1701 East Front Street Traverse City, MI 49686 (231) 995-1010 [email protected]Board of Trustees www.nmc.edu/trustees Meeting Agenda Monday, July 27, 2015 at NMC Great Lakes Campus Room 112, 715 E. Front Street 5:00 p.m. Board Photo 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting I. GENERAL BUSINESS A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Review of Agenda and Approval of Additions, Deletions, or Rearrangements II. REPORTS (Most reports are also provided to the Board in their materials packet, which can be accessed on the nmc.edu Board of Trustees website.) E. Traverse City Light & Power Presentation—Tim Arends, Executive Director, TCL&P F. Program Focus—International Experiences—Steve Ursell, International Aviation Instructional Coordinator G. Enrollment Report—Chris Weber, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services H. Financial Report—Vicki Cook, Vice President of Finance and Administration I. BBQ Report—Marilyn Dresser, Board Representative J. Foundation Report—Doug Bishop, Board Representative K. MCCA Summer Conference Report—Kennard Weaver and Ross Childs, Board Representatives L. Legislative Issues Report—Timothy Nelson, President III. UPDATES M. Board Chair Update—Doug Bishop, Chair N. President’s Update—Timothy Nelson, President IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS V. PUBLIC INPUT Request forms for public input are available at the meeting location. Any individual of the public may speak for up to three (3) minutes. The Board will not receive public input from individuals unless they are present at the meeting. The Board will take public remarks into consideration, but will not comment at time of input. Northwestern Michigan College provides lifelong learning opportunities to our communities. 1
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Board of Trustees - NMC · A. Tuition and Fees revenue: Tuition and fees represent a 5% increase from those of May 2014. The increase is reflective of activities in Aviation, GLMA
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Total Expenditures and Transfers 43,766,319 42,264,335 96.57%
Net Revenues over (under) Expenditures 0 1,654,110
Northwestern Michigan College
Summary Report for General Fund Accounts
Month end reports are interim and not a reflection of final year end results.
Fiscal Year 2015, Period 12
Copy of Summ Gen Fund_Jun_2015.xls
for internal use only 7/21/2015 8:14 AM Page 1 of 1
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Northwestern Michigan CollegeComparative StatementJune 2015 to May 2015
General Fund Activity Only
Difference between current month and previous month
Revenue Yr. To Date Yr. To Date Month of Month of Explanation
30-Jun-15 31-May-15 30-Jun-15 31-May-15
Tuition and Fees 23,523,067 22,638,014 885,053 615,951 May had 3 weeks of summer tuition while June had 4 weeks. May also had less flight, course fee, and training revenue
Property Taxes 9,530,648 9,513,456 17,192 8,654 Final property tax receipts for the fiscal year
State Sources 9,124,305 8,115,549 1,008,756 1,008,755 Consistent with prior month
Federal Sources 614,000 614,000 - 481,685 Timing of federal grant payments
Private Sources 421,863 310,867 110,996 10,219 Timing of Foundation support
Investment Income 283,856 259,334 24,522 24,121 Consistent with prior month
Other Sources 420,707 399,662 21,045 35,533 Administrative fees and previously written off account collections less in June.
Total Revenue 43,918,445 41,850,883 2,067,562 2,184,919
Expenses
Salaries and Wages 21,215,304 19,754,549 1,460,755 2,330,699 3 pays in May
Benefits 9,411,001 8,459,203 951,798 947,671 3 pays in May, healthcare costs higher in June
Purchased Services 2,237,809 1,925,000 312,809 69,546 Legal, advertising, ship food service and EES independent contractor payments higher in June; timing of contract payments for facililties
Supplies & Material 2,814,917 2,552,312 262,605 194,383 Payments for Russia & Costa Rica student trips in June
Internal Services 103,841 89,426 14,415 18,368 Internal charges from Hagerty and training
Other Expenses 1,758,210 1,642,538 115,672 129,656 May higher for financial charges, commencement and recruiting
Institutional Expenses 1,786,460 1,583,509 202,951 117,586 June higher in electricity, water, sewer and telephone
Prof Develp, Travel, & Events 646,530 582,025 64,505 68,696 Timing of professional development
Capital Outlay 677,933 654,992 22,941 3,159 Library books $2,001, truck for automotive technology $14,650, deposit of $6,290 on software for manufacturing technology
Total Expenditures 41,891,434 38,379,753 3,511,681 3,991,199
State Sources 9,124,305 8,868,698 255,607 3% Budgeted increase in state appropriations
Federal Sources 614,000 1,618,400 (1,004,400) -62% Received one-time Heritage Act payment in 2014
Private Sources 421,863 434,616 (12,753) -3% Timing of Foundation support
Investment Income 283,856 276,854 7,002 3% Increase in FY15 interest earned
Other Sources 420,707 316,029 104,678 33%China College For Kids Camp, NJTA grant administration, surplus sales, and previously written off accounts collected.
Total Revenue 43,918,445 43,174,571 743,876 2%
Expenses
Salaries and Wages 21,215,304 21,024,020 191,284 1%Increase in salaries, supplemental wages, and vacation payouts; savings in adjunct, overload, and student employee costs
Benefits 9,411,001 8,794,030 616,971 7% Increase in MPSERS retirement expenses and timing of health payments
Purchased Services 2,237,809 2,222,990 14,819 1%Increase in legal expenses, Maritime consulting expenses and IT audit costs
Supplies & Material 2,814,917 2,691,759 123,158 5%Printing and fee related expenses for Outreach Services trips & engineering technology, partially offset by savings in fuel
Internal Services 103,841 76,892 26,949 35% Internal charges from Hagerty and housing
Other Expenses 1,758,210 1,777,619 (19,409) -1%
Decrease in financial charges, bad debt expense, tuition differential scholarships and Native American waiver, offset in part by aviation equipment rental expense
Institutional Expenses 1,786,460 1,759,628 26,832 2%Increase in electric costs partially offset by savings in snow removal, telephone, cable and waste collection
Maintenance & Renovation 1,239,429 1,000,820 238,609 24%Timing of contract payments (ITS/Ellucian); plane maintenance and Maritime Anchor Bay tug repairs
Pro. Develop, Travel & Events 646,530 598,405 48,125 8% Timing of travel and professional development Capital Outlay 677,933 299,025 378,908 127% COAT and IT purchases, Maritime Heritage Act equipment
Total Expenditures 41,891,434 40,245,189 1,646,246 4%
Transfers 372,901 2,121,544 (1,748,643) Timing of transfers
Net Revenues over/(under) 1,654,110 807,838 846,272
Month end reports are interim and not a reflection of final year end results.
Month end reports are interim and not a reflection of final year end results.
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Northwestern Michigan CollegeSummary by Program
June 2015General Fund Activity Only
Revenue Percent 2014-15 Yr. To Date Percent of
of Total Annual Budget 30-Jun-15 Total Spent Definition
Tuition & Fees 54% 23,765,353 23,523,067 Property Taxes 22% 9,464,797 9,530,648 State Sources 21% 9,094,919 9,124,305 Federal Sources 1% 524,000 614,000 Private Sources 1% 345,000 421,863 Investment Income 1% 274,000 283,856 Other Sources 1% 298,250 420,707 Total Revenue 100% 43,766,319 43,918,447
Expenses
Instruction 38% 15,845,681 17,514,968 42% Produce educational change in a learner or group of learners; includes both credit and non-credit offeringsInformation Technology 7% 2,792,546 2,584,131 6% Provide technology to benefit instructional activities and the institution as a whole
Public Service 0% 197,062 231,463 1% Provide public with unique resources and respond to community needs or solve community problemInstructional Support 16% 6,670,302 6,471,921 15% Support instructional programsStudent Services 12% 5,113,527 5,127,769 12% Contribute to well-being of students and their intellectual, cultural, & social development
Institutional Administration 15% 6,171,735 5,228,658 12% Provide for organizational effectiveness and continuity; day-to-day functioning and long-range viabilityPlant Operations and Maintenance 11% 4,720,317 4,732,523 11% Maintain existing facilities, provide utility and safety services, and plan/design future facilitiesTotal Expenditures 100% 41,511,171 41,891,434 100%
Transfers 2,255,148 372,901 Net Revenues over/(under) 0 1,654,110
Month end reports are interim and not a reflection of final year end results.
Month end reports are interim and not a reflection of final year end results.
Total Local Sources 31,767,276 33,230,150 32,151,470 (1,078,679) 33,109,089 (121,061) State Sources 53 9,654,450 9,094,919 8,115,549 (979,370) 9,124,305 29,386 State appropriations
Federal Sources 54 1,618,400 524,000 614,000 90,000 614,000 90,000 MARAD funding
Private Sources 55 439,881 345,000 310,867 (34,134) 419,150 74,150 Department foundation funding and add'l foundation support for positions
Investment and Interest Income 57 282,059 274,000 259,334 (14,666) 274,000 - Unrealized gain/(loss) on investments 57 39,539 - - - - -
Other Sources 59 319,664 298,250 399,662 101,412 432,880 134,630 China summer program, NJTP administration, collection of old accounts, Lobdell's
Total Revenue 44,121,269 43,766,319 41,850,883 (1,915,436) 43,973,424 207,105
3/4/2013 2/28/2018 FNMA 500,000.00$ 500,000$ 1.000% steps up to 1.125% on 2/28/16; 1.25% on 2/28/17; 2.25% on 8/28/17
3/28/2013 3/28/2023 FHLB 499,200.00$ 500,000$ 1.625% step bond, 1.625% for 3 years, 1.75% for 3 years, 2% for 2 years; 7% for last 2 years
12,818,577.20$ 12,920,000.00$ 12,837.40$
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NMC Barbecue Final Report for 2015
July 20, 2015
The 60th NMC Barbecue was by all measures – including the weather – a wonderful success. Among the highlights:
Home delivered meals through the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging, served 254 meals to local residents throughout the Grand Traverse region who could not attend the Barbecue.
100% of all waste was recycled or composted. Over $40,000 was funded across nine separate proposals which will better the school in various unique ways. Attendees enjoyed a car show at the event this year to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Barbecue
Ticket Sales and Attendance A total of 9,110 tickets were sold, of which 6,504 (71%) were in advance, while the remainder 2,606 (29%) were on Barbecue day. Online sales continue to be a popular option coming in close to last year with 252 individual tickets sold online (compared to 248 in 2014.) In addition, online sales including TCAPS, TBAISD and corporate sales totaled another 2,045 tickets. Total attendance was 7,654 people. Revenues Gross revenue was $66,443.40 which included $39,023 in advance sales, $20,849.05 in day-of sales, and $5,444.35 in children’s games and snacks. It also included $1,127 in donations. (Detailed comparisons to last year’s Barbecue are on the following pages.) Expenses Total expenses were $24,144.19, which included $8,772.51 in day-of equipment and supplies, $7,299.28 in promotion, $5,641.90 in advertising and $2,430.50 in planning expenses. Total expenses were $6,961.50 less than last year. Large, one-time expenses this year included $615 to purchase a new kids game and about $500 in new day-of signage to update all old signs which had the out dated logo still displayed. A decision to increase the gift amount for the Adult Student of the Year Award from $1,000 to $1,500 was also an added increase in expenses. Volunteer t-shirts (a new expense starting last year) came in at $2,574.74 this year (compared to $2,991.74 in 2014.) Gratitude As always, this event could not happen without the hundreds of volunteers who assist with everything from set-up and cooking to serving and clean-up. And of course, many thanks are given to the Oleson family, who donated all of the delicious food and provided immeasurable logistical support. Sincere thanks are also extended to the BBQ Board members who were a part of the planning process beginning in December 2014. They attended meetings and made themselves available, especially in the days leading up to the Barbecue- we appreciate their dedication! Day-of operations went very smoothly and the clean-up process was swift. The 60th annual NMC Barbecue would not have been the same without the commitment of time, energy and enthusiasm from the volunteers, Oleson family and BBQ Board, as well as continued community support. Thank you! Be sure to mark your calendars now for the 61st annual NMC Barbecue: May 22, 2016!
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BBQ REVENUE 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Proposed 13 Actual 13 Proposed 14 Actual 14 Proposed
NMC Outlets: Osterlin Library, Admissions, Public Relations Office, Dennos Museum Other Outlets: Holiday Shopper, Terrace Shopper, Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau
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1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686 231-995-1021
MEMO
Resource Development
To: The Board of Trustees and President Timothy J. Nelson
From: Rebecca Teahen, Executive Director for Resource Development
Date: July 10, 2015
Subject: Foundation Update for July 2015
Fund Raising – a “check” on FY15 goals
The Annual Fund has exceeded this FY15 goal of $225,000! The fund has raised a total of $245,857, including pledges. This represents 17% growth over last year! Congratulations and thanks to Sara Harding and Bill Marsh Jr. our Co-Chairs this year, as well as Courtney Sorrell, Annual Giving Specialist.
FY15 Total dollars raised to date (unaudited):
$1,336,806 Total received (including the Annual Fund and pledges)
- 109,590 Received through bequest gifts
- 14,900 Gift received in FY15, pledges counted in FY14
= $1,212,316 Raised toward FY15 goal of $1,500,000 in gifts & new pledges
+$456,591
$ 1,668,907
Gross event revenue vs goal of $398,806
Total of gifts + events vs goal of $1,898,806
This total reflects a 10% increase in dollars raised over FY14- Great work team!
Foundation Initiatives
Of the 29,973 alumni records sent to AlumniSync data service to find updated contact information, we received 14,438 new addresses, 26,189 new phone numbers, and 5,951 new Email addresses. Betsy Coffia has also enjoyed a tremendously positive response to program initiatives such as Alumni Ambassadors program, affinity group events, and social media engagement.
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1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686 231-995-1021
Be sure to register for the NMC Scholarship Open August 6, 2015 at the Grand Traverse Resort. We are still seeking sponsors for the event and there are great recognition opportunities for sponsors at all levels. Learn more at nmc.edu/golf.
The planning/feasibility phase of the proposed campaign is moving forward with approximately 50% of the feasibility interviews completed. We are planning for a report to the Foundation Board in August or September, depending on availability of the remaining interviewees.
Meetings and Events for your calendars:
Scholarship Open Golf Outing – 8/6/2015 at the Grand Traverse Resort.
Foundation Board meeting – Wed., 8/26/2015 at 7:30 am (breakfast at 7:00), Hagerty Center
Lobdell’s Scholarship Dinner - 9/18/2015 at Lobdell’s - A Teaching Restaurant
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MCCA SUMMER TRUSTEE INSTITUTE July 24, 2015
Kennard R.Weaver and Ross Childs attended the 2015 Summer Trustee Institute on July 23, 2105. A summary of the proceedings is set forth below. Aligning Presidential Hiring and Development to Improve Student Success The Summer Institute opened with a presentation by Joshua Wyner, of the Aspen Institute. He said the standard of excellence for a community college is one which: promotes completion; equity among students; meets the needs of the labor market; and promotes learning. In order to meet this standard, a community college needs an exceptional President and an exceptional Board of Trustees. An exceptional President should have these five qualities: -commitment to student success -willingness to take risks -ability to manage internal change -a strong broad vision, including external partnerships -skill in gathering resource s and in resource allocation THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE OF A SUCCESSFUL SEARCH is for the Board to first identify the vision and goals for the college, and then communicate those well to potential candidates. The search committee should set its own criteria: don’t ask a consultant to do it. You may use a facilitator, but not a person who directs you. The Board must make that decision. Search tools include: -aligning college vision and goals with the qualities you want in a candidate -drafting language for a vacancy announcement which accurately reflect that alignment -preparing a hypothetical scenario for finalist candidates to explain how they would handle it -preparing uniform questions for a personal interview -preparing a spread sheet comparing each candidate with the vision and goals -preparing a system for comparative scoring for each Candidate -preparing and using a uniform protocol for reference checks The search committee should provide for input from faculty, the community, and administration personnel. These people should provide comments, but the decision on hiring must be made by the Board itself. Current Community College Federal Policy Priorities Jee Hang Lee, Vice President of the Association of Community College Trustees, related the current federal policies for community colleges. Appropriation bills in both house of Congress provide for cuts in federal programs, but an appropriations bill is at a stalemate and no action is likely before this fall.
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Pell grants may be extended without limiting eligibility beyond present terms. We expect the year round availability to be reinstated. The semester limit may be raised from 12 to 14. The aggregate cap on degree type may be adjusted, and loan repayments will be consolidated. Appropriations for the year will be cut, but the surplus in the fund will prevent actual cuts in the program. There will be a surplus again in 2016 and 2017, but expected deficits in 2018 to 2025 may reach $31 billion. The CPI increase expires after 2017. New enrollees will receive a maximum of $4,860. The American College Promise $80 billion proposal by President Obama and in several pending bills have no chance of enactment by this Congress, but may start thinking in that direction which will bear fruit some years down the road. If enacted, it would pay three-fourths of the national average tuition, and states would be responsible for the balance. In order to qualify, there would need to be increased student success. Higher Education Reauthorization Bills pending show concern for default rates. Students would need to be at least half-time, and maintain at least a 2.0 average GPA. Experience shows that the smaller the loan, the greater the likelihood of default by the student. This means that community colleges show higher rates of default than four-year universities, which an obstacle we must overcome. The explanation is probably that students who do not complete a degree are more likely to default, and those who do complete and therefore have larger loans obtain a job which allows them to repay the loan.
Audit Reports and Financial Statements Vicki Vandenberg, partner at Plante & Moran, explained how audit reports are constructed. She also discussed monthly and annual statements, the definitions and concepts used for community college accounting, and new developments. Community colleges will have to report the unfunded health care liability for retirees, beginning in 2018. Vicki said that the average Michigan community college derives its revenues from- Tuition 42% Local taxes 35% State funds 20% The average cost for instruction and instruction support is 73% of total expenditures. The Management Discussion and Analysis (MD & A) is the most important part of the audited statements, she said. Defined “inflows” and “outflows” are new concepts which will appear in the next set of audited statements, and the footnotes on unfunded pension liabilities this year will be about five pages. The notes devoted to unfunded liabilities will continue to grow over the next ten years. She said there are useful comparative ratios for community colleges available on the Higher Learning Commission website, and that community colleges should consider using them to rate their own performance against the averages. She said the Primary Ratio (expendable assets to total assets) is an important ratio, as is the Composite Financial Index. She suggested that care should be taken that the financials reported on the IPEDS are consistent with other published financial statements.
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Higher Education Legal Update: Title IX and More As of July 1, the Title IX Coordinator at each college must investigate all complaints of sexual harassment of every kind with a nexus to the college and make a determination. This must be done whether or not there is also a police investigation. Each college must adopt definitions of “violence” and “consent” as well other terms used in these investigations. All new and incoming employees must receive sexual harassment training, and existing employees and students must also receive continuing training. On July 15, the Department of Labor announced that it will soon begin more rigorous enforcement against employee misclassification. In particular, “independent contractors” will be reviewed to determine whether they are really employees. The DOL has also published for comment new rules on the raise in compensation levels from 25% to 40% of prevailing wage rates as a minimum for determining whether employees are exempt from overtime pay requirements.
MCCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING JULY 24, 2015
The Board of Directors of MCCA met at 7:30 a.m., July 24, 2015. There was a quorum present, including Timothy Nelson, President, and Kennard R. Weaver, Trustee, as representatives of NMC to the MCCA Board. Timothy Meyer, Chair, retired as Carol Dueling-Ravell was elected Chair of the Board. The formula for dues was approved the same as last year. Housekeeping Bylaws changes were made, and the website was renamed Michigan Colleges Online. Mike Hansen said the MCAA strategic plan will be Reviewed this year, after staff makes recommendations for change. The MCCA PAC has enabled MCCA to contribute to the chair of every committee and chairs of both Michigan houses, so MCCA has access where it is needed. The meeting was adjourned.
MCCA SUMMER INSTITUTE JULY 24, 2015
Trustees Kennard Weaver, Ross Childs, Chris Botts, and Doug Bishop, President Timothy Nelson, and Holly Gorton attended the MCCA Summer Institute on July 24, 2015. Innovation in Higher Education Paul LeBlanc, President, Southern New Hampshire University, explained the growth in online courses he directed, as College for America. He said the traditional education system is breaking down, and online education is meeting the need for less expensive and more rapid times to completion. SNHU has started its online programs separate from the traditional programs it offers, and growth has been more than five times the original offering. Competency-based education is replacing the credit hour as the basis for accreditation of a college education, and it is saving time and money for students and society. The current focus is on assessment of each student’s education, to establish real learning and ability, rather than just using credit hours as a guide. He said traditional education involves faculty in charge of all aspects of education, but technology allows various aspects of it to be performed by a number of different people. “Competency” as a standard is not limited to vocational skills, but applies to all kinds of learning.
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Madam President. Beverly Walker, President, Mott Community College, described the change from 1980, when three percent of community college presidents were women, to 2015, when there are now thirty-six percent women presidents. She said that while research shows women to be as effective as men, the usual perception is that they are not. She said colleges and Boards of Trustees should adopt policies promoting the ability of women to qualify for greater administrative responsibility. State of the Association Over lunch, Mike Hansen reported on the state of MCCA. He described the work done by the association over the past year, including that done by each of the satellite centers of MCCA. It is in sound financial condition. Transformation of Student Services. Robin Smith, Trustee of Lansing Community College and Chair of the ACCT Board of Directors, reported on the physical building and the new service model for student services at Lansing Community College. It is representative of the changes necessary to aid students in completing their educations goals. Excellence in an Era of Completion. Rob Johnstone, President of the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, said that over the Past decade colleges have transformed the way they do business to emphasize completion of educational goals. This is accomplished by (1) strong leadership and culture’ (2) guided pathways; (3) intentional focus on improving teaching and learning; (4) strategic use of data to close equity gaps; and (5) partnerships and structures aligned to defined student outcomes. One tool is giving completion grants to students who are near completion but have run out of funds, with repayment required if they fail to complete the goal. Changing the Culture. Laura Coleman, President, Bay de Noc Community College, said community colleges need to change their culture to one of ownership of the process of educating students. People in different departments should meet and talk, to eliminate an insular atmosphere. Feedback from others with whom you deal is essential to avoid the misunderstandings arising from the effect each person’s value system has on the input they receive. Generational Disruption Chuck Underwood, Principal, The General Imperative, Inc., discussed the five generations living in the United States today, of which four are now attending community colleges. The Silent Generation, Boomers, GenX and Millennials now in school have very different core values and expectations from an education. Community colleges need to recognize these differences and work to meet their expectations and provide the kind of education they need and will use to ensure their employability and accommodation in today’s society.
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State & Legislative Matters
MCCA Leadership Week: The MCCA is hosting presidents and trustees in Traverse City this week for the MCCA Leadership Week: Presidents Summers Institute, Trustees Summer Institute, and the annual MCCA Summer Conference. Second Year of Marketing Campaign Moves Forward: The Michigan Community College Marketing and Communications Association (MCCMCA) is leading the launch of the second year of the “You’ve Got This” campaign. The first year emphasized the presence and importance of community colleges and used a broad mix of print, digital, broadcast and out-of-home/billboard advertising. The second year will become more focused, concentrating spending on websites and social media with a heavy focus on enrollment enhancement for participating colleges.
Participating colleges include Bay College, Delta College, Glen Oaks Community College, Gogebic Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Henry Ford College, Jackson College, Kellogg Community College, Kirtland Community College, Mid-Michigan Community College, Montcalm Community College, Mott Community College, Muskegon Community College, North Central Michigan College, Northwestern Michigan College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College and West Shore Community College.
State & Legislative Matters
Transportation Funding Debate Continues: Although both the House and Senate technically returned for session this week, very little action was taken as debate continues to rage behind the scenes as to how to address Michigan’s transportation infrastructure needs. It is clear that the House Republican Caucus does not have the votes to support the Senate-passed plan, in particular the legislation that would raise the gas tax by 15 cents per gallon. Some Democrats would be willing to support that bill but are unwilling to go along with companion parts of the proposal that would cut General Fund spending by up to $700 million in order to redirect the funds to roads. As a reminder, the Senate Fiscal Agency has compiled an analysis comparing the House and Senate-passed proposals. The House will be back in session on Tuesday, July 21.
Meanwhile, the House Democratic Caucus unveiled their plan for an additional $1.2 billion for infrastructure funding. The plan has three main sections; reprioritization and protection of roads to generate $132 million, reforming registration and closing loopholes to generate $113 million and increasing the Corporate Income Tax, renegotiating MEGA Credits and re-regulation of electricity to generate $955 million. The plan was quickly panned by legislative Republicans.
MCCA WEEKLY UPDATE MCCA Legislative Liaisons Group &
Michigan Community College Marketing and Communications Association
June Revenue Numbers Released: The Senate Fiscal Agency released its monthly revenue report for June 2015 this week. According to the report, June tax collections were $96 million below the estimates from the consensus revenue estimating conference held in May. Of that amount, $6 million was earmarked for the General Fund, $82 million for the School Aid Fund and $8 million for other sources, including revenue sharing. However, while collections were lower than estimates, the total collection was an increase of 5.5% from the 2014 level. Sales tax receipts were also lower than the forecasted amount, coming in at $641.1 million for the month. The year-to-date sales tax receipts are $100.2 million below the projected amount. Bills to Watch: A quick reference of all the bills relevant to community colleges introduced in the 2015 Legislative Session is available on the MCCA website. Statewide News/Reports Davenport University will cut campuses amid lagging enrollment (see MLive article; Chronicle of Higher Education article).
Federal Legislative Matters
House Begins TANF Reauthorization: Last week, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources released a draft bill to reauthorize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The legislation would make significant changes to the work requirements for TANF recipients, while increasing the focus on education and training. In addition to eliminating the distinction between core and non-core work activities, the bill would extend the lifetime limit on vocational educational training from the current total of 12 months to 24 months. America’s College Promise Introduced: On July 8, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced legislation in the House and Senate on the Administration's America's College Promise proposal. The bills are largely similar to the President's initial proposal at a cost of $80 billion over 10 years. ACCT has created a fact sheet on the America's College Promise Act of 2015, which may be viewed here. AACC and ACCT encourage community college leaders to support these bills, and contact their Members of Congress requesting support. Proposed Expansion of Income-Contingent Repayment Plan: The U.S. Department of Education (ED) published a notice of proposed rulemaking that amends the regulations to provide millions of student loan borrowers access to an income-contingent repayment plan. The revised “Pay As You Earn” repayment plan caps payments at 10% of the student loan borrower’s monthly income. Comments are due August 10. Senate Committee Reviews Barriers: This coming Wednesday, July 22, at 10:00am, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a full Committee hearing titled Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Exploring Barriers and Opportunities within Innovation. More details and a live webcast will be available on the committee website.
Michigan Center for Student Success (MCSS) Michigan Center for Student Success Staffing Changes: As we had shared previously, Chris Baldwin has announced his resignation as the Executive Director of MCSS. Chris’ final day will be July 31st and the search for his replacement is well underway. Adriana Phelan, who will also serve as the interim Executive Director until one is identified, is leading the search effort. The goal is to have the new Executive Director in place for the 2015 Student Success Summit on October 1st and 2nd.
New Director of Veteran and Transfer Initiatives: We are also excited to announce the hire of Katie Giardello as the Director of Veteran and Transfer Initiatives within MCSS (largely funded with a Kresge Foundation grant). Katie Giardello comes to us uniquely qualified to work on both veteran and transfer issues. She was most recently at Eastern Michigan University where she served as the Assistant Director of Community College Relations. Prior to that she worked for the Ohio Board of Regents where she focused on issues related to transfer articulation, the awarding of military credit, and a host of other important issues. Katie’s first day is July 20th and she will be joining us for the Summer Conference. Please be sure to welcome her when you see her!
Cohort II of the Michigan Guided Pathways Institute: MCSS is now accepting colleges for entrance into the second cohort of the Michigan Guided Pathways Institute (GPI), which will run from December 2015 through June 2017. MCSS will host a webinar on Friday, September 18 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. to provide interested college faculty and staff with an overview of Guided Pathways and the work of the GPI colleges. In order to be considered for Cohort II, colleges must provide a letter of intent from their institution’s president no later than October 9, 2015. These activities were described in detail in a separate email sent to the presidents and chief academic officers of the 16 colleges that did not in the first GPI cohort that started earlier this year. Please direct any questions about GPI to Jenny Schanker. Michigan Colleges Online (MCO) MCO Update: MCCA and the MCO are not the only ones trying to help students create a pathway that will lead to educational success - but we believe we are creating a total solution which integrates features that others are not. Click here to view the current edition of Pathway Update to see a listing of features and how our solution stacks up. SARA Tipping Point: Twenty-seven states have now joined the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA is a nationwide initiative of states that will make distance education courses more accessible to students across state lines and make it easier for states to regulate and institutions to participate in interstate distance education). Michigan is in the process of applying for membership into SARA.
Michigan New Jobs Training Program (MNJTP) MNJTP by the Numbers: 100 employers have been served in 112 MNJTP contracts to date. The number of projected new jobs supported by existing MNJTP agreements is 13,036. Eighteen community colleges are currently taking advantage of MNJTP funding to support new job training. Center for Global Initiatives (CGI) China Summer Opportunity for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management: The University of Toledo - Community College Internationalization Consortium would like to invite students and faculty in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Programs in Michigan’s community colleges to participate in the China-US Rising Star Summer Tour, from August 8 to August 23, 2015. The China Education Association for International Exchange will cover all in-country expenses for the US students and faculty participating in this summer tour of China. As the departure date for this summer tour is quickly approaching, please contact Dr. Aige Guo ([email protected]) or Dr. Ron Opp ([email protected]) to indicate interest in this opportunity. Opportunity to Develop Partnerships - Mechatronics Conference in Mexico: La Universidad Tecnológica de Xicotepec de Juárez (UTXJ) would like to invite community colleges to their 2nd Annual International Mechatronics Conference October 1-2, 2015. The Call for Proposals has opened with a deadline of Friday, July 24th. Please share with appropriate faculty and staff at your institution. For more information, please visit UTXJ's conference website http://www.utxj.edu.mx/jm2015/ or contact Mr. Rogelio Zarate, Dean of Mechatronics, at [email protected]. Fulbright Core Scholarship Program competition is accepting applications. View more information here; deadline is August 3, 2015.
Community Colleges in the News
Federal funding aimed at helping U.P. students graduate from college (see Public Radio NMU FM article). Gogebic Community College and Bay de Noc Community College were awarded funds through the Department of Education’s TRIO Student Support Services Program, which aims to help first-generation college students, low-income individuals, and students with disabilities. Mott Community College gets federal funds to help students succeed in school (see MLive article). St. Clair County Community College awarded $1.1 million grant to help disadvantaged students (see The Times Herald article).