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MATC District Board Adopts 2005-06 Strategic Investment Priorities, Capital Improvement Plans
The Madison Area Technical College (MATC) District Board voted at its January action meeting to adopt strategic investments for the 2005-06 fiscal year to advance the goals of ensuring student success and strengthening the economy in MATC district communities. The board’s decision reflects priorities that emerged from the college strategic planning process and provides direction for the preparation of MATC’s 2005-06 programs and services budget.
Initiatives responding to emerging trends in the local economy and in higher education will include:
- continuing a major expansion of nursing programs to meet the demand for health care professionals in area communities at all MATC campuses;
- adding faculty positions in high demand programs, such as animation and barber/cosmetology, that currently have waiting lists; and
- developing curriculum for new program areas and online courses (including paralegal, business, art, early childhood education, arts & sciences and others).
The board also approved new investments designed to reflect and respond to the increasing diversity of the communities MATC serves, including:
- enhancing the college’s staff diversity recruitment efforts;
- devoting resources to ensure that all students succeed at the same rate regardless of race, gender, economic level or disability;
- promoting academic success during the crucial period of a student’s first 15 credits of college courses;
- adding a full-time multicultural services advisor to help prepare students of color for the transition from adult basic education to college-level coursework; and
- expanding instruction at MATC’s South Madison Community Campus.
In addition, the board approved targeting additional resources to MATC’s regional campuses for advising, testing and developmental courses. Internet, distance learning and videoconferencing access for all campuses also will be enhanced.
Capital remodeling projects approved by the board will improve the efficiency and functionality of MATC’s facilities. They include:
- modernizing the main office of MATC’s Commercial Avenue Education Center, which houses apprenticeship, criminal justice, paramedic technician, EMT and horticulture programs;
- expanding the Truax Veterinary Technician program’s equine facility to provide a roofed exercise area for horses and cows, as well as pharmacy, observation and storage space;
- reconfiguring several Truax campus classrooms to use space more efficiently and meet the demands of a more technologically advanced curriculum; and
- installing a new roof simulator at the Truax Fire Service Education Center to allow safer training and increased practice time for students learning room ventilation techniques.
In other business, the board agreed to a change requested by MATC-Madison students to stabilize the funding of student clubs, programs and activities that depend on student fee revenue. In a survey of students, 58% supported a rate increase from 6 to 6.5% per credit in student activity fees or 38 cents per credit. The board approved the request, which applies only to the Madison campus. The board also approved new 3-year labor agreements negotiated with the unions representing MATC full-time faculty and paraprofessional staff, and a compensation plan for administrative staff consistent with provisions of the union contracts.
The board received a report from staff on the college’s exploration of “sustainable practices,” defined as actions taken today that do not deplete the resources needed to meet future needs. The team is discussing current sustainable activities, including MATC’s model recycling program, renewable energy installations at the Truax, Reedsburg and Portage campuses, and partnerships with local utilities. The college is the recipient of a National Science Foundation renewable energy grant and has integrated a growing emphasis on sustainability in a number of curricular areas.
Finally, the board recognized the service of Kenneth Brittingham, Superintendent of the McFarland School District, who will leave the MATC board as of Feb. 1. Board Chair, John Ashley, commended Brittingham, who represented K-12 school districts on the board for nearly five years. “Mr. Brittingham has been a strong voice for excellence in education. He has shown concern and sensitivity for the welfare of students and staff and an interest in providing the citizens of the Madison Area Technical College District with the best possible career, technical and adult education opportunities,” Ashley said.
MATC is one of the largest of the Wisconsin Technical College System’s 16 colleges. It provides a comprehensive curriculum of technical, liberal arts and science, adult basic education and life enrichment studies and activities, as well as customized employee training. It awards associate degrees, vocational diplomas and certificates, and offers non-degree courses. The college serves all or parts of 12 counties located in south-central Wisconsin and offers instruction through five campuses and various other locations throughout the district. ###
Last
Modified:
January 27, 2005
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