FSCC board OKs new degree;If the Kansas Board of Regents approves, the college will offer an associate of applied science in technical studies degree.

If all goes as hoped, Fort Scott Community College will begin offering a associate of applied science degree in technical studies in August.

The next step, following Monday's approval of the program by the FSCC Board of Trustees, is to send it on to the Kansas Board of Regents for its blessing.

The degree would enable a student to design a program to fulfill a "unique career goal that cannot be met through completion of any single technology program" offered at FSCC, according to information from the school.

To earn the degree, students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours "from at least two technical disciplines that will combine into a joint technical program with a technical focus directly related to the student's career objective," the information said.

The AAS in technical studies would be offered at the Fort Scott, Paola and Pittsburg campuses of FSCC. Dean of Instruction Donna Estill said the program would work well for those who for example want to combine heating, air-conditioning and ventilation with construction trades, or nursing and business.

The program will not require any additional instructors or expense, Estill said. Five students tops at this point are expected to take advantage of the opportunity right now, she said. "An AAS degree in Kansas is very specific and very structured in a specific program," FSCC President Clayton Tatro said. "... This gives us more flexibility. It allows for a degree of choice."

Board member Mark McCoy, who made the motion for approval, which was seconded by Jim Fewins, was pleased with the concept. "I think it has wonderful opportunities for the future," McCoy said.

In other business, the board:

* Approved a request for proposals from RSC Construction in Fort Scott to renovate the football and volleyball locker rooms. Only one complete proposal was received. Total cost is $48,750. According to information from FSCC, some of the work will include installing 112 new football lockers and making a restroom more accessible to volleyball players.

* Approved the addition of volleyball coach Lindsay Hill as sports information director/game day operations, effective July 1.

And approved separations for women's basketball coach Diana Couch, effective March 13; Scott Cluck, truck driving instructor, effective March 13; Jim Westerfield, Kansas City truck driving coordinator, effective March 23; and Darcus Kottwitz, nursing instructor, effective Jan. 1, 2013.

* Heard that Friday's Aggie Day event should attract some 1,500 students.

* FSCC expects to conduct three graduation ceremonies this year. "It was a calculated decision based on the numbers," Tatro said. He noted that the auditorium would be cramped with two commencements and a little light for three.

* The last weekend in April will include Community Appreciation Day and the annual scholarship auction at the Liberty Theatre. This year, the price scholarship auction tickets will be $20 with $5 off for FSCC employees and board members.

"It's just a really fun event," Public Relations Director Kathleen Hinrichs said. "Hopefully you all can come and we'll get a good crowd this year."

Tatro said 60 people attended the event last year and he's hoping for 120 this year and 240 the following year.

Director of Development and Alumni Gary Palmer said the auction last year made a net profit of $6,200.

"This will be the event people look forward to each year because it will be fun and relaxing," Palmer said. He added there will be a casino night games throughout the evening, a live and silent auction and a performance by the band Triple Threat.

"The whole night will be entertaining, fun and fantastic," Palmer said. "... We're looking forward to a much more robust schedule than last year. ... I think the evening will flow continuously more smoothly than last year."