The Seminole State College Board of Regents met Oct. 24 for their monthly meeting. The Board reviewed the College’s annual external audit report, approved updates to Board policies, approved a new policy to further protect the personal information of students and approved pursuing an energy savings contract.

           The meeting opened with a review of the College’s recent expenditures. Then SSC President Lana Reynolds presented her President’s Report, which included a personnel update and information about campus activities.

           Ten action items were approved by the Board. First, the Board approved the 2019 fiscal year external audit conducted by the Finley and Cook accounting firm. Prior to the meeting, representatives of Finley and Cook met with the Board’s audit committee, consisting of Regents Paige Sherry, Curtis Morgan and Ray McQuiston. The accounting firm communicated that they found no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. They issued an unqualified, “clean,” audit.

           The Board then approved three updates to Board policy. The first updated the name of the institution’s accrediting body from the North Central Accreditation Association of Schools and Colleges to the Higher Learning Commission. The second changed the title of a policy on ownership of materials produced by college employees to include the terminology “Intellectual Property.” The last update to Board policy added the wording “academic freedom” to the Board’s “Expressive Activity Policy.”

           Next, the Board approved a policy underscoring the further protection of student personal data. This policy will help the College meet required guidelines of the audit guide for student financial aid.

           The Board then reviewed and selected Energy Solutions Professionals (ESP) as a potential partner for a performance-based energy savings contract for the College. A sub-committee of the Board, comprised of Regents Curtis Morgan and Kim Hyden had met several times over the past two months with Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Tony Crouch and President Reynolds to evaluate the services of energy-saving companies. The Board will consider a possible contract with ESP at a future date.

            The Board then affirmed the College’s official colors — Pantone ruby red, blue and white — and affirmed the College’s Institutional Beliefs and Commitments, Vision and General Education Outcomes.

           Every two years, the Board reviews the exchange of services with the SSC Educational Foundation. The agreement was approved by the Foundation Board of Trustees on Oct. 23. The Regents also approved this agreement.

           The Consent Agenda included one item, the acceptance of the SSC Annual Report of Student Assessment of Activity for 2018-2019.

           Board members present at the meeting were: Curtis Morgan, Marci Donaho, Ray McQuiston, Paige Sherry and Kim Hyden.

           The next regularly-scheduled SSC Board of Regents meeting is set for Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019.