A guide used in planning and implementing campus improvements over the next 10 years was approved by East Central College trustees at their December 7 meeting.  Representatives from Lawrence Group, the architectural firm for the college, presented a detailed master plan to trustees earlier this fall.

“As with any plan, this document is intended to be flexible and dynamic,” noted Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president. “Needs and priorities will change over time but this plan is a critical tool as we work to ensure that our students, employees, and other stakeholders have the best environment in which to learn, teach, and work.”

Lawrence Group staff worked with college personnel over the past eight months to identify immediate needs, as well as short, mid, and long term improvements to the main campus in Union as well as ECC facilities in Rolla.

College officials will now prioritize the immediate needs.  Some of the work can be funded through the $1.8 million in capital improvement bond funds ECC is receiving from the state.  Renovations to Hansen Hall would include the replacement of a wheelchair lift to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities along with the replacement of the rigging and fire curtain in the theater.

Renovations to Shook Student Center would include replacing gym lighting with more energy-efficient fixtures.

Replacing the fire alarm systems, non-compliant water coolers, exit/egress, and emergency lighting in Hansen Hall and Shook Student Center are also listed as immediate priorities.

The roof of the Regional Training Center was replaced this fall.

In another facilities-related matter, trustees approved a proposal from Cochran Engineering for additional expenses related to the renovation of the former Gala Center.  The additional fee of $49,600 includes the cost to design a 3,180 square foot expansion of the facility not included in the original proposal from Cochran, as well as a facilities move plan that will coordinate the relocation of equipment and machinery to the renovated space.

ECC purchased the Gala Center in April.  Renovations will begin this winter.  When completed the facility will allow the college to expand its technical education programs in Industrial Engineering Technology and Precision Machining which are currently housed at Four Rivers Career Center in Washington.  The Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning program will be relocated from the main campus to the renovated space. The Center for Workforce Development, as well as labs and classrooms dedicated to workforce training, are also planned for the renovated facility.

Software Purchase and Policy Approved

In another action at their December meeting, ECC trustees approved the purchase of the student planning module in the Colleague system at a cost of $39,949.  The software will assist staff and faculty advisors in the advising and registration process.

Federal guidelines state that colleges and universities cannot award federal financial aid to students for classes that are not identified as part of the degree, certificate or other recognized credential students pursue.  Marcia Bailey, ECC registrar, noted that the student planning module will improve the advising process and ensure that students take classes within their program and graduate in a timely manner.

The college will pilot the software in the fall of 2016 and have it fully implemented by March 2017.

Trustees also gave the authorization to create a new policy regarding the financial aid code of conduct which formalizes the expectations and requirements of college employees who work with financial aid programs.  The new procedures detail conflict of interest, award notifications, consumer information, and disclosure.

Delta Dental will be the new provider of dental insurance for full-time college employees.  The rate for 2016 will be $33.60 per month, with that premium paid by the college.   Employees are able to add spouses and/or children at an additional cost.

Last month trustees approved providers of medical, vision and life/accidental death and dismemberment coverage for 2016.