‘Nothing but cuts’ hits ACC pocketbook

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February 11, 2015 - 12:00 AM

Allen Community College students will see a slight increase in tuition and fees for the next academic year.
Allen trustees approved a tuition, room and board, and fee increase after Gov. Brownback announced significant cuts to education last week.
“We’ve received nothing but cuts and we’re looking at substantial additional cuts,” President John Masterson said. “In our instance, 40 percent of our revenue comes from the state.”
The college receives funds from three separate entities: The local mill levy, state support and tuition and fees.
Tuition will have a $3 increase and student fees will rise $2. This would put tuition at $60 per credit hour and fees at $20.
Steve Troxel, vice president of finance and operations said, raising tuition and fees at this level would bring in approximately $162,000 in revenue a year if enrollment remains the same.
Room and board at all residence halls will be $4,740 per academic year. Herynk Hall and Red Devil Duplexes will increase by $240. Masterson, Horton and Winter will rise $190.
Masterson also introduced a technology fee. The fee would be $5 and would increase $5 every year until it reached $25. Online students already pay $25 per credit hour for technology services.
These changes will take effect for the 2015-2016 school year.
Cynthia Jacobson, vice president of student affairs, proposed to add a nondiscrimination statement to all job descriptions. Jacobson said Kansas Board of Regents found Allen lacked such a statement in its job descriptions. Trustees approved the non-discrimination statement and it will be added at the end of each job description.
Jon Marshall, vice president of academic affairs, proposed adding essential mathematics to the curriculum. This will help transition high school students into college-level math.
Marshall suggested the college into two new programs, an associate of science with an emphasis in agriculture and natural resources, and an associate of science with an emphasis in pre-veterinary medicine.
 Marshall also recommended ACC reduce the number of credit hours required to obtain a certificate in livestock management from 32 to 24.
Trustees approved these changes.

IN ADDITION:
— Two students from each of the Iola and Burlingame campuses in Phi Beta Kappa will be honored at the academic All-Kansas Luncheon on Thursday in Topeka.
— Iola will host the college dance and cheer state competition on March 8.

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