Changes announced for Brown & Gold

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By Lindsay Sax

The college’s Brown & Gold club was forced to make changes due to budget issues this past semester.

Brown & Gold previously offered free credit classes to members, but on Sept. 26 the Board of Trustees approved a cost of $16 per credit hour and a merger with an outside organization, Coming of Age/Shepherd’s Center Central (SCC).

“[There’s] lots of energy, people calling the office about the partnership, people seemed pleased, Brown & Gold members are satisfied the club will stay intact,” said Cheryl Brown Henderson, SCC program director. “They like being part of college history. People feel kinship, a loyalty.”

Brown & Gold was formed in the late 1980s for Johnson County residents 55 and older. The $10 membership got members education and cultural benefits at the college, discounted noncredit classes, and tickets to cultural events.

The merge with SCC will continue to offer opportunities for travel and day trips to area attractions for members. Brown Henderson says SCC has been in business for 41 years empowering midlife and older adults, and that SCC can benefit Johnson County adults, who have the largest growth of people 55 and older in the greater Kansas City area.

“The trips planned and run by members of Brown & Gold were the main attraction for membership,” former Brown & Gold board of directors member Ron Platt said. “They also seemed to annoy the college officials but no one knew why. You would think the college would want as many friends as it could get. Johnson County seniors are, after all, the main financial supporters of the college.”

The new Brown & Gold, beginning spring semester 2014, will be open to all Johnson County residents 60 years and older. Members will continue to sign up on the specified date each semester, but the cost will now be $16 per credit hour. The $16 is to cover the cost of student fees which are built into tuition.

The Board of Trustees was given the problem of creating a way to keep the Brown & Gold club afloat. Trustee David Lindstrom, treasurer, said they needed to find a way to balance the budget without impacting the quality of programs. The process is an adjustment for members, according to Lindstrom.

“Benefits that people get used to, and then something is taken away; it’s an adjustment.” Lindstrom said. “Frankly, we could have done a better job communicating.”

Platt, who has used the club to take 45 hours of classes, says he was essentially fired from the position due to the changes, and they were given no reason.

“That would be similar to disbanding the Student Senate or the officers of any campus club, that are officials elected by their members,” Platt said. “No rational reason was ever given.”

New perks according to a letter mailed to Brown & Gold members include “direct access to SCC’s personnel and programs, including free “Explore Your Future” and “Capturing the Energy and Expertise of People 50+” workshops; free Medicare/Social Security/supplemental insurance consulting; a free caregiver support line, informational classes and training; free home-sharing program access; and free guidance about volunteer and community service opportunities. You’ll also fi nd special opportunities through Johnson County Parks and Recreation 50 Plus programs and activities.”

“I would argue the presence of Brown & Gold students is positive for the college,” Platt said. “We are generally serious about learning, and not much bother, and bring a lifetime of experience to each class. It sets the example that learning is a lifelong activity.”

Enrollment for the Brown & Gold club for spring 2014 semester begins Jan. 10.

Contact Lindsay Sax, copy editor, at lsax@jccc.edu.

 

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