The Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees brought the Simulation and Game Development curriculum under the college’s Information Technology Program at its bimonthly meeting on Monday, May 16.
Trustees approved offering students an associate’s degree in Information Technology with a track in Simulation and Game Development, ending an instructional service agreement VGCC has had with a neighboring community college to jointly provide a similar degree.
The curriculum provides for students a broad background in simulation and game development with practical applications in creative arts, visual arts, audio/video technology, creative writing, modeling, design, programming and management. Graduates should qualify for employment as designers, artists, animators, programmers, testers, analysts, engineers and administrators in the entertainment industry, healthcare, education and related fields.
With the action by the Trustees, VGCC will also offer a certificate in Simulation and Game Development Design Fundamentals through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program for high school students. Through CCP, students can earn college credit and may receive high school credit for free courses completed at VGCC. The CCP offering is subject to approval by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), said Trustee Barbara Cates Harris, who chairs the board’s Curriculum Committee.
Capital Projects
Plans are underway to finalize the projects to be funded by the Connect NC Public Improvement Bond referendum in March, reported Steve Graham, VGCC’s vice president of finance and operations. Among proposed projects for all four of Vance-Granville’s campuses are heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacements; fire alarm system updates; exterior masonry restoration; and restroom and classroom renovations. NCCCS has asked colleges to submit a suggested timeline for projects so that the State can lay out cash flow projections for the bond money, Graham said.
Graham noted that VGCC will be using the $7.6 million from the bonds to focus on improving mechanical systems, addressing safety concerns and meeting code compliance.
Trustee Abdul Rasheed, chair of the Building Committee of the board, reported the Building 10 renovations are on schedule for completion in June. The building, located across Poplar Creek Road from the rest of main campus, will house classrooms for Emergency Medical Services, Fire/Rescue Programs, Basic Law Enforcement Training, Law Enforcement In-Service training and other workforce programs.
Graduation
In her report to the board, VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams noted that the college awarded its largest number of degrees and diplomas, the most at any single commencement in Vance-Granville’s history, on May 13. A total of 601 degrees and diplomas were awarded in curriculum programs at the ceremony on the college’s Main Campus. Several students graduated with more than one credential.
The new record in credentials comes on the heels of VGCC having its largest number of graduates in May 2015.
SGA President
VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams presented a plaque to Aleria Perry of Henderson for her service in 2015-2016 as student trustee and president of the Student Government Association.
Perry graduated this month with an Associate in Arts degree. She said she plans to pursue enrollment in the Eagle Voyage program starting this fall. Through Eagle Voyage, North Carolina Central University’s Department of Criminal Justice will offer its bachelor’s degree program on VGCC’s main campus.
Quality Enhancement Plan
Amy O’Geary, VGCC’s director of student success and Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) coordinator, updated Trustees on the college’s efforts to boost student learning outcomes.
Referred to as “Advising in 3D — Dream, Design and Discover,” the college’s QEP has three goals to help students get the tools they need to be successful: (1) Each first-year students will develop a rapport/relationship with an advisor to improve first-year progression rates; (2) Students will identify the steps to completion of their academic and career goals; and (3) Students will become responsible for their education by seeking and utilizing support services.
Students are responding positively to the plan with completion rates showing significant progress over the past three years, O’Geary said. She said the college is focusing on students’ interaction with career coaches throughout the first year.
Investment Committee
The Investment Committee, co-chaired by Trustees L. Opie Frazier, Jr., and Donald C. Seifert, reported to the board a preliminary timeline for seeking requests for proposals (RFP) for investment management services.
The RFPs are expected to be issued in June with plans to receive them in July and study final presentations in August. The Trustees’ committee will collaborate with the Investment Committee of the VGCC Endowment Fund Board of Directors. The Trustees are responsible for the college’s investments, while the Endowment Fund board handles monies given to the foundation.
Final action on investment management services is expected from both boards in September.
Other Action
In other action:
- The trustees approved student, patron, child care and facility rental fees for the 2016-2017 academic year, recommended by the Budget Committee, chaired by Trustee Danny Wright.
- New employees, retirements and resignations were reported by Trustee Sara C. Wester, chair of the Personnel Committee.
- Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Brown appointed an ad hoc nominating committee to bring a proposed slate of officers for 2016-2017 to the July meeting. Serving on that committee are Trustees L. Opie Frazier, Jr., Sara Wester and Barbara Cates Harris.
- Dr. Williams announced the following events: Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, May 23, rescheduled from May 3, and the annual Board Retreat for the Trustees on Aug. 22.
The next meeting of the VGCC Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, July 18, at the Main Campus.