Policy Statements for Kirtland Community College
THE PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Kirtland Community College (Kirtland) was established by a vote of the electorate contiguous with the boundaries of six school districts, located primarily in the counties of Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Roscommon on March 7, 1966, in accordance with provisions of Public Act 188 of 1955 and Public Act 331 of 1966 of Michigan. Kirtland Community College, in a broad sense, is supported by the State of Michigan along with the residents of the college district.
By statute, Kirtland, is operated in the public interest by the Board of Trustees, a representative body elected from the community college district who are responsible for the governance of the college. It is the primary responsibility of the Board to formulate the educational needs, ideals, values, and goals of the community into concepts of policy and to ensure that these are translated into actual practice by the President and employees.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY
The effectiveness of the college depends on many factors including; the ability of families to support students in college, the commitment of students to achieve a college certificate or degree, the level of financial aid available to students, the programs the college has available, the schedule for courses, and the general support provided the college by citizens. The college serves the largest taxing district among community colleges in Michigan.
The Board of Trustees encourages communications to the public informing citizens of not only the challenges the college has but the opportunity it provides. The Board provides citizens the opportunity to gain information about the college through its website, social media and the use of traditional media. It also provides citizens the opportunity to provide input at board meetings.
THE PURPOSE OF THE COLLEGE
The mission of Kirtland is to: “Provide innovative educational opportunities that will enhance students’ lives and build better communities.” A daily focus of the college is on learning, for employees, students and members of the public.
The college curriculum encompasses several components; programs and courses that transfer to a university, occupational programs that educate students for jobs of the future, noncredit community education programs of general interest to citizens, apprenticeships and other programs for the working employee, and transitional education for students who need extra help in completing courses and programs. In addition, the college’s modern facilities are a place of choice for meetings and education for thousands of people per month.
Kirtland offers an abundance of student services that assist students in completing their education. Included in this listing are career advising, academic advising, testing services for students and citizens, tutoring, library services, counseling, services for the disabled, support for teachers at Kirtland and others throughthe Center for Teaching and Learning, scholarships, financial aid, and other functions. Additionally, Kirtland holds the designation of being a “Military Friendly” school, offering many services to our veterans.
Nearly all of the college’s programs have associated industry-standard certification, state licensing, and or transfer to a university through transfer agreements. All employees at Kirtland work to help a student complete their program requirements.
THE USE OF COLLEGE FACILITIES
The Kirtland Community College’s district’s investment in physical facilities has as its first priority in usage of the education of students. The resources of the college, both personnel, and facilities should be available for education for all citizens in the community who desire to use them, consistent with statutes, fiscal conditions, and board regulations.
The advancement of technology in the 21st century has drastically changed the facilities needed for students and faculty members. The Board of Trustees uses a Facilities Master Plan to guide decisions about college facilities and equipment keeping in mind the success of student learning.
The Board of Trustees recognizes that college land and buildings may be of value for community development, and may consider entering into agreements with others for the lease of college property when it will be beneficial to Kirtland and its students. Kirtland maintains site plans that identify spaces for future college use or lease.
THE LIBRARY/LEARNING COMMONS
The library has been designed as an integral part of the college and the community which it serves. The library of Kirtland Community College is dedicated to providing the students, faculty, staff, and citizens with the best materials and finest services possible. Every effort is made to gather a collection of materials that continually support the curriculum needs of the college. The library accepts the added responsibility of supplementing the collections of the public and school libraries of the district by providing access to in-depth resources not ordinarily found in rural area libraries.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND SERVICES
The Board considers it necessary to provide support services to its community. The college will provide services to local and state institutions, community groups, and businesses within the limits of its resources, consistent with the statute, fiscal conditions, and board regulations.
THE FUNCTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF KIRTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
As the chief executive officer of Kirtland Community College, the President shall perform such duties as the Board may determine as set forth in a contract that may be renewed from time to time as directed in the contract and by board policy. Further, the President shall make reports to the Board of trustees and appropriate state and federal agencies as required. The President shall perform his duties in a competent and professional manner.
STUDENT ADMISSIONS
Kirtland Community College adheres to the “open door” policy of admitting individuals who wish to take advantage of the instructional programs offered by the college. These individuals shall be admitted to the college without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or handicap.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
It is the policy of Kirtland Community College to provide equal employment opportunities, equal educational opportunities, and non-discrimination in the providing of educational and other services to the public. The Kirtland staff will make all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and all other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed or religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or age, and follows state and federal guidelines for employment. This policy of non-discrimination shall also apply to otherwise qualified handicapped individuals.
BOARD-STAFF COMMUNICATION
Attainment of the objectives of the educational programs conducted at Kirtland Community College requires mutual understanding and cooperation among the Board of trustees, the President and administrative staff, faculty, professional personnel, the services personnel, and other citizens of the community. To this end, the free and open exchange of views is desirable, proper, and necessary.
THE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FUNCTION
As trustees of the state’s and community’s investment in Kirtland Community College, the Board of Trustees of Kirtland Community College has a responsibility for assuring that the investment is protected and used wisely. Personnel and procedures are essential components in college operations. While board members cannot be expected to tend to business and fiscal affairs personally, they expect that the President will keep them informed through reports, both oral and written, which will satisfy the needs of their responsibility. With the assistance of the Dean of Business Services and other personnel designated by the President, the chief administrator is expected to develop an efficient and business-like procedure for fiscal accounting, purchasing, and protection of plant, grounds, and equipment through effective and economical insurance, maintenance, and operation.
The initial date of approval of this policy cannot reasonably be determined.
Amended December 12, 2013
Amended May 21, 2020
