GCC's Enrollment Up - Snow Cross Is Back - Mt. Zion Sets Rates

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, MI - Wednesday, October 27, 2010 - The fall enrollment report was given by Miranda Lawver, Assistant Registrar and Institutional Researcher, and Jeanne Graham, Director of Admissions and Public Information at last night’s meeting of the Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees. As of October 18, headcount at GCC this is up 93 full time students over last year, with 830 full time students and 398 part time students. Credit hours taken by student are also up, from 14,052 in 2009 to 14,919 this fall. These figures mark the fifth consecutive year for increases in both headcount and credit generation at Gogebic, and the highest credit hour total in GCC history.

Carl Ahonen, of Joki, Makela, Pollack, & Ahonen, PLLC, presented the 2009-2010 audit to the Board. The college once again received an unqualified opinion on its financial statements, with no findings or conditions.

Keith Johnson, Steve Pallin, and Andy Tijan addressed the Board on holding a regional snow cross event on December 11 at Mt. Zion. This community group has previously held successful events at Mt. Zion in the past. The Board enthusiastically approved working with the group on hosting the event, stating that it is a wonderful opportunity not only for the community, but for the students in GCC’s Ski Area Management Program to gain the experience working at this type of event.

Mt. Zion rates for the upcoming season were approved. Season pass rates will remain at last year’s rates, but daily lift tickets and rental rates will see a slight increase. Full day tickets will go from $18 to $20 and half day from $16 to $18. The full listing of rates will be available on the GCC website at www.gogebic.edu.

In other action, the Board approved the purchase of a Denford UMC Milling Machine for the Computer Aided Drafting and Design Program. This is a replacement to the current equipment which is outdated, so that the students can learn on equipment that is used in business and industry today.

Bids were also approved for new vehicles for the college fleet. A 2010 Ford Escape will be purchased from Bessemer Auto and a 2010 8-passenger Dodge van will be purchased from Red’s Auto.

Also approved was that a list of surplus equipment owned by the College that was formerly used for pottery classes will now be offered to school districts in Gogebic County through an open bid process.