New Biomedical Electronics degree receives approval, to be submitted to ICCB
The board approved a new Associate in Applied Science Degree in Biomedical Electronics, as well as several associated new courses, and authorized their submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action. This degree provides the skills and training for students to become biomedical electronics technicians who install, maintain and repair medical equipment. Employment for biomedical technologists is available in hospitals, medical equipment manufacturing / service businesses, doctors' offices and other facilities which use medical equipment. This degree focuses on electronic fundamentals, including AC, DC and digital electronic principals coupled with several biomedical-related courses.
The seven Biomedical Electronics courses approved are: Intro to Biomedical Technology, Biomedical Electronics Devices, Intro to Radiography for Biomedical Technicians, Biomedical Internship I and II, Advanced Medical Electronics, and CBET Exam Prep. Biomedical courses provide training in biomedical equipment fundamentals, hospital safety, regulations, medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology and biology. Students also will be required to complete two biomedical internships at medical facilities.
In a related action, the board approved the new Accelerated Learning Program. This English course provides intensive instruction and practice in writing coherent paragraphs and essays for specific audiences. The course includes the process of drafting, revising and editing, as well as instruction in grammar, mechanics and usage.
In addition, the board approved the development of a new hybrid Health Records Systems course and an online Health Information Review class, as well as the withdrawal of several inactive courses and certificates.
Children's Center expansion bid awarded
The low bid of $225,800 from Ron Gobin Enterprises Inc. of Murphysboro was accepted for the expansion of the Rend Lake College Foundation Children's Center. The project is being funded by the Foundation. The 1,526-square-foot addition will include a large open floor space for gross motor skill activities, a children's library with half-height walls for monitoring the children, a restroom, two storage closets and a water cooler. The addition will be connected to the existing building via a small vestibule / corridor with direct access to the playground.
Bids to go out for training equipment
The board granted permission to advertise for bids on training equipment with help from an Economic Development Administration grant. Bids will be sought for five new robot trainers at a total estimated cost of $130,000, and five new programmable logic controller trainers at a total estimated cost of $50,000, both pending EDA approval. The purchases are needed to maintain the quality of the Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technician program automation training. The bids will be brought back before the board for approval after the EDA approves the bidding process and bids are received.
Resolution for tax abatement receives approval
A resolution to abate taxes within the new and expanded Jefferson County Enterprise Zone received approval Tuesday. The mission of the new zone will be to create and retain jobs and spark investment within this area. Having the expanded enterprise zone designation throughout Jefferson County will allow for further investment of capital, creation and retention of jobs, and overall stimulation of sales and property tax in the area. The initial abatement of taxes will be offset by future growth promoted by the establishment of the expanded enterprise zone.
In other business, the board ...
- Approved the schedule of meetings of the Board of Trustees for the 2016 calendar year.
- Approved the 2016-2017 Rend Lake College Catalog.
- Did not renew the employment of the Assistant Director of the Illinois Small Business Center effective Dec. 31 because the college will not be pursing renewal of the SBDC grant.
- Released the Academic Coordinator for Adult Education and Literacy from employment effect Dec. 31. The annual state and federal grants which fund the Adult Education program have not been released due to the Illinois budget impasse. The savings will assist RLC in continuing to provide reduced serves to the adult education population.
Mark your calendars …
- Annual Faculty / Staff Holiday Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, Waugh Gymnasium.
- Warrior Series: 5K, 8K and 10K Runs. 5K to be held Feb. 2, remaining dates TBA, all at The Rec on campus.
