The South Plains College board of regents held their monthly meeting last Thursday, receiving reports and approving several action items.
Regents were presented with a comparative cost analysis of dental hygiene programs from peer groups Amarillo College, Blinn College, Del Mar College and Tyler College, as well as El Passo Community College, Howard College, Temple College and Texas State Technical College.
According to the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA), the average total in-state/district cost of tuition and fees for an associate degree is $22,692, with a baccalaureate degree at $36,382. A comparative analysis of profit/loss was presented based on the OSA tuition differential per hour was noted with per hour cost ranging from $0 to $100 per hour as consideration for per hour was evaluated.
BGR Architects presented information for Construction Manager at Risk for the SPC Dental Hygiene construction which included a comparison and evaluation of nine companies in which Henthorn Commercial Construction, LLC in Lubbock scored the highest. Regents approved Henthorn.
Regents also approved the purchase of a radiology table for the South Plains School of Radiology. The sales proposal for $63,500 was submitted by PMI healthcare Solutions, Brown’s Medical Imaging. A grant for $35,500 will cover a portion of the cost.
The official census enrollment report for SPC was presented for the winter interim, Spring 16 week and Spring 1st 8-week term, showing a total increase of 5% for unduplicated HCE and 4.2% increase of duplicated at 4.2%. Compared to the headcount in 2025 at 9,771 students, the new figure shows enrollment at 10,260. Dorm occupancy is 320.
The 2025 Accident/ Injury reports were presented to the regents showing 25 total incident reports during the year, showing 16 students, six visitors and three employees involved. The primary causes were slips, tripping, falling (48%); cuts, puncture or abrasions (20%); heat and burns (16%); and other single occurrences (4%) for physical training, medical events and illness, or struckby incidents. Primary locations of incidents included the cosmetology building, welding technology, law enforcement, Lubbock Career & Technology and Electronic Service Technology. Medical assistance was required in seven instances.
Regents reviewed the Emergency Operation Plan updates for the Continuity of Operations Plan in the event of a program discontinuance, catastrophic event or unanticipated institutional closure that interrupts instruction. The plan included alternatives for delivering or completing instruction through approved teach-out plans, program completion arrangement or modified delivery formats, assistance with transfers, or other practices deemed sufficient to protect students. The college affirmed that adequate measures are taken to protect student academic records and access to official transcripts, enrollment verification and credential documentation is available.
The vice president for business affairs reported on the SPC property tax collections. Current collections are $9,438,765 with $8,315 in penalty and interest. Delinquent collections are $66,740, with $19,241 penalty and interest. Total collections are $9,533,064.
Concerning changes to Policy FH: Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct, revisions were noted with Section 18 concerning Gender Identity/Expression. In review of the current policy and Texas regulation, the section was deleted. Section 20 addressing sexual based harassment and sexual assault and fondling was renumbered 19. And reflected changes in terms to reflect a more expansive definition of fondling with criminal intent. Other definitions were also updated.