Cochise College Special Study Session
Friday, January 22, 2010
MINUTES
COCHISE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD
SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Home of Dr. J.D. Rottweiler
4742 San Cristobal
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
1.GENERAL FUNCTIONS
1.01Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Jan Guy, Board Chair, at2:05p.m.
Board Members Present:
Mrs. Jan Guy
Mrs. Jane Strain
Mr. David DiPeso
Dr. John Eaton
Board Member(s) Absent:
Donald Hudgins
2.DISCUSSION OF ENROLLMENT STRATEGIES
Dr. Rottweiler began his presentation by providing some visual aids and distributing handouts, and explained some of the research that has gone into the proposals that will be discussed. He added that the Board, upon hiring him, had requested he find ways to enhance enrollment on the Douglas campus, as well as across the district. They had also asked him to recognize that financial times could get tough in the state of Arizona, and after attending a meeting in Phoenix the day before, he stated we are there.
Dr. Rottweiler stated the college has experienced a decrease in the amount of traditional students (students taking 16 week semester classes), and he reviewed the statistics for the Sierra Vista and Douglas campuses, the Benson, Willcox, and Nogales Centers, Ft. Huachuca and the Online campus over the past ten years, and noted the fluctuations in district enrollments. The driving questions now are how do we want to position the college, and how do we recognize and emphasize the competitive advantages to enhance enrollment. He also reviewed the advantages of the Sierra Vista campus and the Douglas campus.
Mrs. Guy commented on the geographic location of the Douglas campus, and asked what the college could do systemically, over time, to increase the viability of the Douglas campus without pulling resources from other more viable college locations. She added thatshe has a number of questions, and did not have enough information to make a recommendation or decision on the proposal to offer free housing to students on the Douglas campus who are taking 16 credits. Discussion followed around the total occupancy of the new dorms, the number of units, and the cost to students, including the old and new costs per semester, whichincluded the meal plan. Dr. Rottweiler provided statistics on sister colleges, and emphasized the need to have students in housing. He went on to say that, in speaking with the students, a number of them would rather stay in the old housing with single occupancy than in the new housing and share a room. Discussion then followed around the renovation of the old housing buildings.
Mrs. Guy inquired as to how many students staying in housing on the Douglas campus are attending on an athletic scholarship. Dr. Rottweiler stated that of the 118 students, 100 of them are athletes, and explained that the money to pay for the scholarships comes out of the college’s general funds. Therefore, in theory, the college is already paying for their housing in one way or another. Discussion followed regarding the financing of the new buildings, and Mr. Butler explained the revenue streams. Dr. Rottweiler assured the Board this has been to bond council, and that there will be no shortfall in revenue if housing is provided at no charge to students who are taking 16 credits.
Mrs. Guy inquired as to the renovations to the old housing buildings, and Dr. Rottweiler assured her that the structural, electrical, roofing, and heating and air conditioning aspects are under consideration and will be addressed.
Discussion followed on the best approach to reinvigorate the Douglas campus, and how to bring students onto campus. Mrs. Guy added that the college needs to take a systemic approach, but the question is how do we do it? She also voiced concerns regarding allegations that may be made by taxpayers in Sierra Vista who voted against the bond issue, and the students themselves in Sierra Vistawho are carrying 16 credits while working, paying for housing, food and child care, whowill take exception to the students on the Douglas campus receiving free housing.
Mrs. Guy stated she applauds the interest and innovative idea of doing something on the Douglas campus, but the fact is the Board makes the decision on the expenditure of monies, and the Board will be held accountable. Therefore, she needs the absolute best information to make an informed decision that will be in the best interest of students, the taxpayers, and the college.
Attention then turned Mr. Butler who provided information regarding changes in the Sodexo agreement, including the cost to run the food service operation, including product, labor, equipment costs and operating fees.
Mrs. Guy asked if Board members had any additional issues they would like to discuss regarding the Douglas campus. Dr. Rottweiler stated that there is a timeline that needs to be followed, and he plans to bring to the Board, in February or March, a fee structure for their approval. Dr. Eaton stated he would like to hear additional plans to use the new dorms, and Mrs. Strain suggested additional study sessions to include ways to make the Douglas and Sierra Vista campuses more equitable. Mrs. Guy stated she needs detailed plans in order to be comfortable with her decision. She would like to proceed with an information item on the Board agenda in February. Mrs. Strain commented on concerns with Prop 301, SB 1011-Weapons on Campus, and HB 2251 regarding changing terms of Governing Board Trustees from 6 years to 4 years. The ACCT Leadership Conference will be held in Phoenix on March 4 – 6, 2010.
3.ADJOURNMENT
Mrs. Guy adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
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Ms. Loretta Mountjoy, Executive Administrative Assistant, Office of the President
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Mrs. Jane Strain, Secretary of the Governing Board