Board Approves Corporate Advisory Board Appointment

The Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors on Thursday approved an appointment to the college’s Corporate Advisory Board.

Appointed to the board was Maurice Bower, president of TurnKey Construction Inc. and an architectural technology alumnus of Penn College predecessor Williamsport Area Community College.

Thursday’s agenda had no other action items.

During the meeting, the board heard an informational presentation by Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, regarding adoption of a Test Optional admissions process. The college previously required applicants seeking admission to baccalaureate programs to submit standardized collegiate admission test scores (SAT or ACT). Associate degree seeking applicants are not required to submit scores.

The Test Optional process was reviewed by Dean’s Council and President’s Council. The rationale for the change included a determination that standardized test scores have been a poor predictor of student performance at Penn College. The college’s placement testing system serves as a better predictor of student success, Starkey told the board. Applicants may still submit test scores if they desire. High scores may result in waivers being granted for some placement testing (reading) or the option to take advanced placement testing in math for a potential waiver of introductory math courses, he said.

Programs that currently use test scores in selection/placement are developing alternate methods. The new processes will be in place as admissions representatives begin their Fall 2017 recruitment travels. For students applying for admission in Spring 2018 and later, test scores will no longer be required for any degree program at Penn College.

Tina M. Evans, chair of College Council, reported to the board on 2016-17 Internal Governance System highlights, including work completed for the Penn College Pledge; a review of bylaws, functions and responsibilities of College Council and its subcommittees; the convening of a formal self-assessment of the Governance System; and celebrating Governance’s 30th anniversary.

In her comments, President Davie Jane Gilmour introduced to the board Kyle A. Smith, executive director of the Penn College Foundation, and Angie E. Myers, director of annual giving. Both were hired since the last board meeting.

The president spoke about the impending Summer 2017 Commencement ceremony on Aug. 5 and Convocation activities, set for Aug. 12. She also noted that Summer Preview Days at Penn College had 222 participants, representing a 73-percent “show” rate.

The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Oct. 5. The meeting is expected to take place at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center.