Posted or edited: 04.30.08 ... PJC Information Services
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Paris Junior College funds in the amount of $156,000 will be set aside for high school dual credit student financial assistance for 2008-2009, it was announced Monday evening at the PJC Board of Regents meeting. School districts also receive a state allotment that may be used to help defray the tuition costs for dual credit programs.

“Since high school students are not eligible for federal financial aid funds, the college will set aside funds to help high school students with tuition costs,” said PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin. “These dual credit scholarships will be made available to service area high school students and will be need based. We are concerned that there are area students who cannot take advantage of college level courses while in high school due to family financial situations.”

Dr. Anglin also reported that the Achieving the Dream program has a new implementation plan with three points:

• A success seminar to teach students how to navigate college and where to go to get the help they need in various areas.
• Review and revise the advising process to better assist students.
• Improve performance from students needing to take developmental courses.

Two long-time employees of Paris Junior College, Learning Skills Instructor G.R. Fasken and Jewelry Technology Instructor Jerry Waters, were recognized by the PJC Board of Regents Monday evening as they announced their retirement. Fasken is ending her 10th year with PJC; Waters has been with PJC since 1976.

The regents also adopted changes in governance policies required either by Texas State Legislature or judicial actions. Among the changes: the number of courses a student can drop has been limited to six total; PJC may now charge for personnel time if information requests take more than 36 hours to compile; and institutes uniformity on timelines for students filing complaints under the Americans with Disabilities Act in PJC guidelines.

PJC also adopted a change in the Academic Achievement, Grading and Credit (probation and suspension policy) to increase the threshold from 1.5 to 2.0 GPA. Among new requirements: any student falling below a 2.0 GPA would be required to review their grades more frequently with counselors.

In addition to the retirements, PJC’s board accepted the resignations of instructor and softball coach Brian Smith, Business & Industry Liaison Susan Brooks and nursing instructor Melba Ingram.

Spring commencement is Friday, May 9, at 8 p.m. at Noyes Stadium. The next meeting of the Board of Regents was set for May 19.