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Addendum to the Self-Study
Introduction

Most of the research, data analysis, and writing for the self-study report took place during the previous academic year, 1998-1999. Although the final draft was updated before being printed in November, 1999, and every effort was made to ensure that it was as current as possible, much has taken place between then and now. This addendum presents a summary of those activities and events that seemed to us to be relevant to the NCA comprehensive evaluation but which took
place after the self-study report went to press.

Certainly more has happened than is included in this addendum, but it’s hoped that we have included the most important. Further, there is no question but that more will occur before the team actually reaches Flint on February 20, most notably the naming of the next Mott Community College President. The College will notify team members by mail or email of any important news and provide a complete overview at the time of the visit.

Presidential Search

Upon receiving notice by former President Allen Arnold that he was leaving the College for a new position, the Board of Trustees began a presidential search process that has progressed through several stages and is nearing completion. Dr. Arnold notified the College in April, 1999, and the Board contracted with the Association of Community College Trustees to work with the College in a nationwide search.

The Board created a very large search committee of about forty members with representatives from all the College’s bargaining units, exempt employees, and many community representatives drawn from a wide array of constituencies. The position was advertised and credentials were reviewed. Eventually eight finalists were selected from the pool of applicants and invited to the campus. Each was interviewed by the search committee and the Board, and open forums were held with everyone from the College and community invited to attend. Each candidate spoke briefly at his or her forum and then was available for questions. After the eight candidates completed their visit to the campus, the search committee narrowed the list to five. The Board later trimmed that list to three finalists.

All three finalists returned to the campus and were interviewed by the Board, and again open sessions were held for interested people from the College and community. Members of the Board are currently visiting the campuses of the three finalists, and it is expected that the next MCC President will be named at a
special Board meeting on February 8. The College will immediately notify the NCA Team of the selection, and it is hoped that the newly appointed President, although he will not have taken office yet, will able to be present at MCC during the site visit. The three finalists are Dr. Guy Altieri, Vice President at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dr. Michael Meade, Vice President at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan, and Dr. M. Richard Shaink, President at the Platte Campus of Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska.

MCC’s Board Identifies 1999-2002 Goals

During the fall semester, 1999, the Board of Trustees did an extensive study and review of their respective roles and responsibilities. The result was the
identification of five critical issues. The Board then addressed these issues and established and defined a goal statement to related to each issue. Accompanying
each goal statement is a set of objectives/action indicators. These were approved at the Board’s December 20, 1999 meeting. In writing about the goals, Board Chair Lenore Croudy stated: “It is our hope that these goals will provide vision and direction, improved accountability, and enhanced leadership for Mott
Community College as it begins its journey into the new millenium.”

The five critical issues are:

· Budget and Finance
· Millage Election
· Regional Technology Center
· Community Outreach
· Strategic Planning

A copy of the booklet, “Mott Community College Board of Trustees 1999-2002 Goals” is enclosed with this addendum.

Fiscal Situation Update

The final version of the Fiscal Resources section of the self-study report was completed in October, 1999 and contained accurate financial data as of that time. As mentioned on page 5-90 and elsewhere, the most recent audit revealed a number of problems that had not been foreseen. A printed copy of that most recent audit report was not available when the self-study and accompanying materials were mailed to the team in December, but a copy is enclosed with this addendum report.

The major problems identified in the 1999 Audit Report were in the area of receivables, especially relating to taxes and student tuition and fees. An error had taken place in the migration of fiscal data from the previous computer system to the new one, and the result was an error in the amount of receivables the College was
likely to actually collect. In particular, there was a significant amount of unpaid tuition from previous years that had not been collected, and conclusions regarding whether those monies could be collected had been unrealistically optimistic. Further, non-taxable “renaissance zones” had been established by local government entities, and these impacted the College’s tax base and the amount of collectable taxes.

During the past six months, the College has initiated several major correctional actions that are working to remedy the negative fund balance. Both areas, taxes and student tuition and fees collection, are now under control. A tax tracking system has been implemented for current and future years. Tax receivables shown in the 1998-99 audit report have been collected 100%. Any receivables in the future will be 100% collectible in the following fiscal year. Student tuition and fees
receivable are now up-to-date. Operational changes in student registration and payment requirements diminish the level of receivables and ensure collectibility of future receivables.

Since the audit revealed the problems that caused the negative fund balance as of June 30, 1999, the College has made major strides in correcting this situation.
The following identifies what MCC has done and is in the process of doing:

Budget Amendment

The 1999-2000 budget was amended in November, 1999 to reflect taxes and tuition and fees revenues at a more realistic level. The total revenue budget was lowered by more than one million dollars from $43,167,167 to $42,139,676. The expense level was dropped by the same amount all in the areas of discretionary spending.

Fund Balance

The fund balance at the beginning of the 1999-2000 fiscal year stood at more than negative one million dollars (-1,018,589). As of December 31, 1999, the
ending fund balance is two hundred thousand dollars better (-$818,656). The goal is to eliminate the negative fund balance by June 30, 2000.

State Appropriation

Forecasts for state appropriation have improved by almost eighty thousand dollars ($79,000) due to receipt of the Renaissance Zone reimbursement for the
1998-99 fiscal year. A supplemental appropriation is not guaranteed, but if appropriated would add more than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) to
1999-2000 revenue.

Receivables Tracking

The largest area of concern regarding receivables has been in tracking student tuition and fee receivables. It was in this area thatthe data migration errors took
place, and estimates of the amount that could still be collected were unreasonably optimistic.

A tracking system is now in place, and collection of student receivables for Fall Semester 1999 are up-to-date as of January 14, 2000. While a reserve for allowance is still needed in 1999-2000, knowing the types of receivables allows the administration to assess them more realistically and accurately. A significant improvement over the June 30, 1999 receivables is forecast for the June 30, 2000 audit.

Property Tax Tracking System

A tracking system was developed to account for all tax revenues from the district’s 28 cities and townships. As a result, revenue forecasting is more accurate, and tax receipts are at 50% of budgeted amount as of December 31, 1999. All tax receivables are up-to-date.

Mott Foundation $4.9 Million Capital Project Grant

A special grant of almost five million dollars from the Mott Foundation was received on January 3, 2000 to pay for the demolition of the St. Joseph Hospital and related costs. The new Regional Technology Center is to be built on that site, adjacent to the main campus, and work to raze the hospital has begun. All interest income from this grant since January 3 can be applied to start-up costs for the RTC, including both capital needs and academic applications. Current indicators
point to more than a million dollars being available after the demolition and site preparation.

Cash Flow Analysis

Weekly cash flow analyses are carried out to ensure the in-flow of actual receipts, whether taxes, tuition and fees, state appropriations, or interest income, are
higher than the out-flow, such as salaries, fringe costs, payables, debt payments, utilities, etc. A three million dollar ($3,000,000) note was issued in November, 1999 for fiscal year 1999-2000. Cash flow borrowing will be needed again for 2000-2001 in June, 2000 when the 1999-2000 note is due.

Exploring Additional Revenue Sources

Dr. David Spathelf, Interim President, has been very pro-active in efforts to obtain both short- and long-term revenue sources, exploring foundation funding, legislative action, and a millage campaign. Dr. Spathelf and the Executive Cabinet have met with state legislators, and union leadership has also been involved. A particular focus when dealing with the legislators is placed on achieving reimbursement from the state for tax abatements of DDA, TIFA, and Renaissance Zones.
Dr. Spathelf has through the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) recruited college presidents throughout the state as well as the MCCA Executive Director to push the agenda statewide. It appears that money will be forthcoming, and hope is that the additional funding will allocated this fiscal year instead of waiting for the next one. If these efforts are successful, the deficit fund balance will become positive by June 30, 2000.

Financial Structures

The set of goals passed by the Board of Trustees in December (referred to earlier in this report, and a copy is enclosed) involves a change in policy and structure regarding how the Board handles financial issues. The Board Finance Committee, which maintains regular oversight of the College’s fiscal resources, would, of course continue, but a new committee, the Strategic Finance Committee, would be created. This committee would focus on long-term issues and include the participation of interested constituents in addition to Board members. The monthly treasurer’s report is presented in a new format to provide more relevant information to the Board. One major feature of the new format is a column to predict revenues and expenditures on a monthly basis.

Expense Control

Nine positions were eliminated in November, 1999. While there were no immediate cost savings, there will be approximately $500,000 savings in salaries and fringes in 2000-2001. Further, not replacing or at least re-evaluating positions when employees voluntarily leave the College will also have a long-term impact.
Other possibilities include union concessions and reduction in stipends. As a last resort, more layoff is an option.

Bond Issue

The Board of Trustees passed, at its January 24th meeting, a resolution declaring an intent to sell up to twenty five million dollars ($25,000,000) in bonds to finance the construction of the Regional Technology Center. The total cost of the RTC is projected to be thirty four million dollars ($34,000,000), of which approximately half ($16,719,000) has been allocated to Mott Community College as a matching fund under Section 107 State Building Authority Financed Construction Projects of House Bill 4297, signed by Governor Engler.

Conclusion

There is no question but that the College suddenly faced an unexpected revenue shortage, and dealing with the negative fund balance has been daunting.
The College and its Board have addressed the shortages and taken the necessary steps to assure stability and a positive future. Mott Community
College is addressing the issues directly and successfully, and all financial data will be available for the team. We feel positive about our future and our ability to deal with the fiscal challenges.

Winter Enrollment at MCC

Final figures are now in regarding enrollment in credit courses. Both credit and contract hour enrollment has increased slightly over Winter Semester 1999. Credit enrollment increased from 64,833 to 64,905 and contact hour from 74,520 to 74,632. Neither increase represent even one per cent, but in Michigan, enrollment trends generally the inverse of economic climate. When employment is high, community college enrollment declines, and when unemployment goes up so does attendance at community colleges. In Michigan, the economy has been exceptionally good, and unemployment rates in Genesee County have been very low over the past few years.

We also believe that solid enrollment reflects the community’s confidence in its college and the quality of its programs. The MACRAO Community College Weekly Enrollment Report of 24 January indicates that 12 of the 24 Michigan Community Colleges reporting their enrollment for this semester, 12 declined and 12 increased in credits being taken. We are pleased that Mott Community College is among those whose enrollment did not decline.

Curricular Changes

With any active institution of higher education, curricular innovations and revisions represent an ongoing process. That is certainly true at Mott Community College. The College Professional Study Committee (CPSC) has evaluated and approved numerous changes since the self-study report went to press in October, 1999. Two new programs have been created, and others have been revised. There have also been numerous new and revised courses approved.

Perhaps the most noteworthy changes currently taking place deal with the modularization of certain curricula. Several courses are being divided into individual modules, and the College’s first Open Entry/Open Exit courses (other than in Distance Learning) are being offered using a modularized format, and an Open Entry/Open Exit Lab has been created in the Gorman Building. A more extensive pilot of modularized courses will be carried out during the Fall, 2000 semester. Teams of people have been working on this project throughout the year under the leadership of Academic Vice President William Angus.

As has been the case throughout the time the College has been developing and expanding its distance learning offerings, every effort is being made to proceed carefully and prudently to assure the efficacy of this new approach in curricular offerings. Clearly, the impact and success of MCC’s modularization efforts weigh significantly as curricula are developed for the Regional Technology Center.

Regional Technology Center Update

The RTC project has continued to progress since the completion of the self-study report and is nearing completion of the second phase of the design process. The project continues on schedule with plans to award the construction contract late in the second quarter of 2000. Major accomplishments to date include satisfying the State of Michigan “schematic design” review process; securing the full funding appropriation from the state legislature; constructing a temporary roadway to be used during the building construction phase; and beginning the demolition and site preparation process. The final RTC design reflects a 180,000 square foot facility that accommodates eight technical programs, two information technology programs, space for four construction related trade union programs, and extensive telecommunications capability. The design reflects a state-of-the-art building with multi-media classrooms, a teleconferencing auditorium, two interactive classrooms, and a manufacturing systems lab that provides tremendous opportunities for the development of integrated, multi-disciplinary curricula. Architects are currently developing the final phase “construction documents” by reacting to faculty concerns on instructional issues, finalizing the mechanical/operational infrastructure, determining the furniture and interior design scheme of the building, and finalizing access and landscaping schemes for the site.

The second major component of the RTC project is the development of an equally innovative curriculum process. Utilizing the WIDS and/or Sinclair Community College curriculum development tools, MCC is in the process of developing modularized, competency-based curriculum that can be offered to learners in an open entry/open exit format. A pilot project was started in September 1999 to re-design five to six courses in the WIDS format. These courses are currently being offered (Winter 2000) as open entry/open exit modules. The pilot modules are in Drafting and Design and Computer Networking Technology and Math. Results of the pilot will be used to evaluate the flexible delivery schedule in terms of student success, faculty reaction, student support services, and administrative systems. In addition, MCC’s NSF project to develop a Manufacturing Simulation Technology program is underway. The national Advisory Board has met and identified a list of simulation competencies that is currently being validated by several simulation user groups. The curriculum design team has completed its first workshop addressing the Sinclair module architecture and curriculum development process. Additional workshops are planned for late February with the bulk of the curriculum design occurring through the end of the year 2000.

MCC has also been invited to become a member of the Michigan Technology Education Center (M-TEC) project established by the Michigan Economic Development Commission (MEDC). M-TEC centers address high wage, high-skill, high-demand careers with modularized, competency-based curriculum and a flexible delivery system geared for the non-traditional student. MEDC visited the MCC campus in late January as a follow-up to an October, 1999 visit that featured over 25 local and regional employers testifying to the importance of the RTC to support their continued growth.

Review of General Education Requirements

The College’s General Education Requirements for all degrees were established through the College Professional Study Committee process and approved by the Board of Trustees in 1990. At the time, they were considered exemplary, and members of the Academic Affairs Subcommittee of the CPSC were asked to present at the 1991 NCA Annual Meeting. More than a year of study and review were invested in the process of determining those requirements, but it has been nearly ten years since they were adopted, so MCC is reviewing them to determine whether they still fulfill our needs and whether our needs may have changed.

The Academic Affairs Subcommittee has created task force to determine criteria for assessing our requirements and then carry out a thorough review. One member from each academic division was elected to serve on this task force, and four members of Academic Affairs also serve, along with the co-chairs of CPSC. Work has begun with a two-fold emphasis on determining first, what we want our graduates to know and be able to do and second, what other institutions similar to ours are doing. Concurrently, as mentioned elsewhere in the addendum, extensive assessment efforts are being carried out regarding the College’s general education requirements and their success at meeting our goals.

Assessment of General Education

In October 1999, the Assessment Committee (CASL) reviewed the ETS assessment tool, The Academic Profile. This tool provides an assessment of general education in four areas: reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking. The committee decided to pilot the short form of this test during the winter semester.

The committee was awarded a $5, 000 grant from the Foundation for MCC as the financial support to get this project started. The test was administered to 500 randomly selected MCC students during the week of January 31, 2000. We are currently awaiting the results. Once we receive this benchmark data and evaluate the appropriateness of the results for assessing our general education objectives, a decision will be made regarding future use of this tool. If deemed appropriate, the results will be disseminated and the funding necessary to continue this project will be added to next year’s academic budget.

Improving the assessment of general education continues to be our focus at this time. While the Assessment Committee pursues finding the best assessment tool and improving the use of the results, a subcommittee of CPSC is currently working on reviewing and possibly updating the college’s general education requirements and objectives.

MCC Holds Its First Assessment Expo

The first annual MCC Assessment Expo was held on Tuesday, November 23, 1999 in the College Center Ballroom. There were 20 separate displays on the assessment of student learning. Faculty members prepared presentations showing what they do to assess student learning at the course or program level. Judging from the feedback received, it was a great success. There were approximately 150 visitors to the Expo. The comments on the evaluation forms were enthusiastic and complimentary. Several visitors indicated the desire to participate as presenters in next year’s event.

The purposes for having this Expo were to share ideas about assessment of student learning and to increase awareness and enthusiasm for assessment. There were some side benefits gained as well, such as the opportunity to see what other programs are doing here at MCC and the chance to network with colleagues from all over campus. Photographs and other materials related to the Assessment Expo have been located in the Resource Room.

Technology Access Centers Grant

During the late 1990s, the Board explored a variety of ways the College could form partnerships with the community and eventually decided that one way was to develop community technology centers in response to the growing gap between those who have access to computer technology and those who do not. Clearly, Flint has a significant population who are socially and economically disadvantaged and who could benefit from easy access to computer technology. The College also has a positive relationship with the Faith Based Development Corporation. Thus, MCC applied for a grant to fund the project.

The Department of Education recently awarded Mott Community College a $630,000 grant to develop and operate Technology Access Centers. These centers will provide technology access to economically disadvantaged families in the community. The centers will increase the availability, knowledge, and use of computer technology to provide educational enhancement, career and job preparation and opportunities, as well as personal enrichment.

Services will be provided at up to eight state-of-the-art networked computers and will be available approximately 40 – 50 hours each week, including evenings and weekends. MCC will serve as the hub site for the centers, providing access to the Internet; two-way audio/visual conferencing; access to the College’s services and classes, and overall project management. Locations for the centers include the Great Lakes Baptist District Office and other “to-be-determined” sites.
Centers will provide:

· instruction and hands-on experience that will increase their knowledge and skill in using computers as a tool
· self-paced computer based training and tutorials that will improve both formal and informal educational capacity
· a direct connection to Mott Community College for all steps in the admissions process and an array of course offerings that will make the College more obtainable
· a communication link to resources in the community that will improve quality of life

National studies document achievement by individuals using community technology access centers. Activities will be delivered in an accessible and easily obtainable manner to increase chances for individuals to gain new skills and achieve personal goals.

MCC/FSU Partnership

Mott Community College is establishing a new partnership with Ferris State University of Big Rapids, Michigan to offer a number of Baccalaureate Degree Programs on the MCC campus. These programs would be operated jointly, with MCC offering the first two years of a four or five year degree program. There has long been a positive relationship with FSU through the College’s University Center, but this new partnership will expand and redefine that relationship extensively.

A team has been working on this project for nearly a year, and the goal is to offer four-year degree programs that are not currently available in the Genesee County area. Ferris State University has long been known for its technological and career programs, and it only makes sense to provide FSU with access to the new Regional Technology Center. The programs would be jointly marketed with dual appointment of MCC staff and FSU staff and dual funding.

Initially, the plans call for offering Baccalaureate Degrees in Criminal Justice, Auto Body, Validation Technology, and Vocational Teacher Certification among others. Criminal Justice is set to be a pilot offered in the Fall, 2000. The two institutions are also exploring the possibility of offering a degree in elementary education jointly.

Clearly, there are many details to be worked out and collective bargaining issues to be addressed, but neither institution sees any problems that are not solvable. It is estimated that over a four year period, up to 3,000 additional students could be attracted to the MCC campus as the program expands and develops fully. There is great potential for providing educational opportunities to large numbers of people in the College’s district who do not now have access to these career programs within commuting distance.

Changes in Physical Resources

The planned construction of the new Regional Technology Center is largest change anticipated in MCC’s physical resources, but there is another, smaller change taking place, as well. At its January 24th meeting, the Board of Trustees agreed to purchase the residence at 1520 East Second Street. This house is located immediately adjacent to the President’s Conference Center and across the street from the future RTC. Currently, MCC’s President lives at the conference center, but plans are underway to convert that building from its present dual purpose of both residence and center to a facility functioning solely as a conference center. It is anticipated that the center will fulfill both College and community need and will operated in such a way that it will be self-sufficient financially.

The newly purchased house may serve as the new President’s residence, or it may be used as office space. The determination will be made after the new President is appointed. After purchasing the house, the College can and will negotiate with the City of Flint to close off East Second Street at intersection of Cromwell Street. Such a change will be widely applauded by the neighborhood as it would reduce traffic flow considerably without inconveniencing anyone in the residential area that abuts the College. This change also allows the College’s boundaries to be clearly defined and identified. Grant money is being used to make this purchase.

Recent Accomplishments at MCC

The main purpose for this Addendum was to serve as an update regarding activities and changes that have occurred at the College since the self-study report was printed. In addition to items discussed earlier, we conclude with a partial list of recent recognitions, initiatives and other changes and achievements:

· MCC and its collective bargaining units were presented an Arbor Award for Excellence for the creation and implementation of effective problem-solving practices.

· The College’s Honors Program signed a transfer alliance agreement with the Honors Program at the University of Michigan-Flint.

· MCC became the first entity outside of Oakland County to be invited to join the “Automation Alley” Consortium.

· In October, the College launched the “Senior Sampler,” an educational program designed to bring senior citizens onto our campus and serve their needs more effectively.

· The athletic program continues its tradition of success. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are nationally ranked. At this time, the women’s team remains undefeated. The cross country team, in only its third year as an intercollegiate sport at Mott Community College, finished fifth in the nation.

· Some recent faculty achievements and recognitions include:

· Leonard Meizlish, Political Science, was awarded the State of Israel City of Peace Award.
· John Sharpe, Auto Tech, won the 1999 Governor’s Innovator to Watch Award.
· Retired Nursing faculty member, Loretta Nimmo, was presented the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners annual award for outstanding service to the community.
· Gerald Matthews, Sociology, Gregory Shafer, English, and Paul Rozycki and James Hanley, Political Science have all published in recent months.
· MCC’s Fine Arts Program maintained an active schedule of exhibitions and concerts contributing to the cultural and artistic life of the community.
· Heather Collins, English, Raphael Castro, Foreign Language, and Mari Yancho, Music, all featured prominently in local cultural events.
· James Campbell, History, was elected a member of the Flint Board of Education, joining two other faculty members who already serve on local boards of education.

· Faculty continue to be involved in projects and activities beyond not only the College’s District but beyond national borders as well:

· Marilee Knapp, Business, has created cooperative relationships in Ukraine.
· Carol O’Donnell, Foreign Language, has developed a Spanish for Business course and is planning a student study program in Spain.
· Stephany Diana, Economics, worked on an environmental project in Costa Rica.
· Mott Community College/Mott Middle College Steel Drum Band played at Jazz festivals in France and Switzerland.

· MCC continues to play an important role as the community’s meeting place:

· In August, MCC hosted the Tribute to Avery and Mildred Aldridge, long time community leaders and civil rights advocates.
· In September, the Michigan College English Association conference was held on MCC’s campus.
· During October, MCC was the site of two public environmental events, a Land Use Forum and a Recycling Hearing.
· Mrs. Tipper Gore selected MCC as one of three uplinks in the nation for a teleconference on mental health, and in November, Mrs. Gore was on campus in
person to hold a forum on mental health care.
· In December, Michigan Lt. Governor Richard Posthumus chaired a hearing by the state Commission on Financing Postsecondary Education.
· In January, Flint Mayor Woodrow Stanley held the “Census Call to Action” meeting in the Prahl Center Ballroom.
· Also in January, United States Senator Spencer Abraham led an open discussion on new legislation he is proposing regarding the “date rape drug” and the related public awareness campaign.

· Within the College, in addition to changes referred to in other places in this Addendum, MCC has made these changes and improvements:

· A new voice mail system was installed throughout the College.
· The Respiratory Therapy Lab was completely renovated.
· Extensive improvements continue to be made on the College’s computer equipment.