PRESS RELEASE – The Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Friday, December 12th on the Archbold Campus. After Executive Session, the Board discussed the 2025 Affordability and Efficiency Plan Report that was originally submitted in draft form in November.
BACKGROUND
In 2015, Governor John Kasich created the Ohio Task Force on Affordability and Efficiency to make recommendations to Ohio’s institutions of higher education. “Textbook affordability remains a top priority for Northwest State for our learners, ensuring increased access to great education, training and services,” NSCC President Dr. Todd Hernandez noted.
Ohio Revised Code Section 3333.951 [C] requires institutes of higher education to report on their annual study to determine the cost of textbooks for students enrolled in the institution while section [B] requires the annual review of best practices and shared services, along with reporting those findings to the Efficiency Advisory Committee.
Specific to Northwest State, the report notes that faculty members are encouraged to review and consider the adoption of open educational resources (OERs) including cost-free, online textbooks and materials. NSCC faculty have committed their best efforts to increasing those OERs offered with a goal of 80% for CCP courses by the end of the three-year faculty contract.
The average cost of a new textbook is $92, a used one is $42, and an eBook is $76. However, 275 courses offered at Northwest State (serving 2,500+ students last year) did not require students to purchase course materials, including OER and/or institutionally provided materials.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
As part of the board meeting, the board approved the use of $650,000 from Unallocated Reserve funds for the purpose of supplementing capital construction expenditures.
This includes the renovations to the Van Wert Campus facility, as well as the B building updates on the Archbold Campus.
The board also approved the American Civic Literacy Plan to the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), which is a modification to the American Government course.
In other board action:
•Approved the employment of Storm Miller (CDL Program Training Coordinator), Jamie Ridenour (Director of Data Visualization), and Kyle Hageman (Helpdesk Technician).
•Approved the promotion of Brenda Housh (Coordinator of Adult Studies).
•Approved the CDL Training Program drug and alcohol testing policy.
•Approved an amended Curriculum Development Policy, to meet the requirements of House Bill 96.
•Approved program name change of Banking & Finance to Financial Services Banking & Wealth Management.
•Approved the renewal of probationary and non-teaching faculty contracts, miscellaneous employment contracts, and one resignation.