Construction at Allen Community College has left administrators in a tizzy. The estimated $1.5 million project has run into a few hiccups this summer, setting the project back by several weeks. It was planned to be completed by the start of the 2015 fall semester. IN REGARDS to developing an easier transfer of credits between ACC and several of the state’s universities, Jon Marshall, vice president of academic affairs, is continuing to work on the necessary articulation agreements. Marshall said they have developed and reviewed the “2+2” agreements between ACC and Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, Pittsburg State University, Wichita State University and Washburn University. IN OTHER NEWS:
At Tuesday’s board meeting, ACC trustees toured Iola’s campus to observe what progress has been done.
The project, which is part of the college’s update plan, includes remodeling the chemistry and biology labs, restrooms, locker rooms and constructing a new athletic department office on the south side of the building.
The delay in construction has administrators working on a “plan B” to host science students in different locations in the fall. With ACC athletes arriving Aug. 3, the possibility of the locker rooms being complete is not looking good.
Trustee Mary Kay Heard learned at the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees meeting that Kansas is a national leader in the percentage of community college students who continue on to get a degree from a four-year institution.
Cynthia Jacobson, vice president of student of affairs, said students who transfer to a Kansas public university from Allen are eligible for reverse transfer, which allows for the attainment of any associate degree for which a student is eligible along the way to additional certificates. However, 15 credits applied toward graduation must be taken at Allen.
In compliance with state and federal law, current members of the armed forces, spouses or dependent children or current armed forces members or veterans will be charged in-state rates for tuition and fees at Allen.
— Trustee Ken McGuffin will serve as the new board chairman and trustee Harvey Rogers will serve as vice-chairman.
— The board hired Doug Desmarteau as new athletic director. Desmarteau is the head ACC men’s soccer coach and has been with the college for 10 years. Chelsea Layman was hired as the cheer and dance coach and an admissions counselor. Layman served as assistant coach in years past. Tara Solomon was hired as the Allied Health coordiantor. At Burlingame’s campus Melissa Johnson, a bookstore assistant, was hired to move to the business department; Brooke Mulford resigned as an academic adviser and Rhonda Crook resigned as the financial aid specialist.
— Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has ordered new furniture for the Fish Pond at the college. It will be placed once construction ends.
Renovations likely to extend past start of ACC school year
