DOBSON — The Surry Community College Board of Trustees learned Monday night that while the school is serving slightly fewer total students this semester, the number of full-time students is slightly ahead of last semester’s numbers.

Jamie Childress, vice president of student development, presented the attendance report which included a breakdown of the total enrollment of 3,403 students. While this is a slight drop from the fall enrollment of 3,549 students, the number of full-time students increased from 1,824 to 1,836.

“We have more students who are here full-time than before. That translates into our funding formula,” said Childress. “We’re at the same level now as we were in 2003, the most recent peak.”

Childress pointed out that the strength of the college continues to be in the college transfer programs as well as in the allied health fields. The number of students taking dual enrollment classes dropped because of legislation that cut funding for that program which is designed for high school students taking college-level courses. However, that was somewhat offset by an increase in students using the Learn and Earn program, which allows high school students to take courses online.

The board also heard about new student and employee grievance policies. Formerly, students and employees were dealt with under the same grievance procedure. However, the decision was made to separate the policies

A discussion arose from these policies as board members questioned what the role of the trustees was in dealing with grievances.

“I just think the board should have that final if they want to appeal the president’s decision,” said Dan Stone, board vice chairman, of the reasoning behind needing to add to the procedure.

In an attempt to clarify this issue, the committee who looked at the policies to begin with will add an additional step allowing the chair of the board to determine if an appeal should receive an additional look. If that is the case, the chair would then have the authority to appoint a panel of trustees to hear the case. The committee will present the amended plan to the board at the March meeting.

“I think we should give the student or employee that one last step if it’s merited,” said Stone.

“If the board wants there to be a step four, nothing says an employee can’t petition the board,” said Fred Johnson, board attorney.

Dr. George Sappenfield, vice president of corporate and continuing education, updated the board on the JobsNOW program which has been in effect since September. JobsNOW is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designed to pick 12 job areas in which people can be trained within six months.

“The state came up with 12 pathways and we could customize them to our area,” said Sappenfield. “This is something that can springboard some things and get programs started.”

Since October, the college has been running a medical office and clerical support program, a maintenance mechanic and technician program, a welding program and a plumbing assistant program with 27 students enrolled.

Three new pathways will begin in February with around 20 additional students expected to enroll. The maintenance mechanic and technician round two program, welding round two program and veterinary assistant and pet grooming and boarding program will be the new additions.

The next two pathways will start in April and include personal care aide and office clerical support.

The funding for this program has to be spent by October. Statewide, only $1,527,746 of the allotted $13 million had been spent through November.

Susan Pendergraft, vice president of administrative services, updated the board on progress on the Shelton-Badgett NC Center for Viticulture and Enology. With the recent bad weather, work has slowed pushing the estimated date of completion back a couple of weeks to the end of June. The college has already ordered all of the furnishings for the facility and has made arrangements to store it as it arrives.

“A business plan is being formulated for the center,” said Pendergraft. “We’re just waiting for the doors to open and we’re excited.”

Dr. Anne Hennis, vice president of planning, research and assessment, spoke to the board about the process to start creating a strategic plan for 2011 - 2016. The last plan was developed in 2006. The plan would address the questions of where is the college now, where does it want to go and how will it get there.

The board recognized Marion Venable and the Uptown Wine and Gallery in downtown Yadkinville, which received an economic development award from the Yadkin Chamber of Commerce. Uptown Wine and Gallery’s grand opening, which was scheduled for last Friday, has been postponed to this Friday at 4:30 p.m.

The paramedics program at the college was also recognized at the meeting. The 12 people who just completed the class took the state test for the first time and achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.