Back See this section in context: Criterion 5 Core Component 5A

5A.1: Extends Capacity

Although all Illinois public colleges are experiencing funding issues due to the state's budget crisis, Sauk attempts to extend its capacity for service by planning, allocating resources wisely, and leveraging grants, gifts and collaborations:

• Taking small steps: When a project exceeds the college’s ability to accomplish it, Sauk tackles it in manageable segments. For example, Sauk obtained the services of a facility planning firm during the spring of 2009 to assess the college facilities and make space and facility recommendations. Sauk then hired an architect to draw up a master plan, which was available for college community comment in spring 2010. The final plan is designed to allow Sauk to seek funding to do construction in phases, accomplishing the plans with the funds available for each step ().
• Seeking alternatives: The President's Cabinet explores alternatives to cutting programs and services when funding is reduced. For example, in FY09, the State of Illinois stopped funding the grant that supported Project VITAL (). Based on the number of students served and the history of community support of the program, the President’s Cabinet made the decision to roll Project VITAL services into the Adult Education Office for one year. While reduced Adult Literacy services continued under this reorganization, the State of Illinois announced re-funding and restored Project VITAL.
• Applying for grants: Sauk uses grant funds to increase its capacity to provide community outreach programs. The Director of Foundation and Grants researches state, federal, and local grant opportunities and assists staff to write and submit grant proposals. In the case of Project VITAL, for example, the Director was able to secure a large enough gift from a local community leader to help fund learning materials for the college’s Adult Literacy initiative until state funding was restored.