Dear Faculty and Staff:

 

Last Thursday the President’s Council reconvened for the first meeting of the 2019-20 academic year. The Council covered important new areas of focus that will frame the coming year. Topics included: building a culture of service, excellence, and evidence; identifying and using student data; aligning planning to performance; and, evaluating the effectiveness of campus committees. We always enjoy having guests at the meeting. If you are interested in joining us, the next Council meeting will be September 24. 

At a special Board meeting yesterday, the Trustees set the General Revenue tax levy at $0.1579 per $100 of assessed value and the Debt Service tax levy at $0.0440 per $100 of assessed value.  The rates represent a reduction from prior year. Property values increased significantly from 2018 to 2019, leading to implementation of the Hancock Amendment. We should still meet and perhaps exceed our revenue targets.

Last week our Student Government Association officers, along with Rob Jones, Interim Student Life Manager, participated in a leadership event in Jefferson City.  Our students had the opportunity to meet some of our state Representatives and were recognized for being the “best dressed” group at the event.

The very popular Democracy Days events take place this week and, as always, includes a powerful slate of speakers and panels. I encourage you to take part, as you are able, in this important exercise in democracy. Kudos to Michael Kuelker and the faculty and staff who organize and speak at this annual event.

Finally, end your week with good food and fun at the September Food Truck Frolic which will start in the Red Parking Lot and then move at sunset to the campus plaza for a showing of “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (weather location: CC gym).

 

Wishing you a great week,

 

 

Barbara