STEM Grant provides tools for student success at CBC

On Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Coastal Bend College Board of Trustees regular meeting, Project OASIS provided an update on the progress made during the first year of the grant. Project OASIS is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grant focusing on increasing the number of Hispanics and low income students obtaining degrees in STEM fields.

In the past year, the grant has completely renovated a science laboratory in the Fred C. Latcham, Jr. Academic-Science Building. The lab now features state of the art equipment such as smart boards, video microscopes, and brand new learning islands that are designed to facilitate group learning. In addition to having new equipment, students also have access to Science Case Managers and Supplemental Instructors (SI) outside the classroom. The case managers and SI are available at no cost to students who need further assistance or tutoring in their courses. The community is invited to visit our new science laboratory in the Fred C. Latcham, Jr. Academic-Science Building in room C-129. 

Biology and geology professors are currently in the process of redesigning their curriculum to ensure that students are able to have positive learning outcomes. The new curriculum will be in place in August 2013 in time for the start of fall courses. All these tools, services, and courses are designed to improve student success rates in challenging courses such as math and science. Renovations will continue in the upcoming year to create a Learning Commons room for students, as well as update other science laboratories.

The Weekend College program, which is also a part of Project OASIS, is currently accepting students for the fall 2013 semester. Enrolling in Weekend College allows students the ability to earn their Associate of Arts degree while only attending courses every-other-weekend at any CBC campus or site. Weekend College is a smart choice for anyone needing to take pre-requisites for an allied health program (nursing, radiology, dental hygiene) since many of those courses are part of Weekend College. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. For more information about Weekend College, please contact Danny Garcia, Weekend College Coordinator, at (361) 354-2570.

The new Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam will go into effect August 28, 2013 at the start of fall classes. The TSI exam replaces the Accuplacer as the placement test colleges must utilize to determine college readiness per the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Students should visit with an advisor at any CBC campus or site to see how the new exam might affect them. To get in contact with an advisor, please call 1 (866) 722-2838 or visit your local CBC location.

Over 700 attendees experienced the magic of “Cinderella”, performed by the Corpus Christi Ballet Company, at the A.C. Jones High School Auditorium on Saturday, May 4. The event was a fundraiser for the Coastal Bend College Foundation and over $20,500 was raised for student scholarships, innovative teaching grants, and other opportunities for Coastal Bend College. The CBC Foundation sincerely thanks all the sponsors and attendees that came out to support student success at CBC.

Christy Lansford, Executive Director of the CBC Foundation, provided a fundraising report for the spring 2013 semester (January-May). The CBC Foundation took in a total of $122,336.49 that will be used to help fund opportunities and needs that help increase student success at CBC. The breakdown of the monies is as follows:

• Athletics Donations: $10,164.33

• Memorial Donations: $1,700

• Pledges: $6,000 pledged; ($800 collected)

• Fundraisers: $20,772.16

• Other Donations: $84,000

• Additional Scholarship Donations: $4,900

Total Income: $122,336.49 (includes only $800 of pledge amount)

If you’d like to help contribute to student success and innovative teaching grants at CBC, please contact Christy Lansford at (361) 354-2447 or via email at foundation@coastalbend.edu.

The City of Beeville and CBC have worked together to address the sinkhole on the CBC walking trail. City workers have filled the sinkhole with caliche and dirt, but have to wait until the materials settle in order to begin more permanent repairs. CBC has built a bridge over the area so that the community may continue utilizing the trail while repairs are being made.

Registration is currently underway for Kids College 2013. At Kids College 2013, students ages 6-12 will learn how different energy sources and technologies evolved and about some of the scientists that made it all happen.  They will discover the connection between energy and the environment and see what that looks like through the study of art, music, theater and science. All segments of Kids College will be led by qualified, creative instructors and supervised by the CBC Customized and Continuing Education Division. Kids College will be held at the CBC Alice site and the CBC Beeville campus from June 3-27, 2013 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, please visit the Kids College website at www.coastalbend.edu/kc.

Students who are planning on being enrolled in a workforce program at CBC this fall are encouraged to apply for the Training for the Trades Scholarship worth up to $1,000 sponsored by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation. Applicants must be currently employed, have financial need, and plan on enrolling in a workforce program this fall.  For more information about scholarship requirements and how to apply, please contact the CBC Financial Aid Office at (361) 354-2238.

Kids College to be held at Coastal Bend College

It’s time for Coastal Bend College’s Kids College 2013! Energy is at work in all we do—from the food we eat that fuels us, to the fuel from the earth, sun and wind that powers our vehicles, our houses and our technology.

At Kids College 2013, students ages 6-12 will learn how different energy sources and technologies evolved and about some of the scientists that made it all happen. Classes include the theme class (energy), drama/theater arts class, computer class, art class, music class, and a get up and move class.  All segments of Kids College will be led by qualified, creative instructors and supervised by the CBC Customized and Continuing Education Division.

Kids College will be offered at the Beeville campus and Kingsville site from June 3-27, 2013. Kids College is held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and the registration deadline is May 30, 2013. The 2013 prices are:

· Full day Kids College tuition – $451.00

· Morning session only (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – $261.00

· Afternoon session only (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) – $205.00

For more information on Kids College at the Beeville campus, call 361-354-2330.  For more information on Kids College at the Kingsville site, call 361-592-1615, ext. 4036 or 4040. You can also find registration forms and information on the web at www.coastalbend.edu/kc.

“Cinderella” helps raise $20,500 for Coastal Bend College Foundation

Over 700 attendees came to experience the magic of “Cinderella”, performed by the Corpus Christi Ballet Company, at the A.C. Jones High School Auditorium on Saturday, May 4. The event was a fundraiser for the Coastal Bend College Foundation, and $20,500 was raised for student scholarships, innovative teaching grants, and other opportunities for Coastal Bend College students to experience success.

“I was amazed to see how many community members came out to experience this wonderful ballet and support the Coastal Bend College Foundation. The incredible support from a multitude of businesses, community organizations, and the Joe Barnhart Foundation made the event possible, but the audience made the event successful,” said Christy Lansford, Executive Director of the Coastal Bend College Foundation.

A huge thank you goes out to the Joe Barnhart Foundation for graciously underwriting a portion of the event. The CBC Foundation would also like to thank the following “Cinderella” sponsors for their generous contributions: A Box of Chocolates; A.C. Jones High School; Alice Management Company, LLC; Anytime Fitness; Aztec Chevrolet; Baker Hughes; Beck Bros. Inc.; Bee Agricultural Company; Beeville Concert Association; Beeville Dental Care; Beeville Publishing/Action Printing; Best Western Texan Inn (SOTX Lodging, Inc.); Blant N. Miller, CPA; Bobbie Jo Meyer, DDS P.A.; Conoco Phillips; Edward Jones Investments; Florette E. Spires, PC; Flournoy Park Place; Galloway & Sons Funeral Homes; George P. & Sarah Lee Morrill II; HEB; Hogue’s Jewelry; Jim Kirkpatrick & Associates; Kenedy Chamber of Commerce; Law Office of George “Trace” Morrill III; Mad Matters; May Ranch; Pantry Stores; Park-Breidenbach Properties; Ranch Hand Truck Accessories; Rio Entertainment, Inc.; R.W. Dirks Petroleum Engineer, Inc.; Saenz Western Wear; San Patricio Electric Coop; Schneider Electric; Southern Inn & Suites (Kenedy Lodging LLC); Stone Creek Grill; Superior Auto; Texana Furniture Co.; Texas Champion Bank; The Corner Laundry; The First National Bank of Beeville; The Hen House; The Reserve at Jones Road; and Wicker Basket.

For more information about how you can help support the CBC Foundation, please contact Christy Lansford, Executive Director, at (361) 354-2447 or via email at foundation@coastalbend.edu. To view more photos from the event, visit www.facebook.com/coastalbendcollege.

CBC closed on Fridays through July 26

Coastal Bend College will begin its summer operating schedule on Monday, May 13. Summer business hours will be from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday at all CBC sites.

No college events are scheduled for Fridays during this time. Classes will operate on the normal Monday through Thursday schedule. All CBC offices, including the Child Development Center, will follow the summer schedule until Monday, July 29 when all CBC offices resume normal business hours of 8 a.m. until 5 p.m, Monday through Friday.

Summer registration is open now until June 2. Summer classes begin on Monday, June 3. Summer I courses are in session from June 3 to July 2. Summer II courses are in session from July 9 to August 14.

Fall 2013 registration is available online at http://www.coastalbend.edu. Advisors and faculty are available to assist students at all CBC locations. For more information, or to get in contact with an advisor, please call 1-866-722-2838 or contact your local CBC campus/site.

CBC Board of Trustees Statement

The Coastal Bend College Board of Trustees strives to ensure student success at CBC and strives to ensure that CBC is fiscally responsible with taxpayer money. The Board achieves these goals by guiding, directing, and overseeing all actions of the CBC President and CBC administration.

Over the last three academic years, CBC has seen a decline in enrollment, but hadn’t realigned positions and duties to serve a smaller student population. This led to a budget deficit that was made worse by reduced state funding and increased expenses that led CBC to deplete college reserves.

· The CBC fiscal year 2013 (September 1, 2012-August 31, 2013) budget and expenses were set at $26,522,000.

· The projections changed due to a shortfall of revenue in tuition and fees of $540,000.

· State funding for the 2012-2013 biennium was reduced by $645,269 for CBC.

· A cut in retirement benefits from the state impacted CBC a total of $777,010.

· CBC carried forward a $1.4 million deficit from fiscal year 2012 to this current fiscal year.

The college took several actions to address the revenue shortfall, both in this fiscal year and in the upcoming fiscal year 2014 that begins on September 1, 2013.

· Faculty overloads and adjunct budget were reduced by $160,000.

· Restructuring the maintenance schedules to reduce overtime saved $85,000.

· Restructuring of CBC’s technology and communications infrastructure saved the college $130,000.

· The administrative reorganization cut $250,000 by realigning and redistributing duties instead of replacing vacated positions.

· Reducing the number of contract renewals for fiscal year 2014 will save the college $575,000.

· Changing property and liability insurance providers saved $140,000.

To date, these cost savings measures total about $1.3 million, which gets the college closer to having a balanced budget and decreasing the $1.4 million deficit it was burdened with this year.

The Board tasked Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza, CBC President, to find ways to realign costs and spending to a level that coincides with current revenue and enrollment. Under Board directive, she had to make some tough recommendations to the Board in order to fix the financial situation at CBC, but we believe they were necessary recommendations to move the college forward. The Board took action to support the current recommendations because these were necessary to be good stewards of public funds.

However, the Board realizes there is much work still to be done as we prepare for the fiscal year 2014 budget process. We are asking Dr. Espinoza to lead the College Board, faculty, and staff in achieving the following goals for the upcoming fiscal year:

· CBC will ensure that student success is a top priority. Every student will be able to complete a certificate or degree on time, and CBC will always provide access to affordable, quality education.

· Ensure that college staffing is in line with current enrollment by 2014.

· Re-establish fund balance to $5.4 million–This will require the college to contribute $1.5 million per year through fiscal year 2015.

· Reduce costs and spending to ensure a $1.5 million contribution to reserves annually.

· Continually evaluate programs and positions to meet the needs and demands of our service area. Invest and support programs with growth and student success, and review and evaluate programs that are declining. Always keeping in mind student and community/industry needs.

· Research new programs and initiatives that would help serve the needs of the service area.

These goals will help the college utilize funds responsibly and put us on a path towards a more balanced budget, while still meeting the needs and demands of the areas we serve.

The Board cares about every single student that enrolls at CBC. None of the changes that have been made, or that will be made, negatively affect student access and success/completion. Students can still graduate on time with a workforce certificate or degree. Students can still complete the core curriculum and transfer to a university. But most importantly, students will always be able to succeed at CBC. We make sure of it.

CBC faculty, staff, students, and community partners have much to be proud of. The college has awarded over 15,000 degrees and certificates to hardworking students. In two years, the college will celebrate 50 years of helping educate and train people in South Texas and beyond. CBC has done great things, and will continue to for many years to come. We hope you support CBC by helping us keep student success in sight.

The CBC Board of Trustees next meeting is Tuesday, May 14, 2013 (moved from the original May 16, 2013 date) at 6 p.m. in the Robert J. Beasley Administration Building, Sandy Dirks Board Room, 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, Texas.

The regular meeting for June has been moved to Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 5 p.m. in the Robert J. Beasley Administration Building, Sandy Dirks Board Room, 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, Texas.

Information about the CBC Board of Trustees meetings can be found on our website at http://www.coastalbend.edu/board/.

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CBC athlete Darrick Little signs with the University of Incarnate Word

Coastal Bend College sophomore student athlete Darrick Little has become the second CBC basketball player to sign a letter of intent with a Division I university this season. He is heading to San Antonio, Texas this fall to play basketball for the University of the Incarnate Word where he plans on majoring in engineering. Little is the son of Tony and Debra Little and is originally from Cedar Hill, Texas.

For more information about the CBC Athletics Program, please visit www.coastalbend.edu/athletics or contact Estevan Vasquez, Athletic Director, at (361) 354-2721.

CBC walking trail sinkhole reemerges

Coastal Bend College and the City of Beeville are working together to address the reemergence of a sinkhole affecting the college’s walking trail. The sinkhole is located within the city’s easement.  To ensure the safety of all patrons who utilize the CBC walking trail, the area has been roped off by CBC maintenance staff. Community members using the walking trail are cautioned to observe warning signs and barricades until the problem is resolved.

For more information and updates the community is encouraged to contact Monica Cruz, Public Relations Officer, at (361) 354-2258 or via email at mcruz@coastalbend.edu.

CBC tuition remains the same for 2013-2014 year

Photo Cutline: CBC student athlete Michelle Southerland performs at Spring Fest 2013 on the Beeville campus. Southerland will be a 2013 CBC graduate, and she plans on transferring to Texas A&M Corpus Christi to continue her studies this fall.

On Thursday, April 18, 2013, the Coastal Bend College Board of Trustees approved for CBC President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza to execute a tax abatement agreement with Kaspar Ranch Hand Equipment, L.P. Dr. Espinoza reported that Kaspar Ranch Hand Equipment, L.P. is exploring possible opportunities such as job shadowing, internships, scholarships, and employment for CBC students to enhance their overall student experience while enrolled at CBC.

Tuition rates for CBC students in the 2013-2014 academic year will remain at the 2012-2013 cost of $70 per semester credit hour. However, the Board approved a new general use fee of $15 per semester credit hour to be implemented in the 2013-2014 academic year. The fee is lower than similar fees at Victoria College and Del Mar College, and will only cost a full-time student an additional $180 per semester or a part-time student an additional $90 per semester. The new general use fee is expected to bring in an additional $875,000 in revenue for the college, and the fees will be used to expand and improve on technology, buildings, and student services.

Beginning in fall 2013, new and returning dental hygiene students will be required to purchase blood borne pathogen insurance at the rate of $9.31 for the academic year. The insurance will cover any expenses related to exposure to blood borne pathogens, and there is no deductible for students to meet. Being insured under this plan can potentially save a dental hygiene student hundreds of dollars versus paying out-of-pocket.

The Board approved the 2013-2014 CBC Course Catalog. The catalog is available at the Beeville campus, as well as the Alice, Kingsville, and Pleasanton sites when fall 2013 registration launches later this spring. The catalog is also available online on the CBC Publications website at http://www.coastalbend.edu/publications. 

During the president’s report, Dr. Espinoza reported on various activities and upcoming events:

· Spring Fest was on April 4, 2013 at the Beeville campus. Community members, in addition to CBC faculty, staff and students, attended the event and enjoyed live music, games, and food. The Coastal Bend College Foundation sponsored four, $250 scholarships for the event. The winners of the scholarships are Jennifer Bowen, Richard Cantu, Daniel Gregory, and Candice Ornelas.

· CBC has submitted a program addition/substantive change to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to implement an automotive marketable skills certificate program at H.M. King High School in Kingsville, Texas. This hands-on program would allow students to obtain college level skills related to the automotive industry while still enrolled in high school courses.

· The 2013 Commencement Ceremony will be held on May 10, 2013 at the Beeville campus inside the Peter S. Marecek Physical Fitness Center. The commencement speaker is former CBC graduate and current CBC employee, Patricia Patel. CBC invites the entire community to attend commencement and support the over 580 graduates—an increase of over 12-percent from last year’s 513 graduates.

· Board Chairman Paul Jaure, Trustee Laura Fischer, and Dr. Espinoza attended the Board of Trustees Institute from March 28-30, 2013 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. During the institute, information about mandates that help improve student success were discussed such as required academic advising, intervention services for developmental education students, and mandatory student orientation. CBC has several of these strategies currently in place and looks forward to implementing more in the upcoming academic year such as My Cougar Course—a student success course for incoming CBC students.

CBC Foundation Executive Director Christy Lansford provided an update to the Board about the foundation’s activities. Currently, the foundation is selling tickets to the Corpus Christi Ballet’s production of “Cinderella” on May 4, 2013 at A.C. Jones High School. All proceeds benefit the CBC Foundation and go towards supporting CBC programs and students. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for youth ages 12 and under.

Tickets are available in Beeville at the CBC Foundation office, all Pantry stores, 1st National Bank of Beeville, Hogue’s Jewelry, and the Bee-Picayune; as well as the 505 in Kenedy and the Chamber of Commerce offices in Beeville, Three Rivers and George West. For more information, please call (361) 354-2348.

The CBC Foundation is looking to reenergize the CBC/BCC Alumni and Friends Association. All 2013 CBC graduates, as well as former Alumni and Friends Association members, will receive a free 1-year membership as a gift from the CBC Foundation. For more information on how you can join or help, please call (361) 354-2348.

CBC’s Fine Arts and Kinesiology Division showcased a current CBC music student at the Board meeting. Michelle Southerland, a sophomore student athlete from Katy, Texas, performed two songs for the Board. Southerland will graduate from CBC in May 2013, and she plans to continue her education at Texas A&M Corpus Christi this fall. CBC Music Instructor Gene Stephenson stated that Southerland is one of the two best students he’s ever had the pleasure of teaching during his time at the college.

Coastal Bend College to host powerlifting event

An intramural powerlifting competition will be held at Coastal Bend College in Beeville on Saturday, May 4, 2013. Weigh in starts at 8 a.m. with the meet officially starting at 10:30 a.m.

The competition will consist of a full powerlifting meet with the addition of a separate bench press competition at $15 for each event and/or $25 for both events. A participant may enter in one or both of the events. USAPL rules will be in effect for the meet.

This event will have several categories for both men and women athletes:

• Collegiate (for college students [must have college ID])
• Open (anyone from the community can enroll)
• SubMasters I (open division from age 35-40)
• SubMasters II (open divisiion from 40-45)
• SubMasters III (open division from 45-50)
• Masters I (open division from 50 – 55)
• Masters II (open 55-60)
• Masters III (open 60 or older)

The powerlifting championships consist of two classifications:

• “Equipped” lift (which means to lift with the assistance of full equipment such as bench shirts, squat suits, etc.)
• “Raw” lift (which means to lift without a bench shirt or squat suit).

A wrestling singlet is required as standard attire with a t-shirt and tennis shoes as the minimum required suit for lifting. All competitors must lift with regulation apparel of a wrestling singlet, t-shirt and tennis shoes. For additional information please contact Estevan Vasquez at (361) 354-2721 or jevasquez@coastalbend.edu or Jack Young at (361) 354-2325 or jwyoung@coastalbend.edu.

CBC athlete La’Darrien Williams signs with Abilene Christian University

Coastal Bend College sophomore student athlete La’Darrien Williams has signed a letter of intent to play Division I college basketball with Abilene Christian University. Williams is joined above by CBC Head Men’s Basketball Coach Larry Mendez and CBC Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Colt Walker. Williams is from Austin, Texas and is the son of Patricia Wright and John Williams. He plans to continue majoring in kinesiology when he transfers to Abilene Christian University this fall, and he hopes to eventually become a basketball coach. For more information about the CBC Athletics Program, please visit www.coastalbend.edu/athletics or contact Estevan Vasquez, Athletic Director, at (361) 354-2721.