ACC Regents Consider Bachelor's Programs
Alvin Community College regents heard a feasibility report on whether the college could offer bachelor’s degrees during the board meeting on February 24.
The biggest benefit for students is the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree closer to home after their associate degree. It would also save them on tuition and fees while having smaller class sizes than those at a university.
“It would allow the college to increase our number of graduates in the workforce,” said Vice President of Instruction Dr. Cindy Griffith, who delivered the report. “It will also give this institution greater visibility and also recognition of what we have to offer here.”
Research on the feasibility began in Spring 2021 and was a goal issued to President Robert J. Exley by the Board of Regents. The research was conducted by a task force of ACC instructors and staff members.
The Texas Legislature recently passed a law to allow community colleges to offer Bachelor’s Degrees. Dr. Griffith said the programs that could be geared toward a bachelor’s include Business Administration and Nursing.
Bachelor’s programs will require additional staff members and will change how the college pursues accreditation.
With new staff members and approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, ACC could begin offering the degrees as soon as Fall 2024 or 2025.
In other action, regent Andy Tacquard stepped down from his position on the board by offering his resignation. Tacquard was first elected to the board in 2016 and was due to finish his term this May.
“Andy will be greatly missed here on the board,” said regent Dr. Jim Crumm during the meeting.
Former regent Mike Pyburn was unanimously approved by the regents to serve out the remainder of Tacquard’s term.
Yvette Reyes Hall filed to run for the position in the May 7 general election and is running unopposed. Regent Dr. Patty Hertenberger is running unopposed for Position 7. Mike Hoover and David Pickren are vying for the Position 9 seat that was vacated by regent Roger Stuksa, who did not seek reelection.
-approved hiring of instructors for Cybersecurity and Administrative Office Technology
-heard report on remote work policy
-approved additional 3 days of leave for staff members due to issues related to COVID pandemic
-approved monthly financial reports
-approved 6 percent cost of living adjustment for some employees
-approved change order to AGCM for soil and concrete testing
-heard report on insurance renewal rates
The board will have its next meeting on March 24 at 6 p.m. in the Nolan Ryan Center.