Suggestion Box

Comment/Suggestion

Would it be possible to get a container to recycle plastic bags?

Response

Comment from Ben Newton

Yes we would need just a box or container on each campus and then when it gets full to have it hauled to a bag collection facility similar to what they do at grocery and other big box stores.   We also did a plastic bag collection at America Recycles Day in Columbus last November and we could also do this for Earth Week at all campuses in April.   Here is a picture of a bag collection box.

https://sustainability.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/plastic-bag-recycling-bin.jpg

However,  I would also suggest not using plastic bags but bringing reusable bags to all stores with you.  We have some available at events or if anyone would like one feel free to contact me.    

Remember the 3R’s are in order of importance:

1. Reduce first

2. Reuse (bags etc..)

3. Final R is recycle as the last option.  

Thanks for the great suggestion!

Comment/Suggestion

It gets really old coming to work every day to know that we must work on a system (computers) that are not really computers, they are now called thin/zero clients, but are no better than the terminals that we use to have, and in some ways they are worse.  It would be nice to come to work and not have to worry about how many times during the day your zero/thin client is going to freeze and if you have to wait it out (sometimes as long as a minute or two) or if you are going to have to shut down and start over and if you are in the middle of something, it makes it very hard to know what to do.  Computers (aka thin/zeros clients) should not freeze like our system does, and it does no good to contact IT, because it never happens to them and god forbid they would have to come down and figure out why you freeze all the time or darn close to it.  And believe, I am not the only one this happens to.

Response

Comment from Tom Peters

After a quick review I see NO current helpdesk tickets related to this topic. I have already asked my Technicians if they have recently heard of this issue and from whom. There is nothing IT can really do unless we have a user name so we could reach out to them and address the defined issue.  (I would also encourage all CCC users to call the Service Center @ the #7999 number. This would enable this issue to be documented, tracked and resolved.)   

Comment/Suggestion

The flying ants are getting worse. I hear that someone came out and sprayed but it didn't help.

PLEASE have them come back and double dose the spray. It is getting harder and harder to do my job with these ants falling on me constantly not to mention I’m getting tired of pulling these ants out of my hair.

Response

Comment from Rob Briseno

We have contacted our pest control company multiple times, they have been out and have sprayed and baited. Facilitates have also baited them with Terro in multiple places, wherever we have gotten calls about them. It typically takes several weeks for the bait to work. Sprays only kill on contact, so sprays will only kill the ones that are seen at that moment. The ants have to take the bait back to their nest and others have to feed off of it. Reasons for ants to be intruding is they may be searching for food, drawn to sweets, etc. Flying ants are usually males or queens and are mating and will look for new areas to establish a new colony. Typically what drives the winged ants is multiple rains followed by high temps. Which is what we have had the last 2-3 weeks. So to help with this please don’t store any food in these location where ants have been found. We need to try and keep the areas clean, no wrappers left lying around, take empty food cartons, etc. somewhere else to throw away. Hopefully in a few days we won’t be seeing these ants anymore. But please if you find other places, new places, please let Facilities know, the sooner the better. 

Comment/Suggestion

I would like to see a list of all businesses that offer a discount on goods and services for students and employees that present their student/employee identification. This list could be posted on the website or posted on respective campus locations.

Response

Comment from Angela Davidson and Cheri Beda

There are two different places you can find our travel discounts, for our students and alums it is under alumni benefits on our main page: http://www.alumnibenefits.org/cccneb/

For those who work here you can follow the link above or Angela has placed under this discounts on the human resources site https://webcentral.cccneb.edu/infosites/Admin/hr/Documents/Travel%20Discounts.pdf

You could also directly contact Cheri Beda if you wish to have a physical card to take with you. Other discounts vary by season, Danger home games currently have a discount of $3 off when you call or show up at the box office and use promo code CCC. I also send out all CCC e-mail periodically to update you on those seasonal discounts and also all student e-mail to let them know as well.

Thanks for the suggestion

Comment/Suggestion

Are salaried employees expected to work at their location for 9 and a half hours like the hourly employees?

A salary employee got here after me (hourly employee) today and is leaving before me. They worked almost 9 hours today. Before they left they even joked "why are you all still here?" Because we HAVE TO stay for the full 9:30.  

Is there a way I can anonymously report this person or can I go to their supervisor? They are in a higher position than me so I am not 100% comfortable confronting them.

I know an email won't do much good, but it may help to send out a reminder about the expectations of salary employees. Thanks!

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

The expectation for an exempt employee, regardless of summer or regular hours, is to be available to stakeholders during the business hours of the college.  Additionally, an exempt employee is expected to work additional hours beyond the business hours.  To the best extent possible, exempt employees should be in their offices during business hours but may manage their hours as the workload dictates.  For example, an exempt employee who has attended a conference over the weekend would not be expected to be in the office during all of the business hours of the week but must be available for issues that present themselves during those office hours.

By law, to qualify as an exempt employee the employee must be paid a minimum salary which is not offset by time and must perform the type of work required to meet the test. The nature of that work involves a complicated analysis of when the employee is working and when the employee is not. While the exempt employee may not be at his/her desk, the employee may in fact be representing the employer at a meeting, conference, community event, etc. The intertwining of personal and work life is a fact for the exempt employee in a way that does not typically exist for the non-exempt employee.

To that end, if you see what you perceive to be abuse, I would encourage you to discuss that issue with the employee’s supervisor. It is ultimately up to the supervisor to determine whether the employee is getting their work completed as required and using their time effectively. 

Comment/Suggestion

The Grand Island campus staff of CCC is allowed to wear denim/casual clothes----IF they make a donation to the Support Staff scholarship fund. The other campuses do not condone "involuntary" donations and are able to wear denim at will. I have no problem voluntarily donating to the scholarship fund (I do so regularly) but making it a prerequisite for the "privilege" does not set well.

Response

Comment from Matt Gotschall, Marcie Kemnitz, Bill Hitesman (or College Cabinet)

We have been giving people this opportunity for many years and from what we understand it has been appreciated. The $1 dollar goes to a good cause (student scholarships) and the option to wear or not wear jeans is up to the individual (it is not a requirement to wear jeans during these days). Our understanding is that all campuses ask for donations for denim/jean days.

Thanks for the suggestion box. 

Comment/Suggestion

I would like to suggest that employees that obtain degrees related to their employment be advance on pay grade for each degree they obtain. This would demonstrate the college's valuing education. Example: I work in a job (grade 3 job) that does not require any type of degree, I on my own obtain an associates that is beneficial to my position, I would be advanced 1 pay grade to Grade 4, I later obtain a Bachelors degree and am raised to grade 5. 

Response

Comment from Cindy Lothrop and Angela Davidson

We appreciate your suggestion for giving education more weight on the pay grades. 

Our current pay grades are structured in a way that has the minimum education already built into the position and focuses on impact to the College, supervisory responsibilities, working hazards, and other components.  These factors are evaluated by the Position Review Committee and a job grade is assigned.  This creates pay grades that focus on the essential functions of each position. 

While we encourage employees to continue educating themselves as we do our students, at this time pay grades based on the person do not seem like the right direction for the College.  When one obtains another degree, they likely become eligible for other positions within the College and we encourage them to apply for these positions if they have interest.

Comment/Suggestion

I was wondering if the old picnic tales could be put under the  tree that is in the area of the old child care play area.

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz and Rob Briseno

There is currently a picnic table under a tree just outside of the 400 wing to the north for anyone to use.  Depending on the use of that one, we could certainly look at additional ones in future campus capital projects. 

Thanks for the Suggestion 

Comment/Suggestion

Is it acceptable to hold a mandatory all day department meeting during finals week at a time when school is still in session?  What if students are still needing to speak with an instructor or advisor on those days and they can't find us because we are in all day meetings?  I have always understood that meetings were held Tues-Thurs AFTER the students term had ended. 

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz

Without knowing the specifics of the particular department meeting being referred to, it is difficult to address this concern.  For meetings in general, we try to hold most college and campus meetings during common meeting times or during the non-teaching faculty contract days.  Occasionally, there are times when a meeting must occur and we do our best to ensure accessibility to instructors and advisors. 

Comment/Suggestion

If an hourly employee takes a week of vacation during the summer they have to use 38 hours. If a salary employee takes a week of vacation they have to use 4 days. Since most salary employees operate on a 40 hour work schedule it is unfair that they get a whole day free while hourly employees get 2 hours. While we appreciate the 2 hours it is still unfair to hourly employees.

If I were to take 4 weeks off during the summer it would equate to 152 hours or 19 normal working days. If a salaried employee took 4 weeks off they would only have to take 16 days. This is extremely unfair. 

Find a way to make it more even.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

The college has recently taken steps to equalize the vacation time between exempt and non-exempt employees.  For the non-exempt (hourly) employees, the accrual rate was changed this year to make it equivalent to the exempt employees by accruing 12 hours per month as opposed to 10 hours.  Additionally, full-time non-exempt employees are allowed to take two hours of excused time during the summer regardless of how the time has been earned.  If the non-exempt employee works hours beyond 40 (actual hours worked without counting excused time), that employee is paid overtime.  Exempt employees are expected to continue to work beyond the regularly scheduled business hours including nights and weekends during the summer without the compensation of excused time or overtime pay.  Additionally, with an average of around twelve weeks of summer hours, a non-exempt employee receives 24 hours (or three days) of excused compensated time.  In balance, the college believes the use of vacation time by both exempt and non-exempt employees during the summer is fair and equitable considering the differences between how both employee categories are treated under federal labor laws.

Comment/Suggestion

If an assault involving a CCC employee was witnessed on CCC property where can it be reported anonymously without fear of retaliation from the employee?

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

An assault should be reported immediately to either the campus security, the campus president or the Human Resources office.  Reports can be made anonymously through the Formal Complaint Form located on the CCC website at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?CentralCCNeb&layout_id=4  The college takes such reports seriously and will perform a prompt investigation.  Retaliation will not be tolerated for any individual who reports an incident in good faith.  

Comment/Suggestion

I am allergic/sensitive to fragrance/perfume and it is everywhere on campus, as I know it will be. There might be others with this sensitivity, including students.

To help me and others, would it be possible to have fragrance-free/perfume-free soap in all of the restrooms on the GI campus, including the wellness room? Thank you!

Response

Comment from Rob Briseno and Marcie Kemnitz

We use a specific vendor for most custodial products. We try to keep most of the custodial products the same. But each campus does have a certain number of specific products that they like to use, soap being one of them. We currently buy soap in 1 gallon containers  from SAM’s club.  We buy roughly 100 gallons a year at $7/gallon is $700/year. We buy the least fragrance smelling product we can find. The last time we had this in the suggestion box we researched this and there was only one commercial use fragrance free soap on the market and it was about 10 times the price. Purchasing is slowly moving all of our custodial products to one vendor, Staples.  Currently in order to have fragrance free soap in dispensers we will have to change all of our dispensers to accept the cartridges. And we will be paying $57.60 /gallon, at 100 gallons/year  that’s $5,760/year. That’s  a little over 8 times the current cost. I would suggest that the one person that is having the allergy issue that they supply their own hand soap for what little they would use a year. At this time, we haven’t had any student complaints about our soap.

Thanks 

Comment/Suggestion

March is nearly over and vacation accruals have not been updated. It is very hard to plan vacation time if this information is not current.

Update the accruals at the beginning of the month

Response

Comment from Angela Davidson

This is a system constraint in TimeClock Plus at this time.  Version 7 of TimeClock Plus, coming this summer, will provide more up to date vacation accruals.  

Comment/Suggestion

Why is it that some staff can attend the staff summit all day long while other staff have to cover the office and are only allowed to attend 1 or 2 sessions?I understand some staff might not want to attend all sessions but why do some supervisors cover the office so they have that choice while other supervisors think they have to attend these sessions so staff have to stay back and cover the offices?

If this is for staff then make it clear to ALL supervisors that they are to cover the office so that their staff can attend these sessions if they choose to attend them.

Response

Comment from Matt Gotschall, Marcie Kemnitz, Bill Hitesman, Chris Waddle (Cabinet members)

We are working on addressing areas where this may have occurred, however, without knowledge on this particular instance, we cannot specifically address it.  We are working to communicate the expectation to all supervisors (college-wide) that staff be allowed time away from their desks for the entire staff summit. 

Comment/Suggestion

The administration building appreciates everything facilities does to make the building look clean, feel comfortable, and be bright.  

The new lights in the administration building are extremely bright.  Would it be a possibility to get some low wattage lights to tone it down?  OR is it possible to paint the administration building to help absorb the brightness.  Again want the facilities staff to know they are appreciated, however, our work environment has drastically changed to being visually intensive, leaving employees with no option but to suffer through the brightness.

changing some of the lights to low wattage light bulbs. For example the copy room is excessively bright but the hallway in the building doesn't have any lights. OR painting the interior to absorb the brightness.

Response

Comment from Matt Gotschall

We will take light meter readings to see if the new lights are still within the recommended brightness levels as designed by the engineers at the time of the remodel several years ago. Results will be shared with staff in the area and changed if out of line with current office/industry standards.  A meeting was held with Administration Building staff on April 10, 2017 to discuss results, concerns and clarify process for lighting accommodations and capital improvement requests.  

Thanks for the suggestion box item. 

Comment/Suggestion

Why is the head of this department not located in the same building as the program? Frequently there are people and questions that can not be answered because there is not anyone available to do so. There is a large number of students who go through this program and not enough man power to adequately serve them. Other offices in the building have issues with these problems and can't find any answers. Please consider this request. Our motto is to serve students--this is not working.

Response

Comment from Ann Chambers

The Adult Education Director serves the entire CCC area. I understand it would be beneficial for me to be housed at College Park, but I also work for/with Aurora, Columbus, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Ord, and Schuyler. It’s important for me to be responsive to the students and staff in those locations as well.

It has appeared to be beneficial for the AE Director to be on the GI Campus as I explain the AE program to students and help them find the Student Accounts office, as well as Admissions.

We recommended that Adult Education be located on the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses when the facility master plan was discussed. Perhaps in the future, Adult Education will be housed on the campuses.

We made a budgetary request for the Grand Island Adult Education Coordinator to become a full-time position. We are awaiting that decision.

Adult Education serves over 1700 students, with over 650 of those students served at College Park, with part-time staff. We understand there will be occasions when students have questions or needs that might be answered by other CCC staff. We greatly appreciate each CCC department providing assistance when possible.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Comment/Suggestion

Its very frustrating to get on my web central account and look at all the announcements listed for the month of March and cannot find the date that spring break begins and the dates we have off.  Would it be so difficult to put a Calendar right on the main page of my web central!!   Web Central isn't very user friendly its just stupidity to not have a calendar with everything listed on it.

Please put a Calendar on the main page of web central! 

Response

Comment from IT Department (Andrew Fausett, Tom Peters)

The “My Calendar” block on WebCentral is connected to that employee’s personal Outlook calendar. If spring break isn’t on their calendar, it won’t be on that calendar.

On the college webpage, in the “Current Students and Employees” menu, below CCC Alerts(Rave) there is “Events Calendar” and that page is linked directly to the College Calendar that has all events, breaks, and other important items on it. See screenshot below.

Here’s the screenshot of how to get to the calendar.

Additionally, I’ve added the link as “College Events Calendar” to the My Resources tab of both student and employee WebCentral pages.

See Below.

Comment/Suggestion

There are no tampons or anything for women in the upstairs bathroom in the platte building, women need that access in case of an emergency.  We NEED these things. 

Put quarter tampon dispenser in the bathroom

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman & Brad Dobesh

I agree that there is a need for a feminine hygiene dispenser in the upstairs Platte restroom exists.  A dual product wall hanging unit has been ordered and will be installed within a few weeks.  We will schedule routine maintenance/refilling of product on a weekly basis.  The disposal receptacles are already installed in the stalls. 

Comment/Suggestion

I am troubled by the consistent political bias on the message displays in the hallway, and the large TV broadcast in the 500 wing. The message displays virtually always have a right-wing bias. Recently, as one example, I read the quote "You put 10 Democrats in a room, you'll get 15 opinions."  I'm sure this was intended to be humorous, but I haven't seen any such jokes aimed at Republicans. I don't see why it's necessary to include political commentary on these displays at all, but if it is done it should be done fairly. Along the same lines, I believe there should be a wider array of views on the large 500-wing TV. I have never seen it tuned to anything but Fox, which most people recognize as a biased source.

Keep display messages non-political--offer quotes that are inspiring or motivational to students instead. Tune the large TV to different channels on different days -- include CNN, MSNBC, and other channels.

Response

Comment from Scott Miller

In response to your concerns in the suggestion box, an objective look was taken on the monitors you mentioned for political bias. Here is an explanation of each and what changes have been made:

1. Political bias on the large TV in 500 wing – This is the only monitor that is controlled by remote control, which is usually located on the coffee table. Yes, most of the time, it is tuned to FOX News, but students and staff are free change the channel as they see fit.
2. Political bias on the hallway monitors – In order to avoid the appearance of bias, FOX News has been replaced by the Associated Press, which now rotates with UPI and NPR. As for the quotations that are displayed, we have removed all quotations as there is no way to ensure that a quote would not be, or appear to be political.

Comment/Suggestion

Today 2/24/17 I fell when I was leaving  Dawson through the west entrance.  The snow and ice had not been removed.  This was around 9:15am.  I was going to Gausman for my 10am class.

One handrail for each of the entrances on the West side of the Dawson would be so much appreciated.  Even if it is not icy it would be nice.    Thank You very much

Response

Comment from Craig Boroff

These are scheduled to be added or replaced in a project that will go out for bid in March and be completed this summer.

Thanks for your suggestion. 

Comment/Suggestion

Would it be possible to have a trainer come on campus and do some training on the proper way to use the different equipment available in the exercise room?  Also, it would be nice to bring back the chair massages possibly having more availability then what was offered in the past so more people can realize the benefit of reducing stress.

Response

Comment from Teresa West

Numerous attempts have been made to contact our previous chair massage person.  Unfortunately, she has not responded to my calls.  During the last Grand Island Wellness Committee meeting chair massages was brought up again with information on a mobile massage company.  I am in the process of negotiating with them as their price is higher than what we previously paid.  We, on the committee are hoping to have someone in place to do the chair massages by the summer session.

I have made contact with several trainers to have someone come in and do training again on the equipment in the Wellness room.  The hours we would need to have someone come in are also prime hours for fitness trainers in training their clients. If I do find someone to come in and do training, we will have to close down the Wellness room for that period of time.  Right now we have 140-150 students and staff using the Wellness room per month.

If you have additional questions or concerns, Please let me know.  

Comment/Suggestion

Using the wireless sponsor portal is slick.  However, could we please get the "date picker" and the "time picker" in working order?  It would make it much, much quicker.  

Please update Date Picker and Time Picker so that they can be utilized.  

Response

Comment from Tom Peters

ITS immediately did some internal testing with the wireless sponsored portal and the date and time pickers were working as designed by the provider. In the information given below I have no contact information in order to reach out to the author of the suggestion requesting additional information to aid in expanded testing.  Thanks but that is all I can do at this time. 

Comment/Suggestion

If someone is denied their professional development request do they receive a notice that the request was denied? 

It would be nice to have reasoning so the individual can better prepare the next time they submit a request.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle and Kory Cetak

The IDP process takes application every quarter (July 15^th, October 15^th, January 15^th, April 15^th).  Applicants have until this day to submit applications to the staff or faculty review committees.  The review committees have 15 days to meet/discuss if the application is approved or denied.  Once they make their decision then these are sent to Human Resources – to Kory Cetak.  He then reviews all applications and schedules a time with Dr. Smith to review and get final approval of these applications.  Each applicant whether approved or denied will be informed of the outcome via an email from Kory.

We appreciate the suggestion. 

Comment/Suggestion

UNL has it right. We should bring this to CCC. 

http://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/226-faculty-staff-receive-parents-recognition-awards/

Response

Comment from Dr. Greg Smith and Dr. Matt Gotschall

This is a good example of support and how the community, through the Parent Association, can be engaged in valuing college employees.  Awards like this could be considered along with other ways CCC values people through discussion at CQIT or even faculty or staff meetings. It may be prohibitive to implement as an administrative function without community volunteers like shown in the article.

The Parents Association is a separately incorporated 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation. It appears to have dedicated space on the UNL campus but it is not clear how UNK is otherwise “involved.” If we expended CCC resources for something similar we’d need to assess cost-benefit.

Thanks for the Suggestion 

Comment/Suggestion

Would it be possible to have a paper towel dispenser or napkins placed in the student center? There are plenty of times the microwaves haven't looked the cleanest, but with no quick way to clean up I can't really blame anyone. Also, there have been multiple times I have dropped food on the tables, spilled my drink, etc. and have had to run to the one bathroom on campus that has paper towels. Thank goodness it is not too far away, but most people won't take their time, lunch break to chase down something to clean up a simple spill-they will leave it. It is gross.

Please place napkins or paper towels, by the microwaves and/or the tables in the student center.

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz, Tammy Kaiser, Rob Briseno

We will certainly look at having some napkins available in the Student Center, especially when Chartwells is closed.  Tammy Kaiser (Chartwells Manager) will look into getting a napkin dispenser and keeping it between the microwaves.

Thanks for the Suggestion 

Comment/Suggestion

I was wondering if there could be a few more healthy options for breakfast.  Usually the options are a few kinds of fried meats, some sweet breads/donuts/bagels, and then a little section with fruit, granola, and yogurt. It feels like my breakfast is always really really high in fats, sugars, or carbs.

I would really appreciate it if you tried incorporating some lean meats, maybe more eggs?, some veggies would be great, greek yogurt (higher protein, lower fat and sugar) turkey sausage, scrambles with veggies and eggs, etc.

Thank you! Just a suggestion. still really grateful for all that you do!

Response

Comment from Deb Ernst - Director of Dining Services, Hastings Campus

I am sorry, we are unable to get Greek yogurt in bulk as we would need in the cafeteria; but it is available in our Snackbar.  We run turkey bacon or turkey sausage once each week, we also run ham twice a week which is a lean meat.  We have oatmeal or cream of wheat available each day as a healthier option.  We have eggs every day for breakfast; they are cooked to order as we know people like their breakfast fresh. 

As for vegetable egg scrambled, I will look in our menu system for recipes.  We must provide nutritional information for all our food as per the Affordable Health Care Act so we are limited to recipes in the system.

Thanks for your input.

Comment/Suggestion

In winter, snow often covers the red curbs that designate fire parking zones. As a result, many people end up parking in those areas and blocking fire hydrants.

We should erect no-parking signs to designate these areas, even when the red curb is not visible. I have particularly noticed this occurring near the North Education Building.

Response

Comment from Matt Gotschall.

Thank you for this suggestion, we will review the signage opportunities in those areas after ground thaw in the Spring.  In the meantime, we will also remind security to monitor more closely to keep vehicles from blocking fire hydrants.   

Comment/Suggestion

For two weeks in a row we have faced icy weather. Despite all neighboring school districts completely closing on Tuesday, January 17, the Columbus Campus opened at 10:00am. This posed a threat to safety, as the entire campus (not an exaggeration) was still covered in solid ice at 10:00am and for the rest of the day and evening. There was evidence that walkways were salted, but the ice was so thick that each grain of salt only melted its way down to the concrete without actually reducing the thickness and threat to safety.

Furthermore, the opening time caused confusion. Students and faculty did not know whether or not they were expected to have 9:30am classes or attend their first class at 11:00am.

Lastly, it is now Wednesday, January 25, and we are a similar  problem, except that the walkways have not been salted or plowed. There is solid ice under the snowfall, and it is again dangerous to move about campus.

Road safety should not be the only concern in deciding whether or not to hold classes. If it is not safe for students and employees to move about campus, then they should not be expected to.

There should be a system in place for keeping the parking lot and the walkways safe in icy weather. If there is a system in place, then it needs to be revisited. Whatever is in place now is not working on the Columbus campus.

Late start times should align with the start times of classes (MWF v. TuTh), in order to avoid confusion for students and faculty.

I think that more consideration needs to be given to the faculty and employees who commute, rather than following the lead of Columbus Public Schools.

Response

Comment from Matt Gotschall

Referencing Dr. Smith’s response to a similar suggestions last week, “Many factors are considered in College closing decisions. The condition of the parking lots and sidewalks is one of those factors. CCC does everything it can to ensure safe conditions. In doing their part to ensure safety, CCC assumes that employees and students will be especially vigilant while walking around campus in winter weather conditions.”  In addition, the following was shared with the Columbus Campus last week from Kim Garretson:  As for ice melt treatments: This past few days we applied 150 pounds of preventative ice melt on the 15^th. 50 pounds around Residence Halls on the 16^th. 800 pounds of ice melt on sidewalks on the 17^th, 600 pounds of salt on the streets on the 17^th , and 400 pounds of ice melt on sidewalks and handicap parking on the 18^th. We also ran two machines with blades on the 17^th but they don’t have much effect on ice until it starts to melt. It is not a 100% success process dealing with snow and ice. We try to be diligent addressing it to the best of our ability.

Today, while the sidewalks were ice packed, the main walkways had been cleared before 8:00am and many students and staff successful in getting to their classes.  We will continue to run machines throughout the day and forecasts shows some warmer weather to assist in the thawing process.

As for class start times, faculty and students are not expected to come for a partial class period, but the expectation is that they are ready for learning opportunities in classes that start after the college opening times.

Comment/Suggestion

Due to the new mandatory lunch breaks since a lot of employees have moved to hourly status, I myself have children in daycare will struggle this summer with having to clock out for my 30min lunch break due to how early I can drop kids off in the mornings and what time I need to have kids picked up. I will more than likely not meet my 38hrs required. I have it figured out that if I don't take a lunch break I will be able to work my 38hrs 7:30-5 as needed without a lunch. I know it is the law to take a 30min lunch break but what if an employee wants choose not to take a lunch due to the situation I am in with kids and daycare. I will not change daycares for the summer as those with childcare know how difficult it is to find daycare and trust who you are with nor do I want to do that to my children for three months and loss there spot for the school year. I know I am not the only one in this situation nor did I have to worry about hours when I was hired for a salary position. I just want to know if I can put my hours in without having to take a lunch and I don't want to have to fight with my supervisor about it.  So for my summer hours can I work my 9 1/2 hours with out clocking out for lunch? I am not trying to get overtime hours and I am not trying to get the college in trouble for lunch breaks. I just want to be able to not stress about hours and my children due to the summer hours.

I suggest those who have unique situation are ale to discuss with their supervisor such as childcare arrangements are able to work without clocking out for lunch to fulfill summer hours.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle and Beth Meyer.

College procedure requires at least a 30-minute mealtime away from the workstation for any scheduled shift of eight hours or more.  The college does not believe it is in the best interest of either the employee or the college to have employees working shifts eight hours or longer without a break.  A supervisor would not be able to approve a schedule that would violate procedure.

When the college moved to a 4-day work week during the summer, one of the challenges for employees considered was how it may interfere with daycare schedules for some.  As an exempt (or monthly) employee, you would not have been able to take your vacation time in less than one-half of a day.  As an hourly employee now, you are allowed to take your vacation time in 15-minute increments.  A solution would be to use small amounts of vacation time to fill in for missed hours.  Staff always have the option to take vacation during the summer if they are unable to complete their scheduled hours.  Staff earn 12 hours per month in vacation; 30 minutes per working day would amount to about 5 hours in May, 8.5 hours in June, 7.5 hours in July, and  3.5 hours in August (taking holidays into account).

Comment/Suggestion

Fix the roads I'm tired of paying all this money to you guys and having potholes in the road and do a better job of removing ice off the sidewalks I almost fell several times because of them not being salted or ice removed from them.

Fill in the holes the appropriate way so they don't just come right back. Also put more salt on the sidewalk and scrape it with the buggy that has the blade on it, make it a safer place for us to walk because somebody is going to fall and get hurt and possibly sue the school.

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman

Safety is a primary concern for all of us. Our facilities management staff work as quickly as possible to address winter weather conditions on campus. During this past week’s ice storm, staff began salting roads and sidewalks at 5:30 AM. Over 3,500 pounds of ice melt was used throughout the day. Weather is unpredictable and can quickly change which requires staff to adjust strategies. While ice melt and salt help, melting and refreezing often occurs. 

Advice regarding winter weather conditions is broadcast thru the local radio and television stations and it’s important for all of us to take precautions for our own safety.

Not unlike most cities and businesses, the Hastings Campus has always dealt with potholes and road repairs. Twelve years ago, the college contracted with a firm to develop an 11-phase plan to improve the roads and parking lots on campus. Over the past 11 years, millions of dollars have been spent to improve our roads and parking lots.

There are many variables which can affect road repairs including the cost of the improvements, contractors, and the availability of materials. 

For example, last spring bids were let to replace North Military Drive, which is the east/west road that runs south of Valley, Boone, Colfax, and Franklin Halls. The bid for the paving improvements to North Military Drive was $493,470 (May 2016).  Unfortunately, the contractors who were willing to bid the project were not available until the summer of 2017.

When it comes to potholes, hot mix plants are not open during the winter months which means that repairs must be made in the spring and fall.  While cold patch can be used, it is only a temporary fix.  Parking lot replacement can run over $1 million for each parking lot.

I’m always willing to meet with people to discuss concerns and to share the short- and the long-term plans for the campus.

Comment/Suggestion

Why was the college 2 hour late start not announced until 5:00 am the morning of? All schools and colleges in the area had announced their closing or late start by 10:00 pm the night before, and the weather had not changed between 10:00 and 5:00.

Late starts and closings should be announced as early as possible, so that employees and students can plan accordingly.

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

CCC has a very large service area to consider – 25 counties in an area larger than the state of Maryland. No other school or college “in the area” has that particular circumstance to consider. A variety of factors are examined in the decision to open, close, or late start – including conversations with administrators all over the CCC service area. From the perspective of CCC administration the decision was made “as early as possible.”

Comment/Suggestion

1/17 campus start time seemed arbitrary and conducive to employees clocking in without any consideration to the Tues./Thurs. student schedules. Starting on a Tues. at 10, caused a lot of student confusion on whether to attend a 9:30 class and a lot of additional communication between faculty and students.

Think about student common schedule times and indicate a time when campus is open and when the first classes will start. 

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

Many factors are considered in deciding when to open a campus during inclement weather. Employee and student safety are paramount. Safety overrides concerns about the common schedule. After monitoring weather conditions across the large CCC service area, we determined that 10 a.m. would be a “safe’ time to open the campuses. 10 a.m. means 10 a.m. so we’re not sure why students might have been confused. We have not heard any complaints or concerns from students. In fact we have heard many expressions of appreciation for the 10 a.m. opening.

In the future the common class start time will be one of the factors considered on “late start” days. As always student and employee safety remains the primary consideration. 

Comment/Suggestion

In considering whether to close or open campuses for snow or ice, it would be helpful to consider the condition of the parking lots and sidewalks and whether staff and students will be safe accessing building and maintenance crew have time enough to do the clearing.

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

Many factors are considered in College closing decisions. The condition of the parking lots and sidewalks is one of those factors. CCC does everything it can to ensure safe conditions. In doing their part to ensure safety, CCC assumes that employees and students will be especially vigilant while walking around campus in winter weather conditions.

Comment/Suggestion

I think it would be nice to have a mirror installed for the women using the lactation room. It would give them a chance to make sure they are 'fully adjusted' after using the room.

Just a nice wall mirror so they can give themselves a once over and make sure  they are put together.

Response

Comment from Rob Briseno and Marcie Kemnitz

We appreciate your suggestion.  We will get a mirror ordered and installed in the Lactation Room.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Comment/Suggestion

Central Community College is providing Microsoft® Office 365 (Office 2013) to students at no cost via a new licensing program. Each student may install Office 365 software on up to five devices. 

The subscription is free as long as you're an active student enrolled in classes.

Downloading Microsoft® Office 365 for free is easy! Access is tied to your @cccneb.edu email address. Find the installation guide on the Student HelpDesk page.

Please change the Office version number in parenthesis from 2013 to 2016 in the announcement. We moved to 2016 at the beginning of the fall semester so this may be confusing to students.

Response

Comment from Barry Horner and Andrew Fausett

The Student Microsoft Office announcement on Web Central has been updated to show Office 2016. 

Thank you for your response. 

Comment/Suggestion

As we no longer have the printed college phone book it would be good to have a sheet with all the centers listed, like we have the ones for each campus.

Response

Comment from Deb Brennan and Kelly Christensen

The campus  and center directories are located at the following SharePoint site under documents

https://webcentral.cccneb.edu/infosites/services/business/FacilitiesManagement/Pages/default.aspx

or Inforsites>services>business> Facilities management>Documents

Comment/Suggestion

Would the college consider doing an automatic payroll deduction for the Nebraska NEST 529?

Response

from Ron Golka and Beth Meyer

At this time, I do not believe that we will be adding any additional automatic deductions from payroll.  We only deduct for two items now, the Foundation donations and the United Way/Chad donations.   We do not want to show favoritism to any organization by doing these, thereby potentially leaving others out.  The Foundation is very much a part of CCC, benefitting CCC, and thus the reason for it.  United Way/Chad has been a very long standing payroll deduction for us, for various reasons, and therefore I would consider it ‘grandfathered in’.

Thanks for the suggestion. 

Comment/Suggestion

I believe people would benefit having counselors/advisors that informed us of all our options and the possible outcome of each. I will not be starting the nursing program I've been working so hard to get into for the last year, because of a 0.034 percent gpa difference. If I had been aware of my options before hand I believe this would not be an issue. Thanks for the poor communication and a waste of a year. I will not be recommending this institution to anyone I know.

Work harder to advice students of all their options

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz and Pamela Bales

The GPA requirement is listed in several places. Information about starting requirements are given to the student when meeting with pre-nursing advisor, Donna Murphy. Students are also contacted by each site’s administrative assistant prior to start of start date for requirements that are not meeting such as a lower GPA.

The GPA requirement can be found:

• In the PN Nursing Program Brochure (each student receives when meeting with Donna Murphy)
• On the college website under the nursing page
• In an acceptance letter for nursing. Each student receives a letter once accepted into the program. Please see attached that clearly states requirements for starting nursing courses.

We will continue to ensure students are informed as much as possible about the GPA requirements.

Thank you for your suggestion.

Comments/Suggestions

The attitude, and the willingness of the employee to do their job. He is extremely slow and rolls his eyes when you ask for things. It takes 10 minutes to get a breakfast sandwich, and there was nobody else in the area. This happens on a regular basis, he does not want to be there, and makes sure that anyone there knows it. Most people are on a time limit when going to the snackbar, and there have been many times where we do not go due to knowing that it is going to take a minimum of 10-20 minutes to get the order.

Please get someone who wants to be there, who can be courteous, and friendly, in the service industry you are selling yourself as much as the things that you sell.

Multiple times that I have visited the snack bar during my morning break I have noticed the same employee working behind the counter.  with no other help he has to man the sandwich bar, coffee bar, and register.  His attitude is absolutely rude!  when asking for a sandwich he rolls his eyes and acts like I am asking him to do something completely out of line. He is not friendly to say the least. The time it takes him to do anything is also staggering! As most people only have a short break between classes it seems to me that a little hustle would go a long way.

Having a second person to help when things like sandwiches or pizzas are ordered would help with time and relieve the stress off certain employees.  If a second person can not be found/approved, then maybe someone with more people skills and desire for their job would work.

Response

Comment from Deb Ernst.

After talking to the morning staff, I have found that the eye rolling wasn’t for the students but because one of the helpers was not to be found when they got busy.  The helper is supposed to make sandwiches, help with the cash register, etc…

We have had some training with our Snackbar Staff over break to help with perception and how even though it was not meant for the student it comes off as a poor attitude. 

We have also had training with the helper who has been in the Snackbar in the morning so they will be more engaged and helping when needed. We hope having them help more will solve the issue of how long it takes .

Comment/Suggestion

Thank you to our hard working Library Resource Supervisor on the Hastings Campus.  Not only does she do a million-in-one jobs, but she is humble.  When recently thanked for the snacks and coffee, she was asked, "So what is your budget for doing this?  As I don't know of any other college that is so good to the students who frequent the library, anyway this never happened when I was in college." 

She said, it comes out of my own pockets, but I love doing it.  In addition, she gets the snacks on her own time.  All of these kind gestures are done on her dime and her time.  I just wanted to celebrate the wonderful people who making working at CCC a delight for students, faculty, and staff.

Thanks Sherri for your generosity and humble ways.

Keep changing lives and making the Library the heart of CCC-H.

Response 

Comment from Kathy Fuchser and Dee Johnson

Sherrie is committed to supporting students and faculty as a testing center proctor and to keeping the Library Resource Center running smoothly.  She has been providing coffee to students and visitors in the LRC for years.  Thanks for your dedication to students and CCC, Sherrie!

How nice to have Sherrie’s efforts recognized.  She works hard as a testing center proctor and running the LRC.  Sherrie’s been providing coffee to students and visitors in the LRC for years.  Again, awesome to hear her dedication to the students is appreciated! 

Comment/Suggestion

Several weeks ago, two large trees snapped in half and fell over in the green space located on the east side of the Columbus campus.  Since then the trees have remained on the ground and untouched by the clean-up crew.   For both safety and aesthetic purposes, please consider cleaning up the trees.

Response

Comment from Matt Gotschall

Bids for removal were just received yesterday. Feel free to call Kim if there is a concern about safety since not on pedestrian pathways. 

Comment/Suggestion

When you google central community college on the right side it says Grand Island but all of Columbus campus demographics populate (address/phone number etc).  students who perform this google want to contact the GI office not Columbus and expect GI b/c the website clearly states GI campus but showcases all of Columbus' information.  Once a student calls the phone number Columbus personnel answer the phone and the student/prospective caller gets very upset with Columbus personnel who answer the phone because the caller believes they are calling the Grand Island campus.  In addition the caller will ask other questions specifically related to Grand Island which frustrates the student when in return Columbus personnel ask a variety of questions to figure out which campus to then send the call to.  Please fix the google site with the correct information.  This has been in error since July.  Many people from the Columbus campus have contacted the PR department and have asked them to fix it for our constituents. 

Contact Google and fix the site to reflect Columbus Campus and Columbus contact information or Grand Island Campus and Grand Island contact information. 

Response

Comment from Amanda Groff

The PR office has been working with Google to get this corrected. Unfortunately, the original information for the college was set up by individuals that are no longer with the college and it is causing complications in getting the PR office access to the Google accounts. I have put in another call to the reps at Google stating that the time it is taking to address this issue on their end is unacceptable. However, the ball is unfortunately still in their court. The PR office will continue to push the issue with Google until it is resolved.

Comment/Suggestion

Parking in appropriate areas should be regulated and tickets handed out to people that do not comply.  Example there is a student's maroon pickup that is parked in the bookstore parking lot every day.

Tickets handed out for noncompliance.

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman

I have checked with Follett’s and they have not received any complaints from those parking in the parking lot. The manager drives a maroon truck and parks in that area every day and thinks this is his vehicle in question.

This is an open parking lot and has no restrictions for anyone to park in that area unless in a handicap zone or loading zone. The vehicle does not park overnight and has not been warned since there has been no violation. Should this change then the college will address the concern.  

Comment/Suggestion

Please open this position asap as there are Academic Education faculty that are qualified for this position and are interested.

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

This position has been posted nationally. Qualified CCC employees are encouraged to apply. The current interim associate dean will continue to serve during the spring semester.

Comment/Suggestion

1. Since students sometimes take classes on more than one campus location, be sure they receive emergency messages for all locations -- not just the campus they are officially associated with.  Pre-programmed messages could be titled: "CCC Emergency at the Hastings Campus", etc.

2. In the recent incident at Ohio State they included "Run. Hide. Fight." in their pre-programmed emergency message.  This would be helpful.

Response

Comment from Lenore Koliha

Good day,

In response to question number 1:

1. Since students sometimes take classes on more than one campus location, be sure they receive emergency messages for all locations -- not just the campus they are officially associated with.  Pre-programmed messages could be titled: "CCC Emergency at the Hastings Campus", etc.

We are very aware of the issues involved with registration and the colleague system. The process currently allows for the student to be physically attending classes at one campus but, may be designated as a student on a different campus. In an emergency drill, such as the one conducted at the Hastings campus on 12/5/16, the RAVE/CCCAlerts were sent out to the Hastings campus only. We realize that not everyone would receive this message due to the “aforementioned” colleague system, but did not feel it was appropriate to send “college wide” for a drill that only affected one campus.

In a real emergency situation or weather notification, all of the “authorized RAVE/CCCAlerts broadcasters” are aware of this issue and are instructed, in training, to send the message out college wide and then designate the desired campus. In a text message, there is only so many words allowed before the message is truncated, it is our best endeavor in these “canned” or “pre-programmed” messages to get as much pertinent/lifesaving information as possible to the end user. The authorized broadcaster can also edit these “canned/pre-programmed” messages to give additional information or locations (i.e. building).

In response to question number 2:

2. In the recent incident at Ohio State they included "Run. Hide. Fight." in their pre-programmed emergency message.  This would be helpful.

I believe that OSU’s use of the “Run, Hide, Fight” mantra was very appropriate. Although their assailant was brandishing a knife instead of an active shooter, I think it is appropriate for whenever there is any armed assailant. Although we pray nothing like this will ever happen at CCC, this is a very good suggestion and I  am going to add this to CCC’s canned/pre-programmed messages.

Comment/Suggestion

An inquiry was received concerning the rationale for the college’s common textbook procedure. The inquiry also included a number of erroneous assumptions about this procedure and other topics which are clarified below.

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith and Dr. Brennan

CCC has a common textbook procedure that requires the faculty to choose a common textbook. One reason this  procedure was put into place because of student concerns that the cost of books varied form section to section.  Faculty members are encouraged to consider the cost of the book in the selection process.  A faculty member may opt out by convincing her or his peers that using other course materials is likely to result in better student outcomes.

The College is working with Follett Bookstore to see how the cost of books might be lowered and investigating the possibility of having faculty  use or develop Open Educational Resource textbooks.

The ISBN number is available to students on the “search for classes” web pages.

The Suggestion Box is posted on the public portion of the College website for use by faculty, staff, students and the general public.

Comment/Suggestion

I am a Human Services Major. Two of the classes required for my degree are only offered in the Spring on the Hastings Campus. I am concerned about driving to Hastings in the Spring because of winter road conditions. 

I think these classes should be offered either via the web or via IP system.

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz and Sara Kort

Thank you for your suggestion.  We will look into this to see if these classes can be offered in an alternate format.

Comment/Suggestion

After finishing up lunch and in the main hallway, glanced at the time on the school clock above where the information desk was previously located and, realizing I had a few minutes left for my lunch, made a stop at the nearest restroom. After a couple minutes, I went to clock in to discover it was a few minutes off and, in turn, I was clocking in a few minutes late. I was then criticized by my supervisor for being so. In subsequent days, I have noticed the clocks don't match those in the student center, nor the time clocks. I used to use my phone, which matched, but am not allowed to use it at work, so I don't always have it during my lunchtime either. While I understand regular clocks won't always match, surely the scrolling clocks should be.

The scrolling clocks in the student center and hallway should at least be able to be made to match times.

Response

Comment from Nick Freelend

All,

Situation noted, addressed and resolved successfully.  The message boards are not linked to the clocks throughout the building, but were previously linked to my computer in Admissions.  With the move, the wiring was cut for deconstruction of that area.  Thanks to the combined efforts of Dave Stewart and Glenn Sparks yesterday, the wiring was re-connected and the message boards are again programmable, to a degree.  Barring electrical outage, they should synch, within a few seconds of each other, and be reliable.  Apologies for the inconvenience this situation may have caused.

Comment/Suggestion

Offices around the campuses and in the area office are heavily using offensive scent diffusers, essential oils, scent pots of some type or another.

Walking near or in to the offices using these scent devices is not a pleasant experience and overpowering, at best.  Even when the person from that office is walking and far away from the office, the scent is carried and lingers for quite some time in the areas they were at.  While considered beneficial by some, the intense headaches from and unpleasant lingering of those scents is not good for others.  Can we do away with this practice - as we once did but have quietly allowed again?

Response

Comment from Matt Gotschall, Chris Waddle, Marcie Kemnitz, Bill Hitesman, and Joel King

Thank you for your suggestion.  We suggest talking to the individual where the offensive scent is coming from if at all possible.  They may be able to close their door or dilute the scent to diminish the smell.  If this doesn’t work we suggest talking to their supervisor to get this offensive scent under control. 

Comment/Suggestion

Guess that whomever put together the latest Employee Survey really did not want or value input from anyone as they only allow for 100 characters in our comment section.  Really too bad that we are not allowed to voice an opinion if its more than 100 characters.

When a person is asked for an opinion we should be able to give it without a character limit.

Response

Comment from Brian McDermott

In response to this suggestion the IR department will make the following changes. 

• By the morning of 11/18/2016 the survey will be modified to increase all open-ended questions to a total of 500 characters (around 100 words) they would then be able to expand/modify their comments at their own discretion by re-entering the survey, clicking on the question and replacing/adding to their responses.
• In the settings of the survey, individuals can go back in (re-enter) the survey and see what they put it in the first time and they can then change any of their original responses to any question (including open-ended questions). 
• Due to system limitations any change made to the survey will kick anyone actively taking the survey off the system.  To minimize this impact the changes will be conducted between 7:00-8:00am on 11/18/2016. 

Comment/Suggestion

There are trees planted in the north parking lot of the Grand Island Campus and these trees drop red berries that land all over the cars and stain the cars and make a terrible mess, not only the cars but in the parking lot. 

I suggest replanting these trees in a grassy area that people do not walk on or park by. If you want trees in the parking lot, plant ones that don't drop red berries and make a mess all over the cars.

Response

Comment from Rob Briseno

Unfortunately this was not thought of back when they were planted. Now that these Bradford trees are about 20 yrs old they are coming towards the end of their life span. Not to say they won’t live for another 10-20 years but I think uprooting them would be detrimental to the longevity of these trees. Also uprooting these trees would take an expensive contractor with a large spade, which we don’t have around here. We would have to tear out concrete, the cost of moving these trees would be great compared to the typical $200-$500 normally associated with moving trees. The berries and the birds that eat these berries and leaving their droppings is seasonal. So if you don’t want your vehicle to be a mess, please don’t park under these trees during this time. Thanks 

Comment/Suggestion

We the students are tired of the awful roads on the Hastings Campus.  The campus needs to do something to fix the roads at Hastings CCC.  The potholes are very hard on our vehicles and cause issues that make them not operate.  People can't even drive on the left side of the road because the roads are so crappy. These pot holes also cause people to trip and fall therefore causing injury.  This campus is too nice to have such crappy and poorly maintained roads. 

• Redo the roads completely
• fix the pot holes at least
• put up caution signs 
• offer new tires and shocks for every tire that pops on these hazardous roads
• Cut higher administrators pay to offset cost to start saving money, so that the roads are decent.

Response

Comment from Craig Boroff

Thank you for the suggestion box.  This project has been bid and awarded but the quickest any contractor could start this project is Spring of 2017.   

Comment/Suggestion

I was wondering if it would be possible to vermiculture/compost organic waste from our food services? 

Response

Comment from Ben Newton

The environmental sustainability office recently submitted a proposal for the AACC Climate Leadership Award to purchase an Earth Tub Composter:

As a Charter Signatory of the Climate Commitment since 2011, Central Community College is exploring bold and innovative solutions to lead in climate action and sustainable practices. Central Community College’s Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action Plan has set a commitment to divert 65% of landfill waste by 2019.   By reducing landfill food scraps in CCC’s overall operations, we are reducing overall powerful methane emissions associated with food scraps. 

The initial pilot program to track the amount of food scraps at the Grand Island campus began in 2014; it was determined that there are approximately 200 pounds of food scraps per week at the CCC-Grand Island campus.  The initial food scrap compost program had financial and logistical challenges associated with starting a new compost program.   By establishing a proper composting system in place that requires less maintenance, the CCC-Grand Island campus can begin to reestablish the composting program through a collaborative education and logistical plans.  The AACC grant funds will purchase an Earth Tub system at the CCC-Grand Island campus.   This pilot will be expanded to the CCC-Columbus campus after the trial period is complete.  

The pilot compost systems will provide an educational opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to reduce overall amount of food scraps going to the landfill and reduce the overall associated landfill methane emissions at the CCC-Grand Island and Columbus campuses contributing to climate change.   We will also be performing a comprehensive waste audit through WasteCap Nebraska to determine the food scrap composting needs at CCC-Columbus this November.  Then if awarded, an Earth Tub system will be purchased and also administration/staff workshops on the new system will be offered.  Central Community College has demonstrated unprecedented Climate Leadership Commitments in the State of Nebraska since 2011, and looks to continue to lead efforts by implementing a complete compost program.

I have personal home experience with vermicomposting on the small scale.  It is great at the small scale family level, as it requires everyday maintenance of your red wiggler worms habitat for vermicomposting.  It is being done on the large scale as a new emerging business near Lincoln accepting Lincoln Public Schools food waste- Big Red Worms Inc.!   Vermicomposting was also started as a large scale project at Southern Illinois University when I was a PhD student there.  They had a major problem with the worms leaving the compost pile and climbing up the walls.  Also you need to maintain a specific temperature and specific amount of food waste for proper worm habitat, which would require an experienced vermiculture full time staff to manage a large scale vermicomposting facility.

Thanks great suggestion!

Comment/Suggestion

I ran across this article about getting into nursing school:

http://www.mometrix.com/blog/the-best-advice-for-being-accepted-into-nursing-school/

I thought it was great that nursing Deans and experts were commenting about what it takes to get into nursing school. It was refreshing to see actual admission experts giving great advice. 

You may want to post it as a resource on the website.

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz

Thank you for the suggestion. We will review the article and determine the best location to share with students. 

Comment/Suggestion

Many of us felt that receiving individualized emails regarding our choice to not donate to the United Way as violating our privacy, as well as our anonymity when choosing to be charitable. If I choose to make any donation to United Way, that is a personal choice, and one that I would prefer be anonymous. How I choose to spend or donate my money is independent of my employer. Furthermore many of us have spouses that receive the same United Way drive from their place of employment, or donate to other charities of our choosing, and don't appreciate the feeling of being singled out in regards to a good, but still individual, charity. We also felt that the second appeal for donations was ill-timed, as it came immediately on the heels of the foundation fundraiser, and during the holiday season. We appreciate that these are difficult times for charities, but it also adds emotional and financial stress to us, particularly when it is being noted by our employer. We appreciate that CCC is trying to aid and ensure a successful drive, and probably felt that individual emails would illicit greater response than generalized emails which are more likely to be ignored, and we appreciate that you are trying to find better ways to communicate to get a positive response; however, we simply felt uncomfortable and that this crossed a delicate line.

We all felt that general email reminders  to everyone were far more appropriate. Moving the annual fundraiser timeline may also be of benefit so it didn't coincide with other CCC-sponsored fundraisers.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

I apologize for the way some have felt because of the e-mail.  In an effort to reduce the amount of e-mail that goes out to our employees, this particular e-mail was sent only to those who had not yet returned a form.  There was no attempt to identify personally or embarrass anyone for choosing not to participate but rather target the reminder to those who needed to be made aware of the information if they wished to participate.  Participation in the United Way is voluntary and there should be no pressure placed upon any employee to give.  We will make certain the e-mail reminders in the future do not have a name attached to them to make the employee feel pressured to participate. 

Comment/Suggestion

The ONLY way to get the proper materials for my automotive class is to spend $400 bucks for a book and a piece of paper at the CCC bookstore. I bought a $30 physical copy of the book elsewhere and intended on purchasing the key for the digital/online copy at the bookstore, but no. The book is bundled together with the key for the online version. The online version for the diesel program is separate, why not the automotive? It's the same website.

Order the textbooks and online keys for the bookstore separately and quit trying to make a quick buck.

Response

Comment from Mark Funkey

The Automotive Technology faculty and I spoke with Mike Shuck from the Follett Bookstore on the Hastings campus.  Mike has stated that he is willing to work with the student to get him a code as a standalone option since he has already purchased a used textbook.  The cost of the standalone code is $291.25 plus tax.  With the cost of the book the student has already purchased he would save approximately $60-$70 by being able to buy the code separately.  If this works for the student we can get that process done very quickly. 

Additionally, the AUTO instructors will be working with Mike in the near future to see if we can provide more options for students moving forward.  The combination option that is currently being offered was used due to a discounted price for the students received by bundling the book and code together.  We will see what other options are available in the future to accommodate students entering the program from various avenues.

Please let me know if you need any additional information from me, but the student is welcome to work with Follett Bookstore to get a code purchased as a standalone option. 

Comment/Suggestion

I am wondering why only certain offices, and I'm referring to offices that do not have students coming to their office, are requiring their administrative assistants to adjust their work schedules and cover their office until 5:00 pm every day but the majority of other college departments, including departments that do work with students, do not have to follow this same rule of making sure the office is covered till 5:00 pm. every day.  Most hourly employees take a 1/2 hour lunch and work 8 to 4:30 pm. Why are only the administrative assistants in certain departments being required to adjust their hours and work till 5:00 pm instead of everyone in that department having to help out with coverage?  If this rule is going to be implemented, then it should be college wide and everyone should have to take their turn in adjusting their schedule and staying till 5 pm, not just the administrative assistants. Most assistants normally work till 4:00 or 4:30 pm. If this change isn't going to be implemented, than an email should go out college wide stating "the College realizes offices can not always be covered till 5pm every night, therefore coverage is not mandatory in having someone in their office till 5pm each night. If this is going to be mandatory for all offices, then all personnel in that office should have to take turns with staying till 5pm.

If offices are going to be required to be covered till 5:00 pm, then all offices, college wide and everyone in each office should be required to take their turn by staying till 5:00 pm, not just the administrative assistants. This is especially hard if there are only 2 people in that office and only one administrative assistant. This means the administrative assistant will always have to stay till 5 pm and it makes it difficult to take any time off for doctor appointments or vacation.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

Regardless of whether the office serves internal (employees) or external (students and the public) stakeholders, the business hours of the college are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  The decision on staffing is made by the supervisor of the office and it is his/her responsibility to have the office staffed.  As such, the supervisor may set the hours of the employees s/he supervises. 

Comment/Suggestion

As one who has to stay until 5pm every night because the office needs to be open I would propose that we close early on Fridays. It is a ghost town around her especially in the afternoons. Many times I wonder why we are even open when some Fridays you only see a handful of people here. 

The department I am in my supervisor does not allow us to leave early any night of the week especially Fridays so we are made to take longer lunches so that we don’t have overtime. Heaven forbid my supervisor cover the office by herself.

So while you are pulling TimeClock Plus information I suggest that you look at how many are taking 5 to 10 minute longer lunches because their supervisors do not allow them to leave early due to the fact that the offices have to be covered until 5pm.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

We are evaluating the time clock data to show instances of longer lunches, later time in, etc.  At this time, there are no plans to change the business hours but it will continue to be evaluated.

Comment/Suggestion

Once again you are hosting a master plan session. Yes offices have to remain open so someone has to miss out on the meeting and are not able to give their input. We all know that your supervisors are supposed to get your input and take that to the meeting BUT not all supervisors are alike. Mine defiantly is not like the others. I try to give my ideas and she will shoot them down as to why it is not a good idea and that her idea would make better sense thus my ideas never makes it to the meeting. I’m tired of being beat down and very frustrated with the abuse from her.

Please allow the offices to be closed so that ALL concerned can have a voice in this new master plan.

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz

Thank you for your suggestion and we will look into coverage of offices so all employees can attend the master planning session in Grand Island.  However, based on your message, it sounds like you have some frustration and concerns with your supervisor.  We are concerned about this and want to assist, but without knowing specifics, it cannot be addressed.  If you are not comfortable going to your supervisor, would you be willing to visit with your supervisor’s supervisor about your concerns? 

Comment/Suggestion

The Elvis impersonator engaged in sexual harassment of college female employees. In at least one case the harassment was severe and the victim's feeling of humiliation was obvious. For this to be done in front of the entire college was egregious.

Closer scrutiny should be given to paid consultants, performers, or outside folks of any kind who are brought to the college at the behest of the college. In his performance "Elvis" was acting with the specific endorsement of the College. The fact that the College may not have known that he intended to sexually harass its employees could be considered a "fact for a jury to determine" and could potentially lead to significant legal expenses and embarrassment for the college. Some process or procedure should be put in place to protect employees from this kind of thing in the future, and to protect the image and reputation of the college itself as a workplace that does not tolerate sexual harassment.

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

In the opinion of many (myself included) the behavior of the Elvis impersonator at the last week’s All-College In-Service was inappropriate and not consistent with CCC values. Staff members who were involved in the more offensive segments of the show were asked to provide their thoughts about how the performance made them feel and were ensured the privacy of those comments.  As a result of those conversations, the College is taking appropriate steps to better understand the proposed performance of a guest, to establish appropriate approvals for the performance, and to confirm the performer understands the values of CCC. In addition when such events are scheduled, CCC will make certain that only willing volunteers are involved in any audience participation activity. CCC attempts to provide a safe and friendly working environment. No CCC employee or student should be involuntarily placed in a potentially embarrassing situation. 

Comment/Suggestion

It is so cold in the platte building, I'm wearing a coat and i am still cold. Can the heat be turned on, many other students and I are having a hard time focusing because of the temperature.

Could you turn on the heat please and thank you 

Response

Comment from Brad Dobesh

Unfortunately,  currently there is no heat to be turnedon yet.

As most are aware, the east side of the Platte building has been under construction/remodel all Summer and Fall.

The duct work, air handler and other key HVAC components are in the process of being installed.

The contractors have been diligently working to complete the project, they hope to have the system up and running by the first or second week of November.

Comment/Suggestion

First of all I would like to say how disappointed I am with the lack of communication about the remodeling on the Grand Island Campus.  The people that the remodel effects are not consult or even have a voice in anything.  Even when they will be moved so that the remove can start, they still don’t know exact dates, times and where they will be housed during the remodel.

Next, I know people has asked about the plants more than a month ago and now we have a few hours to dig up and purchase plants that we would want.  Its getting a little late in the season to do this…

Now about the tables, benches and the canapes what is going to happen to these items???  If they are being got rid of why???  Why aren’t they being recycled into the plans for the new outside area?

Why does the college waste so much money?  Another example, why have the roof in the 400 area be redone, when with the remodel, some of it will have to be redone/attached to the new area…and what about the wooden arches that were just put in several years ago, those should be incorporated into the new design since in the last remodel we were told that they were a big ticket item.  Why do we have an area for Sustainability when the college does not really practice it, as actions speak louder than words?

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz

In regards to the communication of the remodel, Craig hosted a meeting with any GI staff who wanted to attend together with the architects.  In addition, there was a meeting on August 22nd to talk about where to move people and when. Out of this meeting we determined that we would move the three department affected by the remodel to rooms 210, 211, 212, on October 27, 28, and 31. IT department was there and have plans to bring in more data drops, the supervisors and lead people were also in this meeting to determine the needs of those people. A drawing was given to Facilities on how the departments would like to have their areas setup to better suit their needs.  Everybody affected by this remodel should know where they are going and when.  We will send out an “All-College” e-mail once we get closer to the move date to let everyone know where these departments will be located on the G.I. Campus.

As far as the plants, people had asked about the plantings more than a month ago. The Facilities department had to wait till the heat of the summer was over in order to start transplanting the plants. Once that was done then the plantings could be offered for sale to others. But nothing could happen until the board approves the remodel.  If we had started earlier and if the board had not approved this projects we would have sold a lot of plantings that we would have then had to replace and buy new. Also it looks like there are more dates available to purchase plants. Once the board approves the project typically the contractors will be starting fairly soon after. So there is not a lot of time between the time the board approves a project and the time the contractor is on site.

In terms of reusing items, the tables, benches and canopies will be either sold at fair market value or recycled. The tables and benches need material replaced every year and the canopies do not fit into the new design. With the age of these products it makes better sense to replace them, instead of continually putting money into them for upkeep every year. There will be new benches and tables when the project is completed.

The 400 wing roof that is being replaced will not be affected by this remodel. During the design process it was determined the area with the wooden arches would be better utilized as office space. At this time we will be keeping the majority of it storage but also this project was completed 3 years ago and to only have to re-do less than .50 of a percent seems reasonable. In addressing sustainability, this area will have new energy efficiencies such as led lighting, geothermal heating and air condition, better insulation, and VOC restrictions to mention a few.  Also the contractor must submit a recycled material log at the end of each month to get paid and we are currently recycling better that 75% of all waste material. 

Comment/Suggestion

The Internet in Colfax is super slow. If on the weekends, could reset the internet or unplug the routers that would be great. it is hard for some people to do school work with slow internet. Please and thank you!! :)

Response

Comment from Tom Peters

ITS ran network speed tests from different locations within the Colfax building, with the goal of testing each access point (AP).  The average speed from each AP (in relation to distance from the AP) appeared to be more than satisfactory.  ITS also monitored the APs in Colfax during the day to check for client overload, interference, etc. and did not find a cause for any slowness to be reported.  Apparent internet access speed can vary greatly due to a number of factors, with the most common causes of apparent slowness being due to distance from AP, client machine capabilities, and the load on the College network. ITS will continue to monitor the devices (that are within ITS control) that deliver this service to ensure industry standards are meet. 

Comment/Suggestion 

Why wasn't the people that the new construction effects asked for their opinions/suggestions.  It looks like they are putting the Academic Education Office by Student Services (Admission/Counseling, Financial Aid, Student Accounts and Registration) it would be better to put the Academic Education Office by the Academic Education instructor and put the Career Employment Services by the rest of Student Services.

Move the Career Employment Services to where the Academic Education Office on the new construction plans.

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz

Thank you for your suggestion and we will review possible options. 

Comment/Suggestion

It would be nice if all administrative/staff positions, even interim positions were internally advertised. By not advertising these positions and hand-selecting certain people others are not given equal opportunities. Some individuals are more qualified than those who are hand-selected by administration.

Once you know someone is not returning to a position do an internal search.  By not providing access to all it looks as though favorites are being chosen and at times gender discrimination is taking place.  

It also makes sense to place a person in a position who has knowledge of the division they are going to oversee on an interim basis.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle 

Openings for an interim position usually occur without much time or notice. In the case of high need, the administration will appoint an interim to that position without posting. If we know the individual who has left the position will not be returning, that position will be advertised. However, the college reserves the right to appoint a permanent replacement based upon the facts and circumstances of the opening. Those direct appointments are extremely rare at the college as the preference is to have an opening. 

Comment/Suggestion

Why are the basics of the Master Plan not available for  general access & communication with the faculty & staff?  Specifics are not necessary but an overall perspective of the plans being considered would be appreciated.

Suggestion: Publish

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

The “basics” of the Facilities Master Plan are still being compiled. Further meetings to solicit input will be held on each campus during the month of October. Your campus president will communicate the date, purpose, and other particulars of the meeting on your campus. 

Comment/Suggestion

While the CCC campus feels like home to a lot of us, I don't think it should be quite as comfortable as being at home.  Faculty and/or Staff walking through our hallways in stocking or bare feet doesn’t seem okay to me.  It’s not a one-time thing, either.  I know a lot of other individuals have seen it. 

Common sense tells me that as a professional representing CCC, you wouldn't do this, but maybe some of us need a reminder?  Just food for thought.

Revisit what is appropriate clothing to wear to CCC.

Response

Comment from Marcie Kemnitz

I certainly don’t feel bare feet and socks without shoes are appropriate attire in the workplace, but it is difficult to address without knowing the individual(s) who have been seen in this situation. 

Comment/Suggestion

I feel that the allotted time given for dinner is too short and should be lengthened. People at college age usually eat later than the allotted time and most people get hungry again before they go to bed. Also, I know that some people have classes through that time and then are unable to sit and enjoy a meal with their friends.

I think that dinner should end later than 6:15. I think that ending at or around 7 would benefit many people.

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman

The cafeteria is open 5:00 -6:15, the cafeteria generally have about 30 students between 5:30 and 6:00, 3 to 4 after 6:00, with the average dinner meal count at 200. Chartwells have tried expanding the hours until 7:00 last year but did not see a single student after 6:00.  The Snack bar is open until 7:00 Monday through Thursday.  The residence Hall students can get there meal exchange at the Snack bar (even take it to go).  On an average night serve between 55-70 in the Snack bar, most of them before 5:00 or right at 5:00.  There is an average of 10 customers after 6:00 in the Snack bar.

If there is a line they keep it open to accommodate those in the line. Should students have suggestion to improve the service or times there is a food committee chair by Jose Jimenez, Housing Coordinator. 

Comment/Suggestion

I would like the college to consider accepting SAT scores.  Now with all the online classes and agreements we have with other states it would be appreciated if CCC would accept SAT scores.  Although Accuplacer/compass are commonly found around the US, I don't understand why we can create a conversion chart to include SAT scores. 

Accept SAT scores.  Add them to the concordance chart

Response

Comment from Dr. Brennan

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The college will now accept SAT scores.   Please contact Barb Larson when dealing with SAT Scores.

Comment/Suggestion

It would be nice if Administration would consider changing business hours college wide for Fridays during the fall and spring semesters.  The two main reasons being:

Reason #1 –  Many, if not the majority, of staff members take a 30-minute lunch rather than an hour lunch.  This may be a personal choice OR a sacrifice that employees make to squeeze in a lunch during a busy day OR an effort to minimizing the amount of time their department is left uncovered during high traffic hours.  Regardless of the reason, when hourly employees work 8am to 5pm and take only 30 minutes for lunch they reach 40 hours of work by Friday at 2:30pm. Some, but not all, departments are allowing hourly employees to leave work once 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week have been reached regardless of the time of day.  This leaves some departments uncovered for 30 minutes a day (Monday-Friday) or up to two and half hours on Friday.  For those hourly employees who take 30 minutes for lunch but are required to work 8am to 5pm Monday – Friday, the college is spending thousands of dollars annually in overtime pay.

Reason #2 – As the CCC class schedule currently stands, there are very few classes that meet after 2:00pm on Fridays.  Therefore, not only are there few students on campus during Friday afternoons but also very few faculty members.   This deters on-campus events and activities from being scheduled during this time along with internal and external appointments. It would be interesting to know what data (such as phone calls, appointments, etc.) reflects about productivity on Friday afternoons.

One proposal for hours of operations during the fall and spring semester is Monday - Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm and Fridays 8:00am -2:30pm with 30 minutes planned for lunches.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

Your suggestion will continue to be analyzed throughout the year as we continue to review more data.  After receiving your suggestion, we pulled TimeClock Plus information from the beginning of the year until a few weeks ago.  The data does show some drop of hours on Friday as employees have looked to reduce any potential overtime.  However, it did not show a majority or a near majority of employees are doing so.  Additionally, although many of the hourly employees did take half-hour lunches during the summer, not all staff did.  When the fall semester returned, more hourly employees moved back to the hour long lunches.

As stated above though, we will continue to keep this suggestion as a discussion point as the year progresses and as we consider what is in the best interest of our students. 

Comment/Suggestion

I would like the college to consider accepting SAT scores. Now with all the online classes and agreements we have with other states it would be appreciated if CCC would accept SAT scores. Although Accuplacer/compass are commonly found around the US, I don't understand why we can create a conversion chart to include SAT scores.

Accept SAT scores.  Add them to the concordance chart

Response

Comment from Dr. Brennan

Working on a solution. Check back in early October. 

Comment/Suggestion

As the IT department upgrades employee computers, I would like to suggest they consider replacing those who have laptops with 2 in 1 computer.  The upgrade to Window's 10 is app oriented and it would be helpful and efficient to have a 2 in 1 computer.

As we order new laptops for employees purchase 2 in 1 computers therefore these employees who have an ipad and laptop can turn in their ipads.

Response

Comment from Thomas Peters

CCC tried pen tablet/laptops devices a few years ago and as an institution the feature was rarely used. The feedback from users was that the pen feature was not a valued feature. ITS also found this type of device to not be as durable, cost more, require more technical support and while having an unknown life cycle. Current web trends are showing that this type of device is not gaining in market share and its future life is in question. I’ve included a couple industry articles for additional information. Thanks

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/is-a-touchscreen-pc-worth-the-price/

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/dont-buy-a-touch-screen-laptop. 

Comment/Suggestion

Each time we (all of the CCC Faculty and staff) are on the GI campus there is never enough food for everyone and the quality and menu selection are very poor.  There wasn't even enough iced tea for everyone.  This isn't a very positive way to welcome your valued CCC staff.

Administration should have a pretty good idea of how many people will be attending these sessions.  Please cater since the GI campus only has a small snack bar.  Some faculty/staff left to eat the second day. 

Response

Comment from Dr. Brennan

We are sorry that the food service for lunches did not go well. We are working on solutions.

Comment/Suggestion

I think that who ever works at the switchboard/Information Desk should dress in appropriate matter, maybe not fancy dress clothes...but like the rest of the employees do.  No jeans with holes, sloppy tee-shirts, etc...

Response

Comment from Liz Luna

Thank you for the suggestion this has been addressed and will be monitored however please understand that student workers are allowed to wear appropriate jeans. 

Comment/Suggestion

It's disappointing that the GI campus can't serve lunch to staff during the In-Service on August 15th. It would be enjoyable and a chance to get caught-up and socialize with each other in the spirit of camaraderie. Most importantly, it would be good for morale, which needs a boost right now.

Something simple, even sandwiches like we usually have would be great. 

Response

Comment from Dr. Walker

The decision was made to provide a more robust breakfast, as opposed to, lunch for these reasons: 

• Hourly staff would need to check both in and out at lunch time, leaving many standing in line while their lunch period evaporated;
• The costs of providing both breakfast and lunch was not economically feasible; and
• Campus In – Service functions as professional development. 

Comment/Suggestion

If someone on an interview committee knows one of the applicants that is being interviewed, I feel they shouldn't be allowed to be on that committee.

When asking someone to be on an interview committee, ask those people if they know any of the people being interviewed, and then they would have to be excused.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

Our interview committees are selected before the application deadline has passed.  We work with the committee in advance of the deadline on forming interview questions and scenarios as well as developing the interview schedule. 

In the case of many of our positions where one or more internal applicants has applied, for example, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to form a committee where at least one of the applicants was not known by a committee member.  As such, we do have committee members disclose relationships they may have with an applicant after the committee has selected those for interview.  If the relationship would traditionally violate college procedure such as in the case of a familial relationship (even though the committee member would not supervise the employee), we do remove the committee member.  If it does not violate procedure, we may have the committee member not participate in that interview, participate in the interview but not the conversation about the candidate, etc.  Such issues are handled on a case-by-case basis so we can provide all of the candidates with the most unbiased committee as possible. 

Comment/Suggestion

In the last 48 hours, It has assisted the GI ASC with updating Pearson Vue testing computers to Windows 10 (no small task), corrected a Tutor Trac issue with connection to the new wireless, completed 2 ASC Help Desk requests within an hour of being submitted, and loaded Read Write onto flash drives to prepare for the ASC's part in the launch of the literacy software. 

ASC staff is very thankful and appreciative for the work IT does, which makes our job of serving students much easier.

Suggestion: Keep up the great work! 

Comment/Suggestion 

Some salaried employees are working on campus on Fridays. They are using Fridays to make up for other days missed so they don't have to use vacation. Because they don't have to use the timeclock there is no way to track them. As an hourly employee I cannot work on Fridays as I would be tracked and get in trouble.

What is the point of the four day work week and advocating for sustainability if people aren't going to abide by the rules?

My suggestion is to communicate to all of the employees that it is not acceptable to be on campus on Fridays during the summer hours unless there is a special occasion approved or if their specific job requires them to be here. 

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

Since the sender did not specify a campus location, I queried all three campus presidents about employees working on Fridays. Here are their brief responses: (1) Columbus - No one comes to mind from Columbus, though I am sure there are a couple of us who have come to campus for a couple hours on Friday to catch-up from a vacation – but not in lieu of taking vacation time. J I will see if I hear anything else, or if you get any more specifics I will be glad to follow-up with them too.  Matt; (2) Hastings - I am unaware of this happening on the Hastings Campus but will visit with supervisors. The only activities are those that had been pre-approved from your office. If I find out anything I will get it corrected and notify you. Bill; (3) Grand Island - I have spoken with my direct reports in regards to this matter and they are aware of no one who is doing this. I have asked our security personnel to make me aware of any staff on the premises during these times. I don’t believe they are referring to me, but in full transparency, I am often at the College on Fridays and weekends. This has been my practice year – round since my arrival and I use this time to get caught up on administrative tasks, as well as, using the wellness room. Thanks. TW

Based on the responses of the campus presidents I am not inclined to take any action. Our employees are well aware they are not to work on Fridays without prior permission. If the author wishes to provide some specifics, then I will investigate further. 

Comment/Suggestion

I think if someone is looking for a specific person on another campus and sees the information below the map that tells them what building someone is in, that person should also be able to click on the building and get a building map that will tell a person exactly where the person is at they are trying to locate.

Response

Comment from Scott Miller

After looking over this request, I reached out to Dr. Chris Waddle and he said from a legal standpoint, there is nothing that would be problematic with identifying on a website where exactly someone could be located. However, from a logistics standpoint, it could be problematic because with three campuses there could be changes in office locations, which would require a lot of upkeep. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, some CCC staffers could be VERY uncomfortable with their exact location being identified this way. It seems that there is a lot of comfort in knowing that if someone comes to a particular office and asks for someone, then the person at the desk can direct the person to a particular office. So, there is an additional layer, if you will. 

Comment/Suggestion

Why are faculty and staff expected to respond to all modalities of communication within 72 hours, yet administration at all levels are not held to the same standard?

Faculty are evaluated from the bottom-up in semester SSOI (Student Survey of Instruction).  A question is placed in the SSOI's and states the instructor responded to you within 72 hours; students then rate the instructor on their response time.

Since this is a problem at all levels of administration can administration work to improve this?

Overall, staff and faculty should be given the chance to evaluate their individual supervisors / Ad's/Deans/etcetera.  Then higher admin would know what/where/who/ and how to improve administrative positions; what types of training to provide for admin; each supervisor could use the feedback given to improve or continue doing what they are doing when reviews show that they are adequately fulfilling their job responsibilities.  

The Employee Engagement Survey doesn't break this information down by constituent groups and doesn't allow for individual supervisor evaluations.  Admin is lumped together throughout this survey.  Also by only allowing Deans to evaluate AD's (just an example) etcetera then only a top-down eval is given.  This is also concerning since many Deans are not located on the same campuses as their AD's and quite frankly aren't aware of the AD's (just and example) coming's and going's.  

It is something that we urge administration and the Board to look at since faculty and staff are held to such rigid guidelines and evaluation processes. Staff may not be evaluated from the bottom-up, like faculty are, but they are still held accountable at many levels just like the faculty.

Suggested Solutions:

Faculty and Staff evaluate their respective AD's, Deans, Presidents etcetera yearly so that higher administration can address this with those who are not fulfilling this part of their job requirements.  

Faculty and staff could complete a simple survey that is similar to that of the SSOI that each supervisor would receive yearly. There could be a rating scale with pertinent questions, and comment boxes just like the SSOI for feedback on Strongly Agree and Strongly Disagree selections.

Those who are fulfilling this part of their job requirements successfully could possibly be mentored by a Dean, AD, or President that has effective communication skills.

For example, Dr. Nate Allen who has always been very timely in all modalities of communication (or at least will inform fellow colleagues that he may not have the answer right now, but will be in touch within a certain timeframe) inform others how he successfully fulfills this portion of his job requirements.  

Overall, staff and faculty should be given the chance to evaluate their individual supervisors / Ad's/Deans/etcetera.  Then higher admin would know what/where/who/ and how to improve administrative positions; what types of training to provide for admin; each supervisor could use the feedback given to improve or continue doing what they are doing when reviews show that they are adequately fulfilling their job responsibilities.  

The Employee Engagement Survey doesn't break this information down by constituent groups and doesn't allow for individual supervisor evaluations.  Admin is lumped together throughout this survey.  Also by only allowing Deans to evaluate AD's (just an example) etcetera then only a top-down eval is given.  This is also concerning since many Deans are not located on the same campuses as their AD's and quite frankly aren't aware of the AD's (just and example) coming's and going's.  

It is something that we urge administration and the Board to look at since faculty and staff are held to such rigid guidelines and evaluation processes. Staff may not be evaluated from the bottom-up, like faculty are, but they are still held accountable at many levels just like the faculty.

Response

Comment from Deb Brennan

Faculty are held to the 72 hours response time because they are working with students.  I will use me as an example of administrators trying to keep up with email, phone calls etc.  There are times when I simply get behind. During the week if I am out of the office and away from email I have 100 or more messages to sort through. I welcome second reminders emails or a phone call.  My administrative assistant is usually available by phone if needed to track me down.  I am sure I am no different than most.  

We are working with the All-College Faculty Senate on data from the Employee Engagement Survey and will continue the conversation this fall when the faculty return to campus.

We are also talking with the CCCEA on their proposal for a 360 degree survey but that conversation is just beginning and I do not have any other information. 

Comment/Suggestion

- Staff may contribute an amount between 2% - 7.5%. The College will then match the contribution plus an additional 1%, (College max of 8.5%).

- Faculty must contribute 9.5% with the College matching 9.5% (see negotiated agreement). 

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

The rate the faculty uses is set by the negotiations and their salary increase is offset by the amount of their TIAA-Cref contribution from the college along with the cost of their other benefits.

The staff contribution and match is different from the faculty as the staff contribute 1% less to get the benefit of the full contribution from the college. Additionally, faculty must contribute the full amount while staff get to choose from 2% to 7.5% with a match from the college with an additional 1% added.  Much like benefits such as vacation time and personal time, the two employee groups do not always present us with an apples-to-apples comparison.

Each year the college analyzes the salary and benefits we provide to the employees against what the private and public sector employers provide. The faculty are compared against other faculty at peer institutions. The TIAA-Cref match is a very valuable benefit for which the private sector does not often match. We will take the suggestion under advisement as we look at our benefits program for the next year understanding though that salary increases are directly affected by the cost of benefits. 

Comment/Suggestion

Currently, the employee onboarding process is pretty messy. Every time an employee starts, I have to put in several helpdesks to make sure they have everything they need. If I put in one large helpdesk, sometimes not all parts are addressed as they need to go through multiple people.

I propose that there be some kind of workflow for when an employee starts: the paperwork goes through HR and then the supervisor fills out a checklist of things the employee will need (Colleague, WebEx, R25, PaperCut, phone, keys, laptop, etc.) so that the supervisor does not have to put in multiple helpdesks and try to coordinate with different offices. This could also work for when an employee leaves the college.

Response

Comment from Deb Brennan and Chris Waddle

HR has  a spreadsheet for the supervisor advising them of what they need to do. On SharePoint FT and PT Hiring and Termination Forms Checklist.   We will work with the Business Office on multiple helpdesk issues.  Professional Development is also working on the Onboarding process, in totality, which should help as well.

The process is somewhat complicated – but we will continue to work on it.

Example:  Employee A has been promoted and carries with them their former Colleague access from the old job to the new.  Employee A leaves and the supervisor asks for Employee B to have the old functions copied from Employee A. Difficult to either the supervisor or IT to know what to do without having a dialogue. 

Comment/Suggestion

There are several grade scales that should be required to punch a timeclock. Anyone with a Grade Scale of 12 and below should be required to punch a timeclock. Or get rid of the timeclock all together and go back to the way it used to be. Many who are supervisors, they have no clue how tedious it is to have to watch every minute when punching a clock. And the constant frustration of when the timeclock won't read your finger print and standing there at the timeclock and trying several times to get it to read your fingerprint. Let us use our employee ID card instead of the fingerprint. Supervisors, who are salary paid, should have to punch a timeclock as well.  Even if they are salary paid, by being required to punch a timeclock, then their hours can be watched to see who is really putting in the amount of hours they are required to and who isn't putting in their required hours. There are so many salary paid, supervisors who abuse this privilege by not having to punch a timeclock and being able to come and go whenever they please. Whenever salary people need to take time off for illness, or other time-off, they should be required to put this time down on how long they are going to be gone on timeclock plus and have their supervisor approve it.  So many salary people come and go all day long for personal reasons, but don't have to document all this personal leave anywhere. There are several salary people abusing their privilege of being salary. Making them punch a timeclock and making them have to key in all the times they leave to personal reasons, this could help stop some of that abuse of not working a full day.

Everyone with Grade scale of 12 or under should be required to punch a timeclock and submit their personal time when they leave for appointments on timeclock. It should matter whether they are a supervisor or not and whether they are salary or hourly paid. There is to much abuse of salary employees not working a full week that they are getting paid to work.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

There are two issues to address in your suggestion.  The first issue deals with the timeclocks themselves.  While it is true that there were quite a few issues with the timeclocks at the time of their implementation, most of the bugs such as reading the biometric signature have been corrected.  If this problem remains for you, I would encourage you to reach out to Beth Meyer to help you work on a solution.  The suggestion of moving back to the old system or using a card are not viable options for the college. With the advent of the Affordable Care Act and additional regulations from the Department of Labor, the timeclocks were necessary for reporting and other requirements.  Cards were not an option for us as many part-time and student employees use the clocks in addition to our full-time employees and we needed a solution that would work for all.  Many of our students and part-time employees do not obtain the cards.

The second issue deals with how the law treats exempt employees. By law, to qualify as an exempt employee the employee must be paid a minimum salary which is not offset by time and must perform the type of work required to meet the test. The nature of that work involves a complicated analysis of when the employee is working and when the employee is not. While the exempt employee may not be at his/her desk, the employee may in fact be representing the employer at a meeting, conference, community event, etc. The intertwining of personal and work life is a fact for the exempt employee in a way that does not typically exist for the non-exempt employee.

To that end, if you see what you perceive to be abuse, I would encourage you to discuss that issue with the employee’s supervisor. It is ultimately up to the supervisor to determine whether the employee is getting their work completed as required and using their time effectively.

Comment/Suggestion

Is it possible for administration: especially AD's to post some for of Office hours?  

When students, staff, and faculty need AD's they are no where to be found and it is hit and miss as to when they will be in their offices.

It would be beneficial if Office hours could be posted by AD's, (especially during Fall and Spring Semesters) so that students, faculty, and staff know when they can be reached.  Maybe 3 hours a week (spread out over a couple of days) or something so that we know when we can reach them.

OR

AD's at least need to make faculty/staff aware of when they will not be in their offices.

Response

Comment From Dr. Brennan

The associate deans keep a schedule  in Outlook.  This is where faculty and staff should look when needing to contact the associate deans or deans.  You can request Share Calendar in Outlook. 

Comment/Suggestion

WebCentral is a link that every employee and student at CCC utilizes. Productivity, repetitive stress injuries, and time are all sustainable activities that are influenced by the indirect link to WebCentral from the CCC web page.

All employees and student must scroll or click three times to get into WebCentral from the cccneb.edu page.  That does not sound like a major amount of work, however, it’s not very sustainable over a period of time.  

Please consider placing it in a location whereas it can immediately be accessed from the home page.

If you ran an analysis on the link and how many times it is accessed, you might find it used more than any other link at CCC.

Thank you for your consideration.

Easy solutions would be to put the WebCentral link 1) under the “Get Started” icon.  2) first on the “Tell Me” list (right above Financial Aid) or 3) listed at the “Select Language” drop down menu.  

I'm confident it would be used more than any of these three icons.

Response

Comment from Tiffany Seybold

The redesign of the CCC website was created with a marketing purpose. It’s geared more towards prospective students. However, we understand that it is the home page for all CCC computers. This is why there is a link in the footer and in the menu under “Current Students and Employees.” Putting a link to WebCentral under the “Tell me about” buttons doesn’t make much sense for prospective students as they will not have access to anything in WebCentral. It also would not make sense under the select language as that is not its purpose. The web committee will meet to discuss the issue.  

Comment/Suggestion

Last year sometime we all were required to have new employee photos taken for the directory. I know that we have had staff changes in that department but it has been almost a year.

Please update the directory with the new photos.

Response

Comment from Joni Ransom

It hasn’t been a year – the photos were taken in the last few months of 2015 – but the process has taken longer than I wanted. I’ve slowly been working on them and adding them to the email accounts and photo book as they’re completed, but an extremely busy spring semester prevented me from making real progress. The good news is that I finally have the time to make the photos my top priority. I’ve told the few people who’ve contacted me directly that my deadline is the end of July, although I actually hope to get them completed sooner. 

Comment/Suggestion

Why does the college discriminate against the BW employees and give them less vacation days than the monthly employees? The benefits of the college should be equal to all employees. BW paid employees should receive the same vacation days as Monthly paid employees.  Other places I've been employed at have always had equal benefits for all employees. There has been never been this pick and choose of benefits depending on your rate of pay or status at the company.

All benefits of the college should be equal to all employees. Which would mean changing the vacation accumulation to be equal for BW and Monthly.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

I submitted new policy and procedure language to the Cabinet last week which would change the vacation leave to be the same for bi-weekly and monthly employees.  The board will consider the change at the June 30^th meeting.  If the board approves the change, we will implement the vacation change on July 1^st.

Comment/Suggestion

To my understanding the Financial Aid office on the GI campus has a generic phone number. This number rings on all 3 desk. Whoever is not busy at the time can answer the call. Sending the call to one specific person is not as beneficial should that person be busy or gone. This causes delay in services to that student. If one specific person is requested then send that call to that person’s number but if they just request Financial Aid then it goes to this generic phone number for service.

I am suggesting that all student service offices have a generic number. It gets loud in these offices during certain times of the semester and one cannot always hear their co-workers phone ringing. This would be helpful in catching those call that are missed. 

I am also suggesting that this generic number is the number that is posted on all advertising.

Response

Comment from Jerry Racioppi

I was under the impression that the majority of student services phone services were working well based on what leaders throughout the division tell me, but in response to this suggestion box post I looked into it.  As the individual who made the suggestion may or may not be aware, many of our offices have only 1 staff member so having a “generic” office number would not serve any purpose that I can think of.  It is possible to dial 0 when you are ringing any CCC extension and be transferred to the switchboard to try another extension.  I will ask divisional leaders to ask all staff members to check their voicemail to ensure that they mention this option in their voice mail greetings.

Offices that are large enough to have a generic number and do have one at all locations area wide include:

• Records and Registration: Records and Reg has Phone Central (308) 398-7412 and the generic number for Hastings is x2415.  Grand Island phones all ring together when any line rings and their phones also all ring when the college wide switchboard rings and I have been told that we can’t really change that arrangement.  Columbus is also set up so that when 1 phone rings they all ring.)
• Financial Aid (The generic number for Hastings is: x2413 ); Other offices will consider establishing one.
• Admissions area wide has a toll free number (877) 222-0780 and directions for reaching any staff member is located online at: https://www.cccneb.edu/Admissions-Staff/   As the majority of our students and prospective students utilize the Internet to get information we believe that this is the best option as we want to deliver personalized service and allow people to reach out to the Admissions person who they feel most comfortable speaking with.
• Academic Success Center is configured so that when one phone rings anyone can pick up the call, the main number is x2573 (Director’s line)
• Hastings Residence Life is configured so that when one phone rings anyone can pick up the call, the main number is x2432 (Director’s line)

Offices where there is only 1 person works and it does not make sense to have a generic number but people can dial 0 for help include:

• All Career and Employment Services offices
• All TRiO offices
• All Academic Transfer Specialist offices
• All Testing Centers
• All DSS offices
• All Veteran and Military Resource Centers
• All Student Activities offices
• Columbus Residence Life office
• New Student Orientation office

We have opted to utilize a personal approach in much of our web pages and have listed people’s names and direct lines.  When I get divisional leadership together in June will consider changing some to generic as appropriate on the website. We will also look into publications. 

Thanks for giving us this topic to consider. 

Comment/Suggestion

What happened to the weight scale in the exercise room. Several people use this scale and I noticed it is no longer in the exercise room.

Also, The big machine in the exercise room needs to be turned around so when you are sitting on the benches using the various parts of the machine you are facing the tv instead of staring at the people who are exercising on the treadmills. It's very awkward facing each other if you are using the big machine and someone is walking on the treadmill.

Response

Comment from Rob Briseno

The white doctor’s office scale is still in the exercise room. It’s in the corner next to the free weights. The movement of the multi station machine makes sense. I will put in a School Dude request to have it moved 180 degrees. Thanks 

Comment/Suggestion

The sidewalk on the east side of the campus ends at the south entrance to the parking lot. From the point where the sidewalk ends to the hike/bike trail people need to either walk through the grass or walk in the street.

Create a sidewalk that connects where the sidewalk currently ends to the hike/bike trail.

Response

Comment from Dr. Walker

This suggestion will be added to the capital projects for next year. We can’t use our yearly concrete budget on this because that is federal money and can only be used on existing concrete that is cracked, broken, or raised that would pose an ADA issue. Thank you for the suggestion.

Comment/Suggestion

It has been expressed that faculty and staff feel as though administration has created a very toxic and hostile work environment and it has continually gotten worse within the last 8 years.    When some individuals have tried to address the current work environment with their immediate supervisors they are told that it will be seen as being insubordinate.  Several staff and faculty feel as though they are being bullied in their current workplace, but have refrained from reporting due to fear of increased bullying and retaliation, and it being seen as insubordination , as reported by fellow staff and faculty who have tried to address the current unhealthy working environment.  

Is administration willing to include a bullying policy in Policies and Procedures?

Creation of a bullying policy.  Administration working to view staff and faculty as equal. 

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

Central Community College has a zero tolerance policy regarding bullying, harassment, retaliation, incivility, etc. However, action can only be taken when incidents are actually reported. Below is a portion of the CCC policy and procedure related to DISCRIMINATORY HARASSMENT 

Policy:

Students, staff, administrators, and faculty are entitled to a working environment and educational environment free of discriminatory harassment.  Central Community College’s harassment policy is not meant to inhibit or prohibit educational content or discussions inside or outside of the classroom that include germane, but controversial or sensitive subject matters protected by academic freedom. The Discriminatory Harassment procedures describe the specific forms of legally prohibited harassment that are also prohibited under College policy. (NOTE SEE FULL DOCUMENT FOR RELATED PROCEDURE).

And, RETALIATION, REMEDIAL ACTION, AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Procedure:

A. Retaliation

Retaliation is defined as any adverse action taken against a person participating in a protected activity because of their participation in that protected activity.  Retaliation against an individual for alleging harassment, supporting a party bringing a grievance or for assisting in providing information relevant to a claim of harassment is a serious violation of College policy and will be treated as another possible instance of harassment or discrimination. Acts of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately to the Title IX/Equity/AA/ADA/504 Coordinator and it will be promptly investigated.  Central Community College is prepared to take appropriate steps to protect individuals who fear that they may be subjected to retaliation. (SEE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT FOR MORE DETAIL). 

All CCC policies and procedures are present on the CCC website. We cannot address the assertion of unhealthy work environment because no specifics are cited. CCC annual employee engagement surveys do not support this assertion. CCC is committed to creating and maintaining a friendly, open, and civil work environment for all employees.

Comment/Suggestion

Hastings campus is allowed to wear denim all the time--and no mandatory "fee" for scholarships. Columbus is also open to wearing jeans.

Why does the Grand Island campus have a different set of expectations for its employees?

I definitely do not propose sloppy or improper attire but I think students feel comfortable with faculty & staff wearing denim. 

Response

Comment From Dr. Walker

The history of the Grand Island campus was one which jeans were worn on designated Fridays with the dollar contribution going to support scholarships. To suggest that students feel comfortable with staff/faculty in jeans is an inference that suggests that they feel "uncomfortable" with those who do not wear jeans, which in an academic environment is called a "non sequitur". I believe that we (faculty/staff) also act as role models and should dress in a manner that represents the disciplines and professions they will enter. Hence, as a standard approach, business casual should be the norm, with the exceptions of disciplines (welding, nursing, etc.) that demand a different approach. I am certainly supportive of designated Fridays as a specific day to wear jeans but will always deem business casual as the decorum for the Grand Island campus. 

Comment from Bill Hitesman regarding the Hastings campus

I would agree whole heartedly with Dr. Walkers comments. This is the first I was made aware that Hastings has “open” jean days. We too use Fridays if people pay a dollar toward scholarships if they wear jeans. Many of the disciplines on the Hastings campus jeans are appropriate attire for the industry as pointed out by Dr. Walker, i.e., auto technology, auto body, welding, manufacturing, diesel, HVAC, electrical, construction etc.

I believe last summer Dr. Smith gave approval to open up the jean day through the four day week provided people paid the dollar. However, I would always encourage proper attire depending upon the area they are working in and subject to the supervisors’ approval within those areas.

Comment/Suggestion

I believe the College Registrar and her assistant should be required to attend Graduation. They are a part of Student Services and should be in attendance at graduation.

Require the College Registrar and her assistant to attend CCC Graduations. 

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

No CCC employee, except myself, is required to attend CCC graduations. Graduation ceremonies are scheduled outside of normal CCC work hours and work days. We hope that employees will choose to attend their campus graduation ceremonies to enjoy the celebration of our students’ success.

Comment/Suggestion

I attended the training on the new evaluation process. The training was really good, but I was very disappointed when they started talking about the "CCC Values". Students, Community & Innovation are all great things, but what about putting Employees in the group.  A place that doesn't value it's employees is a place that has very unhappy people. Just putting that out there.

Please value your employees. Listen to their suggestions and ideas. Value them by knowing their names and returning phone calls. Just because someone has a higher paying salary, it does not make them any better because in the end we are all part of the wheel that makes this place go around.  Be courteous with them and treat them like you would want to be treated. 

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

In CCC’s new Strategic Plan, Goal 4 is “Valuing Employees” – specifically “Promote a culture of appreciation by improving orientation and collaboration, expanding professional development, improving communication, and supporting future leaders.” While this is a nice statement, actions speak louder than words and CCC’s actions repeatedly show that it values its employees through (1) salary and benefit packages, (2) general working conditions, (3) professional development opportunities, (4) wellness programs, (5) recognition and celebration of employee accomplishments, etc.,. In a workplace of close to 500 busy full-time employees, everyone will occasionally feel “slighted.” This happens in any workplace but, in my opinion, should not be taken as a personal affront. Many years of employee surveys demonstrate that, in general, CCC employees feel valued and are proud to say they work at CCC. The commentor is correct when she indicates that incivility and rudeness have no place at CCC. Let’s treat each other kindly.

Comment/Suggestion

I was wondering why we can't have a chair or something in the private stall.  It would be nice to have at least a chair in there.  People who have to take shots or medicine should have something to sit on not just the toilet.  If you drop a needle or insulin or pills in the toilet they are lost forever.    Medicine and insulin is not cheap.    We don't need anything really big in there just a spot to take your medicine.  You can't do it at our desk because that is not private.    If you are taking medicine or shots you need something that is not full of germs.

Also it would be nice if you are not feel well it would be nice to have somewhere else to set on instead of in your office or the toilet stool.

Please put a chair or something in there to set your medicine on and keep us off the floor

Response

Comment from Joel King

This comment section of this suggestion raises several issues I would like to address.

1. While I’m not opposed to putting a seat in the “private stall”; I would have to say we have not done that anywhere else on any of the campuses and this seems to be a matter of luxury and not necessity. 
2. The comment that suggest that putting a chair in there would give medicine users a place that isn’t full of germs, is suspicious.  I can’t attest to the cleanliness of any piece of equipment or furniture in a restroom.  Especially on the level of being sterile or “germ free”. 
3. Finally, the point that it would be nice to sit somewhere other than your desk or a toilet when you aren’t feeling well is also problematic.  If you aren’t feeling well enough to sit at your desk; take a sick day and go home.
4. Again, I don’t see anything particularly wrong with placing a seat in that room; however, I do think your reasoning is flawed. 
5. The proper channel to get this accomplished is to put in a help desk request to facilities who will in turn get the proper approvals.  You may also, as always, ask your supervisor to make the same request. 

Comment/Suggestion

Some people are really loud in the break room every day. It's very distracting. 

I don't know what can be done, if anything, but can someone at least send an email to everyone in the administrative office to respect the fact that some people are actually working and don't want to listen to people yelling all the time in the break room. Can we all please use our "inside voices?"

Response

Comment from Dr. Brennan

An email has been sent requesting office employees reduce noise levels.

Comment/Suggestion

The street by Franklin there are deep pot holes that I swear feel like they are 20 ft. deep.  I have talked to other students about it and they agree.  To avoid those pot holes we basically have to drive on the opposite side of the road which is obviously dangerous for on coming traffic.  Right by that stop sign where you turn to get to Platte there is a truck that parks there so you can't see for on coming traffic as it is, let alone having to make a wide turn so you don't break the shocks on your vehicle.  I think that is a major thing that needs to be fixed.

Fill the holes.

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman

The street in front of the dorms on the Hastings Campus is indeed broken up with a lot of potholes due to a rough winter. I drive this road daily and I would agree with the statement and know that I too have to drive very slow and very careful. With that stated we will be repairing the potholes as soon as the asphalt plants fire up and ground temperature is conducive to repairing without having the asphalt come out right away. We are hopefully going to get these filled within the next week or two.

Please also note that we have put literally millions of dollars into and 11 phase project on the Hastings Campus over the past eight years to address the conditions of potholes on all of our roads. This year the road referenced to in the suggestion box is on the list of repairs. This road with get torn up after graduation and replaced with a new road by fall.

Comment/Suggestion

It would be really nice to come to work and be able to work without the computer locking up, or Outlook always trying to retrieve data.  How are we going to go to new software when the computers don't work with the old software.  And please do tell me to do a help desk, that has been done way to many times and nothing still gets fixed, it still locks up and its a real pain when you are trying to work and get your job done.

Response

Comment from Tom Peters

Not much I can say other than the vast majority of the causes of slowness are on the client side device. There are currently no bandwidth issues in the infrastructure that could cause a like problem. Nothing I can without knowing the type of device, the location of the device, if it is a wired or wireless device, or the physical location to test network wiring. Having no user name to contact to investigate this issue gives me no options to find the cause.

Comment/Suggestion

Everyone should be aware that the new addendum:

"No employee shall record, by any means, the conversation of another employee without a legitimate purpose for the recording, the recording device in plain view, and the other employee’s full knowledge and consent of the recording."

to the video surveillance on Central Community College is in violation of current Nebraska state-wide rules for recording conversations. Currently in Nebraska, we have a one-party rule not two. That means, that as long as the person with the device recording the conversation is a part of the recorded conversation, we do not have to obtain consent from the other party that is recorded EVEN if it is defined in a workplace setting.

Nebraska law also states that if the recorded conversation is documenting objectionable behavior (as defined by the one-party consent), that recording is protected speech.

I strongly think that the addendum phrasing needs to be reworded to include this knowledge to avoid any future legality issues such as: "No employee shall record unless they are a part of the conversation, by any means, the conversation of another employee without a legitimate purpose for the recording, the recording device in plain view, and the other employee’s full knowledge and consent of the recording."

Response

Comment from Dr. Smith

CCC administration believes it is unethical to record a conversation with another individual without her/his knowledge and consent. The CCC procedure provides more rights to the non-recording party than Nebraska law requires.  The law provides a floor on recording notice as to what is minimally required.  CCC, as an employer dealing with strictly employee issues (recording each other), is allowed to have such a restriction.

Comment/Suggestion

I recently received an email about a Mini Grant Program available to full time faculty members.  Why is the Mini-Grant only available to full time faculty?  There are many adjunct teachers and part time instructors who have students design and create highly innovative projects.  This is another example of adjunct or part time teachers being left out of the programs and options available at CCC.

I have been teaching as an adjunct instructor at CCC for the past eight years.  There have been times where I actually taught more classes during a given semester than some full time faculty members, yet I am not able to apply for grants like the one you listed with the email.

Programs and grants like these should be available to all faculty members who propose quality educational opportunities for students - not just full time teachers.

The College Cabinet, who approved this program, need to consider adjunct teachers when making these types of programs available.

Will anything change?  I doubt it, but I at least wanted to express my opinion in regard to programming like this.

Consider adjunct and part time teachers when providing programs.

Response

Comment from Dr. Brennan

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.  The college typically extends most ventures  such as this to adjuncts and part-time employees.  I expect we limited to full-time because of limited funds and to run a few pilot programs.  Marni and I will bring to the committee as we revise and improve this process ((yet this spring).  We are discussing a possible second round late this spring for early fall projects.

Comment/Suggestion

I was told by security that they were instructed to no longer give parking tickets in front of Gausman when students knowingly park during clinics.  The majority of our patients are elderly.

If drivers cannot follow the rules then there should be consequences.  Tickets.  We are not doing our students any favors by enabling them to think they don't have to follow the rules.

Response

Comment from Jason Davis

First, I would like to thank you for sharing your concerns about the parking in front of the Gausman Building which is reserved for Dental Hygiene clinic patients.  The safety of all individuals on campus is taken very seriously including the safety of the patients who utilize the services of the Dental Hygiene program.  I have spoken with G4S Security and they confirmed that their officers have never been instructed not to issue parking tickets in front of the Gausman Building. 

Neither Central Community College nor G4S has access to a license plate registration database which makes it very difficult to enforce parking violations for individuals who do not have a Central Community College parking permit.  G4S does issue citations if there is a properly displayed permit.  While all employees and students are encouraged to register for a permit, they are only required for students living in the residence halls. Permits are available in the Student Success Center and are free of charge.  

At this time, we are looking into other strategies for monitoring the parking which will allow us to enforce the rules fairly and consistently. 

Comment/Suggestion

Definition of Volunteer – a person who enters or offers to enter into any service of his own free will.

As an hourly employee it really bothers me that I am not allowed to volunteer to help with CCC activities held after my regular working hours without being paid and without having permission from my supervisor.  These include such events like Candlelight Dinner, Ram Run, Husker Harvest Days, Ag contests and Recruitment events like state and county fairs. I was able to help with the Candlelight dinner this year and was the only hourly employee who participated.  I love helping with events like this, you always get so many smiles and thank you’s, as the students really enjoy and appreciate the interaction and special attention.  Last year I believe there were two of us.  Prior to the new rule about “volunteering” several hourly employees helped at many of the extra activities.  I feel very strongly that it really helps with retention and makes students feel more comfortable and valued when faculty and staff take the time and interest to participate in these activities.  I have also noticed a decline in the number of faculty who now are involved with these events (there were only two faculty who were willing to help with the Candlelight dinner).  It seems to be a growing trend to not be involved with the special events like Candlelight Dinner Fall Fest, etc.  and not only these events but those like ACTIONS Day.  My frustration is that hourly employees who love the opportunity for a change of scenery and enjoy the student interaction now are not allowed to help (many supervisors won’t pay overtime and don’t allow comp time), and many new faculty see it as not their responsibility and salary people don't want to be on campus past 4:30pm.    Most people, if they volunteer, will do so but only during the 8-4:30 time frame.  Many of our student events end up being after 4pm because students are in class until 3:30pm and with a large number of residence hall students it really is essential to their college experience on campus (and to keep them from coming up with their own extras that might bring bad consequences for both them and the college) to have these planned events. It would be silly to not provide opportunities for these students but many events, especially events like Candlelight, cannot be done with only one to two staff members. Do we stop having these events? 

CCC talks about having engaging experiences for our students and personalized customer service, but I don’t believe we are really delivering personalization of these experiences.  How is this maximizing student success? How is this building and maximizing campus community success, as well? 

"Investing in you" is a statement that has been being used, with talk about investing and talk about employee wellness but then hourly staff has the opportunity to volunteer taken away, which is one of the major suggestions for helping personal wellbeing and improving mental health.  Mixed messaging?

As for me I would just like to be able to help with some of the extra activities like I used too without being paid and without having to get special permission.  It’s not volunteering when you’re paid.   

Is CCC becoming a place to just “work” without taking ownership and pride in what we are doing? Is it just a place to put in “required hours” and get a paycheck? Is it becoming a place where we are no longer like family, enjoying working with our co-workers and students?  Is it now just a place where everyone is watching their back and looking out for themselves?  I hope not, but this is the feeling I think we are trending to, and it makes me sad.

Let people be free to volunteer their time for activities outside of normal working hours without having to have permission or be paid 

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

While the college appreciates the desire of all employees to volunteer, CCC must follow FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) regulations which do not allow hourly employee to volunteer for the institution. 

Non-exempt (hourly) employees need to be paid any time they do anything as a representative of the college or for the benefit of the college.  This includes working at the State Fair, helping at college events off campus, etc.  This includes hours worked outside of their regular schedule as well as hours worked during their normal working hours.

If non-exempt employees “volunteer” to work at these events, they need to clear it with their supervisor first.  It is up to the supervisor to decide if the employee will need to adjust their hours in their regular position, or if the supervisor wants to pay overtime for the employee to help with the event.  CCC does not have comp time so schedule adjustment and overtime are the two options to accommodate a non-exempt employee’s desire to volunteer for the college.

The only time this does not apply is if non-exempt employees are volunteering for the Foundation, since the Foundation is a separate entity from the college.

Exempt employees by definition are different than non-exempt and are able to volunteer with no constraints.

Comment/Suggestion

Why encourage traffic on roads that are not cleared? If Grand Island schools cancel because of impassisility of roads----why force employees to get out and get stuck attempting to get to work? 

Response

Comment from Dr. Walker 

The decision to be open was based on direction from the College President. Employees are given the option to call in to their supervisor if they feel their route to work is impassible. Thank you for the input 

Comment/Suggestion

Is it possible to run the scheduled scan for the new virus software sometime other than during business hours? Every time it runs it slows down the computer's capability of doing anything to a snail's pace. It's impossible to get anything done while it is running.

Response

Comment from Tom Peters

ITS is not seeing like results as to what is being reported below. There are several things that could cause slowness performance. The first step that should take place is to have an ITS Client Technician do a health check on this device. Please call the service center to have a helpdesk ticket created. Thanks! 

Comment/Suggestion

I have found it very difficult to inquire what textbook is required for the class

providing links to textbook that is required for the class or provide more instructions of how to identify the required textbook needed

Response

Comment from Barb Larson 

All book information for a course is attached to that course in WebCentral.  You can find it on your MyClass Schedule by clicking on the class and the book information it at the bottom of that link.

Comment/Suggestion

Employees should receive years of service award based on their beginning start date of employment with the college, not when they go from part-time status to full-time status.  Some employees started working for the college part-time and then went to full-time, but their years of service are not calculated on their total number of years that they have worked here. Instead, their years of service start over when they go to full-time status. This isn't right. The years of service award should be based on their TOTAL number of years they have worked here at the college, not partial number of years when they went to full-time status. Every company I know of, except for the College, calculates years of employee service from their start date of employment with the company, not when they went from part-time status to full-time status. I propose from this point on that CCC calculates Employees Years of Service based on their initial start date with the College and not restart their years of service when they go from part-time status to full-time status.

I propose from this point on that Employee Service Awards be based on their Initial Start Date of Employment with the College and should not start over when they go from part-time status to full-time status. This isn't the true number of service years that they have worked at the College. They should receive Service Awards based on their total number of years (part-time plus full-time combined) and it should not start over for years of services when they become full-time.

Response

Comment from Angela Davidson

A service award committee was formed in 2011 and decided the parameters for the program.  It was the committee’s decision to have ‘the count’ start over when one enters a new employment status.  At this time, HR feels this practice should continue due to record keeping system limitations.

Employees who transition from part-time to full-time and those that transition from full-time to part-time all start their count for years of service over as they are now in a new classification (FT/PT).

Comment/Suggestion

I have been here several years beginning as a part-timer and then became full time. When I received my service award for full-time status I was sadden by all the part-time years that I put in that are not recognized. It's like once you become full-time your part-time years mean nothing. This place of employment has a lot of part-timers and we count on them a lot to help out during our busy times. Without part-timers we would be in a world of hurt.

I really feel that any and all current employees that have started as a part-timer should also have those years included in on their years of service. We need to recognize all those part-time years. It’s a part of valuing your employee. 

Response

Comment from Angela Davidson

A service award committee was formed in 2011 and decided the parameters for the program.  It was the committee’s decision to have ‘the count’ start over when one enters a new employment status.  At this time, HR feels this practice should continue due to record keeping system limitations.

Employees who transition from part-time to full-time and those that transition from full-time to part-time all start their count for years of service over as they are now in a new classification (FT/PT).

Comment/Suggestion

I sincerely appreciate our part-time employees being recognized with service awards.  However, I feel all part-time employment should be considered when figuring service awards.  Starting the year count at zero just because an employee moves from part-time to full-time appears to discredits their part-time service.  Several employees, whom I hired, trained and supervise, are ahead of me in the number of service years simply because my years of part-time service are not counted any longer.  Are those employees that have received part-time awards, and became full-time placed back to year one.  It makes for humorous conversation, but I fear it ultimately places HR in a bad light.

 Perhaps it can simply be "Years of Service" with no distinction between part-time and full-time.  Or if the distinction is necessary, please don't penalize those dedicated part-time employees that worked to gain full-time status.

Response

Comment from Angela Davidson

A service award committee was formed in 2011 and decided the parameters for the program.  It was the committee’s decision to have ‘the count’ start over when one enters a new employment status.  At this time, HR feels this practice should continue due to record keeping system limitations.

Employees who transition from part-time to full-time and those that transition from full-time to part-time all start their count for years of service over as they are now in a new classification (FT/PT).

Comment/Suggestion

How about an updated map (accessible on the web site) since potential students can't drive in front of the Adams and Platte Building. 

Revise current map to remove driving road in front of Platte and Adams building.  Repost .pdf on CCC web site.

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman

The map is currently with Amanda Groff in the Marketing Department so when completed it will be updated on the web and hard copies. We are also addressing the appropriate signage to improve the traffic flow around this area.

Thanks for the question. 

Comment/Suggestion

I'm wondering if we can change In-Service Day (or at least half of the day) to be more productive for by allowing CCC employees to volunteer for certain community-based projects. Since we want CCC to become more visible in each of our towns, let's offer 2-3 opportunities per site for CCC employees to sign-up for that day of In-Service (it would be required, but each employee would have the choice as to which job they help with). For example, we coordinate with non-profits to help pick up trash, paint rooms, deliver meals, etc. - Imagine the impact a couple hundred volunteers (CCC staff) could make in one day.

Response

Comment from Dr. Brennan

We are taking to the Cabinet a proposal to restructure how the All-College In-Service is planned.  If that is accepted I will forward this idea to the committee.  I am also going to share with campus presidents in case they see opportunities at the campus level.

Comment/Suggestion

The electric pencil sharpeners in the distance classrooms need to be replaced. They are very old, dull, and the motors are slow. 

New pencil sharpeners would cost $10-$30 each depending on the model. PLEASE buy new sharpeners for each distance room! It's a little thing, but it makes a huge difference. Don't be cheap, these sharpeners get a lot of use, buy ones that will last.

Response

Comment from Eric Jones

A miss understanding delayed. I asked Diana to go get some today. So they should be in place tomorrow or Thursday.

Comment/Suggestion

Why is there so much crap now allowed on the Information Desk when the person before the present person on the Information Desk was not allowed to have hardly anything.

Remove the crap from the Information Desk.

Response

Comment From Dr. Thomas Walker

1. If there is specific information that is referred to as “crap”, I would like to know what is being referred to;
2. I have not set an injunction (in reference to the comment “what used to be”) nor do I see a problem with it;
3. If it is in I have had no complaints from a student or visitor regarding the condition of the desk; and,
4. The jar of candy is much like the jars provided elsewhere on campus; i.e., the info desk in the area office.

Comment/Suggestion

Many of our students struggle with the cost of purchasing textbooks initially, having enough funds in their student account available at the beginning of the semester or if they have added/switched courses at the last minute, having a textbook for the first few days of class. 

Perhaps the library could keep 1 copy of the course textbook on hand for student use?  (Maybe not for every single class, but for the more common core courses or highly demanded pre-requisite classes.)  This textbook would be treated as a reference book, and not available for checkout.  As for courses that use electronic texts, perhaps the login username and password could be restricted to librarian knowledge only.  The librarian could then log a student in to the text access.

(The intent is not to keep the student from having to purchase the text, but to help them succeed in the class by allowing them access to the course material while they get their own copy).

Response

Comment from Deb Brennan

Textbook companies have copyright and access controls in place that may limit the release of text access or use of some protected materials.  However, as the cost of textbooks and other course materials continue to increase , Central Community College is committed to investigating the use of open educational resources as a means to reduce costs for students.  As part of this effort the college will discuss having textbooks in the libraries.

Comment/Suggestion

A lot of the rooms that I've been in have had loud fans in the ceiling turn on during class, and I mean REALLY LOUD. My teacher has to yell and I have to yell and repeat myself if I have anything to say... which is very frustrating. It wastes time and takes away from my full learning potential that I PAY for.

Response

Comment from Kelly Christensen

Yesterday we did have a number of technicians here to look this over and back again today. So thanks to Rob and his staff we should see some improvement.

Comment/Suggestion

I am in this room for 50 minutes three days a week and every day the vent or something in the ceiling gets to be extremely loud, it sounds like a spaceship. It gets to the point my instructor is basically yelling at us. I feel this is distracting and very inappropriate. It makes it very hard to understand my instructor during lectures and that's all my instructor does is lecture. I am paying to go to school and I would like if I could hear and understand the instructor. 

This needs to be addresses as soon as possible. They said they've fixed if, but that was not true. It has been super loud since day one.

Response

Comment from Kelly Christensen

Yesterday we did have a number of technicians here to look this over and back again today. So thanks to Rob and his staff we should see some improvement.

Comment/Suggestion

The flower beds/rock beds are nothing but weeds.  some of the weeds are bigger than the bushes and flowers.  the Hastings campus is known for their beautiful flowerbeds and a beautiful grounds and it is not looking that way right now!  If it is not taken care of now, next year it will be worse as they will all go to seed.

Maybe hire some students that need help paying for tuition?

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman

With construction this summer, Pat Evans moving to instruction, we were left shorthanded and no one to maintain the flower beds or very little assistance. Since we have hired a new grounds person these will slowly get addressed and improved. Summer part-time help is no longer available which also slowed the progress down. We have plans to improve each area though out the fall.

We have tried to hire student workers over the years and continue to work with financial aid with job applications for student work study. This is on going and sometimes we get folks and sometimes we get no one interested. 

Thanks for the suggestion.

Comment/Suggestion

I feel we need to add a Guideline for the purchasing process.  We hold workshops and conferences that have the cost of food included in the registration price.  Sometimes the cost is greater than the approved guidelines but the cost has been factored into the cost of the event and has been paid for by the participants.  It is hard to pick a guideline that is close to this as the college is not providing a meal the participant has paid for the meal/breaks.

Please give us a more specific guideline where the food is paid for by the participant when paying the registration fee.  This will make the requisition easier to complete.

Response

Comment from Joel King

Since, the college isn’t paying for the cost of food as they are covered under the registration cost, no guideline would need to be sited on the requisition. 

We will put some language in the guidelines that makes that distinction during it’s next review. 

Comment/Suggestion

Yesterday, we were over at the cafeteria and ate.  We went to get some ice cream and the NEW soft-serve ice cream machine was broken again (many times) since they have opened so I went to scoop out some hard pack ice cream from the freezer and it was so hard you couldn’t scoop it.  They told me to report.  Please see what you can do about it.  The old ice cream machine that had both vanilla and chocolate or twist was working well and to go back to something NEW that is down more than it’s up doesn’t make sense.  This college wastes so much money just throwing things away that could be salvaged and still look good.  NOT SUSTAINABLE AT ALL!!!!  And with the cost of the meal you should get desert with that.   

Bring back the old soft-serve ice cream machine or equivalent since the old one has probably been disposed of by now :-( and be more sustainable when remodeling. Also, repaid freezer for hard-pack ice cream.

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman

Chartwell’s indicated that the temperature for the hard ice cream is set by the State Health Department to assure it does not get too soft which can be a health risk. With regard to the soft ice cream machine the only time they put an out of order sign on the machine is when it is empty and then refill. The out of order is only for 5 minutes or so until the ice cream gels enough to serve. 

The old machine may be used as a backup or depending upon how the new machine handles the number of students may be brought back into service at some point.

Comment/Suggestion

I would like the college to consider letting student service employees work 10 hour work weeks/4 day work weeks, the week before classes start and the week of classes starting.  It seems most staff are already putting in extra time and most are salaried and are not getting compensated for their time or efforts for helping all our new and returning students.  Employees put in a lot of hours these two weeks to help ensure students are enrolled in classes, advising those who have questions or want to rearrange their schedule, helping those who do not have their financial aid in place and help them set up payment plans.

allowing 10 hour work weeks these two weeks.  I am suggesting the college be open Monday through Friday but provide additional coverage to each office and compensate employees for their efforts to help new and returning students.  

Response

Comment from Jerry Racioppi

One part of this suggestion is to allow Student and Enrollment Services employees work four 10 hour days the week before and the week classes begin and also require that some people work Friday and allow those who work Friday to take another day off in order to better serve students.  I agree that we should do our upmost to serve students, and the idea of expanded hours would make that possible.  There may be difficulties with single person offices like TRiO and others, but I certainly will take the idea under advisement.  

I am in disagreement with  the assertion “staff are already putting in extra time and most are salaried and are not getting compensated for their time or efforts for helping all our new and returning students.”  The writer’s statement that salaried staff are putting in extra time is predicated on the idea that salaried staff are only paid to work 40 hours per week, and that simply is not accurate. Salaried (or exempt) employees do not complete hours but rather complete a job.  That may mean the hours are longer at times.

I think it is important to say in summary that I sincerely appreciate the professionalism and commitment of all CCC employees and certainly the clear commitment to the best interests of our students and staff evidenced in this post.

Comment/Suggestion

Found it interesting and ironical that the survey regarding summer hours never once asked the question "Did you like working the four day weeks" or "Would you like to continue to work four day weeks during the summer".

Ask the direct question regarding working four day work weeks.

Response

Comment from Brian McDermott

Regardless of who (employee or student) completed the four day survey, all were specifically asked a question related to the desire to continue the four day week. 

Employee: Based on your experience on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the least support for and 10 being the most support for, what is your desire to continue this four-day work week in the future?

Student: Based on your experience on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the least support for and 10 being the most support for, what is your desire to continue this four-day school week in the future?

The survey also includes questions for both employees and students on their satisfaction with specific aspects of the four day week, and all are given an opportunity to provide additional comments in open-ended questions.   

Comment/Suggestion

I am appreciative that a survey regarding summer hours was sent out.  I would have liked the opportunity at the end of the survey to add any additional comments.  I felt I had comments about the summer hours I wanted to share, in terms how it affected my personal and professional life.  

sending out an additional survey to all for comments

Response

Comment from Brian McDermott

Regardless of whom received the four day survey (students or employees) all had the opportunity to comment in an open-ended question on how to best improve the four day week experience.   In the responses receive to date, the majority of respondents used this opportunity to explain their personal points of interest regarding the four day schedule not covered in the other questions.

Comment/Suggestion

In the online College Catalog under “Grievance Procedures” at http://catalog.cccneb.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=2078#Grievance it states: “A concern relating to a grade, which is governed by the procedures described for "Grade Appeals" located in the college catalog.” Using the search tool in the upper-right corner of the page gets the results in “No Matches.”

Students need easy, searchable access to policies and procedures, particularly when one is unjustifiably failed in a course, and being ignored by the instructor.

Response

The Grade Appeals information is located under "Instructional Information" in the catalog and on the Student Policies and Procedures page on the CCC website: http://www.cccneb.edu/StudentPoliciesandProcedures/ . Due to the suggestion it has now been added under "Grievance Procedures." The search result for "No Matches" is likely no matches for courses. Further down on the search page under "Other Content" "Policies and Procedures for Students" and "Instructional Information" are shown in the results.

Comment/Suggestion

I would like to suggest that we no longer print off and submit job descriptions to submit with the application for individual professional development funds.  

All of the jobs are listed on the info sites if someone wants to review them.  This could save much paper and ink in the years to come.

Response

Comment from Kory Cetak

We are in the process of updating the Individual Development Program application material. This will remove the (attach job description) after the Job Title. The review committees involved will be able to look up the individuals job description on the HR SharePoint site if needed. So the job descriptions will no longer be required to submit when submitting their application for IDP funds. Eventually we would like to make the whole process electronic which will be a future goal of ours.

Thanks,
Kory

Comment/Suggestion

I love having the automatic email signature inserted into our emails; and it would be really nice if it could be inserted immediately after the message instead of being added to the bottom of the page.  I think this is especially important when we are replying to external emails, since I do not think very many people scroll to the very bottom to see the signature.  I find myself copying my email signature from other emails and manually inserting it, which kind of defeats the purpose of having the automatic signature line.  

Response

CCC uses a tool provided by an outside vendor to accomplish the email signature block. I will pass on your suggestion to our partner to see if there is any interest and/or future planning to make adjustments to their software application. 

Thanks for your comments.

Comment/Suggestion

The weeds in front of the Hall Student Union are an embarrassment to this campus/college!  I understand that we are in the process of construction but the construction sites look better than the completed Hall Student Union does right now.  Even though the landscaping cannot be done now, the weeds need to be mowed down.  They are bringing an infestation of mosquitos in and the looks of the site is humiliating when others are visiting the campus.

Mow down the weeds in front of the Hall Student Union.

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman

Cloud Burst were supposed to be taking care of this as part of their landscaping contract. However, our grounds crew took care of this morning and in front of Platte.

Thank you,
Bill

Comment/Suggestion

Our CCC website is terrible. You can't find anything on it. No one outside of CCC knows that you have to click on the 3 bars. They are looking for tabs. Stop all the scrolling stories they are annoying. List tab labels that make sense so when people go to our website they can find what they are looking for. Example:  Cost & Tuition - College Courses - Catalog - Staff Directory - Contact Info. Then under Cost & Tuition you could list how to apply, the cost, etc.

Our website is horrible and needs to be changed. I have heard from so many frustrated people calling in and can't find anything on our site and making comments to me that we have a lot of stuff listed that no one cares about, like the scrolling stories. 

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer

The Web Management Team has discussed this. Major changes to the homepage are not anticipated anytime soon. 

Comment/Suggestion

I've seen a few previous comments that recommended website redesign and the replies stating that you have no intention of doing that (or making it user friendly). Therefore I won't ask for that again and waste your time.
However, I noticed something when I was trying to find contact info to call a specific department. The phone numbers are there after a little digging, but I don't know which department would help meet my need. I think a simple fix could make this and calling the campus easier.

My suggestion is to put a small paragraph (1-2 sentences) at the top of the page that would describe what that department does. For example, On the page that lists contact info for Student Accounts at every campus it would be helpful to know what that department can help me with. This way I don't waste time calling another department and I don't waste the time of the employees in that other department. If the goal is for the site to be mobile friendly, then helping potential and current students use their phones more efficiently should be important.

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer

If you are suggesting that the department descriptions be incorporated into the staff directory, that might be possible but probably isn’t practical. The staff directory is a custom piece built by the web developer (as opposed to a feature built into the content management software). I anticipate that implementing your suggestion would be relatively expensive. It isn’t something we included in our 2015-16 budget request. However, I will ask the web developer for a cost estimate.

If your suggestion is referencing a page other than the suggestion box, please send me the page url and I will consider it.

Comment/Suggestion

I agree with the earlier comments about the webpage.  I've had several calls too with people not being able to find things on our webpage.  I  tried looking for the ELS summer events for someone and never did find it, so finally just transferred them to the ELS department.

Labeled tabs - Admissions Requirements, Catalog, Programs, Classes, etc.

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer

The Web Management Team discussed this previously. There is no intention of using labeled tabs as suggested, or of doing a major redesign of the home page, which would be required if we made the suggested changes.

Comment/Suggestion

The CCC website needs to be changed drastically so it is user friendly and less cluttered.

am a CCC employee and I can't find anything that I'm looking for on the website, so I know the general public and students surely can't find things they are looking for.

Get rid of those 3 bars and have a normal menu which would be putting tabs at the top of the main page.

Get rid of the scrolling stories and all the other scrolling stuff. That is so annoying. No one is interested in these stories. They are looking for information on our site, not to read stories. 

Make the site less crowded. Give it a more simple look. I have viewed other college sites and they have a simple look to them, but you can easily still find everything you are looking for by clicking on the appropriately named tabs at the top of the main page. 

Most people who go to the CCC website are looking for classes, and the price of tuition and programs that we offer. They are not looking for all that other stuff that is listed on the main page.

Have a tab names say what the person would be looking for like, programs. Give tab names that make sense. Not a tab name that makes no sense but you have to click all over on several tabs trying to find a program tab, or a college catalog tab, or tuition cost.  I can't even find the college catalog. That should be a tab which is on it own.

Under the program tab, then list all the programs we have to offer plus the early college programs. Any program we offer should go under a program tab.

These are just a few suggestions that would make more sense. Go back out and look at other college websites and go back to a more simpler and easier to find things for our college website.

I have had so many complaints from people calling in and they can't find nothing on our website and have really cut down our website.

We need to change this site and give it tabs at the top and  get rid of all that stuff in the middle, and give names to the tabs that make sense.

Response

Comment from Tiffany Hartwell

The 3 bar menu was implemented to effectively deliver content to those on mobile devices. Having a mobile friendly site is becoming more and more crucial as our society progresses. Recently Google even dropped search rankings for sites that are not mobile friendly. 

Many of the “scrolling stories” are there help students or prospective students know important information such as our summer hours, when and how to register, veteran’s resources, and more. This is similar to what was on the old site. 

The purpose of the new website was largely to market to prospective students while still containing information to help current students. WebCentral is where current students and employees should be going for the most part to find information. 

Your suggestion to have programs, catalog, and tuition costs on their own tabs sounds great until everything else piles on top. When we have 50 tabs no one will be able to find what they’re looking for and our website will look like a completely unorganized mess. The web team worked to create an organized menu structure that would make sense without being overwhelming. 

If you have any specific suggestions on renaming tabs or restructuring the menu we may be able to take it to the web team and discuss it.  

Comment/Suggestion

Is there a chance a time clock can be located in the lower resource center by the entrance or somewhere downstairs. 

Response

Comment from Joel King

Yes, I would recommend you send in an IT Help Desk request.

Comment/Suggestion

With the new 10 hour days, hourly employees must adhere closely and carefully to put in their 9.5 hours in order to receive their .5 hours of excused leave, making it complicated when needing to leave early, or have a doctors appointment, then we must always use vacation time to make up the difference.  There has always been a divide between salary and hourly employees, where some directors rarely even put in 40 hours and are always gone by 4:00, 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. and earlier on Fridays.  Now that we are on 4 - 10 hour days, there are many salary employees that are not putting in 10 hours a day and are simply benefiting with Friday off.,...and can come and go for appointments and lunch.  It's as if hourly and salary people are now so far apart that it's as if we aren't even working at the same place.  An hourly employee, now on 10 hour days, can't run and pick up a child etc., without having to use vacation and losing the .5 excused hours for the day., a salary employee doesn't have to worry about any of that. Another concern with the 10 hour days is that those of us with babies/toddlers, have them in daycare for 11 hours.

I would like to see an effort to have some fairness when it comes to salary employees having to put in 10 hour days and even coming and going for appointments, lunches, picking up their children, etc.

Response

Comment from Joel King

Some of your assertions are just wrong. The expectation for salary employees is the same as hourly employees 4 – 9.5 hour days.  If this is not happening, that is a supervisory issue and should be handled within that venue, just like any hourly employee not working the full expected day.  

The daycare issue has been a known variable from the beginning and is one of the things that will be looked at closely when reviewing the 4 day week at the end of this pilot program.  My question would be if it takes another hour at the end of the day to pick up kids when you work 9.5 hour days so that you would have 4 extra day care hours at the end of the week.  Wouldn’t you have 5 extra day care hours at the end of a week when working 8 hour days and pick your child up at 6 for 5 days?  I’m not clear on how the four day week creates an additional burden in that area.  Could you please clarify?

Is there a difference between exempt employees and non-exempt employees? “yes”. That difference is created by labor law and the trade- off is if exempt employees work overtime they are not paid overtime.  So, yes there will always be a difference, we try to keep them as similar as we can but the nature of the classification does make them different.

Please remember that the extra .5 hours is a benefit.  It is nothing that has been earned or that you are entitled to receive.  It is the college giving you extra pay if you work the full 9.5 hour day that is the expectation during the summer.  You will still get paid for any actual time worked and any paid time off you request in the appropriate manner. 

Comment/Suggestion

ow is it decided if a position will be advertised or simply assigned to someone already working in the department?  This seems rather random.  I applied for my job as an internal candidate and yet several other jobs have been recently just reassigned. 
It would be nice if the process was a little more transparent.  I've worked her for a number of years and there are other jobs I would be interested in. Do I tell my supervisors supervisor which jobs I want to be considered for, or is there a more formal process? Currently it just seems like a lot of favoritism vs equal opportunity.  

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle

Personnel requisitions are developed by the supervisor and approved through the division.  If the division leadership recommends a transfer or promotion of a current employee, the human resources division forwards that recommendation to the College President for approval.

Comment/Suggestion

I really think we doing printed inter-campus marketing and outreach wrong. It's absurd we can't send the same print file to other printers on other campuses and get consistent results. If we were able to improve this situation, it would cut down on emissions and other unnecessary costs to move this printed material around and also free up valuable staff time since they wouldn't have to worry about translation and tweaking as we have to do now. The printing staff would be able to turn around projects faster and more efficiently for everybody.

It is of my opinion that we should look at standardizing printers across all campuses that are used to print marketing material. This is so that departments that utilize these services and those whom depend on inter-campus outreach can achieve standard color and quality. All printing staff regardless of campus, could also receive same training and equipment so they can learn from each other. 

Response

Comment from Joel King

This is a good suggestion and will be considered when making purchasing decisions.  This will take a multi-year approach in order to fund and standardize.  Thank you for this suggestion. 

Comment/Suggestion

I've noticed that both Columbus and Hastings have an awards banquet, and I'm wondering why Grand Island doesn't. 

Response

Comment from Dr. Walker

We are in planning for a similar event next year.

Comment from Gerald Racioppi & Dr. Brennan.

Dr. Walker and I noticed this also – and are planning to implement a student awards program similar to the other campuses next year.  I attended the Hastings ceremony and it was a very positive experience and the students faculty and staff were obviously really enjoying it. With the changes in administration we are not sure why the Grand Island campus has not had this recognition. 

Comment/Suggestion

For emails only pertaining to people who work hourly, or staff, only send them to "All Staff".  For instance, emails regarding people who get paid Biweekly should not be directed to "All Faculty" as none of them get paid hourly, or get paid Biweekly.

For emails only pertaining to people who work hourly, or staff, only send them to "All Staff", or the appropriate location's Staff.

Response

Comment from Math Gotschall - Columbus Campus President:

We agree that targeted communications can happen and do have groupings like All Faculty, All Support Staff, All Supervisors and further breakdowns by campus or learning center. However, in terms of items regarding payroll, scheduling or campus operations, we think it better to error on the side of over-communicating those changes vs under-communicating because often times faculty may supervise biweekly lab assistants or advise students seeking services provided by hourly staff, so we want to make sure all are informed of those issues.  Better communication has been an area of concern and area of improvement from employee satisfaction surveys so will continue to try to balance those needs for information vs sending unwanted emails. 

Comment/Suggestion

It would be useful if there were 2 separate lists for emailing to "All Grand Island."  Since many of the emails sent only pertain to people at the actual physical Grand Island Campus, and not those at the Centers there should be an email list just for the Grand Island Physical Campus.  There is no reason the students and employees need to know what is being served for lunch in Grand Island, just as one example where this new list could be used.

Continue have the All Grand Island list, but also create a list for only those at the Physical Grand Island Campus Location.

Response

Comment from Thomas Peters - Information Technology Service Manager:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. The types of email distribution lists that you are referring to are very difficult to maintain with a high level of accuracy and typically generate a great deal of unwanted email to many of the recipients on the list.  For the type of email that you used as an example in your suggestion it might make much more sense to have Web or SharePoint link that this type of information could be shared out to users. Using that method would provide the information to only those users that wish to access it.  

Comment/Suggestion

There are times that I would like to post my job openings to multiple locations. 

When posting a new job it would be nice to have a selection box with all the cities available for those wishing to post to multiple locations.

Response

Comment from James Strayer - Public Relations Officer:

Career and employment services is review options for new job board software. This suggestion will be considered once a solution has been determined and planning ensues for the new job board.

Comment/Suggestion

I am unable to find the staff Directory on the new Website. Could someone direct me? Thanks

Response

Comment from James Strayer - Public Relations Officer:

The telephone directory for Central Community College employees is in the footer menu at the bottom of the home page, titled Staff Directory.

The directory with photos of college employees is at: WebCentral>Info Sites>Public Relations>CCCPhotoBook.

The photo book resides in WebCentral so that it continue to require a password to access.

Comment/Suggestion

Chartwells is doing a great job of providing options for our students during the renovation.

As a cash customer I am disappointed in the recent change over break that changed the choices available to me as a cash paying customer.  Last week I could purchase bottled beverages and chips to take to my office since there are no vending machines in the buildings. Now those items don't seem available and today when I ordered the same sandwich I've been ordering all semester, the cost was the same and I received half of what I was getting before.  When I showed my surprise to the staff, they said, I could come back.  That didn't seem to change the price at the register, nor did it change the fact I was trying to order an item to take back to my office.

I guess some clarification of what is available for staff and cash paying guests would be helpful.  Its very confusing.  My understanding was that there are no vending machines installed in the new design because we were supposed to purchase from Chartwells, but It seems there aren't much for choices.  I'd like to leave my lunch on campus, but at this point its looking like it will be easier to leave campus again.  I'd pack a lunch, but again, we don't have a public microwave to heat it up without leaving the building.

Response

Comment from William Hitesman, VP Campus President, Hastings:

The change was due to confusion by people eating both through the line and individual snacks. Chartwell made the choice to open all that is in this area to all you can eat including sandwiches, pizza, through the line, and including beverages. Due to this all you can eat process Chartwell did not feel it was good business to include chips and bottled beverages. This will only be through this semester. This makes it much more like eating in the cafeteria and less like a snack bar.

Comment/Suggestion

When I was looking at the new student page http://www.cccneb.edu/New-Student/ on the bottom of the page it lists the locations. 

It would be nice if you could click on the location and get the same information that is listed under contact us for that location. Not everyone will look at the bottom of the page for the contact us.

Response

Comment from James Strayer - Public Relations Officer

I'm not sure I'm following this suggestion correctly but if you go to We're Right in Your Neighborhood on the page cited (http://www.cccneb.edu/New-Student/) you can select a location and then click on Take Me There in the photo of the location and it will take you to a landing page for that campus or center. The page also has contact information for that location.

Comment/Suggestion

This suggestion was made last year with the reply that you would talk about it. I actually wonder if you ever did discuss this suggestion because there still continues to be the issues. The Information desk is located in the hallway by the 300 wing. There is a sign above the Information desk. The sign is not visible until you are right upon it due to the design of the ceiling. Students entering the building through the 300 wing doors, north and south, do not see this sign because it is facing east and west. It is only visible when you are walking down the hallway heading east or west.

There needs to be another sign placed on the front and side of the Information desk saying "INFORMATION". Students entering the north and south doors will be able to see the sign if it is placed on the front and side of the desk and not wonder where to go once they enter the building through these doors for help. This will also help the students coming from the east see the sign. As for students coming from the west until they see the information sign hanging from the ceiling I guess one can just hope they are walking in the right direction before getting discouraged. Yes there are signs on the walls but this is not enough for the Information desk.

Response

Comment from Dr. Walker

There currently is a sign in that area and Rob and I decided that it is not necessary for there to be an additional sign. The suggestion is appreciated but no students or vendors have complained about problems with directions. Thanks.

Comment/Suggestion

I am extremely disappointed with the events calendar. I recently was looking for the date for graduation, not only for my own curiosity but also because I need to ask off time for work pretty far in advance. 

I went to the events calendar and I couldn't find it anywhere, after a half hour of pushing different links on the web page and having many unsuccessful searches, because the CCC search tool also is very unhelpful and upsetting to say the least, I decided to do a Google search. After I Googled Central Community College Graduation, I had to read the entire article from last years graduation service from the Grand Island Independent Newspaper webpage to figure out where CCC even had their graduation. Then I had to go to the Heartland Event Center webpage, find their event calendar and pray that an event in May would even be posted so far in advance. Thankfully it was, but its something that you should be embarrassed about. I shouldn't have to run all over the internet to find out what day I'm graduating. Being a student I don't have time to waste searching on other peoples websites that my schools webpage should have, and it should be extremely easy to find, so the public can know too.

I wish "important events" on the calendar were actually events that the students found important, like graduation. I feel like the calendar should be made out and posted before the semester even starts, and events can be added as they are created. The search option also needs to give you helpful suggestions and have more options appear. None of this happens.

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer Public Relations Officer:

CCC's commencement ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Columbus Campus: May 8, 7 p.m., Physical Education Center.
Grand Island Campus: May 9, 11 a.m., Heartland Events Center.
Hastings Campus, May 9, 3 p.m., Dawson Building gymnasium. 

Our website software only lists five items at a time under each category in the Upcoming Events calendar on the homepage. Because of this, we haven't yet posted May events (including commencement).

March 6 is the deadline to apply for degrees, diplomas and certificates for spring graduation. We are scheduled this week to post a rotating banner on the home page with information about this deadline. The banner will link to information about commencement. (This information also will go on WebCentral and on our Facebook page and Twitter page.)

Because of your suggestion, we also created the following page, http://www.cccneb.edu/graduation/, which can be accessed through Main Menu>Utility Menu>Events Calendar or by using the search engine. We also have asked that the college consider adding commencement information to the academic calendar in the college catalog.

Thanks for your suggestion.

Comment/Suggestion

The new college website is not user friendly at all.

Get rid of the 3 bars on the side that bring up the menu. 99% of people who view this site can't find the menu and have no clue to click on 3 bars. Put the tabs back across the top of the main page. Also the scrolling site about peoples stories is annoying. No one is looking to read people's stories. When they view our site they are looking for information about CCC not to read stories. Get rid of the scrolling stories. I've look at other community college websites and they are easy to find what you are looking for. You can't find anything on our website. There are several links that don't work on certain pages. Or there are pages that refer to a link and there is no link to click on. Certain items are placed under menu items that make no sense. I have had several outside callers asking where to find things and have really cut down our new website. This website is not giving CCC a good rep.

Response

Comment from James Strayer: The Web Management Team will discuss these suggestions.

Comment/Suggestion

It would be best if College or Campus closings be announced before 6:30 on the day of the closings. 

The reason for this is that students and employees whom don’t live in the same town as the campus they attend or work on, will need to depart early to allow for slow driving conditions and may miss late notifications like the 0715 notification on Wednesday.   Also, during the past two closings channel four (Hastings) and channel ten (Lincoln & Grand Island) did not have a closing notification for CCC posted.  As two of the major news outlets in the local area these two channels need to be included in the closing notifications.

Response

Comment from Dr Smith & Bill Hitesman:

We generally make every effort to make the decision the evening before however if an early morning decision is made we make every effort to provide notification prior to 6:00 am. On February 4 conditions deteriorated quickly and Grand Island, in particular, received much more snow than anticipated. Thus, for the safety of our students and employees, we felt the campus needed to be closed despite the late notice. Weather patterns can vary across the CCC area and therefore weather conditions can be very different from one location to another which makes it difficult to close all campuses and sites.

We agree that CCC closings should be posted on all major news outlets. We are reviewing and revising our notification processes to make sure this is the case.

Thank you for your input and suggestions.

Comment/Suggestion

Wednesday February 4th, I looked on the Webcentral page to see if it was closed because of the weather. 

When I looked, it said all locations were closed. So I was like "okay, I have a snow day." I didn't plan on looking at Webcentral again that day because it had said "all locations." I had a classmate ask me if I was going to class and I said no because I thought it was closed. Then I went back on Webcentral and it changed what locations were closed. My suggestion is to not confuse people or set people up for failure, how about once you make a post about locations being closed, it doesn't change? It would have been nice to receive e-mails about the closing and if it did get opened up again to receive another e-mail about the Hastings Campus being open. It was just confusing. Someone could have seen that all locations were closed right away in the morning and not looked at it all day assuming it was closed. Then they would have missed class and possibly missed tests or anything else that can happen in class. It is just setting students up for failure to post one thing and then switch it an hour later.

Response

Comment from Dr Smith:

A mistake was made. The misinformation on the CCC website was posted for approximately 25 minutes from about 7:50 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. We decided not to compound the first mistake by making another. We have approximately 400 students in the residence halls in Hastings who were able to attend class without traveling and many others were already on campus by 7:50. We are reviewing our inclement weather notification procedures to assure that his type of incident does not recur.

Comment/Suggestion

It is ridiculous that the Hastings campus didn't close today, 2/4/15. Consider the safety of students and staff!!!

Response

Comment from Dr Smith:

Safety is always the foremost consideration when making these decisions. The Columbus and Hastings Campuses made the decision to be open for business on Wednesday and GI, Lexington, and Kearney were closed. We believe the right calls were made regarding those respective sites. Conditions were much worse in Grand Island than in Hastings or Columbus. And, we have close to 600 full-time students in the Columbus and Hastings residence halls.

Comment/Suggestion

I believe that if half of our campuses are closed all campuses should be closed. The weather is not good to be driving in.

Response

Comment from Dr Smith: Campus closings are based on safety concerns not employee equity concerns. It would be unfair to our 600 students in the residence halls in Columbus and Hastings to close those campuses because of severe weather in Grand Island.

Comment/Suggestion

I have been signed up for the Rave notification for a long time. With the closing on Monday, I did not know until someone posted it on FB....so why did I not get my notification via phone call about the closing. I know that I am not the only one. 

Response

Comment from Lenora Koliha: 

To update RAVE Alerts -Please go in and update your information and make sure it is accurate.  We would suggest checking it every semester.

Please click on the following link and it will take you to the “Get Rave Login” Page. 

CCC Nebraska

Your username and password is the same as you log into your computer.   

You may put your office phone under voice only line contacts.  Please take the time to go in and update all of your information.

Comment from Tom Peters: 

ITS just wanted to take a quick moment to let everyone know that there has been several reports that not all of the Rave methods of notifications were delivered as expected announcing the “CCC School Closing” yesterday. ITS is working with our CCC’s RAVE Partner to investigate what may have caused this possible issue and the groups that may have been impacted. As information comes available ITS will keep you updated.

If you would like to register or just check your RAVE settings as to the methods you have chosen to be notified please go to WebCentral and click on the “Emergency Alert Notification System” link, then check your “My Account” information.

Comment/Suggestion

Please place a giant WebCentral button on the top of the CCC Main Page

Put a WebCentral button where it can be found on the Main Page.

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer: The Web Management Team discussed this at our last meeting but decided against it. Adding links outside of the current architecture could cause problems with the mobile version of the website that is viewed on smart phones. (Studies show that up to 65 percent of people will view a college's website for the first time on a smart phone.) There is a homepage link in the footer menu and a link under the Utility Menu. You also can bookmark WebCentral or login to it directly at webcentral.cccneb.edu/.

Comment/Suggestion

It's very disappointing that the new 'recruiting' website design still doesn't promote or consider athletics as a main topic of interest for potential students. 

Again, the only way to get to our athletic information is to know that it's on the Columbus campus. Considering that the majority of colleges view athletics as an important recruiting tool, most have it on their main page. This conditions visitor's behavior so that if it's not on the home page they must not have sports and therefore, may not search for it.

A link to our athletic programs should be included on the home page.

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer:  

There also is a link to athletics under student life in the main menu. I will forward this suggestion to the Web Management Team for consideration. The issue we face is that most departments of the college want a link on the home page and this just isn't practical.

Comment/Suggestion

Please make the suggestion box easier to find. Put a working link on the "Contact Us" page.

Response

Comment from James Strayer:

The Web Management Team will discuss this at its meeting on Feb. 26.

Comment/Suggestion

Your hyperlink for the suggestion box is wrong.

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer:

Thanks for letting us know. It appears that this link doesn't work on "i-devices.) We don't have an immediate solution but we are checking into it. - Jim

Comment/Suggestion

This semester I have spent more than I have on books falling further behind on bills.

There are downloads for the teacher to receive their books to up load onto moodle for their courses. Making the books free for students to use in class.

Response

Comment from Dr Brennan: 

Not all online books have no cost, only those developed under Open Educational  Resources. Currently CCC has three English teachers using OER. Others use some OER book partnered with traditional textbooks. We will continue to discuss using OER books with the faculty.

Comment/Suggestion

Hello - your extended college courses aren't showing up on the website. I find the new web layout difficult to navigate, and not very intuitive. It needs to be further refined to be usable for the average web user.

Tabs would be more friendly - not everyone knows to look at the little white bars to find more info, and the search doesn't pull up what you're looking for, even with generic search terms.

Response

Comments from: Jim Strayer:

Extended Learning Services classes are under Gain New Skills. The Web Management Team selected this title because we have found that people outside the college don't know what Extended Learning Services means. Under Gain New Skills there is "Find Your Classes," which goes to PDF copies of the different ELS flyers listing current classes, and "Class Search," to find community education classes.

One of the goals in planning the website was to make it mobile adaptive so that it works well on various platforms, including tablets and smart phones. Studies indicate that 65 percent of users will see a college website for the first time on their smart phone. Using bars with tabs, as in the old CCC website, does not work with mobile adaptive technology.

The team met Monday (Jan. 26) and discussed changes to the menu structure, which we are in the process of implementing.

Comment/Suggestion

I think it would be nice if there was internet outside and at least in the entrance area of Nuckolls. It is very poor most of the time and sometimes you can't even connect.

Place a wireless router in the entrance area of Nuckolls that way there is a better connection there. it is very poor most of the time and sometimes cant even connect.

Response

Comment from Tom Peters: Place a wireless router in the entrance area of Nuckolls that way there is a better connection there. it is very poor most of the time and sometimes cant even connect.

Comment/Suggestion

With the college catalog not being printed we need to have it be very easily accessible on our webpage. With the new website I do not believe it is easily seen. Our degrees are what we are selling so it should be something we can find quickly.

Put a direct link to it on the front page or at least in the utility menu.

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer:

The Web Management Team met Monday, Jan. 26, and approved revisions to the menu structure and to the footer menu. Moving the location of the link to the college catalog was not discussed but I will forward a query about moving the link from the Utility Menu.

I don't anticipate adding the college catalog as a link in the footer menu, which already includes more items than the page was designed to accommodate, based on direction from the Web Management Team to the web developer.

Two considerations when the team initially discussed the website and homepage design were (1) complaints about too many links on the home page on the old site, and (2) making the new site mobile adaptive. Providing too many links in the footer menu is contrary to both of these considerations.

Comment/Suggestion

How long do we have to put up with slow internet, if it does not lock up on you, continually get a message the Microsoft Outlook is trying to retrieve documents. 

Also, messages that software is outdated is getting old and being asked if I want to upgrade, when I know I can't. Either better main frames so that computers can work like they are supposed to...new software upgrades.

Response

Comment from Tom Peters: 

I'm not sure what I can do with this.  No name given by the sender that posted the suggestion. I have no idea what kind of device they might be using nor what network they might be accessing nor where they are trying to access IT Services from (internal or external). Therefore I can't trouble shoot any possible problem in order to help them. Since the start of the semester network bandwidth has been increased to accommodate much more than the current demand is. Knowing that I would first want to start the trouble shooting with the end user's device but don't have enough information to reach out to offer assistance.

Comment/Suggestion

What happened to the Faculty link on the home page? This was an easy way to link to the email system without going through WebCentral. 

Please put the Faculty link with access to the email system back on the home page of the website.

Response

Comment from James Strayer:

Navigation: Main menu > About > Faculty and Staff

Moved to Main menu > Current Students and Employees > Faculty & Staff

Comment/Suggestion

Being an off campus student would like an area that would be safe to put a coat or books so when I am at the college all day it is not necessary to carry ALL my belonging around with me continuously. This gets quite heavy and strenuous on my back.

Would it be possible to have lockers of some sort in some of the main buildings or an area where things could be safe to leave so carrying all my books, coat etc. would not have to be necessary?

Response

Comment from Dr Gotschall:

Thank you for the suggestion.  Unfortunately, we just removed several lockers in West Education Building due to decades of students not using them.  However, we do have lockers in the Physical Education Building and North Education Building that may be available if you have classes in those buildings. I would suggest you contact Michele Lutz in our Student Center (mlutz@cccneb.edu) and she will work with you on identifying options for you to use, perhaps including a location near your main classrooms or with a program faculty or staff member.

Comment/Suggestion

To whom it may concern: There are consistent issues with the Hastings Secure Wireless when it comes to connecting to textbook/homework websites such as Cengage, WebAssign and Connect. 

It does not seem to be consistent as to whether or not is is a Mac or a PC that is being used. When I do my work at home on my wireless or on the school hardwired computers there are no issues. This has been an issue for both semesters 2014-2015 and it does not seem to matter at what location you are on campus. Additionally, when speaking with the companies of the homework/textbooks they recommend that the ports on our campus be adjusted.  It is very frustrating when trying to accomplish the tasks set forth by the instructors.

Please fix this. Our ebooks and homework are very expensive and there is no time to waste in these semesters with the workload we are given.

Response

Comment from Tom Peters: 

ITS will reach out to the Cengage Tech Support Team to see what ports might need to be open. This is the first I've ever heard of this issue occurring.  I can't be sure that it is a port issue given the information that was provided but maybe Cengage Technical folks have seen this issue before.

Comment/Suggestion

Please make and academic calendar with all the dates for the current school year available on the new website.

Add a link for the academic calendar to the home page on the new website.

Response

Comment from James Strayer:

Information from the Academic Calendar is on the home page in the Upcoming Events Calendar under the important dates category in the drop-down menu.

Comment/Suggestion

Due to the overhaul of the Cafeteria we the students are eating food(if any) that we are self can make either at the dorm or at home.

The suggestions I have are; give an refund and/or reduce dining cost for until the cafeteria is done and ready to serve meal in, Give dorm students voucher to go to an fast food that would work with CCC to give an fitting meal.( If the student orders more then the voucher can pay for the students come up with the rest of the funds)

Response

Comment from Bill Hitesman: The spring semester is going to be a challenging one for many people.  This is the first week that Chartwells has been preparing food at another location and transporting it to the new Snack Bar area in the Hall Student Union.  As with anything new, it will take some time to make the necessary adjustments. I do plan to meet with the Chartwells manager about the possibility of offering more selections.  

While this is not an ideal situation, it will allow us to transform the 1940’s cafeteria into a beautiful facility for all to enjoy.  The new design will allow Chartwells to provide our students, employees, and guests with a wide-variety of offerings from which to choose. 

Thank you, 

Bill

Comment/Suggestion

I find it difficult to comprehend the reasoning behind the college's decision to require that every job opening at the college, whether it be part-time or full-time, the minimum requirement is you have to have a degree no matter what the job may be. 

I know of several people who have worked at the college for many years and know the college's procedures and everything about the position but they don't have a degree, so they can't apply for the position. Then there is someone who doesn't work at the college, knows nothing about college procedures or the job but they have a degree, even if the degree isn't in that area or they got their degree several years ago, and that person is able to apply for the position and get hired just because they had a degree.

There are jobs at the college where internal staff with several years of experience are better qualified for a position over someone externally who has no experience and knows nothing about the job but the external candidate gets hired because they have a degree even though the internal candidate, without the degree would have been better qualified.

More time is wasted training an external candidate for a position who knows nothing about the position when they could have hired an internal candidate who could pick up right away and do the job efficiently right off the start.

I suggest the college goes back to the old procedures and take out the minimum requirement that you have to have a degree on some of these positions that become available. Give the internal employees who have several years of experience and are better qualified for these positions a chance to apply for these positions, even if they don't have that degree. By only allowing someone who has a degree, but no experience the opportunity to apply for these positions that isn't right. Give your internal employees a chance to apply for some of these positions, even if they don't have that degree.

Response

Comment from Chris Waddle:

The requirement of a degree for a majority of our positions here at the college is not a new one.  While there have been changes which reflect the market for employees, there have always been a fair number of college jobs that required degrees beyond a high school diploma.  There have been no recent changes in college policy or procedure regarding degree or experience requirements.

It is important to remember that the college believes strongly in the degrees we offer and desire them to be valued in the employer market as well.  To that end, the college has several programs in place for employees to advance their skills and get the degrees valued both by our college and employers in general.  First, the college continues to maintain a tuition remission program for all full-time and continuous part-time employees to obtain a degree at CCC.  Second, the college maintains the Individual Development Program to pay for part of a degree beyond an Associates degree.  Third, the college maintains a relationship with 4-year institutions such as Bellevue University and Hastings College to obtain a degree at a reduced cost through scholarships or tuition breaks.  Lastly, the college foundation maintains its own development program for degree funding.

Comment/Suggestion

The Staff directory only pulls up Staff Pictures, not numbers or email

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer: 

The staff directory referenced in the suggestion currently is under development by our third part web developer. - Jim

Comment/Suggestion

With such a large photo crossing the screen it is very distracting.

It would be nice not to have any at all. Hard enough to figure out where to go with out the pictures scrolling.

Remove all pictures.

Response

Comment from Jim Strayer: 

The Web Management Team worked with a web developer that has experience in developing websites for colleges. The homepage design is the result of recommendation from the web developer and considerable discussion by the Web Management Team, with a focus on the website as a marketing tool. The team will consider this suggestion but I don't anticipate making major changes such as the one suggested anytime soon. - Jim

Comment/Suggestion

I can not find an area to get faculty office phone numbers

go back to the old web page ,it was better

Response

Comment from James Strayer:

There is a link to the staff directory on the home page, in the footer menu.

Comment/Suggestion

Have a tab that actually says "sign-up for a class" even your answering service says that but its no where to be found on your web site.

im sure if you work there its easy to find but do some research and you'll find normal people will not be able to find it.

Response

Comment from Dr Brennan: 

The deans will be discussing January.

Comment/Suggestion

I would like to send a Thank You to Mr Peters.

Thank You Mr. Peters for keeping us informed on when maintenance is going to take place and when it has taken place. It really help when something isn't going quite right we know why. Keep up the communication to all.

Comment/Suggestion

I would like to thank our campus President for having our backs. 

I’m sure it was a difficult decision to make when the other campuses are not going to close. We here on the Grand Island campus praise him for his actions in keeping us all safe. Thank you Keep up the good work.

Comment/Suggestion

Chartwells is doing an amazing job adapting to the chaos in their areas. 

Some people are complaining but I don't think they realize the issues that are being resolved daily behind the scenes.  Keep up the good work and keep on improving as new options become available.  Some of us think you are doing a great job, given what you have to work with! 

People need to develop some patience and understanding!