Colby Community College Trustees Approve Policies, Write-Off, and New Partnership at September Meeting
September 15, 2025
The Colby Community College (CCC) Board of Trustees met on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, in Thomas Hall for their regular monthly meeting. Trustees addressed a full agenda that included policy reviews, financial actions, and updates on campus initiatives. Vice Chair Vaughn and Trustee Odell were unable to attend due to prior obligations.
The evening began with introductions and a program overview from faculty in the STEM division. Division Chair Dr. Jeff Sekavec, along with colleagues Dr. Johnson, Dr. Adigun, and Adam Wilson, highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize biology, chemistry, and math instruction. Faculty spoke about new contemporary math courses designed around practical applications such as personal finance, as well as expanded lab resources, including newly purchased medical-grade microscopes. Several trustees praised the faculty for their commitment to student success and research opportunities.
President Dr. Seth Carter presented the College’s Annual Report, which detailed progress over the past year. While no formal action was taken, trustees noted the report’s expanded format and the positive statistical trends it conveyed. Then the Board voted 4-0 to approve the disposal of outdated college equipment. No changes were recommended to the existing surplus policy.
Trustees unanimously approved writing off $162,691.25 in unpaid student balances from courses offered at Norton Correctional Facility during the Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2024.
The Board approved significant revisions to the college’s parking policy. One of the main changes eliminates the 14-day payment window and the $10 late fee, instead requiring fines to be paid by the end of the semester in which they are received. The penalty structure was also adjusted so that the first violation now carries a $50 fine, with fines doubling for each subsequent offense. In addition, the enforcement hours were changed to run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, rather than beginning at 7 a.m. Trustees voted 4-0 in favor of the updates.
Policy Reviews Several college policies underwent scheduled review.
A new memorandum of understanding between CCC and the Northwest Kansas Education Service Center (NKESC) was approved. The $30,000 agreement guarantees scholarships for NKESC staff and educators in 18 rural school districts, as well as three private schools, to access CCC trauma-informed training courses. The partnership runs through May 2026. Trustees unanimously approved the agreement, calling it an important investment in rural education.
The Board entered a 15-minute executive session with President Carter for discussion, afterwards the board adjourned for the evening.