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Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President of John A. Logan College

Office of the President

Office of the President

Jul 4
(4th of July) - No Classes
Sep 2
(Labor Day) - No Classes
Nov 11
(Veteran's Day) - No Classes
Nov 25 to Nov 30
(Thanksgiving Break) - No Classes
Dec 25
(Christmas Day) - No Classes

In The Know

In The Know is published each month on the Wednesday following the Board of Trustees Meeting. In each issue, we will update you on the Board of Trustees meeting, happenings in HR, Institutional Research updates including survey results, Construction updates, Athletics, Academic Affairs, Student Services, Business Services, upcoming events and announcements, and recap of news around campus.

Dear Campus Community,

As summer unfolds and our campus has been busy with activity, I want to take a moment to update you on our progress and upcoming initiatives.

The summer session is in full swing, and we are busy preparing for the fall semester. As previously mentioned, enhancing student retention remains a top priority. We recognize the importance of retaining our students and are exploring innovative strategies to achieve this goal. Your involvement and commitment across campus have been instrumental in our efforts. Together, we have made significant strides in increasing enrollment and developing innovative opportunities for personal growth and professional opportunities in southern Illinois. With our Strategic Enrollment Management Plan guiding us, we are poised to strengthen our student support initiatives and enrich our academic offerings.

What we do makes a difference to our community, and that was evident with the overflow crowds at our graduation ceremonies and the recent Juneteenth Celebration. On June 18, the College held its third annual Juneteenth Celebration in the Waterfall Courtyard. The large crowd of community members, College staff, and students were treated to great food and entertainment. I want to express my Heartfelt thanks to our 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Juneteenth Planning Committee, Conference & Events Office, Campus Support Services Office, Buildings & Grounds Department, Student Activities & Clubs (student ambassadors and volunteers), Marketing, Communications & Public Relations, our community partners, vendors and sponsors for their invaluable help and support in planning, organizing and encouraging people to participate. This is an important event that I look forward to each year.

The FY 25 budget was approved and adopted by the Board of Trustees. Thank you to everyone for their work and Dr. Suan LaPanne, Kara Bevis, Colby Chamness, and the entire Business office for the hours they put into the new budget process. As we move forward, we will begin starting the budget in October as we continue to streamline the process.

June marked the final stages of our insurance transition, and in the coming days, you can expect to receive your insurance cards directly at home. The cards will arrive in plain white envelopes for your privacy.  I sincerely thank Stephanie Harner and the Insurance committee for their dedicated efforts during this transition.

Thank you for your dedication and contributions to our community. Let’s continue to work together to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Regards, 
Kirk Overstreet, PhD. 
Kirk E. Overstreet PhD. signature
President, John A. Logan College

John A. Logan College Announces Important Fall Registration and Start Dates

John A. Logan College is pleased to announce key dates for fall semester registration and the start of classes, ensuring students are well-prepared for the upcoming academic term.

Fall semester registration is underway, and classes begin on August 12. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with an academic advisor to schedule classes through August 2.

Late Walk-in Registration begins on Thursday, August 1, and runs through Wednesday, August 14. Student Services offices will be open late until 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 5, through Thursday, August 8, and again until 6:00 p.m. August 12, through 14, to accommodate those working full-time. Students can sign up for courses online through their student portal and in person at the Academic Advising Office in C207. Our dedicated advisors are readily available to assist students in planning their schedules and ensuring they are on track to meet their academic goals.

Our last New Student Orientation will be held on July 23rd from 12 to 3 p.m. To pre-register for the event, visit https://www.jalc.edu/college-readiness/new-student-orientation-days/.  A special Saturday Sign-up event, scheduled on August 3 from 9 a.m. to Noon, is tailored to the needs of students working full-time. This event provides an opportunity to meet with advisement and other student services departments outside the regularly scheduled workday, ensuring their academic needs are met. To pre-register for the Saturday Sign-up, visit https://www.jalc.edu/saturday-signup-form/.

The College administration underlines the significance of early registration for a seamless start to the fall semester. Officials stress that students can secure their preferred course schedule by registering early, ensuring they get the necessary classes to complete their certificate or degree.

“When students wait to make their fall schedule, it makes it difficult to get the classes they need at the times they need them,” said Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford. “For example, a student may need a specific class to graduate, and there may only be limited seats in that course, so it is very important that they register early and do not wait.”

In addition to the August 12 start date, College officials have announced other important dates for the fall semester.

Fall Tuition is due on August 6. Students must pay on or before August 6 to avoid being dropped from courses. Students receiving financial assistance or scholarships should contact the Financial Aid Office at 618-985-2828, ext. 8308, or the JALC Foundation, ext. 8914, to verify their information. Students can pay online in their student portal, in person at the Bursar’s Office, or by phone at 618-985-2828, ext. 8201.

Welcome Week activities begin on August 9 with Fall Kick-off Day. The Fall Kick-Off is designed to help students transition to the College and get excited about the semester.

“Students feeling overwhelmed or excited about starting college can take this extra day before the semester starts and prepare ahead of time,” said Dr. Hartford. “On Friday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be a welcome panel session, brunch in the courtyard, and an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff.”

Students interested in taking part in the Kick-off Event can register at https://www.jalc.edu/fall-kick-off-day-registration/.

Navigation Stations will be set up throughout campus during the first week of classes to help students locate their classes. College officials will also offer golf cart rides from the parking lot to building entrances.

On Monday, August 12, a Welcome Picnic with free food and swag will take place in the Waterfall Courtyard from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A Welcome Bash with free pizza and ice cream will be held on Tuesday, August 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and free popcorn will be handed out in the E-Wing Coffee Shop on Wednesday, August 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Four-week Fast-Track classes begin on August 19. Fast Track courses are perfect for non-traditional students, those working full-time, and those who require flexible schedules. This fall, new flexible options are being offered at Carbondale Community High School in the evenings. For more information on Fast-Track offerings, visit https://www.jalc.edu/fasttrack/.

For more information on registration procedures, course offerings, and academic advising, please visit the John A. Logan College website at www.jalc.edu or contact the advisement office at 618-985-2828, ext. 8070, or registration@jalc.edu.

Logan Fitness at John A. Logan College Now Open 24/7

CARTERVILLE, IL –Logan Fitness at John A. Logan College, the College’s premier fitness facility, is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This exciting development comes in response to feedback from our community and a commitment to providing greater accessibility and convenience to our members. Regular business hours for the facility will remain from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend hours are Saturdays, 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays, Noon to 6:00 p.m.

The expanded hours at Logan Fitness will allow students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy the state-of-the-art gym facilities at any time that suits their schedule. Whether early morning, late at night, or somewhere between, Logan Fitness will accommodate various fitness goals and lifestyles. During the expanded hours, only the fitness center will be available. The locker rooms and pool will not be open during the extended hours. Patrons who visit during non-business hours will scan a barcode at the West Entrance to gain access, and the facility will be under video surveillance.

“We are thrilled to enhance the accessibility of Logan Fitness and provide more flexibility for our members,” said Dr. Bradley Griffith, Director of Logan Fitness. “This improvement reflects our dedication to supporting the health and wellness of the college community and beyond.”

Logan Fitness offers a variety of amenities, including cardio equipment, strength training machines, free weights, and group fitness classes. Members will now have the freedom to work out on their schedule while enjoying a safe and supportive environment.

For more information about Logan Fitness, including membership details and facility features, please visit www.jalc.edu/loganfitness or contact the Logan Fitness front desk at (618) 985-2828, ext. 8328.

By Rollie Hawk, Risk Manager

As we officially enter the summer season, it’s a good time to consider the effects of heat in the workplace.

When you think of the dangers associated with weather, your mind probably goes first toward thunderstorms and tornados.  It turns out that the number one killer among weather-related phenomena is heat.

According to OSHA, 3 out of 4 fatalities from heat occur during the first week of work so building up a tolerance is key.  OSHA recommends starting the first day in the heat only working at full intensity 20% of the time, then adding another 20% each day so that the body can acclimatize.

Important preventative steps include:

  • Drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you aren’t thirsty
  • Take rest breaks in shady or cool locations
  • Watch out for coworkers

Signs of a medical emergency and the time to call 911 include:

  • Abnormal thinking or behavior
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

Our natural inclination is often to power through the discomfort but we have a responsibility to look for these signs in ourselves and those around us.  Let’s all work together to have a safe and productive summer!

Juneteenth Celebration

Institutional Effectiveness and Research

IER SharePoint
The office of institutional effectiveness and research has a newly updated SharePoint site. This new site is broken into the following areas: Dashboards, Enrollment Data, Survey Results, and Student Assessment. Additional information will be updated on this new site over the coming months. The easiest way to access the new SharePoint site is clicking on the “IER SharePoint” link on the left-hand side of the JALC website for Institutional Effectiveness and Research. Or click this link to access the page directly: https://jalcollege.sharepoint.com/sites/InstitutionalEffectivenessandResearch

Human Resources

A list of current open positions at JALC is listed at https://www.jalc.edu/employment/.

Business Services

Facilities and Construction

In The Know – Archive