Following the lead of other community colleges looking for cost-cutting measures, the Richmond Community College Board of Trustees this week approved a four-day summer workweek beginning June 1 and ending July 31.

All college sites will be closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with the exception of days and locations needed to offer continuing education courses such as Motorcycle Safety and Nursing Assistant I.

RCC President Dr. Sharon Morrissey said the educational impact will be minimal since few curriculum programs require students to take summer courses and most faculty are on nine month contracts. The college does not earn funding credits for curriculum courses offered during the summer, but does earn funding for continuing education courses.

The reduction in electricity costs will save the college about $10,000. Daytime employees will work from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and all offices will remain open during normal business hours. Evening services will be provided as usual.

Executive Vice President Dr. Dale McInnis updated the board on the progress of RCC’s Scotland County Project. The college recently learned $900,000 from the NC Community College System Legislative Grant Fund created by an appropriation introduced by N.C. House Representative Doug Yongue during the last legislative session carried over into this session and matched funds making the project possible.

McInnis said bids will be opened March 26 at the Laurinburg City Council Room and the facility should be completed 300 days from the start of construction. Groundbreaking for the project will be in late April.

Last legislative session, U.S. Senator Robin Hayes introduced a $428,000 appropriation for equipment needed at RCC. When elected, U.S. Senator Larry Kissell continued support of that appropriation, which recently passed the House. The funds will be used to upgrade technology used in numerous programs at the college.

The board was updated on an articulation agreement between the college and UNC-Pembroke for dual enrollment of RCC students in the Criminal Justice and Business Administration Associate in Applied Science degree programs. After earning 60 hours at RCC, students may begin taking courses at UNCP before completing their degrees at RCC.

After a discussion regarding the Golden Leaf project for Richmond County and nominations to that board’s project selection committee, the board voted Morrissey as the college’s appointment.

In other action, the board approved the following:

— An internal continuing education class attendance audit report

— An NC Community College maintenance of records audit report

— A purchasing policy revision

— Disposal of equipment.