Contributed photo Doni Holloway, a Scotland Early College graduate, won first place in a Richmond Community College essay contest. He is congratulated by RCC President Dr. Dale McInnis and Board of Trustees Chairwoman Claudia Robinette as he accepts his cash prize of $100.

HAMLET — In an effort toward continuous improvement, Richmond Community College revealed a more streamlined and succinct mission statement and new admission criteria for its nursing programs to the Board of Trustees during the June 2 meeting.

POLICY CHANGES

RCC’s Planning and Accountability Committee took a fresh look at the mission statement and strategic directives and made some changes to strengthen the focus on student success and economic development in Richmond and Scotland counties. The board unanimously approved the revisions.

RCC’s Institutional Planning and Assessment System Guide states that in 2015 the long-range planning was to be reassessed, and these changes were made accordingly.

The board also unanimously approved changes to the admissions policies for the practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs beginning fall 2016, as proposed by Nursing Department Chairwoman Carole Gibson.

Students applying to enroll in the practical nursing program will be required to have a 2.5 grade-point average. Previously, the GPA requirement was 2.0. The passing standard for nursing courses in the practical nursing program was also raised from 78 percent to 80 percent.

Students applying to enroll in the associate degree nursing program will also be required to have a 2.5 GPA. Previously, the GPA requirement was 2.0. The passing standard was raised for several nursing courses in the ADN curriculum and readmission policy.

“These policy improvements will better prepare our students for the rigors of the nursing program and improve their potential for successful passage of the NCLEX exams,” RCC President Dr. Dale McInnis said.

GRANTS UPDATE

McInnis provided the board with an update on grant awards and applications for the 2014-15 academic year.

“2014-15, which wraps up in June, has been a very successful year for grants,” McInnis said. “At RCC, we are constantly mining for grant opportunities that we are eligible for and that would benefit our students and programs.”

The College has current grants totaling $1,186,500, including a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation that will help increase student enrollment in its engineering programs to train technicians for the electric utility industry. Pending grants, totaling $1,871,379, would support and expand RCC’s transfer and health care programs.

WRITING AWARD

Doni Holloway, a Scotland Early College graduate, was recognized at the board meeting for winning first place in an essay contest held by the Planning and Accountability Committee to receive student input into the college’s long-term strategic planning and to promote the Quality Enhancement Plan, which is “Speaking to Convey, Writing to Display.”

Holloway received a $100 cash prize from the RCC Foundation.

FINAL MEETINGS

Also recognized was RCC Trustee Burt Unger, who was attending his final board meeting as his term expires. Appointed by the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, Unger has served on the board for 22 years and has served for many years as chair of the Building and Grounds Committee.

Also attending her final Board of Trustees meeting was retiring Vice President of Student Services Saundra Richardson. Richardson has served more than 30 years in education, with her final four years at the helm of RCC’s student services.

Board of Trustees Chairwoman Claudia Robinette, speaking on behalf of the college and the board, expressed her appreciation for their many years of service to RCC.