CCC Trustees Approve Technology Overhaul, Scholarship Extension at April 20 Meeting
April 20, 2026
The Colby Community College Board of Trustees worked through a full agenda of academic updates, financial decisions, and long-term planning items during its regular meeting on April 20 inside the board room at Thomas Hall.
The meeting opened with routine business, as trustees approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the March meeting and financial resolutions. From there, the board shifted into a series of student presentations that highlighted both academic achievement and broader societal discussions taking place inside the classroom.
Students representing sociology and criminal justice programs presented research on topics ranging from institutionalized discrimination in healthcare systems to bias tied to speech and accents. The discussions prompted questions from trustees and reflected the college’s ongoing emphasis on critical thinking and real-world application of coursework. Faculty reported that the sociology program alone served nearly 400 students this year, generating more than 1,200 credit hours.
Administrative reports pointed to a busy end of the academic year. Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for mid-May, including a separate commencement at the Norton Correctional Facility, where the college continues to expand programming. Enrollment efforts for the fall semester are already underway, while campus leaders also highlighted ongoing technology planning and upcoming summer projects.
One of the most significant action items of the night centered on the college’s technology infrastructure. Trustees approved a five-year, $967,661 contract with CoreCampus to implement a new cloud-based enterprise resource planning system. The move is designed to replace multiple existing systems with a single integrated platform that will manage student services, finance, human resources, and data reporting. College officials emphasized that the transition is necessary as older systems are phased out and that the new platform will improve efficiency and the student experience.
The board also approved several additional business items, including an update to the applicant travel reimbursement policy to align with IRS mileage rates and the extension of the Colby Commitment Scholarship through the spring of 2027. That program will continue on a year-to-year basis due to external funding considerations.
A memorandum of understanding with Newman University was also approved, creating expanded pathways for Colby students to complete bachelor’s degrees in fields such as education, nursing, healthcare, and business. The agreement includes scholarship support for qualifying transfer students and aims to strengthen workforce development opportunities in northwest Kansas.
Trustees addressed operational items as well, approving the disposal of surplus equipment and agricultural assets, along with updates to several internal policies related to organizational structure and board governance. The May board meeting date was moved to May 11.
Discussion surrounding room and board rates and tuition adjustments drew attention as the college continues to balance affordability with rising operational costs. Trustees ultimately approved a modest increase to fees of $7 per credit hour while leaving tuition unchanged. Housing and meal plan rates were approved with minimal adjustments, though board members indicated the topic will likely receive additional review in future years.
The meeting concluded with multiple executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel, with no formal action taken.
Overall, the April 20 meeting reflected a mix of near-term operational decisions and long-range planning, particularly in technology and student pathways, as the college prepares for the upcoming academic year and continued institutional growth.