Budget Nears Completion
The college’s budget plan for the coming year is nearing completion with income predicted to exceed expenses by a small amount, says Executive Director, Finance, Wayne Resch.
However, he adds that the college has received verbal, rather than written, commitment to an increase in the college’s base operating grant.
“The government has promised a two percent increase and we need those dollars to meet expenses like negotiated increases to salaries.” Resch explains that the college’s primary source of funding – government grants – is almost equal to the cost of salaries which in turn is the college’s single largest expense. Changes to grant funding would require another look at the budget.
Resch predicts that the formal communication of grants for the coming year will come sometime after the election.
Other steps to balance the budget include increases in tuition and fees. Provincial legislation caps tuition increases at the cost of living which this year provides for a maximum increase of 1.45%. Other expected fee increases include parking. As an example, the cost to park all year in a plug-in lot is expected to go up by $10.
The budget was presented to the Board of Governors in closed session on Tuesday April 17. In the usual course of affairs, the Board will vote on the budget on Tuesday May 15. Assuming the budget is passed, it will be presented to employees that week. Watch for details.
Not sure how to keep your kids busy over the summer months? Register them in the many exciting summer programs offered through Continuing Studies at MHC. Choose from a wide variety of arts, science and sports programs, or check out special theme programs like Cooking with Strawberry Shortcake or Superheroes Camp. New this year! Camps are also offered for children ages 3-5.
If you are a full-time faculty member, full-time regular support staff, or full-time administrator, you may be eligible for a partial tuition waiver when placing your children in these programs. Click here for more information. Eligible employees must get their tuition waiver from HR before registering their children at the registration desk. Make sure to know the course codes when you go to HR, it will make the process even easier.
Calendars are now available in print on campus or at your child's school. You can also view programs and register online at www.mhc.ab.ca
Your Voice is Vital
Hatters are invited to share their thoughts with the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta about the information they would like to see in this year's Vital Signs report. A consultation will take place at the Medicine Hat College, Courtyard Room on May 1st from 12-12:45pm.
“These consultations allow us to hear what citizens believe are the strengths and weaknesses of
Medicine Hat,” said Mike Christie, executive director of the Community Foundation. “It also helps us
create a better report because we hear what issues are important to ‘Hatters'.”
Christie urges citizens of all ages to come to a consultation to express their views.
“Vital Signs has become a platform for local action amongst community leaders and volunteers,”
Christie said. “Citizens’ input, especially in the early stages of the process, is integral to the final Vital
Signs report. The contributions that residents make at these meetings can help us grow a better
community.”
Christie said. “Citizens’ input, especially in the early stages of the process, is integral to the final Vital
Signs report. The contributions that residents make at these meetings can help us grow a better
community.”
Medicine Hat’s Vital Signs will be released on October 2, marking the sixth consecutive year that the
organization has participated in the publication. In 2011, 16 Community Foundations across the
country produced the report for their individual communities. Vital Signs serves as a community report
card, with volunteers grading each indicator before publication.
The events include free beverages, and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch. No reservations are necessary to attend the events; however, each location has limited seating. For more information regarding the consultations or the Vital Signs report, please call the Community Foundation at (403) 527-9038 or email info@cfsea.ca.
organization has participated in the publication. In 2011, 16 Community Foundations across the
country produced the report for their individual communities. Vital Signs serves as a community report
card, with volunteers grading each indicator before publication.
The events include free beverages, and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch. No reservations are necessary to attend the events; however, each location has limited seating. For more information regarding the consultations or the Vital Signs report, please call the Community Foundation at (403) 527-9038 or email info@cfsea.ca.
Attention Atomic Learning Users
MHC is planning on cancelling the subscription to this service at the end of June. The use of the service has declined the past couple of years. With the ready availability of free tutorials online we are considering if the annual $4000 cost to subscribe to this service is warranted. Before a final decision is made, Chuck Payne would like to hear from anyone whose course or program requires the use of the Atomic Learning resources.
Please respond to Chuck Payne by Friday, May 4 if a decision to cancel Atomic Learning will significantly affect your work with students.
Student Opportunity
The Medicine Hat Regional Human Resources Association is seeking two students to join their board for a one-year term. The post of Secretary and Bookkeeper are available, and both positions would require between 6-8 hours of commitment per month. As these are voluntary positions, no remuneration is given. However, the student will receive a complimentary 2012 MHRHRA membership and the opportunity to meet and network with many business partners throughout the year. Applicants must have experience with MS Office and be able to work as a team member. Interested parties are requested to email a resume and cover letter to: contact@mhrhra.ca.
Vehicle Repairs on Campus
Who better to trust your vehicle repairs to than Ray Shannon and the team of faculty and students in the automotive service program? Starting in May and continuing to mid June, the program is doing brake, steering, and driveline work. Just fill out this document and send it to Ray through internal mail. The service is open to all college staff members and their families.
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