The South Plains College Board of Regents held their monthly meeting Thursday which garnered positive news following their review from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
SPC has been undergoing an in-depth analysis by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission On Colleges (SACSCOC). This process occurs once every 10 years and is a way for the college to earn accreditation with the association.
The process includes an extensive look at financial statements, speaking with staff, faculty and regent members, analysis of fundraising, academics and more, culminating with a visit from a group of evaluators who would tour every facility within the college’s purview.
Spearheading the entire process, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ryan Gibbs was proud to report the association had no suggestions or anything of notice to report. Gibbs thanked the staff, board and students for all of their help in securing this ruling, stating that their long months of hard work had finally paid off.
Gibbs also added that during his career at other institutions, he had not been a part of this same process where nothing of issue could be found.
Gibbs attributed their outstanding report to the hard work everyone affiliated with SPC strives to achieve everyday.
SPC President Dr. Robin Satterwhite who reiterated how rare it is for the SACSCOC to give out a “perfect score” such as this, praising everyone involved, especially the SACS Liaison, Dr. Gibbs who was their main point of contact.
During the President’s Report, Satterwhite shared that the outdoor fitness center is coming along surprisingly quickly, with concrete being poured and equipment being shipped already. A part from a few decals and other miscellaneous pieces, the center is coming along nicely. There is no word yet when it will open, but work is moving ahead quickly to prepare the space just south of the Natatorium.
The main topic of discussion amongst the regents was possibly adjusting the price of Spring tutition. With inflation moving along and the rising cost of labor, the college is not immune to financial hardships. Though it was stated that the college is in great financial health, the regents still saw it as an important duty to deliberate on the pro’s and con’s of a slight price increase for tuition.
Various options were given to show how much a $5 or $7 per credit increase would impact their coffers, but ultimately the con’s outweighed the benefits. Many regents pointed out that tuition prices historically occur when the budget for the year is discussed, and to do so in the middle of a year could be seen as a betrayal to their students.
Others also pointed out the increased funding that the college had received from the state, and thought perhaps this would be interpreted poorly from those entities as well. Ultimately, the issue of any sort of price increases for tuition was put on hold, leaving the board to debate the issue once more when budget season comes around.
Finally, Satterwhite had an economic impact survey he wished to share with the Board regarding the far reaching implications SPC holds. According to this report, SPC makes up for $64 Million dollars in Operational spending, $4.3 million in construction, $15.9 million in student spending, and $316.1 million in alumni impact.
This brings the total economic impact for the institution to a staggering $401 Million, with more than 6,600 jobs supported. This report marked the end of business as of this meeting for the board.
Crime statistics were offered up at this meeting which show much the same as any other year. Violations were more prevalent on Levelland’s campus as that is the only campus with residence halls. That being said, the number of infractions was still low compared to years past. There was only 1 drug abuse arrest in 2022, compared to 4 the year prior and 18 disciplinary referrals from drug abuse compared to 27 in 2021. Liquor law violations were a slightly different story with 11 arrests on Levelland campus compared to 24 in 2021, but disciplinary referrals for liquor violations saw a sharp uptick to 63 as compared to 28 the year before. In other student affair news, it was stated that 532 students are eligible for December graduation, with more information on the proceedings coming at a later date as we approach the end of the year.