Richland College Green Commons

Five articulation agreements were signed yesterday by the Richland College School of Engineering, Business and Technology and the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. These agreements were made to further enhance the transfer process for Richland students pursuing an associate of science degrees in the following areas:

-Computer Engineering
-Computer Science
-Mechanical Engineering
-Software Engineering
-Telecommunications Engineering

Students who successfully complete Richland College’s associate of science degree in the areas listed above with a GPA of at least 2.5 and no grade below a ‘C’ in the respective courses will receive automatic admission to the university and will be able to transfer between 62 and 66 credit hours as a block to UTD.

These agreements were signed in keeping with Richland and UTD’s long-standing joint effort in serving the citizens of Dallas County and in response to a shortage of qualified graduates in these areas as stated in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Closing the Gaps Initiative.

Last Thursday the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, along with congressman Sam Johnson, awarded Richland College with the “Environmental Award” at their annual Business and Industry luncheon. Richland was commended for its sustainability efforts, including the construction, recycling, energy efficiency and eco-friendly education to its students, faculty and staff.

“Richland College was selected for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Business and Industry Environmental Award because it demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to sustainable and green initiatives by establishing ‘green’ administrative policies and by implementing those policies through construction,” said Sue Walker, Vice President of Economic Development for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce.

Among many other sustainability initiatives, Richland is currently seeking platinum status for its new science building under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The new facility, scheduled to open in January 2010, will house Richland’s science programs, bookstore, coffee bar, and conference rooms. LEED is a nationally recognized standard for the design and construction of high-performing green buildings. The new, 114,000-square-foot building will feature:

• the ability to harvest sunlight
• underground cisterns to collect and irrigate rain water to other parts of the campus
• interactive devices in restrooms that users control to save water
• furnishing materials made of recycled materials, such as the carpet and furniture, from local vendors
• a hands-on geology pit
• green terrace roof, and
• monitoring stations to showcase energy efficiency will also be integrated, providing field learning for students.

“On behalf of the faculty, students, and administration of Richland College, we are honored to accept the Richardson Chamber of Commerce’s award for 2009. We appreciate Richardson’s recognition of Richland College’s efforts in building sustainable local and world community, a vital dimension of our vision,” said acting president Dr. Kay Eggleston.

For more information on the award, please contact Anitra Cotton at anitracotton@dcccd.edu.

Richland College’s Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management (TEMM) club will host an Industry Showcase from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Nov. 21 in Fannin Performance Hall.

The following industry organizations will make presentations:

• D/FW Chapter, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
• D/FW Chapter, International Association of Exhibitions and Events
• D/FW Chapter, International Special Events Society
• D/FW Chapter, Meeting Professionals International
• D/FW Chapter, National Association of Catering Executives
• D/FW Chapter, Society of Incentive and Travel Executives
• Texas Association of Event and Convention Professionals

Information will available to attendees on these organizations and many more. The Industry Showcase is free but requires registration. Deadline to register is Nov. 18.

The Industry Showcase will include a compliment breakfast and a drawing for one round-trip ticket on American Airlines for participating attendees.

Richland College is located at 12800 Abrams Road in Dallas. For more information contact M.T. Hickman, TEMM Program Coordinator,
at 972-238-6097 or mthickman@dcccd.edu.

Richland College’s Emeritus Program hosts the Spring 2010 Back-to-School Kickoff, “Life is Definitely NOT Over at 65!” The free event will be from 8:30-11 a.m. on Dec. 8 in Richland’s Fannin Performance Hall.

Wright L. Lassiter, Jr., chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District, will be the Kickoff’s keynote speaker, discussing “Engaging the ‘Third and Fourth Age’ Older Adults in Higher Education.” Dr. Wright will remind attendees of the four ages of life: Achievement, Preparation, Fulfillment and Completion.

The Kickoff also features a preview of Spring 2010 classes and an opportunity to register. Free coffee and muffins will be provided.

The Kickoff is free but a reservation is required. Richland College is located at 12800 Abrams Road in Dallas. For more information or to make a reservation, call 972-238-6972.

Employee Success – Sherry Dean, Richland Executive Dean of the School of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts, recently spoke to 8th grade classes at Medrano Middle School as part of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce Texas Scholar Education Initiative. The Texas Scholar Initiative, aimed at Dallas ISD middle school students, emphasizes the importance of taking rigorous classes, graduating high school, looking at a future colleges and careers, and preparing a budget to help make these goals happen.