Julie Willis

The strategic plan for Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) from 2025-2030 focuses on student success by providing high-quality education, flexible learning environments, and comprehensive support resources. It emphasizes sustainability through valuing college assets like workforce, resources, and data, promoting accountability, and fostering a healthy campus community through collaboration, transparency, and shared governance. The plan also prioritizes intentional inclusion by actively seeking input and representation from underrepresented communities to create an equitable educational environment.

The committee reviewed and approved several grants, including AmeriCorps funding for the RSVP Program and pre-apprenticeship training programs. Various agreements were approved, including affiliations for student clinical experiences and a sub-contractor agreement for CNC machining boot camps. The committee also addressed course and lab fees, curriculum approvals (including a new Court Security Academy certificate), and student services highlights such as upcoming events and collaborations. Personnel matters included resignations, appointments (faculty, administrative, and grant-funded positions), part-time hires, amended employment start dates, and advertising for open positions.

The committee meeting addressed several key areas. Grant awards were considered, including funds for AmeriCorps, nurse educator fellows, adult education, and pre-apprenticeship training programs. Agreements were reviewed, including a partnership for an associate's to bachelor's degree pathway program and facility agreements for early childhood education practicums. Gifts to the college were considered, including an ambulance, energy recovery wheel, and cooler. A student services report highlighted caseload assignments, new student orientation, club fest, a poetry competition, staff development, workforce development apprenticeships, and disability services initiatives. Personnel matters included resignations, retirements, and numerous appointments to various instructor, administrative, and support staff positions. Several positions were also approved for creation and advertisement.