CCC enrollment growth creates housing, classroom pressure ahead of fall semester

Continued enrollment growth is creating both optimism and logistical challenges as Colby Community College prepares for the fall semester.

During the Board of Trustees meeting Monday, July 20, school administrators reported an expected full residence on campus, growing course demand and continued progress on major campus construction and renovation projects.

Vice President of Student Affairs Nikol Nolan said housing assignments were sent to students last week, generating approximately 80 calls from students unhappy with their placements. About 25 students remained on the housing waiting list and may initially be placed in local hotels while space becomes available.

The college will also need to arrange transportation for students staying off campus who do not have vehicles.

Classroom capacity was also discussed in the meeting. Vice President of Academic Affairs Angel Morrison said several courses are filling, especially prerequisite classes for students preparing to enter the nursing program.

The college has added sections of anatomy and physiology and English Composition I, while considering additional overload assignments and expanded course capacity. Administrators are also preparing for an upcoming review by the Higher Learning Commission, the college’s accrediting organization.

President Seth Carter reported that enrollment was approximately 1,915 credit hours ahead of last year’s pace. That follows enrollment growth of about 10 percent during the previous year.

The college expects to publish a budget of approximately $32 million to $33 million because of nearly $10 million in construction activity and projects carried into the new fiscal year. Carter said the college remains in a healthy financial position and expects to again propose lowering its property tax mill levy.

Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez reported that CCC placed third overall in Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference academic standings and finished first in five programs. CCC also had more student-athletes represented in the academic results than the two colleges finishing ahead of it.

The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation reported that one nursing scholarship increased by approximately $120,000. Foundation staff members are also working with athletic programs to grow endowments and beginning the annual audit process.

Trustees unanimously approved renewing the college’s athletic insurance for $76,012, approximately $800 less than last year. Administrators said the college’s claims history remains low.

The board also approved spending $30,995 for two NCAA-compliant basketball goals and shot clocks in the on-campus gymnasium. The equipment will provide additional practice space when the Colby Event Center is unavailable.

Trustees approved a contract with the Law Offices of John R. Dietrick, P.A., for three hours of legal services each month at a cost of $550. Administrators said the agreement will provide access to attorneys experienced in higher education and assist with ongoing policy, handbook and contract reviews.

The board approved continuing the college’s lease of the Thomas County Fairgrounds rodeo facilities. The Thomas County Fair Board waived the typical fee because the college is painting portions of the facility, adding dirt and sand to the arena, replacing deteriorated pins and repairing gates.

Trustees also approved a $32,500 agreement with Medicine River Rodeo Company to provide stock and personnel for the annual college rodeo. The company submitted the only bid, which was $5,000 higher than last year’s contract.

Carter said recent storm damage affected three buildings at the college farm, equipment and several areas of the main campus. The total damage could reach approximately $300,000, with insurance officials still reviewing multiple claims.

Other actions included approving policy revisions, renewing the dental hygiene affiliation agreement with Northwest Kansas Technical College and correcting dates in the Faculty Alliance agreement.

The board also accepted the resignation of Bailey Honne as assistant softball coach. Trustee Zack O’Dell was absent. All action items were approved by 5-0 votes.