Three Rivers College sets planning priorities

Following a perfect accreditation for Three Rivers College, the institution is continuing to look at areas where improvement can be achieved.

Dean of Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Maribeth Payne reported to the board of trustees during Wednesday’s meeting the fiscal year strategic planning retreat was held Feb. 1.

“This gives everyone an opportunity to collaborate on challenges we are facing at the institution and hear from one another how we can go about facing those challenges,” Payne said.

TRC FY20 annual planning priorities include Fiscal Health and Opportunities, Infrastructure, Operational Efficiency, Planning, Assessment and Data Analysis Processes, Student Experience, Student Learning and The Team.

TRC will soon enter into another strategic plan for the next five years with the 2020 plan nearly complete.

__Financial Update__

According to Chief Financial Officer Charlotte Eubank, most revenue categories are very similar when comparing numbers as of Dec. 31 to the same time last year for the college.

“Tuition and fees are slightly behind, but not by a great deal,” she said.

On the expense side, numbers were also comparable to the prior year, she said.

At about 58 percent into the fiscal year, revenue gaps are closing in most categories with tuition and fees at about 94 percent of the budgeted amount.

“Although enrollment is down, we budgeted for that scenario,” Eubank said. “We still have summer registration that will be split between this fiscal year and next.”

With most expenses right on target, Eubank said for year-to-date, that puts just over $6.2 million on the bottom line as of Jan. 31 for TRC.

__Teaching Program Update__

TRC instructor Faye Sanders reported to the board currently nine degrees are offered inside of the teacher education program.

Nearly 60 students graduate from the teaching program each academic year.

About 225 students are enrolled in the teacher education department, which is a record number for this academic year, Sanders said.

She attributes this high enrollment to the variety of ways the college offers classes to its students including online, on campus and ITV as well as the institution of the University Center.

“The University Center has offered very broad options for our students to complete a bachelors degree here in Poplar Bluff beyond the traditional elementary degree offered before,” she said.

__Updated Policies__

The board unanimously approved updating policies including absences from college, shared sick leave and, alcohol and drug-free work-and-learning place.

According to TRC President Dr. Wesley Payne, minor alterations were made to bring the shared sick leave and absences in line with external changes and added clarity.

The alcohol and drug-free work-and-learning place policy was changed to bring it up to date and in line with the medical marijuana law. An exception was also made for the use of alcohol at events in certain circumstances.

__Upcoming Events__

• Three Rivers Patrons of the Arts and the Rodgers Theatre will partner to present the award-winning bluegrass/country duo of Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Rodgers Theatre. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at trcc.edu/tinnin. The distinctive vocal blend of Dailey’s tenor and Vincent’s reedy harmonies, plus their fantastic musicianship, have earned them worldwide recognition.

• The next children’s show at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center will be Greek Myths. This show will be closed for only elementary students who will be bussed to the campus and after will return to their classroom.

• Trivia Night scheduled for Feb. 28 at the Holiday Inn is now sold out. Funds from the event will go toward scholarships for students at TRC.

• The Raiders basketball team will travel to Lincoln University in Jefferson City for the Region XVI Tournament Feb. 28 and March 2. The men are still waiting to hear what seed they will take in the tournament. The Lady Raiders have clinched the top seed in the Region XVI Tournament. They will also travel to Lincoln University in Jefferson City March 1 and 3.

• The art exhibit (RE)Presentation by Carly Dahl will be held from March 1 through April 5 at the Tinnin Gallery. The artist lecture will be held at noon March 1 in the Plaster Building, room 108.

• Spring Break for TRC will be March 11-12 and the college will be closed March 13-15.

• The High School Concert Band Festival will be held March 5 at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. Eight area high school bands and 413 students will be on campus for the event. Clinics will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a concert following at 7 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students and children.

__Next Meeting__

The next TRC Board of Trustees meeting will be at noon March 20 in the board room at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.