Illinois Valley Community College is set to offer new certificates in computer networking and manufacturing robotics starting next spring. The programs aim to equip graduates with advanced skills in technology and automation. Additionally, the college’s enrollment shows positive trends, with a 2 percent increase in full-time students. In other developments, a new microbiology lab is planned, and the college has adopted a strategic plan focusing on institutional goals.
The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees on Thursday approved two new certificates designed to propel computer networking graduates to the next level in their technology career and amplify a manufacturing workforce capable of assembling and maintaining automation/robotics equipment.
The CISCO/CompTIA Certificate is a great step forward in preparing students for sought-after positions in the networking or cybersecurity fields. The courses will allow students to quickly upgrade essential networking skills that could lead to career advancement.
A new series of stackable certificates in manufacturing robotics, mechatronics and automation could open new doors for technicians in a rapidly emerging online and automated environment. New and current employees will be trained to assemble and maintain components, which are essential skills employers demand to meet present and anticipated needs. Employers have also indicated that they look to IVCC as their preferred training center.
In a report presented by Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services, and Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources, the Board learned that fall enrollment is taking a positive direction. Fall enrollment includes 1,072 full-time students, a 2 percent increase over last year and 1,648 part-time students, consistent with what was reported last year. Regional increases were seen from Oglesby (29%), Marseilles (17%), Mendota (10%), Ottawa (8.5%), Streator (7.7%), Peru (6.5%) and Spring Valley (2.5%). The age distribution of students also grew slightly, with the average being 22.3 years old versus 22 in 2023.
Herron’s report on employee representation indicated that IVCC currently has 374 part-time and full-time faculty, part-time and full-time support staff, and full-time administration. According to SURS, 94 active employees qualify for SURS retirement by December 31, 2024. However, in FY2024, 22 employees transferred to new positions within the College and four months into FY2025, 8 employees have taken advantage of new internal opportunities. These promotions from within continue to support succession planning initiatives.
Also Thursday, the Board adopted a tentative 2024 tax levy requesting $17.1 million, including $2.1 million earmarked for a new microbiology lab and classroom. The increase over last year’s extension of $14.9 million is due to the estimated increased equalized assessed valuation (EAV) provided by the county assessor’s office, as well as an increase in the Protection, Health and Safety fund which will finance the lab renovations. The levy will result in an increase of $7.96 for an average $100,000 home. Since the requested increase is greater than 5 percent, a truth in taxation hearing will be scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12, at the Board meeting. A link to information can be found at the top of the IVCC home page at www.ivcc.edu.
The new microbiology lab will be enhanced with advanced features and technologies and relocated to the College’s lower level, so it is independent of the other lab areas to improve safety for students. Other campus services being relocated as part of this update, including the IT department and the Assessment Center, will be paid for through fund reserves. In other action, the Board:
- Adopted the College’s Strategic Plan that includes institutional and strategic goals and objectives.
- Approved the following appointments: Juliana Dzurisin, CNA Instructor/Program Coordinator and Michele Cheshareck, Nursing Instructor.
- Learned of the following appointments: Kyle Carr, IT support lead; Julia (Summer) Studstill, Assessment Center Coordinator; Michelle Johnson, Grant and Payroll Specialist; Kristin Babio, Auxiliary Services Assistant; Lauren Gehant, Administrative Assistant, Continuing Education and Business Services; Dawn Lockwood, Instructional Technologist; Carrie Danekas, Adult Transition Specialist in Career and Technical Education; and Stacey Cervantes, Enrollment Services Specialist.
- Learned of the following resignations: Sandra Safranske, custodian; Madeleine Hunter, Financial Aid Administrative Assistant; Theresa Carranco, temporary administrative assistant; Curtis Pinter, Truck Driver Training Specialist, and the retirement of Bonnie Jasiek, Continuing Education administrative assistant.
