Chester Center Becoming Reality

I'm pleased to announce that a general contractor has been selected to build the new Chester Center. Farley Associates, Inc. will begin construction immediately on the two-story, 31, 211 square-foot facility located off S.C. 9, east of Chester. The new facility will have two distance learning classrooms, three traditional classrooms, one computer lab, and four shop areas that will include Mechatronics, Welding, and HVAC. We are hopeful for a ribbon cutting and opening celebration before the end of 2008. We look forward to classes in the new facility beginning spring 2009.

York Technical College’s current operations in Chester are based in the former Duke Energy Office located at 127 Saluda Street, next to the post office, in downtown Chester.

This is truly an exciting time for the College. I appreciate all the hard work of so many on several fronts, in moving us forward!

Accreditation

Congratulations to the Early Childhood Development, Dental Health Professions, and Radiologic Technology Departments for their hard work and dedication through their recent accreditation processes. Granting and reaffirming accreditation validates that we are providing quality instruction and fostering an environment that enhances student learning. Most importantly, accreditation supports the College’s continuous improvement efforts by striving for a level of performance that will challenge us to move beyond the status quo. The work involved in these accreditations is enormous and glory short-lived. Please make sure you say thanks to all of these departments.

The Radiologic Technology Program was reaccredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). They were awarded an eight year accreditation which is the highest they can receive.



The American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) reaccredited the Dental Hygiene Associate Degree and Expanded Duty Dental Assistant programs through 2013.



The Early Care and Education Associate Degree Program received accreditation through the Division of Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Only 34 associate degree programs nationwide have been recognized with this prestigious accreditation.

Stafford Loans Are Back

I recently realized that we had not formally announced that the College Commission had approved our participation in the Federal Stafford Loan Program. I apologize for not announcing this sooner. Other sources of aid have not increased sufficiently to offset the rising costs of tuition, books, gas, and other expenses. Therefore, a Student Financing Options Task Force was organized and they recommended the College re-establish participation in the Federal Stafford Loan Program as an additional means to help students finance their education. The College last participated in the student loan program more than 15 years ago and chose to stop certifying loans due to the risks associated with high default rates. Due to changes in calculations for default rates and several other factors, the Committee felt the Federal Stafford Loan Program would be a good option for our students and the College. It will provide the most affordable and flexible financing available to qualified students.

Procedures are currently being developed to administer the Stafford Loan Program. It is anticipated the Financial Resources Office will begin certifying Stafford Loans in early November. Interested students should stop by the Financial Resources Office in the Student Services Building to check for initial eligibility and complete a Stafford Loan Request form. Further instructions will be given at that time. Completion of an online financial literacy course is required and students must attend a mandatory entrance loan counseling session. For more information, you may call the Financial Resources Office at 327-8005.

Planning Update

I’m delighted that eighty-four employees have participated in the first five planning sessions this fall. Eight planning sessions remain and they are filling up fast. Engaging both internal and external stakeholders is vitally important to the College’s planning process. Our planning timeline for 2007-2008 includes sessions with faculty, staff, students, business and industry, Legislative Delegation, York County Council, public school officials, and the College’s Commission and Foundation. A compiled list of suggestions from the planning sessions will be available at the end of the year. We don’t want to influence outcomes of remaining sessions until everyone has had an opportunity to participate.

The next step in the planning process will be to develop a set of values and a Strategic Plan that will be powerful, meaningful, and inspiring. The input from these planning sessions will help us develop 3 to 5 long range goals. Each division, department, and individual will have tactical goals that will apply towards the long range goals. The one critical factor for us to be successful is execution! We are currently researching various mechanisms to help ensure that we execute properly. Together, with all stakeholders, we will build a foundation for a better future! Thank you all for your participation!