Two new environmental minors on board agenda

The proposed minors – Water Resources and Wildlife Management – are expected to provide training for students seeking seeking careers in environmental resources management.

The Water Resources minor is being proposed to better prepare CSC students for water issues of supply and quality facing communities. Such water issues have long been prominent in the High Plains, but Chadron State faculty have recognized heightened demand for this training because of the widespread existing drought conditions.

The Wildlife Management minor would capitalize on the various land characteristics of the region encompassing Chadron, generally recognized as one of the most diverse wildlife habitats in the Great Plains. It is expected to be popular among students studying range management, biology and criminal justice.

The board will also consider two comprehensive majors, one in Communication Arts and the other in Theatre. The two degrees would be formed by a reconfiguration of existing offerings and would require no increase in staffing or courses.

If the two majors are approved, they will be forwarded to the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education for review. The minors may be implemented with only Board of Trustees approval.

In other action concerning Chadron State College, the board will:

• consider increases in tuition, room and board. The increase would raise undergraduate, resident tuition of the three state colleges 9.2 percent, from $87 per credit hour to $95. The double room rate at CSC would increase $36 per semester to $925 (4.05 percent) while the 15-meal plan would increase $23 to $961.

• consider approval of a program statement for renovation of Sparks Hall. Upon renovation, Sparks Hall would house offices for the college’s administration, alumni and foundation. The building is currently being used as housing for CSC students and employees.

• name the winner of the system’s George Rebensdorf Teaching Excellence Award. Chadron State’s nominee for the annual award is Dr. Robert Stack, associate professor of mathematical sciences.

The board’s complete meeting materials may be found at the Nebraska State College System’s Web site, www.nscs.edu.