The Seminole State College Board of Regents approved a five percent salary increase for all full-time employees, alongside the budget for the upcoming fiscal year at their meeting on June 15.

During the meeting, President Lana Reynolds provided an update on personnel changes, spring campus activities and news on the College’s sports teams.

With the first item on the agenda, the Board approved a two percent increase in tuition, beginning with the fall semester. This slight increase in tuition will allow for a five percent raise to all full-time employees. This marks the largest across the board salary increase in more than two decades at the College.

“We feel very fortunate that our finances are stable enough that we were able to propose this action,” President Reynolds said. “The hard work, passion, and commitment of our employees drives the success of our students. We greatly appreciate the Board’s support of our employees with these salary increases. The raises will help us retain and attract employees by becoming more competitive in a tough job market.”

Next, the Board approved the implementation of a laundry fee in the amount of $30 per semester for residential students. This fee will allow student residents unlimited access to new washer and dryer units in the dormitories

Then Interim Executive Director of Business Services Melanie Rinehart presented the proposed budget for the 2023 fiscal year. After review, the Board approved the upcoming year’s budget.

Under the consent agenda, the Board approved the holiday schedule and several contractual agreements in the coming year, including services with Brightspace for use of its online learning platform, DocuSign, Inc. for online course services, and an extension for the lease of Oiler Park.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Chair for the 2021-2022 academic year Ray McQuiston was honored for his service with an inscribed gavel and plaque. McQuiston has served as a Regent since 2014. His term concludes at the end of June.

Board members present at the meeting were: Chair Ray McQuiston, Marci Donaho, Kim Hyden, Curtis Morgan and Ryan Pitts.

The next SSC Board of Regents meeting is set for Wednesday, July 21, 2022.