Negotiations continue for Columbia Gorge Community College faculty and staff. Trisha Walker / file photo
THE GORGE — The first-ever bachelor’s degree at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) was unanimously approved by the board on Dec. 16.
Applied Science in Education will be taught with a consortium of other colleges. With board support, the degree will head to Oregon State and the Pacific Northwest Commission for final approval. The degree could be offered starting Fall 2027.
The curriculum will include new classes and need new equipment. Vice President Jarett Gilbert noted that one person at CGCC is qualified to teach the five new classes they will offer, and they’re looking at who else might. Partner schools will provide the other new classes, totaling about 32.
Gilbert also said this might increase enrollment in CGCC’s education program, which “isn’t as high as I think we would like it to be, and we know there’s demand locally.”
Highlighting this degree, Board Member Nathaniel Stice said, “The job report numbers that came out [Dec. 16] ... are pointing to some economic headwinds facing the state. And I think, historically, we’re well positioned to help ... to be engaged in the economy and to think about how we get students into careers.”
Other news
HMK Company project manager Darek Olsonreported on the college’s recently passed bond, which will fund a security update, a roof project, and an HVAC replacement, among other things. Finished construction designs are expected in January and contractor Foss Construction is just ahead of schedule.
“Probably the biggest concern are the HVAC upgrades,” he said. “We’re taking care of the most essential stuff that absolutely has to be fixed.” If they get a low enough bidder, they’ll have money for a few additional things. “We’re looking to cut other things, or be as cost-effective as possible on some of the other projects to try and divert as much money back into the HVAC fund as we can,” Olson said.
A grant-funded renovation in the Defense Works lab is progressing too.
The board also seeks up to seven locals willing to serve on the budget committee.
The board held two executive sessions, one to discuss the collective bargaining agreement before ratifying it, and another to discuss the president’s performance evaluation. “I think we’re all pleased with the progress that has been made on a lot of fronts at the college,” Stice said after the executive session ended.
Students, alumni, and staff or others connected to CGCC are invited to submit to the college’s award-winning literary arts journal Otolith.
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