Paine College News June 16, 2014 Paine College Officials Announce New Initiatives After reviewing the College's operating policies and procedures, the Paine College community came together to review priorities that are in line with the Campus Strategic Plan and developed a strategy for moving forward. The leadership identified the following priorities. PAINE COLLEGE WILL ADDRESS HEALTH ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY With the growing need for information regarding health in the local community, Paine College has made a concerted effort to partner with local entities to address many of the contemporary health and wellness-related issues that face this community. These initiatives include discussions, classes, and seminars that offer an outreached hand to the needs of our great city. We held events at the HEAL (Health, Education, Activities and Learning) Complex that educate the community-at-large, from the Hate Crimes forum that brought knowledge and awareness of crimes involving hatred and prejudice to our exciting new Summer Series that incorporates Art, Movies, Fitness and Dance for youth, as well as fitness and a book club for adults. All of these events are absolutely free for the community to attend. PAINE COLLEGE WILL BECOME A SMOKE FREE CAMPUS The campus of Paine College will be a smoke free environment to further the institution's effort in promoting a healthier living environment for students and working environment for faculty and staff. As of July 1, 2014, Paine College will become a smoke free campus. No tobacco related products will be allowed on campus. Paine College now joins more than 1,300 college and university campuses who have adopted a smoke free policy since 2009. According to the CDC, cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year, with more than 41,000 of these deaths coming from secondhand smoke. Paine College is committed to advocating healthy lifestyles and this is a great step in that direction. PAINE COLLEGE WILL MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF SECURITY The leadership of the institution reviewed security policies and practices, and looked at ways to strengthen and maintain a high level of safety on and around the campus. As of July 1, 2014, visible identification will be required for all individuals who enter the campus. All Paine College faculty, staff, and students will be required to wear their Paine College ID exposed and visitors to the campus will be required to acquire and wear a visitors badge while on campus. Additional police officers have been added to Paine College's safety department and a 24-hour security presence will remain in effect at all vehicle-accessed entrances. Additional surveillance cameras have been put in strategic places on campus. The Paine College Police Department has the ability to communicate directly with Richmond County Law Enforcement using special communications equipment. The campus leadership will continue to monitor these measures and make adjustments as needed. With these additional systems in place, it is important to ensure that Paine College remains a safe learning and living environment. PAINE COLLEGE WILL RESTRUCTURE OPERATIONS Paine College's administration conducted a campus-wide review of the operations and practices of the Institution. Adjustments are being put in place for better efficiencies and consolidation of services as a part of the restructuring process. The administration will implement the restructuring strategies over the next 120 days which we expect to save the College $2.4 million over the next fiscal year. This will ensure that the College runs a system that is cost effective while taking advantage of opportunities to grow the Institution. Over the last two years, we have worked with the U.S. Department of Education to provide them with evidence that Paine College is in compliance with their regulations. The regional accrediting body for Paine College is aware of this work. As we work to demonstrate the efficiency of the organization and implement new internal controls, we look forward to welcoming a great freshman class, while providing a world class education for returning students. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!