Kimberly Hurns, Vice President for Instruction, speaks to the board. Photo by Vardan Sargsyan.
By Nicholas Ketchum
Staff Writer
The Board of Trustees approved a number of resolutions at their Sept. 25 public meeting, including this year’s state-required “Local Strategic Value” plan, a five-year Capital Outlay Plan, recommendations for hiring new personnel, and a new board member to the Washtenaw Middle Technical College.
All trustees were present at roll call and throughout the public portion; promptly moving through their scheduled business following the initial housekeeping. The Board also heard presentations from students, faculty, college leadership, and an independent financial auditor.
The agenda included new faculty introductions, a faculty-led presentation showing progress in the “STEM Scholars” program, a student presentation outlining efforts to gain recognition as a “voter friendly campus”, general updates regarding Washtenaw Middle Technical College, a recap of this summer’s on-campus International Labor Union Instructor Training event, a resolution to approve the hiring of various recommended personnel, a resolution to approve a five-year capital outlay plan, a resolution to award contract bids, and a resolution to approve year-end financial statements.
STEM Scholars
Susan Dentel presented updates for the STEM Scholars program, and presented a video to the Board. She reported on the 2018 summer intensive and introduced four students enrolled in the program.
Voter initiative
An initiative to get the students on campus to vote, the Voter Democracy Project, presented progress to the board.
Matea Pejic, project lead, reported they have registered 294 students, which is 10% of their intended goal of registering 2500 students.
Upon submission of a final report by Pejic in March, WCC will be award a “Friendly Voter Campus” by the nonpartisan organization Campus Vote Project.
New voter registration cut-off date is Oct. 9.
Local strategic value
A large portion of proceeding was consumed by discussion related to the “Local Strategic Value” document, which demonstrates how the college complies with Michigan Public Act 265. By state law, the college is required to file the document with the state.
A comprehensive update of WCC programs, initiatives, events, and partnerships was given by a panel of department vice-presidents speaking in turns.
President Bellanca thanked the panel and staff for their work in producing and presenting the Local Strategic Value document.
Year-end financial statements
Accountants for the college reported that WCC is in good financial health, with higher-than-forecasted revenues, which resulted from unexpectedly abundant property tax receipts.
The college currently has a net surplus and plans to use the extra funds for completing some deferred maintenance. One trustee wondered if some of the extra funds could also be used toward student needs.
Washtenaw Technical Middle College
Updated facts and figures regarding enrollments and programs were presented to the Board. The presentation pointed out fast institutional growth; the fastest in the county. The school reports success in preparing students in math and science, with transfers to well-known and reputable universities.
Capital outlay plan
The Board held on further discussion on the matter until next month’s meeting.
Personnel hiring recommendations
The Board approved the hiring of personnel recommended for various positions. The Board also approved a new board member for the Washtenaw Technical Middle College.
Next meeting
The Board decided to reschedule next month’s meeting for Oct. 30. starting at 6:00 p.m.
