This synopsis is intended as a brief overview of some actions taken by the Weatherford College Board of Trustees at its regular meeting in FEBRUARY and is for general informational purposes only. This abbreviated summary is not intended to represent or reflect all discussion and action taken by the board at this meeting. Specific details outlining all action taken by the board are recorded in the official Board Meeting Minutes, prepared and maintained by the College President's Office.

To meet the demands of what is described as an "emerging career field," the Weatherford College Board of Trustees approved the submission to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board a proposal to develop a new technical certificate program in gaming design and programming in their regular meeting Thursday. Gaming technicians create 2D/3D animation through the use of high-end software for a variety of industries, including entertainment, advertising and corporate communications. The two-year Gaming Design and Programming program will begin in fall 2010 upon final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Additionally, the trustees were presented a detailed report outlining recommended changes in tuition and fees for the 2010-11 academic year. A scenario outlining a possible tuition increase of approximately 6.5 percent was presented, producing additional revenue that may be necessary to balance the 2010-11 budget. Trustees were asked to carefully review the recommendations and to be prepared to take action of the recommendations at the next meeting.

In other business, the board heard several reports and took action on a number of agenda items.

In his President's Report, Eaton updated the board on several items:

1. Texas Governor Perry's mandate to two-year colleges to reduce current and 2010-11 budgets by five percent of their state appropriations would amount to a decrease of $816,992 for WC over an 18-month period. Dr. Eaton and CEOs of other Texas two-year colleges have responded with letters to the Governor requesting waivers;
2. Several faculty and staff were recognized, including the entire Math Department for the recent successful Coyote Math Competition; Sue Coody and the staff of the Writing Center for their assistance to 895 students last fall in the center; and the basketball program and Booster Club for donating proceeds from Wednesday's games to the Jimmy V Foundation to support breast cancer research.

1. Approved revised proposal and constitution of the newly-formed Faculty Senate as presented by FAC chairperson Dr. William Smith;
2. Heard reports on the following:

1. Building and infrastructure upgrades;
2. Spring 2010 enrollment: 5,123, a 12.3 percent increase over last spring;
3. Cash balance as of Dec. 31, 2009: $21,278,437.01; total revenues: $21,142, 752; and total expenditures $16,662,941.
4. WC Wise County Academic Master Plan;
5. WC Two-Year Academic Calendar;
6. Program review of the Health and Human Sciences department, and
7. Announcements, including upcoming College events.