PJC Regents hear reports on Continuing Education

Published or Revised October 21, 2008

At the Oct. 20, 2008, meeting of the Paris Junior College Board of Regents, PJC Dean of Workforce Education Kevin Rose presented a continuing education course pricing guideline for renewal and an update on the progress of four of PJC's workforce training programs: criminal justice, emergency medical services, aircraft mechanics and fast track welding. "To have a sustainable future we must partner with many individuals, institutions and businesses," Rose said of the criminal justice offerings. "This is a very successful program. There are 30 different police departments in our area, and this is a business-responsive program." The Emergency Medical Services certificate program began this semester as a credit course, and has 24 unduplicated students. It will quickly build to a full degree program. The non-credit Aircraft Mechanics course has 20 students each in two classes. The two training tracks consist of structural, which lasts 12 weeks, and electrical, lasting eight weeks. The fast track welding program is a partnership with the Paris Economic Development Corp., Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas and Turner Industries. Turner Industries provides the instructor, and students are company employees. There are 12 students each in two classes. Four classes will be offered in 2009. "We've had significant training successes," Rose said of the welding program. "These are current employees of Turner who want to increase their skills. And as they promote, more individuals are hired from the community for entry-level positions." In her report, PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin gave an update on the Achieving the Dream project and the results of the Community College Student Sense of Engagement. The survey of 460 students is given in the spring, and the report is delivered in the fall. "We look at where we're above or below the national average, and the Achieving the Dream Data Team reviews the results and makes recommendations for improvement," Dr. Anglin said. Another survey, the Entering Student Sense of Engagement, was given this fall for the first time. Also, the Greater Texas Foundation announced it would fund PJC's Achieving the Dream participation fees and send two regents to the Achieving the Dream Trustee Strategy Institute in March. In other action, the PJC Board of Regents: » Received and approved the 2009-2010 PJC Academic Calendar from Dean of Academics Dwight Chaney. He also explained that there are fewer mini-term courses being offered because more students are opting for online courses. » Heard that Dragon Pride in 2008 is this year's Homecoming theme for Paris Junior College. Homecoming events kick off with a parade on Nov. 6 at 4 p.m., and continue with activities on Nov. 7-8. The Prairieland High School band has committed to participating in the parade, and other area school bands have been invited. » Adopted an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate to 40 cents per mile, effective Nov. 1, for staff use of personal vehicles on PJC business. » Approved a contract with Denny Architects allowing for subcontracting structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services for new student dormitories for a fixed fee of $219,000. The regents also agreed to use the construction manager at risk construction method, as was done successfully with PJC — Greenville Center construction. » Approved the hiring of new employees: Tabitha Blackburn, Program Coordinator, Project SAVE, effective Oct. 1; Stacy Young, Assistant to the President, effective Oct. 6; Deanna Jackson, Student Recruiter/Admissions Advisor, effective Oct. 15. The next PJC Board of Regents meeting will be Nov. 24, 2008.