An Aug. 7 open house is being planned so the public can see the new student housing unit at Barton Community College.
Dean of Administration Mark Dean reported on progress of construction Thursday at the BCC Board of Trustees meeting. Recent rains did slow construction, and trustees joked about being pressed into service with paint brushes. Although some exterior work still needs to be finished, Dean said students will be able to occupy the new dorm rooms this August when the fall semester starts.
The open house will be at 5 p.m., following the August board study session. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said it will be similar to the open house held to unveil remodeling at the Fine Arts Auditorium, and will include a Great Bend Chamber of Commerce “After Hours” event.

Tuition increase
The board also approved a $6 tuition increase “across the board,” for in-state, out-of-state, online and international students. Tuition will remain unchanged for the fall semester. Fees will remain unchanged in the spring and fall at $32 per credit hour, with no fees charged for online classes.
The new rate in 2015 will start at $65 for Kansas residents, but Barton County students will continue to receive a $7 scholarship; out-of-state tuition will be $96; international will be $148; and online tuition will be $143.

Other business
Athletic insurance, property, liability and worker’s compensation insurance were approved.
Several new teachers, coaches and other personnel were hired.
Coaching contracts were approved for Aaron Avila, head coach for men’s and women’s soccer; Tony Davis, assistant track and cross country coach; and Brett McBride, assistant baseball coach.
Faculty contracts were approved for Kristopher Schneider, networking instructor, and Karla Johnston and Renae Skelton, nursing instructors.
Amy Patzner was hired as a customer service representative for the Barton County campus. At the Fort Riley campus, new employees are Jenny Payne, customer service representative; and Starmisha Lengas, academic adviser. Patrisha Reed was hired as an enrollment clerk and receptionist at Grandview Plaza.

College mergers
Dr. Heilman also reported on Kansas Board of Regents Activity. He said KBOR is supportive of a proposal to merge Dodge City Community College and Fort Hays State University, although the regents want a more defined declaration of the intention of those institutions. Any merger would also require action by the Legislature and governor. Heilman said the regents may work to promote other mergers in the future.
Board chairman Mike Johnson also commented on mergers. “The landscape of community colleges could change pretty drastically in the next couple of years, he said.”