Budget, 'Statement of Values' Among Items OK'd by Board

Published 06.26.2009

News

The Board of Directors of Pennsylvania College of Technology on Thursday approved a $92.13 million operating budget for 2009-10. The board set tuition and fees at $416 per credit hour for in-state residents and $521 per credit hour for out-of-state residents. (See related article.)

In addition, the board approved gifts to the City of Williamsport and the Williamsport Area School District. This action continued the voluntary annual contributions established in 2005-06 for the city and 2007-08 for the school district. The gifts are re-examined annually.



Board of Directors' meeting summarized for college communityBoard members agreed to a $100,000 contribution to the city, paid in monthly installments of $10,000 August through May. The school district will receive a $35,000 total cash payment. Both amounts are equal to gifts provided in the previous fiscal year.

In addition, the following statement of values was approved as presented by the administration, with support from President's Council and the College Governance System:

"These core values guide Penn College to accomplish our mission and achieve our vision:

Hands-on Education: We believe the best preparation for a successful career is a learning environment emphasizing applied, real-world instruction. We provide experiential learning in small classes and labs with state-of-the-art equipment, mentored by skilled faculty with business and industry experience.

Student-Centered Environment: Our students' best interest is the priority influencing our decision making. As an open enrollment college, believing in the dignity and worth of every individual, we strive to provide a holistic experience that fosters educational, physical, personal, and social development.

Business and Industry Partnerships: As an entrepreneurial institution, we develop cooperative relationships with business and industry to ensure our curriculum remains current, encourages lifelong learning, and prepares our graduates to compete successfully in the global marketplace. This provides opportunities for faculty to enhance their skills, students to acquire work-based experiences, the College to receive technology and scholarship support, and the community to benefit from a highly qualified workforce.

Community of Respect: Each member of the Penn College community is entitled to and expected to contribute to a collegial and mutually supportive environment. As stewards of this campus environment, we promote collaboration and communication, cultivate an appreciation of our differences, and treat each other with respect."

Other agenda items included the approval of the engagement letter for Larson, Kellett & Associates, P.C. to audit college financial records for the fiscal year ending June 30.

The board unanimously re-elected its slate of officers for 2009-10: Robert E. Dunham, chair; John M. Young, vice chair; Joseph J. Doncsecz, treasurer; Davie Jane Gilmour, secretary; Robert M. Fisher, assistant treasurer; and Valerie A. Baier, assistant secretary.

Also approved were members of the Board of Directors of the Community Arts Center, a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn College. Members, appointed annually, are Gilmour, William J. Martin, Barry R. Stiger, Veronica M. Muzic and Fisher. Alternates are Robert G. Bowers, Suzanne T. Stopper and Ann Marie Phillips.

A policy on protections and protocol for reporting wrongful conduct also was approved. The policy, developed in response to newInternal Revenue Servicereporting requirements, is intended to offer fair protection for employees and students reporting alleged wrongdoing.

Students who are serving as Connections Links, under the direction of Kimberly R. Cassel, director of student activities, introduced themselves to the board. The students provide assistance to new students, parents and guests attending Connections orientation sessions.

As the board said goodbye to Lizabeth S. Mullens, vice president for academic affairs/provost, who has accepted a faculty position at Tennessee Technological University, the president provided an update on the search for a new vice president/provost. She said two of the four candidates who participated in on-campus interviews have been invited to return for a second round of interviews in early July. She anticipates concluding the search prior to the August board meeting.

She reported that summer enrollment is record-setting, with 1,568 students taking summer classes. She also said the campus is very busy hosting events ranging from Connections to career and athletic camps, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (in late July) and the Governor's Institute for Career Education and Work (held last week).

The president shared stories of two successful alumni. Kerri Ann Dick, '08, welding technology, is one of seven women working at the Aker shipyard in Philadelphia; Timothy D. Case, '05, paramedic, works in Oregon as an operations supervisor for American Medical Response, the nation's leading medical transportation support company.

The chairman thanked the board members for their continued service. He said, "We try to do our job as quietly and productively as we can ... We have a singular interest in making this college the best it can be."

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, in the Thompson Professional Development Center.