community president’s reportto the
richland community college
message FROM THE PRESIDENT
It has been an exciting year of “firsts” at Richland Community College. Our dedicated staff and faculty continue to deliver quality services and education to our students that open doors, change lives, and improve our communities. Guided by our Master Plan, we have opened a new satellite facility, constructed the first wind turbine on a community college campus, built the first green building in Macon county, added exciting and vibrant new curriculum, and launched the Foundation’s first major gifts campaign.
While “firsts” are necessary in achieving our vision to be the premier source for education, workforce training, partnerships, and economic development; consistency is also key in providing support for the vision. I know that Richland Community College is an excellent institution of higher learning because we all work together toward that vision. As such, we once again celebrate the successes of our staff, faculty, and students and wish to share some of their accomplishments with you in this report. Community is our middle name – even more so in an economically challenging year. Towards that end we have worked to provide education and workforce training opportunities to many individuals seeking a new or improved career. And most importantly, our employees have gone above and beyond to share their time and talent with those in need. Richland Community College continues to enhance, strengthen, and advance teaching and learning, collaborative relationships, and college operations each and every day for the benefit of our community. Thank you for your continued support to improve the quality of life in the district through education. Dr. Gayle Saunders, President
richland
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2009 Richland Board of Trustees (from left to right) Front Row: Dale Colee, Vice Chair Dr. Gayle Saunders, President Amy Bliefnik, Chair Bruce Campbell, Secretary
Back Row: Michael Wright, Student Trustee Randy Prince Reverend Wayne Dunning Emmett Sefton Dr. Larry Osborne
The College is governed by an eight member policy gathering Board of Trustees. Seven of the members are elected on staggered six year terms by the registered voters living in the District. The eighth, a student member, is elected for a one year term by the College student body.
financial
Richland received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the seventh consecutive year. This is the highest form of recognition in
INFORMATION
Richland Community College is supported by a combination of funds from the State of Illinois, local property taxes, student tuition, and other external revenue sources. The College follows generally accepted accounting principles of the United States as set forth in the Governmental Accounting Standards Board Codification and as applicable to colleges and universities.
government budgeting and represents a significant achievement.
Richland Community College EXPENDITURES fiscal year 2009 Instruction Academic Support Public Services Student Services Auxiliary Services Operations and Maintenance Institutional Support Scholarships & Student Grants or Waivers Other
8,543,226.00 866,681.00 335,145.00 2,473,736.00 1,578,592.00 4,922,728.00 5,590,402.00 3,308,523.00 333,040.00
0.305638 0.031006 0.011990 0.088499 0.056475 0.176113 0.200000 0.118364 0.011915
27,952,073.00
Richland Community College REVENUES fiscal year 2009 Instruction Academic Support Public Services Student Services Auxiliary Services Operations and Maintenance Institutional Support Scholarships & Student Grants or Waivers Other
8,543,226.00 866,681.00 335,145.00 2,473,736.00 1,578,592.00 4,922,728.00 5,590,402.00 3,308,523.00 333,040.00
excellenc
The College was honored in 2009 for their efforts in excellence in financial reporting and budgeting.
0.305638 0.031006 0.011990 0.088499 0.056475 0.176113 0.200000 0.118364 0.011915
The College also received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008. To earn this award, the College’s financial statements conformed to the program’s demanding criteria, which go well beyond the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles. One of Richland’s core values is “accountability,” which obligates us to explain to our citizens publicly, fully, and fairly, the way in which our tax dollars are used. The College works hard to provide an accounting of all funds and the way in which they are spent. It is an honor to hold both of these awards.
27,952,073.00 Dr. Gayle Saunders, President Megan Moore, Director of Accounting Greg Florian, V.P. of Finance & Administration Amy Bliefnick, Board Chair
farm
PROGRESS SHOW 2009
The Farm Progress Show, the largest outdoor farm show in the United States, returned to Progress City USA on the campus of Richland Community College this year.
As in years past, farmers and ranchers enjoyed hands-on experiences as they learned about innovations in machinery, crop production and a myriad of agriculture services. Each year Richland Community College builds stronger relationships with the exhibitors. As a result, the College finds greater company interest in utilizing Richland facilities year-round due to our central location. This year’s show was the best attended in its recent history and provided an economic impact of $10,396,400. In addition, visitors came from 58 countries. Other highlights include:
• The Monsanto Food Drive brought in 42,500 pounds of
food and $4,100 of cash donations. Monsanto also gave a $20,000 cash donation, all of which stayed in Macon County.
• A recycling rate of 68% was reached as result of the
tremendous effort from the Macon County Solid Waste Management Department.
• The Abraham Lincoln National Agricultural Awards were given to five individuals of distinction.
• The local 4-H Foundation produced food concessions and in the process netted approximately $49,000 to support future programs.
• The state-of-the-art mobile biofuels trailer debuted. This unique biofuels classroom on wheels consists of three portable training units allowing Richland to provide workforce training in a growing renewable energy industry.
a foundation donor’s most promising in A RICHLAND GRADUATE
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE ENTERS PUBLIC PHASE The Richland Community College Foundation’s
and enhancement, both adopted by the Board of
first-ever major gifts campaign, Investing in our
Trustees in 2007. The Trustees acted with the
Future, raised funds for programs that will benefit
understanding that traditional public funding from
students and faculty, furnish new facilities and
the State of Illinois and tuition revenue would not be
provide technology upgrades, and strengthen the
adequate to accomplish the bold goals and objectives
College’s overall endowment. The campaign began
set by both plans.
with a quiet phase in 2007. As the campaign cabinet realized that the goal was in sight, a public appeal
Investing in our Future followed the Invitation
was launched in 2009.
to the Future, a public engagement campaign conducted by Richland’s President Dr. Gayle
Investing in our Future is the largest major
Saunders to inform and excite the public and the
fundraising initiative in Richland Community
College’s many constituencies about the future of
College’s 38-year history. It encompasses the vision
Richland Community College.
and goals of the College’s Facilities Master Plan and Strategic Plan to guide program development
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE MONIES RECEIVED Building and Capital $4.5 million
Endowment $7 million
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Myung Kim, Chairman Dr. Joseph Schrodt, Vice Chairman Ruth Stauffer, Secretary Gary Jackson, Treasurer Matthew Beck Missy Chiligiris Thomas A. Evans Dr. Tom Fulbright D. Lynn Grider Phil Hazenfield Corydon Nicholson Thea Robinson Frank Thorp Kim Tsuda Robert Yuhas
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Untrestricted $3.4 million
Scholarship and Program $1.1 million
Dr. Gayle Saunders, President Wegi Stewart, Executive Director Dale Colee, Board of Trustees Liaison
Richland Foundation Executive Board
nvestment
a legacy FROM A GIFT
In 2009, Richland Community College’s INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE campaign received a major boost with the notice that the Foundation was the beneficiary of the Walter and Alice Scherer Trust, the largest endowment received by any community college in the state. Alice Scherer died on December 30, 2008, leaving a $6.8 million gift to the Foundation to expand the scholarship program she and her husband Walter had begun eighteen years earlier in 1991.
Dr. Saunders informed the public of plans for significant expansion of the physical campus beginning with the opening of the Dwayne O. Andreas Agribusiness Education Center, the development of many new programs including Culinary Arts, and the College’s commitment to sustainability as evidenced by the construction of Macon County’s first new “green” building, the Center for Sustainability and Innovation. These projects were all funded in part with gifts made to Investing in our Future.
Dwayne O. Andreas Agribusiness Education Center
alumni AWARDS
RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S 2009 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR is Mindy Sanders. Ms. Sanders obtained her Associate of Science Degree from Richland Community College in 2000. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Mindy is affiliated with the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as the Richland Community College Surgical Technology Advisory Board. As a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, she served as the Southern Illinois University Student House of Delegates Representative in 2007. Currently, Mindy is a Physician Assistant Certified with the Wabash Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois, and utilizes the information she gained at Richland on a daily basis.
RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S 2009 PACESETTER AWARD winner is Jacob Zindel. The Pacesetter is someone who has graduated from Richland Community College within the past five years, has set an example of success, and can speak on behalf of all Richland students. Jacob graduated from Richland in 2006 with his Associate in Science Degree. During his two years at Richland, Jacob was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and received the prestigious Walter and Alice Scherer Scholarship that provides tuition for two years at Richland and two years at a public Illinois university of choice. Jacob went on to obtain his B.S. in Elementary Education from Illinois State University. At ISU, Jacob was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. He is currently a member of the Illinois High School Association. Jacob completed his student teaching at Oak Grove Elementary School in Decatur, Illinois, and is currently substitute teaching for Decatur Public School District #61.
events 2009
MARCH 6 | Alumni Reception for First Friday Gallery Walk Event at Theatre 7 featuring artist Sue Huskins ’05 APRIL 22 | Alumni Reception prior to the performance of the Ravina Festival/Lincoln Trio Tour in the Shilling Center MAY 15 | Alumni Reception at the Civic Center for 2009 graduates JULY 10 | Alumni Reception for First Friday Gallery Walk Event at Theatre 7 featuring artist Stephanie Augustine ’03 DECEMBER 7 | Holiday Reception in the Shilling Center for Richland Alumni employed at Richland Community College DECEMBER 11 | Alumni Reception in the Shilling Center for the 2009 Associate Degree Nurse Graduates
RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The Richland Community College Alumni Association mission is to engage alumni and friends in programs, events, and services that energize interest, build loyalty, and strengthen support of Richland Community College.
mission statement
faculty AWARDS
RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S 2009 FACULTY OF THE YEAR | DR. RICK TOMLINSON Dr. Tomlinson, a Professor of English, holds an Associate of Arts from Delmar College, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Diego, Master of Arts from Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford. He began his employment as a full-time faculty member at Richland Community College in 1993. Colleagues identify Rick as a faculty member who is respected for his excellence in teaching and learning, concern for students, and active partnerships with colleagues and organizations on and off campus. The totality of Rick’s commitment to his work demonstrates the essence of Richland’s core values in practice.
RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S 2009 ADJUNCT FACULTY OF THE YEAR | TIM MAY Tim graduated from Richland Community College with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Fire Science. He also holds additional certificates from the Illinois Fire Science Institute. He teaches fire science courses at Richland and dual credit classes in the high schools. Tim is employed as a firefighter by the City of Decatur and holds the position of Lieutenant. Tim is dedicated and committed to his students and has the ability to meet the individual learning needs of each student in and out of class.
around OUR DISTRICT
One of the many goals of Richland Community College is to meet the needs of our community by increasing access to quality education. With this in mind, Richland offers classes and activities in three
outreach locations. The newest facility, Fairview Park Plaza Center, is located in Decatur’s west side. Hope Academy is located in Decatur Public School’s newest facility and is easily accessible to individuals living near the Wabash Crossing area of Decatur, and the Clinton Extension Center (located in Clinton High School) is located in the northern part of our district. Each facility offers a variety of courses and activities, both day and evening.
FAIRVIEW PARK PLAZA
HOPE ACADEMY CENTER
In addition to these outreach facilities, potential students can access Richland classes 24 hours a day with 80 individual online courses.
CLINTON EXTENSION CENTER
culture
TURNING WORDS INTO ACTION This past year the College took significant steps towards sustainability as we became the home to Macon County’s first Platinum LEED Certified Facility known as our Center for Sustainability and Innovation. The Center is a complete demonstration of sustainable building technologies and methodologies that reduces Richland’s carbon footprint.
OF SUSTAINABILITY In January 2008, the Board of Trustees adopted a new tenet entitled Creating a Culture of Sustainability. That tenet states, “When the Board of Trustees weaves the core values into sustainable concepts with a perspective measured by the Triple Bottom Line that being (Environment, People, and Economics), the College becomes values driven exceeding its mission.”
Center for Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability is important to Richland as it serves its role as an educational institution. We have a duty to not only lead by example but to educate our students and our community to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge to make informed decisions for the benefit of themselves and others, now and in the future, and to act upon those decisions.
Applied Technology Park. Standing at 125 feet tall and resting on a 10 foot round base of concrete poured 16 feet into the earth, it has become the innovation signature for the College as well as the icon for the new “green jobs” curriculum and programs. The wind turbine generates about 100,000 kwh per year, supplying all the energy needs for the Center for Sustainability and Innovation.
We also have the first wind turbine on an Illinois community college campus that incorporates alternative energy technology into the Center and serves as the gateway to the College’s Agribusiness
PEOPLE BEARABLE
EQUITABLE
SUSTAINABILITY
ENVIRONMENT
VIABLE
ECONOMICS
creating a culture o
of
the heart OF AGRIBUSINESS BEATS STRONG HERE The College is in the beginning stages
of developing an Agribusiness Applied Technology Park (AATP). This is the
result of our vision to be a leader in Collegestimulated entrepreneurship and economic development. The AATP will include
a network of laboratory, manufacturing, and financial businesses establishing a
national hub of applied research-based
entrepreneurship. The college will facilitate
incremental intellectual property and revenue opportunities for both the AATP residents
and their global partners. For Richland, the AATP will draw upon student and faculty resources at the College to provide hands-
on learning opportunities and engaging the expertise of college and regional university professors/researchers to facilitate the
commercialization of emerging ideas. The
first-of-its-kind community college applied
research culture at the AATP will revitalize
the knowledge economy of the area and lead to sustained business/industrial growth, as
well as give rise to pioneering enterprises that could spawn entirely new area economies.
the power OF PARTNERS
Richland Community College and Workforce Investment Solutions (WIS) have a unique partnership that is fueled by common goals that each realize through their collaborative efforts. The
American economy has dictated that both education and training are essential to meet the demands of the current labor market and the new opportunities becoming available through the adoption of renewable energy practices. Richland and WIS are able to tap into the “middle ground� of training beyond high school for careers that do not require a four year degree. Both Richland and WIS are able to direct resources to those coming out of high school, working adults in need of advanced skills and incumbent training, and workers who have been displaced due to economic circumstances.
ADM WORKFORCE READINESS - CLERICAL WIS offered pre-screening and skills testing, along with supporting services for transportation, child care, and clothing. Richland provided each participant with training in a variety of skills to enhance entry-level clerical/customer service related positions with ADM and to develop computational, technical, and personal communications skills needed to align work performance with evolving company expectations. YOUTH GRANT Richland and WIS created a bridge program where young adults received industrial skills training in welding, machining, and soft skills. SUMMER YOUTH GRANT Richland and WIS provided young adults with on-campus work experiences in the office and horticulture areas which allowed them to become familiar with the community college environment while learning valuable skills for future employment.
commun
DISPLACED STUDENT/EMPLOYEES RECOVERY PROGRAM Richland classes were the first step toward recovery for many displaced workers taking general education, industrial and health-care training, and other services that were available to restore their employability. Courses were paid by WIS. WORKFORCE READINESS EXPO This February event enabled those recently laid off to acquire job-hunting skills. Richland and WIS were the lead organizers and the many instructional breakout sessions were timely and beneficial. LATE START CLASSES Richland set aside late start classes to accommodate those who were scheduled for layoff in February. Most of the classes were in the area of engineering technology and a few of the students were selected to speak with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin during his April visit. UNION PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING Through the working relationship that Richland and
WIS enjoy with the Building and Trades Council, a fourth cohort of individuals are going through blueprint reading, mathematics, and testing strategy training, in preparation for the various entry exams that are administered throughout the area. SPECIAL COMBINED TRAINING WITH ADM/TATE & LYLE As a result of numerous planning meetings during 2009, Richland established a training framework that meets the needs of two employers needing similar process technology skills. CUSTOMIZED CONTRACT TRAINING FOR ACADEMIC CREDIT Enabled Caterpillar to provide special incumbent training for remaining skilled workers who were required to attain new skills to improve their productivity. The most recent class involved CAT workers whose shift was spent entirely on the Richland campus in their own closed, Richland Fluid Power Systems course.
Senator Dick Durbin and Dr. Gayle Saunders speak with students during his April 2009 visit.
nitycollaborations
2009 A LOOK BACK
THE ADELE P. GLENN ACADEMY FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION OPENS Richland Community College faculty and staff, members of the Clarence G. Glenn family, community educators and supporters celebrated the opening of the new Adele P. Glenn Academy for Early Childhood Education at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 8, 2009. The Academy provides a model pre-kindergarten setting in which to introduce structured learning to children ages 3-5
through the use of games, music, artwork, films, books, and computers. The early childhood classroom is also designed to serve as a model Early Childhood/Pre-K laboratory for Richland students majoring in Early Childhood Education where they may recognize, analyze, and demonstrate developmentally appropriate practices and principles of child development, education, and family science theories.
The Adele P. Glenn Academy for Early Childhood Education opened in April of 2009
• The Academy is committed to providing young children and families with a quality early childhood education experience.
• We believe that families are the first and
most influential teachers of their children and that they must be respected and
given the opportunity to contribute to the classroom environment.
• We strive to build an excellent early
childhood education program through
continuous improvement and input from our community and families.
• We are all accountable for our actions.
We must work together to communicate clearly our goals and objectives.
• Diversity offers many learning
opportunities. We will use our
similarities and differences in the classroom community to assist
the students in their growth and development.
A LOOK BACK CULINARY ARTS INSTITUTE ENROLLMENT FILLS FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW The Culinary Arts Institute at Richland Community College provides students with the opportunity to obtain a challenging and rewarding career in the Culinary and Hospitality Industry. The curriculum covers all aspects of culinary preparation including meats, poultry, fish, vegetable, sauces, soups, bread and pastry baking, desserts, specialty cooking and international cuisine. Hands-on experience in all facets of culinary preparation and presentation is emphasized throughout the curriculum. With hands-on experience, the students will be better prepared to accept positions with businesses where they can contribute immediately. Coursework emphasizing the development of supervisory and managerial responsibilities such as sanitation, menu planning, management, cost control, purchasing, cooking, baking, and restaurant operations is also provided. Specific skills aimed at creating recipes; managing recipes; familiarity with the various types of kitchen equipment and instruments; knife skills, cutting, chopping, slicing, and dicing; and, directing the duties of other kitchen employees are developed throughout the entire program of study. This past year the Culinary Arts Institute Dining Room provided an opportunity for our community members to enjoy great food prepared by our students, as well as providing our students training in a working laboratory setting. The dining room allowed students a real-life working environment to engage in food preparation, dining room management and hospitality. Additionally students had the opportunity to be showcased in a variety of community events. Their skills and talent were utilized from planning the event straight through to execution. These students have been a source of pride for Richland Community College.
DUAL CREDIT For qualifying high school students who long for the college experience, Richland offers the “Dual Credit” program. The Dual Credit program is for high school students who rank above average in academic achievement and who meet all College course prerequisites. Dual Credit allows high school students to enroll in selected college classes at Richland and simultaneously receive both high school and college credit. Students receive a college transcript for each completed course. Enrollment in the Dual Credit program has consistently grown since FY2007. The total enrollment for FY2007 was 1,030. In FY2008, the total increased by a staggering 25%, to 1,289. In FY2009, enrollment increased another 15% to 1,481. The program is popular for a number of reasons…it allows students to save time by earning credits that help them achieve both their high school diploma and college degree. It also saves students (and their parents) money as classes at Richland are a fraction of the cost of most four-year colleges and universities. The Dual Credit program may also help students explore higher education opportunities following high school graduation. Many students discover Richland is a great place to take classes, be exposed to many career options, and then transfer on or enter a career and technical education program at Richland.
A LOOK BACK RICHLAND FITNESS CENTER ENJOYS REMODELING The new College Fitness Center allows users to easily and effectively perform workouts in an organized format with concentration on full body development guided with computerized measurements and results. The floor plan
for the exercise program and fitness equipment is designed with equipment in designated areas. Each designated area is divided specifically for circuit training machines, free weight equipment and cardio training machines.
STUDY FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WITH ONLINE LEARNING The College’s new learning management system, Angel, was piloted in Spring 2009, with six faculty, 21 individual course sections, and 354 students. The College switched completely over from WebCT to Angel in 2009 with 45 faculty and 1274 students, including 97 course sections. By fall, 97 faculty members were using Angel in 336 individual course sections for 2,319 students. Staff has developed an Online Orientation to Angel for students that is self-paced and completely online. As of the end of September, almost 2000 students completed this orientation.
PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING LEADING CHANGE was the theme for the 9th Annual Diversity Conference. Individuals from three states participated in a conference designed to help participants understand the ever-challenging diversity of students. The conference provides best-practices on how to meet students’ needs through the use of technology, the development of new initiatives, collaborations, maximization of resources, and strong leadership, all geared towards a commitment to diversity. In recent years, there has been an added focus on how higher education and business and industry are connected. Several individuals representing area companies attended the 9th Annual Diversity conference, and more than 12 district companies and agencies were represented. The 10th year anniversary conference, “Sustaining the Walk of Diversity,” was a great success. The keynote speaker was Dr. Steven Perry, author and educator, and principal and founder of The Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, CT.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION FEEDS DECATUR Each fall, Richland Community College participates in the WSOY Annual Food Drive. Employees have worked together in a goodspirited competition to show Decatur that “community” truly is our middle name. In 2009, Richland employees donated 5,379 pounds of food to the WSOY 8th Annual Community Food Drive which benefits the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. As has been the case in previous years, so much food was donated that the Richland truck driving training semi-truck was put to use and the food was delivered by Richland Commercial Driver License students. The Mathematics and Sciences Division won the College-wide competition as the team that donated the most food in 2009.
commitment These core values and tenets serve as the guiding principles for Richland Community College and its employees.
respect
COMMITMENT
We are dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities we serve. · Strive and maintain a quality educational experience. · Support the mission and vision of the College. · Focus on student and stakeholder needs. · Respond to the changing needs of our communities in a timely manner. · Create new programs and services to meet identified needs. · Continuously evaluate and improve programs, services, systems, and policies. · Utilize a shared decision-making process.
RESPECT
We recognize the expertise of all members of the College community and encourage individual contribution. · Include stakeholders in the decisions that affect them. · Treat people with dignity and encourage feelings of self-worth. · Promote trust through truthfulness, professional courtesy, and fair treatment. · Recognize and support employee and student contributions. · Demonstrate faith in and reliance on the integrity and abilities of others.
EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE
We strive to develop and pursue higher standards. · Exhibit quality in staffing, facilities, programs, and services. · Promote continuous improvement. · Anticipate needs and respond accordingly. · Encourage creativity and innovation. · Utilize systems that promote student and employee success. · Exceed student and stakeholder expectations. · Encourage decision-making at the level of implementation. · Encourage interdepartmental collaboration. · Support risk-taking and view setbacks as learning experiences.
ACCOUNTABILITY ACCOUNTABILITY
We assume and demonstrate responsibility for our actions. · Take responsibility for personal and professional growth and development. · Continuously evaluate and improve our systems and policies. · Establish and communicate clearly defined and articulated goals and objectives. · Establish and communicate clearly the standards and expectations of staff. · Ensure our work adds value to the College and District. · Demonstrate fiscal and social responsibility.
diversity DIVERSITY
We believe that our similarities and differences are opportunities for establishing a common bond and strengthening the College. · Employ a College workforce that reflects the communities we serve. · Ensure fair and equal access for all. · Recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the strength of diversity. · Provide educational experiences that promote a greater appreciation for diversity. · Implement learning activities that integrate diversity topics in the classroom. · Seek and consider multiple points of view.
E
y
a glance AT RICHLAND
Founded in 1971, Richland Community College is a comprehensive community college with a student-centered focus and a tradition for academic excellence and is located in Decatur, Illinois. The College’s district includes 24 municipalities and serves residents of Macon County and parts of Christian, DeWitt, Logan, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, and Shelby Counties.
why Richland? There is no typical Richland Community College student. Our students are a diverse group, and they have chosen to attend Richland for many reasons. • to earn an associate’s degree • to transfer to a 4-year college • to prepare for the GED exam • to keep their job skills current • to earn a certificate • to explore a new career • to advance in their field • to take courses of personal growth or interest
our students 8,528 credit students enrolled in 2009. 2,777 non-credit students enrolled through the Continuing and Professional Education Division. The average age of all students is 28.
CREDIT STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS | 2009 Female • 53.9%
Hispanic • 2.8%
Male • 46.1%
Asian • 1%
White • 72.6%
Other • 1.53%
Black • 19.6%
COMMITMENT | RESPECT | EXCELLENCE | ACCOUNTABILITY | DIVERSITY One College Park | Decatur, Illinois 62521 | 217.875.7200 | richland.edu