OCtech plans building upgrades

“It will require some work,” Huff said.

During its Tuesday meeting, the OCtech Area Commission voted to spend up to $230,000 for the project. Huff hopes the final cost will be closer to $200,000.

The commission also approved $120,000 for the HVAC upgrade.

When faced with the option of a costly repair of an old system or installing a new system, “we think it would make more sense to go ahead and replace it,” Huff said. “We think that’s the smart thing to do.”

The commission also approved a policy change for the library, Health Sciences Media Center and the Student Success Center. The change puts the Student Success Center under the responsibility of the library.

In other business during Tuesday’s meeting:

• President Dr. Walt Tobin announced he’s asking lawmakers for an additional $7 million for projects including renovations to the K building; renovations to the building used by the advanced manufacturing program, and HVAC and infrastructure work across campus.

The K Building is currently used for nursing and health sciences classes. The college wants to repurpose the building once those activities are moved to a new building, which is under development.

Tobin presented the request to the House Ways and Means committee on Wednesday.

• Tobin reported that enrollment is lower than projected.

Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Sandra Davis said the school is still in the process of registering students.

The college appears to be short in tuition projections by about $200,000, Huff said. He said he was waiting a few more weeks for the college to get more students registered “to find out where we are.”

“Over the next few weeks, we will be looking closely at our tuition numbers,” he said.

• It was announced that the college has signed a roofing contract with Aqua Seal Manufacturing and Roofing of Cayce. The company’s bid was $300,000 to $400,000 below the college’s estimate.

The savings could help offset some of the tuition shortfall, Huff said. Money for the campus-wide roofing project had been previously approved.

• Huff said the design of the new Health Sciences building is close to completion. The project is currently in the development phase.

“This will be the first time we have a good feel for what the building will cost,” he said. He hopes to have a projection in the next few months.

Tobin reported that the college has received $900,000 in state funds for equipment for the health science, nursing and advanced manufacturing programs.

• Tobin reported that the engineering design technology and electronics technology programs are up for approval from the Southeastern Association of Colleges and Schools. SACS approval is required for the programs to be eligible for federal financial aid funds.

• The Area Commission recognized the college’s educators of the year, who were present at the meeting: Crystal Mallner, psychology instructor and Presidential Scholars Program coordinator; Cleve Wilson, director of Academic Support, Institutional Effectiveness and Institutional Research; and Sandra Aiken, Human Resources Benefits manager.

“We appreciate everything you do,” commission Chairman John Shuler said. “We’re really proud of y’all and what you’ve accomplished.”

• The commission welcomed new member Katie Doyle Hane. Hane is a relationship manager at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank in Columbia.

• The commission adjourned to executive session to discuss a personnel issue.