Richmond Community College is one of the largest providers of the Career Readiness Certification in North Carolina.  Tuesday night, the Board of Trustees took another step in support of the program and adopted a policy requiring applicants for RCC positions not requiring a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to have the certification.  Positions covered under this policy are being evaluated to determine the skill levels needed for applicants to be interviewed and become successful once employed.

“RCC has advocated this for business and for ourselves as well,” said RCC President Dr. Dale McInnis.  “Many businesses and industries in our communities have embraced it with success.  Our staff are administering the WorkKeys assessment to high school students.  We are also incorporating it into several of our curriculum programs so graduates leave with this added credential.”

McInnis said requiring the CRC not only provides the college better qualified applicants, but it also reinforces to the community our need for a skilled workforce.  RCC offers free KeyTrain classes that prepare people to take the WorkKeys assessment.  Many people in both counties are taking advantage of these classes.

In other action, the Board approved the following:

· Renewal of personnel contracts with no salary increases for FY 2010-2011.

· A grading policy revision regarding the course withdrawal process.

· A financial aid policy revision regarding the impact of withdrawing from courses.

· A nominal fee for students needing additional transcripts and ACCUPLACER assessments.  The initial transcripts and assessments are at no cost to the student.

· The awarding of Emeritus Status to Stan McQueen, Lowery Ballard, and Margaret Payne for over 20 years of service to the college.