The Board of Trustees and President work together to solve NIC’s current issues

The Board is working with President Swayne to solve the current issues that North Idaho College is facing. Swayne said that he and the Board are hard at work covering every required point and subject to fix the problem.

With improving the college’s accreditation, the letter to the NWCCU is due on March 31 for one chance to secure the school’s credibility.

Trustees Corkill and Zimmerman

Swayne said that after the accreditation problem is solved, he wants to work towards expanding North Idaho College. As mentioned multiple times, Swayne stressed the importance of improving communication with the Board of Trustees and the public.

By improving communication, Swayne said that the Board of Trustees will get a better vision of Swayne’s plans and that the community can continue to be involved in the progress of North Idaho College.

During the Public Comment around 11 people had the chance to sign up and speak directly to the Board, the President and the crowd attending the meeting.

Alex Elliot, a student at North Idaho College, acknowledged and thanked Swayne for returning to his position as the college’s president.

“Swayne has brought renewed happiness with his return,” Elliot said.

Some community speakers also spoke against Swayne, commenting on how he should resign or be “fired.” All speakers were given a two-minute limit on their comments and were advised to stay on the topics that applied to the meeting’s agenda.

Swayne is also working with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe leaders to improve engagement between the tribe and the college. Swayne wants to include additional programming that will enhance the connection with the tribe and show correct recognition.

ASNIC President Damian Maxwell updated the Board and NIC’s president on the student government’s achievements. Maxwell mentioned that the Board of Trustees has yet to acknowledge the Vote of no Confidence and requested that the Board analyze it. Maxwell was assured that the topic would be discussed in the next meetings.

Maxwell also commented on the return of Nick Swayne.

 “If there is anyone who is dedicated to the school’s resources, it is Nick Swayne,” Maxwell said.

The issue of a potential teach-out plan was brought to the meeting, notably NIC’s nursing plan. While the hope is to remain optimistic and avoid the idea of resorting to a teach-out, some are concerned about what it means to students finishing their two-year degree in Nursing. Nick Swayne addressed this concern, explaining how North Idaho College has the number one Nursing program in the State.

NIC interim attorney Art Macomber and Chair Greg McKenzie

Swayne acknowledged that transferring those students would be difficult if they had to change a two-year curriculum into a four-year one.

Spring Enrollment for NIC has decreased, and the new student percentage has reduced by 8.4%. The college is seeing a rise in dual-enrolled students, with an increase of 5%.

Swayne hopes to repair the relationship with STEM Charter Academy, one of the top schools that have recently broken ties with the college due to unstable accreditation.