New curriculum, courses approved
A new Barber curriculum was approved and authorized for submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action, along with two new courses, Barber Theory II and Barber Clinic II. The Barber curriculum will be a one-year program leading to an occupational certificate, with graduates typically working as barbers in chain or independent shops or opening their own businesses. The curriculum will emphasize practical, hands-on experience with the latest styles, trends and techniques, and will prepare students to take the Illinois Barber licensure exam. The program, consisting of six classes, can be completed in three semesters and will be housed at Studio RLC at the RLC MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon.
Also, a change to the number of credit hours for Professional Artisan Bread (CULA 1208) was approved and authorized for ICCB submission.
RAMP document approved
Approved the Resource Allocation Management Plan for transmittal to the Illinois Community College Board. The college is required to submit the RAMP document each year. This is a type of "wish list" submitted by higher education institutions throughout the state, which are then combined at the state level and prioritized for possible funding. Projects on RLC's RAMP list include a new Allied Health building, a Student Center addition and an Applied Science Center addition.
Three employees receive appointments
- Jessica Beitler, Nursing Instructor, effective Aug. 18. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Walden University, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Malone University and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Rend Lake College. She most recently served as a staff nurse / clinical manager at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center, and formerly was a staff educator / patient care specialist at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio.
- Jordan Hicks, Academic Advisor, effective July 1. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Higher Education / College Student Affairs from Southern Illinois University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy from Southwest Baptist University and Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degrees from RLC. He most recently was an academic advisor and coordinator of student accommodations at Lake Land College.
- Lora Phillips, Medical Coding / Health Information Technology Instructor, effective Aug. 18. She has been working as a temporary full-time Medical Coding Instructor since August 2013, and her position will now be permanent full-time. Phillips holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information Management from Illinois State University and Associate in Art and Associate in Science degrees from Rend Lake College. She also is a Registered Health Information Management Administrator.
Bookstore seeks assistant manager
The board granted permission to advertise for an Assistant Manager of the Bookstore and Copy Center. In prior years, the Bookstore and Copy Center employed two full-time staff members. After the transfer of Casey Rhine to the manager position, the facility has used only part-time staff to fill the remainder of employment needs. An analysis of current operations and growth opportunities indicates the second full-time position should be filled again. The hiring of this individual will allow the college to explore new product lines, such as technology to be sold to students, and to refine existing product lines.
Transfers for two employees
Two current employees were transferred to new positions.
- Erin Morris from Administrative Assistant to the Community and Corporate Education Division to CCCE Specialist effective June 11. Morris will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Paula Myers. A revised job description also was approved.
- Chelsea Zettler from Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness to the Administrative Assistant in Communications and Information effective July 1. A revised job description also was approved. The move was necessary due to the retirement of two part-time employees currently filling the position.
Two positions created, to be filled
Two new positions were created at Tuesday's meeting. Job descriptions for both were approved and permission was granted to advertise to fill the positions.
- Math Lab Coordinator / Instructor - This position is necessary to provide consistent instruction and curricular updates for the eight math classes which are available in the Math Lab for student enrollment each semester. This added position is needed due to the increased enrollment in remedial math placement at RLC.
- Administrative Assistant to the President - Due to the transfer of Chelzea Zettler to the communications office in the reception area of the Administration Building, this position is needed to coordinate the functions of event scheduling, ICCB reporting and other duties closely tied to the President's Office. The position will report to the Executive Assistant to the President.
Nursing transfer agreement with SIUE approved
A 2+2 transfer agreement was approved with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville which will provide for a seamless transfer for Rend Lake College Associate Degree Nursing graduates enrolling in SIUE's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
In other business, the board ...
- Approved revisions to board policy regarding meetings of the board (second reading).
- Approved the 2014-2015 Radiologic Technology and Nursing handbooks.
- Approved revisions to board procedure concerning stipends and job descriptions.
- Approved the salaries for administrative, administrative support, academic support and office support personnel effective July 1.
- Approved the list of obsolete materials to be sold at the college's annual auction, which is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at the 4-H facility on campus.
- Approved the Affirmative Action Plan for Women and Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities and Certain Protected Veterans effective July 1.
- Approved an action transferring up to $3.4 million from the Working Cash fund to the Education fund. This was due to the timing of receipts of funds from the state for various grant payments which may be delayed during future periods. The amount will be transferred back to the Working Cash fund when the money comes in from the state. Additionally, the board approved the transfer of $2,481,000 from the Education fund to the Working Cash fund to repay earlier transfers made in anticipation of revenues to be received by the college. The college is legally required to repay this transfer between funds within one year.
- Approved the prevailing rate of hourly wages resolution as required by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Rate Act.
- Granted permission to eliminate board policy and procedure regarding the Nurse Clinical Stipend (first reading), which is no longer needed due to changes in the industry.
- Accepted with regret the resignation of Ron Hudson, Police Officer, effective June 6.
- Accepted the resignation of a custodial supervisor.
Mark your calendars …
- Obsolete Equipment Auction, 5 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 4-H Building.
- LPN Pinning Ceremony, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, RLC Theatre.