REND LAKE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Agenda for the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees meeting for Tuesday, February 13, at 6:30 P.M. at Rend Lake College. 468 N Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, Ill.,  62846

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. General Information

A. Announcements

1. January 15 – March 2, 2018 Visiting Artist: Erica Burton Theatre Lobby

2. Saturday, February 17, 2018; 5:30pm Warrior Superfan Shoot-Out James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium

3. Tuesday, February 20, 2018; 8:30 – 3:30 Faculty & Staff In-Service Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

4. Tuesday, February 27, 2018 RLC Basketball Homecoming Games vs. Lincoln Trail Women’s @ 5:30pm; Men’s @ 7:30pm James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium

5. Friday, March 2, 2018 Career Fair Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

6. Monday, March 5, 2018; 6:30pm Spoken Word & Open Mic Night King City Books, Mt. Vernon

7. Friday, March 9, 2018; 5:30pm Cosmic Bingo The REC

8. Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Transition Summit Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

9. Thursday – Friday, March 22 – 23, 2018 Kickstart Your Journey RLC Campus

10. April 5-7 @ 7pm nightly, April 8 @ 2pm Spring Musical: The Addams Family Rend Lake College Theatre

11. Thursday – Monday, April 5 – 9, 2018 HLC 2018 Annual Conference Hyatt Regency Chicago 12. Thursday, April 12, 2018; 3:00 – 6:00 pm Job Search Party Mt. Vernon Hotel and Event Center

13. Thursday, April 12, 2018 Trivia Night The REC

14. Thursday, April 19, 2018; 2:00pm Phi Theta Kappa Induction Rend Lake College Theatre

15. Thursday, April 19, 2018; 5:00pm Lake Reception King City Books, Mt. Vernon

16. Thursday, April 26, 2018 Children’s Health Fair The REC

17. Thursday-Friday, April 26-27, 2018;10a &1p Flummoxed Fairytales Rend Lake College Theatre

IV. Closed Session – The Board may go into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1)(2)(11)(21) of the Open Meetings Act.

Subsection (1) appointment, employment, and compensation of specific employees; (2) collective negotiating matters; (11) litigation; (21) approval of meeting minutes.

V. Resume Open Meeting

VI. Approval of Consent Agenda

VII. Approval of Minutes of the: 02 * January 09, 2018 Board of Trustees Meeting;* * January 09, 2018 Board of Trustees Executive Session*

VIII. New Business

10 * A. Approval to Create Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 4.1260 – Review and Publication of Student Right-To-Know & Campus Security Disclosures, Student Policies, and Recruitment Materials (Second Reading)

12 * B. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 6.7 – Fees

31 * C. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 3.1115 – Stipends

33 * D. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 3.1205 – Performance Evaluation and Tenure of Faculty Members

39 * E. Course / Curriculum Approvals

41 F. Ratify the Approval of EMT Handbook (TO BE PROVIDED)

42 G. Approval of Student Trustee Election Notice

44 H. Approval of Tuition Rates for FY 2019

45 I. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 2.1510 – Social Media (First Reading)

47 J. Approval of Statement of Final Construction Compliance and Statement of Final Completion
iv

50 K. Permission to Create Stipend and Job Description for Entrepreneurship Facilitator

52 L. Permission to Create Stipend and Job Description for Director of Entrepreneurship

IX. Personnel

A. Ratify the Acceptance of Resignation 55 1. Coordinator of Data Information Systems 58 2. Associate Professor, Mining Technology

B. Tenure 61 1. Physical Science Instructor 64 2. Medical Assistant Program Director 67 3. Director of Health Information Technology Program

70 D. Approval of Renewal of President’s Contract (First Reading)

X. Financial Information 86 A. Ratification of the Payment of College Expenses including Travel Expense Reimbursements

B. Financials 

XI. Reports

1. Academic Council

2. ICCTA Representative

3. Rend Lake College Foundation

4. Accreditation Report

XII. Public Comment

XIII. President’s Comments

XIV. Adjournment

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

A bit of pragmatism and a bit of hope — Franklin County officials talk 2018

February 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

WEST FRANKFORT — For Franklin County leaders moving into 2018, an obvious point of emphasis will be economic development. But officials also say a recognition of their limitations will be important.

2017 saw a lot of news come from Franklin County, some good, some not so good. There was West Frankfort sealing the deal with Dollar General and expanding the outlet mall’s portfolio of businesses. But there was also the investigation into Morthland College’s alleged mismanagement of Title IV money and former Zeigler treasurer Ryan Thorpe’s arrest and later federal indictment on embezzlement charges. There was the announcement that the theater in West City had been purchased and would at some point reopen.

Please click on the link from Isaac Smith of the Southern Illinoisan for the full story, as he talks to several elected officials in the county.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/communities/a-bit-of-pragmatism-and-a-bit-of-hope-franklin/article_5d92747f-fb16-59eb-9d17-263ddb8520b5.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

State Senator Dale Fowler: Week in review

February 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

HARRISBURG – Illinois lawmakers spent the week leading up to the highly-anticipated Budget Address working in committees, beginning the process of moving legislation and gearing up for floor action, according to State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).

During committees, Sen. Fowler advanced legislation that would create a tax increment financing (TIF) extension for the City of Marion. Senate Bill 2303 would extend the life of the existing TIF for Williamson County for an additional 12 years, pushing for continued improvement and economic development in the area.

“We should be doing all we can to spur economic development in Southern Illinois. This legislation is simply extending a path forward for Williamson County to bring in investment, implement improvements and encourage economic growth in the region,” said Sen. Fowler.

The TIF extension unanimously passed out of the Senate Revenue Committee on Feb. 7 and will now advance to the Senate for floor action.

In other news from the Capitol, a joint hearing of the Senate Appropriations I and II Committees received an update from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget on the state’s finances. Next week, lawmakers will return to the Capitol for a joint session of the General Assembly to hear the Governor deliver his annual Budget Address on his framework for Fiscal Year 2019 on Feb. 14.

Also heard in committee this week was legislation that would raise the legal smoking age to 21, a measure to expand the number of people eligible to use medical marijuana, and a joint Senate and House hearing on the state’s response to the Legionella outbreak at the Quincy Veterans’ Home.

News in the District

Before heading to Springfield for the week, Sen. Fowler made some stops around the District, beginning with a tour of the Laidlaw Building in Metropolis. Sen. Fowler visited the old factory facility, learning about the current steps being taken to demolish the abandoned property, sell the materials for scrap and use those funds for the expansion of Fort Massac State Park.

Sen. Fowler also stopped at the Shawnee National Forest to visit the new Outpost on Karbers Ridge Road by Garden of the Gods. Sen. Fowler is excited for the business development and is optimistic that the business is meeting a need within the area.

Finally, Sen. Fowler is sharing news from the Illinois Department of Transportation about an upcoming road closure in the area. Beginning Feb. 20, IL 34, approximately 1.75 miles east of Thompsonville, will be closed. Repairs are being made on a drainage structure and will require the road to be closed through March 2.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Columns, Franklin Co. News

Explore the Colorado Rockies, New England through RLC’s Collette Vacations

February 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lakc College Public Information 

INA, Ill. – Explore the east or west coasts of the United States this year with two unique trips offered by Rend Lake College. Partnering again with Collette Vacations, RLC invites you to tour the “old west” through the Colorado Rocky Mountains in July or sightsee New England’s charm as the leaves change in October.

losapos.com image

Enjoy a scenic tour of Colorado and Utah with the Colorado Rockies trip, set for Friday, July 20, through Saturday, July 28. The tour begins in the “Mile High City” of Denver and consists of many stops on the nine-day journey, including four national parks.

Attendees will visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado’s wine country, and will experience traditional cowboy entertainment and food. One highlight of the tour will be a visit to the historic Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.”

The Colorado Rockies trip costs $2,999 per person, double occupancy. The costs include nine days of stay and travel, and 12 meals.

From the UK Independent

Celebrate the year’s fall foliage and American tradition during the New England Fall Charm tour, set for Friday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 26. The tour begins in one of the country’s oldest towns of Boston and consists of visits to some of the city’s biggest landmarks: Beacon Hill, Boston Public Garden, the historic North End, the USS Constitution, and much more.

Participants will also travel through the Green Mountains to Vermont’s Billings Farm and Museum, and then again to Portsmouth, NH to finish the eight-day tour with a taste of New England on a local delicacy – lobster.

The New England’s Fall Charm trip costs $3,149 per person, double occupancy. The costs include eight days of stay and travel, plus 11 meals.

Early booking discounts may apply to both trips, and single and triple rates available upon request.

An informational meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at the RLC Historic Schoolhouse on the Ina campus to discuss the trips. Details on early booking discounts will also be available. To RSVP to the meeting, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

Special Weather statement issued for upcoming wintry weather

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The main time period of concern for freezing rain is Saturday night into Sunday night. Light rain will gradually change over to light freezing rain Saturday night in southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and northwest and far west Kentucky. Light freezing rain will continue into Sunday, although portions of southwest Indiana, southeast Illinois, west Kentucky and far southeast Missouri are expected to change over to rain for a few hours Sunday afternoon. Precipitation will gradually end from northwest to southeast late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, and any areas of rain will change over to freezing rain before ending. Southern Illinois and areas northwest of a line from Cape Girardeau Missouri to Poplar Bluff may see a tenth to fifteen hundredths of an inch of ice, with the rest of the region receiving a glazing to around 0.05 hundredths of an inch. Depending on temperatures, these amounts will likely be adjusted as the event gets closer. (NWS Paducah)

…Light freezing rain expected at times this weekend…

Rain will spread north across the region tonight and continue into Saturday. The main time period of concern for freezing rain is Saturday night into Sunday night. Light rain will gradually change over to light freezing rain Saturday night in southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and northwest and far west Kentucky.

Light freezing rain will continue into Sunday, although portions of southwest Indiana, southeast Illinois, west Kentucky and far southeast Missouri are expected to change over to rain for a few hours Sunday afternoon. Precipitation will gradually end from northwest to southeast late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, and any areas of rain will change over to freezing rain before ending.

Southern Illinois and areas northwest of a line from CapeGirardeau Missouri to Poplar Bluff may see a tenth to fifteen hundredths of an inch of ice, with the rest of the region receiving a glazing to around 0.05 hundredths of an inch.  Depending on temperatures, these amounts will likely be adjusted as the event gets closer. Stay tuned for updated forecasts.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

Bridge crossing Rend Lake Dam should be opened today

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Rend Lake Project office photo

BENTON –  I just spoke with a representative of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Rend Lake Project Office and plans are to open the bridge across Rend Lake Dam this afternoon.

Also, there are some controlled burns taking place around the dam today.

All facilities are OPEN as the House of Representatives. passed a stop-gap spending plan to advert a government shutdown.  -Steve

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

SIU Board approves 2 percent tuition hike for Carbondale amid debate over restructuring

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

EDWARDSVILLE — The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a 2 percent tuition increase for the Carbondale campus after a lengthy public-comment period in which faculty members and constituency group heads debated the merits of the proposed SIUC restructuring plan.

The board voted unanimously to raise tuition to an annual rate of $9,637.50 for undergraduates and $11,268 for graduates, based on 15 credit hours per semester, for the 2018-19 school year.

Tuition increases only affect incoming students, as previous classes are locked in at their first-year rates by law.

Please click to read the full story from K. Janis Esch of the Southern Illinoisan.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/siu/siu-board-approves-percent-tuition-hike-for-carbondale-amid-debate/article_20421c9e-7088-52b2-b456-11df4f88628b.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

Bost Votes to Keep Government Open

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) voted for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which averts a government shutdown, protects our economy from a dangerous debt default, strengthens our national security, and repeals Obamacare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Additionally, the legislation provides funding to support National Institute of Health (NIH) research, combat opioids and support mental health programs, reduce the VA healthcare maintenance backlog, and invest in infrastructure.

“This legislation isn’t perfect, but it averts a government shutdown, protects the economy from debt default, and provides certainty to our troops and our seniors,” said Bost. “While these are all good things, we can’t keep governing from short-term crisis to short-term crisis. I’m ready and willing to work with anyone, regardless of party, to provide better certainty to the American people.” 

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 provides the following:

  • Prevents a dangerous default that would threaten our economy—increases the debt ceiling through March 1, 2019;
  • Strengthens our national security and protects our troops—increases the spending cap by $165 billion for the Department of Defense over the next two years;
  • Protects Seniors from Obamacare—repeals the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB): 15 unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats with the power to mandate drastic cuts to Medicare

NOTE:

Late last year, Representative Bost led a group of over 20 members in urging Speaker Ryan to incorporate language to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) into must-pass legislation. More information on this effort is available HERE.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, National News

Gov. Rauner taps first keg of official Bicentennial craft beer: 1818

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Made in Illinois, the Prairie State Farmhouse Ale debuts in Chicago

CHICAGO  — Gov. Bruce Rauner today announced the availability of the official Bicentennial Craft Beer and tapped the first keg at Binny’s Beverage Depot Tasting Room in Lincoln Park.

Hand of Fate Brewing Co. of Petersburg created the special birthday brew — 1818 Prairie State … Farmhouse Ale — which is being distributed statewide by Breakthru Beverage Illinois.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our state’s Bicentennial than with a craft beer that is made in Illinois by a local business with local ingredients,” Rauner said. “Cheers to 200 years, Illinois!”

On hand for the announcement was Breakthru Beverage Co-Chairman Rocky Wirtz.

“On behalf of the 1,000 Illinois employees of Breakthru Beverage, we are proud to partner with the Bicentennial Commission and to be able to make 1818 available across the entire state,” Wirtz said.

Hand of Fate Brewing was chosen to brew the official beer after winning the Bicentennial craft beer contest at the Illinois State Fair in August.

“This is a dream come true for my family and employees,” said Hand of Fate owner Mike Allison. “We started a small business a year and a half ago, and thanks to the governor and the Bicentennial team we have a chance to grow a very successful business.”

The beer features staple Illinois crops including corn, wheat and oats. The crystal hops are grown by Hallowed Hops of Lewistown, and fermented with a hybrid saison yeast developed by Omega Yeast Labs of Chicago.

“The members of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild are incredibly excited for Hand of Fate and the success of 1818. We have seen a 350 percent increase in the number of craft breweries in our state over the last five years and that number will continue to grow in 2018,” said Danielle D’Alessandro, executive director of the guild.

Restaurants and bars featuring craft beer will offer 1818 throughout Illinois. In early March, 1818 will be available in cans at retail locations.

ABOUT HAND OF FATE

Hand of Fate Brewing Co. is a small brewery that opened on the historic Petersburg Square in May 2016. The company brews a variety of high quality beers that appeal to all spectrums of craft beer drinkers. With the statewide release of 1818, Hand of Fate looks to expand with more offerings throughout Illinois.

ABOUT BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE

Cicero-based Breakthru Beverage Group is a leading North American beverage wholesaler driving innovation in the marketplace with a nimble and insightful approach to business. The company represents a portfolio of premier wine, spirit and beer brands in the United States and Canada. Family ownership is active in the business and committed to being stewards of heritage and champions of innovation. For more information, visit www.BreakthruBev.com.

ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL

On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud.

Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.illinois200.com.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Trained SIU student volunteers prepare tax returns for free

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Christi Mathis – SIU News Service 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Free income tax preparation is now available at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, thanks to a group of student volunteers.

Beta Alpha Psi, an SIU College of Business honors accounting organization, is again sponsoring the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to assist fellow students and low- and moderate-income people from the community with tax returns.

Free help available nearly every Saturday

On Saturday mornings, beginning this Saturday, Feb. 10, and continuing through April 14, free tax preparation help will be offered on the SIU campus. From 8 a.m. until noon, people may come to the computer lab on the lower level of Rehn Hall, located at 1025 Lincoln Drive. There will not be sessions on March 10 and 17 due to the university’s spring break.

Anna Li, Jing Mo and Jared Nicholas are coordinators for this year’s VITA program. Nicholas and Li are both senior accounting majors while Mo is completing a master’s degree in accountancy. The students participated in advanced training to prepare for their leadership roles. They head a team of nearly 40 accounting and law students who will prepare the tax returns at no cost. The free tax preparation service includes free electronic filing.

Well-trained student volunteers provide community service

Each of the students is an IRS-certified volunteer tax preparer and has completed mandatory ethics and basic tax exam courses. The VITA coordinators review all returns the students prepare and assist with more complicated questions. In addition, Benna Williams, a School of Accountancy lecturer and former tax practitioner who serves as Beta Alpha Psi’s faculty adviser, along with other faculty, will be available to provide their expertise.

“The program is valuable for accounting students to learn not only tax rules, but how to communicate with clients,” Nicholas, of McLean, said. “Of course, they get to do that while assisting low- and moderate-income members of the community, so everyone benefits.”

Students have given invaluable assistance through the VITA program for more than 25 years. Student volunteers completed more than 300 tax returns last year – all at no charge.

“I like helping people,” Li, said. “And it is a great experience for my future career.”

Li’s hometown is in the Henan Province of China while Mo is from Guilin, China.

Li noted several VITA volunteers completed special training in order to be able to do tax returns for international students this year.

No reservations needed

Appointments are not necessary. Returns are typically completed in an hour or less. On average, the waiting time for help is no more than 15-30 minutes.

VITA assistance is open to any U.S. citizen, whether single or married, as long as their income is no more than $54,000 and they take the standard federal deduction.

Although there are a few specific tax situations which may go beyond the scope covered by VITA, the volunteers can assist with a number of typical tax situations including those involving wages and earnings from self-employment, interest and unemployment income, Social Security benefits, dividends and returns that involve child tax, education or earned income credits.

What to bring

In order to take advantage of the VITA services, taxpayers need to bring with them legal identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, along with all of their current tax documents. That includes W-2s, SSA-1099S, 1099-MISCs or 1098-Ts as well as any other pertinent documentation. Taxpayers should also bring their Form 1095-B or another proof of insurance in order to avoid the penalty for not having health insurance.

For more information, email the VITA coordinators at bap.siuc@gmail.com.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News
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