KIRTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES

March 17, 2005

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Sally Galer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Members Present: Robert Bovee, Jan Keith Farmer, Sally Galer, Roy Spangler, Richard Silverman, Patricia Webb, Roberta Werle

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Irene Borak, Karen Brown, Carole Finke, Detmar Finke, Deborah Glicker, Jeremy Jones, Lois Jones, Kathy Koch, Ed Koliba, Doty Latuszek, Kathy Marsh, Joe Meadows, Kyle Morrison, Carole Rae Phillips, Jason Prout, Ginna Wenger, Charles Rorie, Ilene St. Onge, Ron Sharp, Tim Scherer, Dale Shantz, Dan Stoneback, John Thiel, Ginna Wenger, Jerry Werle

WELCOME

Members and guests were welcomed by Chair Sally Galer.

OPEN DISCUSSION

Jerry Werle identified himself as a former Kirtland employee, a volunteer on the performing arts advisory committee, a participant in college events, a spectator in many others, a financial contributor to the college, the husband of one of the board members, and a concerned citizen and taxpayer of the college district. He said he is here tonight to express concern about the fate of the theatre arts department, the children’s theatre program and the performing artist series.

He also expressed concern about one of the part-time employees, the ticket office assistant, who he alleged was promised a full-time position, then was told she would not be made full-time. He wanted to know why the decision was made to deny her a full-time position when it was budgeted for, who made the decision, and why did the board members not know of the decision.

He declared that it is particularly difficult for the performing arts staff to hear from administration that their programs may be cut considering other expenditures and salaries that are being paid to administrators and a full-time workforce development director in addition to computer software and hardware. He expressed fear that the performing arts programs will be eliminated by administrators who feel the college should not offer them in the first place.

Charles Rorie responded that since he had no warning about the nature of the discussion other than it was a budget item, he was not prepared to make a response tonight. He stated that it is his perception that it is a fallacy to state that the administration of the college is interested or anxious to get rid of the program described. He has not heard any such discussions nor been a part of any such discussions. He said we would require more time to look at the details of what has been expressed and respond to Mr. Werle.

Sally Galer commented that she has seen the subsidy for the performing arts go down and has been very pleased with the management of the program. She added that the board is not prepared to make specific comments on the issues brought up.

Richard Silverman questioned whether no official action has been taken regarding this program. Charles Rorie responded that in terms of the performing arts program, not only has there been no action taken, there has been no discussion suggesting that there be any action taken of that nature. Sally Galer encouraged anyone who has questions to contact the President, rather than waiting for a board meeting. Roy Spangler expressed concern that the subsidy be reasonable and he said that he values the children’s programs. It also concerns him that if someone is told they will be full-time and then told they will not be, this is unacceptable. Charles Rorie said this would be part of the research he will do about the issues brought up tonight, and said he would provide this information to board members.

Ed Koliba, Chief Business and Financial Officer, asked for some input from the board because there has been a change in the way that the programs are accounted for on the books, since Richard Silverman brought that proposal to the board for a $150,000 subsidy for the performing arts department a few years ago. He said we are looking at a deficit this year, even with the position as part-time, of about $175,000 and a deficit next year of $200,000 if we are looking at it in the same way that it was presented three years ago. He asked for direction for budget building as to what they want us to do with that program and the support the board wants to give it. Richard Silverman said it would be appropriate at the next meeting to have a discussion of those revenue projections. Charles Rorie said that this will be part of the research that we do and he will see to it that the board members receive full information as soon as possible with the details of the issues that have been raised. Jan Farmer added that this is an auxiliary fund, broader than the closed audience of the campus, but also there may be some “out of the box thinking” of what the theatre is doing within campus and what the benefits are on campus as well as within the community. Ed Koliba responded that he is not questioning the benefit, but that the board needs to be aware of the true subsidy of the program. Roberta Werle questioned the term, “deficit.” Other departments on campus are not revenue producers, so anything that is spent in those areas could be called deficits if they don’t bring in enough to cover their own costs. If that is a criteria applied to only a certain portion of campus, that is one thing. She said this is something that should be blended into future discussions.

MINUTES

Minutes from the February 17, 2005 regular board meeting were reviewed; no corrections or additions were offered. After a motion from Trustee Jan Keith Farmer supported by Trustee Robert Bovee, the minutes from January 20, 2005 were declared approved.

The Minutes from the February 22, 2005 board study session on the budget development process and on a form for a board self-evaluation instrument, were reviewed and approved after a motion from Trustee Richard Silverman which was supported by Trustee Robert Bovee.

COMMUNICATION

President Charles Rorie presented a revised proposed calendar for the board of trustees meetings, special meetings, study sessions and the MCCA Summer Workshop through July 23, 2005. Roberta Werle asked for commencement to be added which is May 6 at 7:30 p.m. with a board and guest speaker dinner/reception beforehand at 5:30 at the Kirtland House.

Charles Rorie announced that the COOR Area Joint Boards Dinner/Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 25, 2005 at the Surline Elementary School in West Branch. He asked the board members to contact Kathy Koch, Administrative Assistant, regarding reservations and dinner selection by March 28.

Charles Rorie shared a letter from the team leader of the Kirtland’s Warbler Recovery Team including photos of that committee of about fifty people. They expressed considerable gratitude for support from Kirtland Community College.

FACULTY PRESENTER

John Thiel, Instructor, History, gave a presentation about a special course he is teaching for the first time, the Honors Colloquium in American Pop Culture. Academically, pop cultural has been disdained, but his argument is: if you want to understand a society, look at what that society enjoys. The class of 15 students meets on Monday nights from 6 to 9 and he described it as very open and free-range. They discuss both fun and serious issues using media clips, popular music, reviews, and a pop culture community project to integrate service learning.

The class explores what kind of society we are by looking at values and culture, stereotypes, the role of media, body image and the obesity epidemic, and questioning why America is so obsessed with celebrities. They look at advertising, brand name identity, advertising demographics, and they rated the Super Bowl commercials. Looking at television, they discuss the American “couch potato,” what shows are popular, the number of reality programs, sitcom clichés, and a special focus on the program, The Simpsons, with a focus on whether popular culture reflects society or influences society.

In popular music, he noted that it includes all kinds, rap, country, and everything in between. They discuss radio landscape, online music, and musical messages with students defending their favorites. Topics they have yet to get to include the internet and computers. Students will be required to spend a half hour in a chat room and tell what they found. They will discuss video games and violence, and cellphones that take pictures and videos. In the sports category, they will look at why is America so focused on sports, scandals, the NHL lockout, sports and gender. Regarding movies, they will discuss Hollywood values, review blockbusters versus critical favorites and ask, “Do the Oscars matter?” They will look at the special effects explosion and quotable movies. Looking for the top 100 movie quotes of all time, he found 400 nominees that the class will narrow down to 100.

In conclusion, John Thiel said that this class has been more than he expected and the excitement level has been high. The age range of the class is half are in the 19 to 20 rage, with five older than he is and several in their 50s. Asked about transferability of the class, he explained that it fulfills the honors requirement for the honors degree and it transfers as a general humanities credit. This topic will only be offered one more semester, as it is a two-year topic chosen by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society through their honors scholarship program.

BUSINESS FOR BOARD ACTION

2. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ARTICLE XI - ADMINISTRATION

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Richard Silverman and supported by Trustee Robert Bovee:

WHEREAS

1. On February 17, 2005 an amendment to Bylaws of the Board of Trustees, ARTICLE XI - Administration was presented to the Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees for a first reading.

2. The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed amendment to Article XI, Administration as a second reading at this meeting.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

The proposed amendment to Bylaws of the Board of Trustees, ARTICLE XI - Administration be approved.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

3. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE POL 6.056 RESIDENCY REVISION

Trustee Roberta Werle objected to the wording for military residency, saying that it does not answer the concern that she first raised. Specifically, the problem she had with it was the term, “at the time of enlistment,” which should not be the criteria because it can be different than the time of enrollment and may not relate to residency in the local area. Charles Rorie suggested deferring the resolution for further review to find out what other community colleges do and to look for a better explanation. Tim Scherer, Director of Institutional Services, who helped draft the proposed revision, asked if it is the board’s intent that any military person is considered a resident for tuition purposes. The discussion was that we want to help the people who are here now, whether it is the family of or a soldier who is deployed and the soldier or family members may have to leave the area for that reason, should not have to abide by the residency requirement in the proposed policy when they return to the area. Jan Keith Farmer motioned to table this resolution for further clarification of residency, supported by Roy Spangler. Vote: Ayes, seven, Nays, zero, Abstain, zero Absent, zero.

4. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PROPOSED DELETION OF BUSINESS POLICIES

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Richard Silverman and supported by Trustee Roy Spangler:

WHEREAS

1. The business policy review committee recommends deletion of the following policies which are obsolete, given current conditions and practices of the college:

POL 2.010 College Residential Housing

POL 2.040 Use of College Aircraft

POL 2.145 Ticket Sales

POL 2.160 Service Calls for Equipment

2. The college administrative team has reviewed the recommendation and concurs that the above policies are obsolete.

3. The Board of Trustees has been presented with the proposed deletion of business policies as a second reading at this meeting.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

The proposed deletion of business policies be approved.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

5. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE POL 2.020 REIMBURSEMENT OF USE OF PRIVATE AUTOMOBILES REVISION

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roy Spangler and supported by Trustee Jan Farmer:

WHEREAS

The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revisions to POL 2.020 Reimbursement of Use of Private Automobiles as a second reading at this meeting,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

This proposed revision to POL 2.020 Reimbursement of Use of Private Automobiles be moved approved.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

6. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE POL 2.045 APPRAISAL REVISION

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roy Spangler and supported by Trustee Robert Bovee:

WHEREAS

The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revisions to POL 2.045 Appraisal as a second reading at this meeting,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

This proposed revision to POL 2.045 Appraisal be approved.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent zero Resolution declared adopted.

7. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE POL 2.075 PRINT SHOP - CENTRAL DUPLICATING REVISION

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Patricia Webb and supported by Trustee Richard Silverman:

WHEREAS

The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revisions to POL 2.075 Print Shop - Central Duplicating as a second reading at this meeting,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

This proposed revision to POL 2.075 Print Shop - Central Duplicating be approved.

Vote: Ayes, six Nays, one Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

8. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE POL 2.150 FUND RAISING PROJECTS REVISION

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roy Spangler and supported by Trustee Jan Farmer:

WHEREAS

The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revisions to POL 2.150 Fund Raising Projects as a second reading at this meeting,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

This proposed revision to POL 2.150 Fund Raising Projects be approved.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

9. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE POL 2.155 MEMBERSHIPS REVISION

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Richard Silverman and supported by Trustee Robert Bovee:

WHEREAS

The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revisions to POL 2.155 Memberships as a second reading at this meeting,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

This proposed revision to POL 2.155 Memberships be approved.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

10. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE COURSE FEES FOR 2005-2006

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Robert Bovee and supported by Trustee Jan Farmer:

WHEREAS

1. The college administrative team has established a proposed course fee schedule for the 2005-2006 academic year, and

2. The proposed course fee schedule has been submitted to the board of trustees for review and consideration, and

3. The board has determined that the recommendation is based on a thorough review of available data and sound rationale by faculty and administration for recommendation to the board of trustees.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

The proposed course fee schedule for 2005-2006 is approved.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

11. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR 2005-2006

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Robert Bovee and supported by Trustee Patricia Webb :

WHEREAS

1. The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed Academic Calendar for the academic year 2005-2006.

2. The proposed Academic Calendar for 2005-2006 has been approved by the Instructional Council and the College Administrative Team.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees hereby move to approve the Academic Calendar for the year 2005-2006 as presented.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

12. RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE WINTER RECESS

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Richard Silverman and supported by Trustee Roy Spangler:

WHEREAS

1. The college administrative team recommends the college be closed from December 26, 2005 through January 2, 2006 to allow staff members to spend time with their families during the holiday period.

2. In addition to the paid holidays (December 26 and January 2), administrators and full-time support staff will be required to use two vacation, personal business, and/or unpaid days. In return, two additional paid days off will be granted.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

The board of trustees approve the winter recess and that the college will be closed from December 26, 2005 through January 2, 2006.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

13. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SALE OF COLLEGE EQUIPMENT

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Robert Bovee and supported by Trustee Richard Silverman :

WHEREAS

1. The college owns a Brown and Sharpe Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and a Belfab Dust Collection System at its M-TEC, both with a potential market value over $15,000, and

2. The college has determined that the equipment is underutilized, and

3. The college administration recommends the sale of the equipment, and

4. College policy 2.115 requires any item with a value over $15,000 be presented to the board of trustees for approval of disposal.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

The Kirtland Community College board of trustees approves the sale of the Brown and Sharpe Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and a Belfab Dust Collection System per the process outlined in Policy 2.115.

Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.

REPORTS FOR BOARD INFORMATION

1. Average Class Size report

Kathy Marsh, Dean of Instruction, explained the average class size report. The average class size for the Winter 1998 semester through the Winter 2005 semester changed from 13.2 to 17.2 The average class size for the Fall 1998 semester through the Fall 2004 semester changed from 14.8 to 17.3. The goal is to strive for an average class size of 18.

2. M-TEC update

Doty Latuszek, Provost, said that she had an opportunity to call one of the consultants from the February 11, 2005 site visit, and she learned that they have completed visits to all 18 M-TECs in the state and will give a verbal report to the governor or department heads in Lansing on March 23. They were complimentary to our M-TEC, acknowledging that it was starting from scratch in the workforce development area which is one of the main focuses of all the Michigan M-TECs. They were going to recommend that the governor have different expectations for the rural area M-TECs versus the urban area M-TECs because there is quite a difference in them. The consultants compared Kirtland to Bay de Noc and the Howell M-TEC in Livingston County. Although she is familiar with them and has talked to their directors, Doty Latuszek said because there have been changes in their administrations, she intends to contact them and talk with them about their workforce development programs. The consultants were also interested in a comparison to Southwestern Michigan in Dowagiac.

She reported that we have nearly reached our enrollment projections from the working budget, within about 10 credits, which should be reached before the semester ends. Our financial statements are within the parameters they should be at two thirds of the way through the fiscal year. She provided packets of information for their review. Richard Silverman commented on the Clarification of Understanding between Kirtland Community College and North Central Michigan College regarding course offerings in Gaylord.

Roy Spangler referred to the map showing the location of all the M-TECs, noting that the location of our M-TEC at Gaylord shows the whole eastern end of the upper peninsula with nothing there. There have been a surprising number of students who have registered for programming from Chippewa and Mackinaw counties, which might represent an untapped market due to their lack of opportunities. Doty Latuszek responded that many of the Michigan Works and state agencies meet at our M-TEC building, which allows us to present what we have to offer and they take that back to their communities. She pointed out the websites to all of the M-TECs are available through the Michigan Community College Association website.

3. Health careers update

Karen Brown, Associate Dean of Instruction, explained the history and progress of the nursing courses offered in Tawas. Courses were held at the ISD career and technical building, IRESA, at $10 per hour, which is the same rate we charge COOR ISD for our classrooms and at Gaylord. Thirty students will graduate this summer from the Level I nursing program and about 20 students are taking prerequisites now to apply for the fall semester. We have already received about 240 applicants overall in the nursing program for the fall semester. In the meantime, IRESA would not accommodate her requests for needed space and notified her that the rent would increase to $50 effective at the end of this semester. A decision was made to discontinue offering courses in the Tawas area based on many reasons besides the rent increase. That decision brought protests from students, so the board modified the increase to $25 per hour. Those other reasons included scheduling issues each semester, restricted class times available only between 3 and 9 p.m., no room access before or after class, requirements to move rooms in the middle of a classroom period because we were being preempted by other’s needs, the loss of the use of PowerPoint and having to provide our own audio/visual equipment, no white boards available for use, not allowing adult students to be in a classroom without a paid faculty present, no ability to have students make up tests; no private office space for meeting with students, no cellphone reception, classroom environmental issues (cold) not enough tables and chairs for 30 students; equipment storage costs, automotive lab emitting fumes and oils, extra costs for mileage, and difficulty finding qualified faculty. The full-time faculty were unanimously in favor of discontinuing the Tawas courses.

Karen Brown contacted all of the medical facilities about the decision and said we will continue to do clinicals in Tawas. Those students traveling to campus from Tawas will have their schedules arranged so that they will only have to come to campus two days per week and they can car-pool.

Roy Spangler voiced objection to the decision being made without board approval. Concerned about a need for damage control, he read four things every Rotarian in is pledged to consider in decision-making: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Richard Silverman said we need clarification about the board involvement in such discussions because this is a grey area with lots of political repercussions. We need a procedure established for board communication. Silverman suggested exploring West Branch as a location to offer courses to these students because it would save them fifty miles per day in travel expense.

Continuing with the update about health careers, Karen Brown reported that the governor developed some regional skills alliance grants that were competitive grants offered around the state and since we had been already involved in some work through the hospital associations with Alpena and North Central to look at ways to increase the number of young people going into health careers when those grant proposals came out, it fit right into what we were already working on, so it was easy to fill out a grant application, pull in a few more partners, and apply for the grant. We were awarded the grant, receiving several hundred thousand dollars in northeast Michigan for the purpose of increasing the number of people going into health careers and to develop some innovative, creative ways to bring more programming in northern Michigan. Last year we surveyed all health care employers in northern Michigan to find out how many types of health care occupations they had a need for this year, five years from now and 10 years from now. Then we ranked them to look at them in priority order to develop some creative solutions to meet those needs. One of the long term tasks they are using the funding for is to offer summer health career camps. Kirtland is leading the program for a camp in Roscommon, Tawas and Gaylord with middle school students for three days to show them what opportunities there are in health careers.

The massage therapy program is moving from weekend only classes to evening only classes with 15-20 students. Emergency Medical Services courses are contracted out to MMR, the ambulance service out of Saginaw which services Grayling and has a large educational program. They have provided two EMT courses for us with good success and they are just finishing up their first paramedic offering for us.

The medical assistant program is being considered for discontinuance because of low enrollments, lack of a need for certification, on the job training; low wages, part-time status and few job opportunities. As a gradual process of moving toward discontinuance, it will not be advertised but it will be still on the books for offering the classes for the few remaining students to complete their program.

Nursing Level II is increasing in volume, the online program was presented last time she spoke to the board, and the radiography program started three years ago with Mid Michigan Community College where they have a few reserved seats in their program for our students at in-district tuition rates. Clinical is done locally, and it represents a good use of scarce resources.

A new collaboration with Jackson Community College to offer sonography with three specialties, medical, vascular and cardiac ultrasound, can be completed online after finishing general education courses here at Kirtland. It is similar to the Mid Michigan agreement and clinicals will be done locally.

A new emerging program on the drawing board is medical technology (lab technician) with Ferris State University. North Central, Alpena, Kirtland and Northwestern have been working with Ferris to offer a series of phlebotomy certificates around northern Michigan. In the fall semester they will offer one in Alpena and one in North Central, and in the winter semester they will offer one here and one in Gaylord. These will be courses that we have talked to our high school career and technical programs to see if they want to do a dual-enrolled option with their students, we will advertise it to our own students, and they will get a phlebotomy certificate in a semester and a half. Then Ferris will offer an associate in applied science degree in medical technology beginning fall of 2006, probably in Gaylord to serve all of northern Michigan or wherever the majority of students are. The first year of general education courses will be taken at local community colleges, and then they will transfer to Ferris to complete their associate degree and in 2008, Ferris will provide a bachelor of science degree in laboratory technology.

Kathy Marsh commented that with all that Karen Brown has done with bringing these programs to Kirtland, her time is better spent working on these things for our students than working over in Tawas teaching a class because she could not find an instructor to teach there.

Charles Rorie announced that this past month, Karen Brown has finished all the requirements for her doctoral degree.

OTHER DISCUSSION

Roy Spangler referred to a discussion at the last board meeting about computer programming and maybe some opportunities for community colleges to cooperate and then he had a discussion with Ed Koliba about the business managers group looking into ways to do things differently, because we don’t have the financial resources that we have had in the past, and on the near horizons, the State of Michigan is not going to provide them. Parents and students can only absorb so much financially, so there needs to be some movement to figure out options for the future.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Koch