JWCC Trustees Hear Report on Statewide Community College Enrollment Survey Results

John Wood Community College Board of Trustees heard a report from JWCC President Michael Elbe regarding a survey conducted by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) regarding early fall enrollment standings and insights for Illinois’ 48 Community Colleges during its regular meeting Wednesday, August 19.  The meeting was conducted virtually as permitted by the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In reviewing the survey responses, we are not surprised by the challenges higher education is experiencing due to the pandemic,” shared President Michael Elbe.  “JWCC is positioned very strong comparatively.  Summer enrollment was up 15.3 percent from last year and we continue to close the gap for fall enrollment.  We currently stand at 4.4 percent behind last year at this time.  Keeping in perspective, the survey revealed that some Illinois community colleges reported over 20 percent decreases for fall enrollment and up to 40 percent.

Elbe continued, “with fluid strategic planning and in collaboration with all JWCC departments, staff and faculty, we continue to dedicate our time to outreach and communication with our student base for continued success – which is our number one goal.  We are making impressive strides for enrollment this fall.”  JWCC is still enrolling for additional fall semester start dates in September, October and December.

JWCC’s Board of Trustees and Chair Diane Ary stated recently in a letter of gratitude and support to all staff and faculty, “The Board of Trustees reassures you that our college is resilient. Over the course of the last 46 years, we have overcome many challenging moments. We are confident that we will overcome this one, too. Your response when faced with COVID-19, a global historic challenge, has been amazing to say the very least. Your teams’ ability to execute brilliantly and with discipline has been critical for JWCC to continue to function at a high level, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students, colleagues and their families.”

In other business, the board:

• Accepted $81,091 in grant funds from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) for the ICCB-Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Improvement.
• Accepted $178,287 in grant funds from the ICCB for the Carl D. Perkins Postsecondary Career and Technical Education grant.
• Accepted $374,976 in funds from the Department of Education for TRiO Student Support Services.
• Accepted $190,198 in grant funds from the ICCB for the ED Stabilization-Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund.
• Approved $951,959.70 transfer of funds from Operating Funds to Operations and Maintenance Restricted Fund for deferred maintenance projects and items from the Facility Master Plan.

The next regular meeting of the JWCC Board of Trustees is September 16, 2020, at 7 p.m. at JWCC’s Quincy campus.