. The two groups are now working on Gas Measurement for September.
Reed is also working on a non-credit Natural Gas Compressor Mechanics program through Business and Industry.
Tom Williams, dean of administrative services, reported that the college is currently replacing the doors on the northwest corner of the activities center, replacing the boilers and chillers and replacing the old theater seats. Other summer projects will include sidewalk replacement and changes to the wash rack in the agricultural building.
Williams said he received a preliminary report from the county clerk’s office which reflects a county valuation in the amount of $314,745,909. Although the final budget will not be presented until the July budget meeting, the college’s mill levy should reflect a slight mill levy decrease.
Dunn also gave an update of the board/student dinner comments in May and the progress on changes including communication to allied health students, recommendations for cafeteria selections and washer/dryer operations in the dorms. The students commented on the positive relationships with faculty and advisors and the quality and appearance of the campus facilities.
Dunn reported that enrollment in EduKan online classes continues to grow and each member college will receive $25,000. In addition, EduKan will establish a succession plan for a new executive director in the next six months in anticipation of a possible change in personnel. Barton County Community College will remain a part of EduKan along with Seward County, Garden City, Dodge City, Pratt and Colby community colleges.
In other action, the board
1. Accepted the resignation of Patti Beard, Student Support Services director, effective July 3;
2. Approved the Student Insurance Coverage Policy that clarifies the college’s role and student’s responsibility for medical insurance coverage;
3. Reviewed changes to the Professional Development Grant Policy;
4. Approved a bid from Weatherly Electric of Liberal in the amount of $203,500 to replace the 1973 Federal Pacific break panels with Siemans breaker panels on both the main college campus and the technical school campus. Funds for this project are provided through the state bond program for deferred maintenance;
5. Approved the bid from Flooring America of Liberal in the amount of $18,672 to replace carpet in the meeting rooms of the Student Activities Center;
6. Approved the bid from Kansas Contract Design of Wichita in the amount of $14,793.40 to purchase 32 computer-ready tables/work desks for AA113 to accommodate the computer gaming and animation courses;
7. Approved the purchase of a food service software license from Altoona, Penn., in the amount of $18,205 that will work with current bar codes on student identification cards on both the main campus and the technical school campus;
8. Approved the renewal of the Skills Tutor Online Software license agreement in the amount of $21,000 that is used in the Academic Achievement Center, Colvin Adult Learning Center and the skills lab at the technical school; and
9. Approved the purchase of title insurance policy for the technical school campus.
In other announcements, President Dunn has been appointed to the American Association of Community College’s commission on student achievement and workforce development; the third summer session of classes begins July 7 and Kids College is July 14-17 and July 21-24 for children in grades 1-7.
The next board meeting is Monday, July 21 in the board room.

Seward County Community College’s Business & Industry Office is offering Kids College 2008 this July.
Classes are 8-10 a.m. or 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., July 14-17 and July 21-24 beginning in the SCCC Student Union.
Children Grades 1-7 are invited to participate in: Session I—July 14-17, 8-10 a.m., grades 1-2: animal crafts and beginning softball; grades 1-4: beginning cheerleading, fish mobile or kids calendars; grades 3-4: basketball 101 and intro to improv; grades 3-7: I hate to write or treasure hunters; grades 4-7: challenge.
Session I, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., will include: grades 1-2: bangles, bows & bracelets; grades 1-3: swim lessons; grades 1-4: fish mobile; grades 3-7: chess, I hate to write and origami jewelry; sewing creations and treasure hunters; grades 4-7: computer creations; and grades 5-7: archery, intro to improv and spin art/tie-dye.
Session II, July 21-24, 8-10 a.m., will include: grades 1-2: beginning softball; grades 1-4: fish mobile, spin art/tie-dye; grades 3-4: basketball 101; grades 3-7: I hate to write, Intro to improv, intermediate cheerleading or sewing creations; and grades 4-7: challenge course.
Session II, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. will include grades 1-2: animal crafts and clay creations; grades 1-4: fish mobile; grades 3-7: chess, I hate to write, origami jewelry and sketch comedy all-stars; grades 4-7: computer creations and swimming lessons; grades 5-7: archery and kids calendars.
Each class is $25. Register by coming to the Office of Business and Industry, Student Activities Center, room SU210, Seward County Community College, 1801 N. Kansas in Liberal. For information, call 620-417-1170 or email amy.bridenstine@sccc.edu. All participants can enjoy pizza and swimming following the final class on July 17 and 24.

The Seward County Community College Block and Bridle Club hosted the 10th annual Grand Drive Show Lamb Camp recently with campers from four states. Top priorty for campers was to improve their showmanship skills. Other items covered included washing and shearing a lamb, proper feeds and feeding, exercise and weight management programs, lamb selection, and show-day preparation.
The campers were divided into three groups according to a combination of their age and showmanship ability. Lead instructor was Chris McGolden of Arapaho, Okla., who was assisted by Allison McGolden, Arapaho; Melissa King, Taloga, Okla.; Kaylonni Williams, Liberal; Lance Waugh, Yarborough, Okla.; and Brittany Beattie, Texhoma, Okla.
After a barbecue luncheon on the final day each of the three groups participate in a Showmanship contest.
Group one winners were
Champion Showman Morgan Kidd, Fort Worth, Texas
Res. Ch. Showman Braelyn Beattie, Texhoma Okla.
Most Improved Landon Brecheisen, Hugoton, Kan.
Best Attitude Hayley Floyd, Johnson, Kan.
Most Patient Ceann Greeson, Kismet, Kan.
Group two winners were
Champion Showman Taylor Coen, Elkhart, Kan.
Res. Ch. Showman Thane Barker, Lebo, Kan.
Most Improved Myranda Walters, Fort Worth, Texas
Best Attitude McKenzey Hanna, Richfield, Kan.
Best Sheared Haeli Grice, Texhoma, Okla.
Group three winners were
Champion Showman Hanna Hardy, Parker, Colo.
Res. Ch. Showman Dandi Thomas, Elkhart, Kan.
Most Improved Whitney Wilkerson, Cement, Okla.
Best Attitude Jeff Siegfried, Holly, Colo., and Colten Hardy, Parker, Colo.
Best Sheared Kortney Jennings, Whitney, Texas

Participants and instructors in the recent Lamb Camp at Seward County Community College were, front row left to right, Morgan Kidd, Fort Worth, Texas; Braelyn Beattie, Texhoma, Okla.; CeAnn Greeson, Kismet, Kan.;Hayley Floyd, Johnson, Kan.; Kylee Stewart, Frederick, Okla.; Jeffrey Day, Taloga Okla.; second row, from left, Melissa Callaway, Higgins, Texas, Hannah Hardy, Parker, Colo.; McKenzey Hanna, Richfield, Kan.; Myranda Walter, Fort Worth, Texas; Heidi Bohnenblust, Clay Center, Kan.; Thane Barker, Lebo, Kan.; third row from left, Clayton Liss, Elbert, Colo.; Whitney Wilkinson, Cement, Okla.; Dandi Thomas, Elkhart, Kan.; Taylor Coen, Elkhart, Kan.; Kelsey McClure, Clay Center, Kan.; Logan Brecheisen, Hugoton, Kan.; Dakota McBride, Hooker, Okla.; Landon Brecheisen, Hugoton, Kan.; fourth row from left, Haeli Grice, Texhoma, Okla.; Kortney Jennings, Whitney, Texas; Tara Smith, Higgins, Texas; Jo Eike, Fargo, Okla.; Jeff Siegfried, Holly, Colo.; Colten Hardy, Parker, Colo.; Chris McGolden, Lead Instructor, Arapaho, Okla.; and fifth row from left, Sam Rucker, instructor, Jetmore, Kan.; Brittany Beattie, instructor, Texhoma, Okla.; Melissa King, instructor, Taloga, Okla.; Lance Waugh, instructor, Yarbrough, Okla.; Kaylonni Williams, instructor, Liberal, Kan.; Joseph Baily, Taloga, Okla.; and Allison McGolden, Arapaho, Okla.