The February addendum for the campus phone directory is available HERE.
In the news
Marnie Record, workforce specialist, was interviewed for this story featured in the State Journal-Register March 1 on the 12th annual Composting Symposium held Feb. 24 in the Trutter Center.
Thank you from Tisha Miller
Dear LLCC family,
Words cannot express my gratitude for the cards, phone calls, email messages, thoughts, prayers and the beautiful flowers that expressed your sympathy in my recent sorrow. Your kindness and thoughtfulness through this difficult time is truly appreciated and will always be remembered.
Tisha Miller, operations analyst, LLCC-Taylorville, Litchfield and Hillsboro
LLCC Math and Sciences hosts 9th Annual Rube Goldberg (outlandish machine) competition
“Outlandish machines” were designed by area 5th grade teams in the 9th Annual Rube Goldberg competition held Feb. 28 at LLCC. The Math and Sciences department hosts the event to encourage interest in engineering. The challenge this year was to build a Rube Goldberg that would fold a piece of paper.
In the news
Wendy Howerter, Ed.D., dean, District Learning Resources, wrote an essay for the March 1 State Journal-Register “Our Towns” page entitled, “Dual Credit: Making the most of the high school years.”
Brenda McGuire, LLCC-Beardstown site coordinator, was featured in an article in the Star Gazette (Beardstown) about speaking at a recent Exchange Club meeting.
ITDE workshop today: Using Blackboard Statistics to Promote Student Success
The ITDE workshop, Using Blackboard Statistics to Promote Student Success, is being held from 2-3 p.m. today in SGMN 0119. Facilitator is Andy Mitkos, learning management systems coordinator.
What can Blackboard tell you about your students? Using the built-in statistics tools and Retention Center, Blackboard can tell you a great deal about how your students are using your course materials and allow you to have hands-on input into your student’s success. During this workshop we will go through all of the different areas of Blackboard that collect data on your students, as well as talk about what you can do with that data once you have it.
To register, click HERE.
A-Team meets March 5
The A-Team will meet March 5 from 12 noon to 1 pm in MNRD 1179. We hope to see you there!
SURS announces Money Purchase factor changes beginning Jan. 2016
Effective Jan. 4, 2016, the Money Purchase factors will change. The changes to the factors are a result of a recent actuarial experience study which recommended a reduction of the assumed rate of investment return and updated mortality tables to reflect an overall increased life expectancy. An actuarial experience study is required by state statute at least once every five years.
When SURS calculates a retirement benefit, all eligible calculation types are performed and the annuity is based on the calculation that provides the highest benefit. For members retiring on or after Jan. 4, 2016, under the Money Purchase formula, the change in Money Purchase factors will result in an average 6-7% downward adjustment in their monthly annuity. Members can offset the adjustment by delaying retirement by approximately nine (9) months for active participants and 11 months for inactive participants.
The changes to the Money Purchase factors will not affect:
• Current annuitants
• Survivor benefit recipients
• Self-managed plan members
• Members who began participation on or after July 1, 2005
• Member whose benefit is highest under the General Formula calculation
• Members retiring under the Money Purchase formula prior to Jan. 4, 2016
Retirement calculations are unique to each individual member. For this reason, SURS encourages all members who are considering retirement in the next year and who might be affected by the Money Purchase factor changes to log on to their personal account on the SURS Member website and utilize the benefit estimator. By calculating estimates for retirement dates before and after the January 4, 2016, effective date, members can gain a clearer picture of how the factor changes will impact benefits.
For more information, read the Money Purchase Factor Change Fact Sheet or view the Money Purchase Factor Change video, both available at www.surs.org
Mod III grades due noon Monday, March 16
Mod III grades are due Monday, March 16 at noon. Check your LLCC email for detailed instructions. If you have any question, contact Shanda Byer at 786-2290 or Susan Mendenhall at 786-2424.
NWS Spotter Training course today, 6:30 p.m.
It might not feel like it, but severe weather season will soon be upon us. March 1-7 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week. LLCC is hosting the National Weather Service Spotter Training class for Sangamon County on this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union, Menard Hall.
Severe storm spotters are a VITAL part of the warning process and played a critical role in getting timely warnings and information out to the public during the deadly tornado outbreak on Nov. 17, 2013. The NWS in Lincoln, IL provides on-site spotter training classes annually in various locations across central and southeast Illinois between March and early April.
Anyone with an interest is welcome to attend a spotter class. Children (under the age of 18) are welcome to attend; however, they will not be considered official spotters. There is no cost for the training–just 2 to 2.5 hours of your time for the class. The spotter training class is designed for people new to severe storm spotting, as well as those that need refresher training. The training is comprised of all of the information that spotters need to be effective and stay safe.