NIC Facts and Information

North Idaho College has received a variety of communications and requests for information in the past months. In an effort to be both transparent and efficient, the college has decided to post accurate information for all to access.

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NIC legal counsel report on presidential contract formation and modification

North Idaho College's legal counsel Art Macomber prepared a confidential report to the NIC Board of Trustees regarding his investigation into the hiring of NIC President Nick Swayne in June of 2022 and President Swayne's subsequent contract.

During last night's special board meeting, there were three agenda items related to Mr. Macomber's investigation and report:

• Action/Discussion: Board Response to Unauthorized Distribution of Macomber Report - Censure Trustee Corkill
• Action/Discussion: Board Response to Macomber Report on Investigation of Dr. Swayne's Contract
• Action/Discussion: Discussion and Vote Regarding Curing of Possible Open Meeting Violation at June 22, 2022 Board Meeting regarding "Action: Selection of President" and Follow-on Decisions Stemming from That Violation

By unanimous vote, the board waived attorney-client privilege and authorized the release of Mr. Macomber's report on his investigation of Dr. Swayne's contract.

The NIC Board of Trustees directed college staff to release the report to the public by 4 p.m. on April 25, 2023.

The report discusses:

• Facts and events leading up to the NIC Board of Trustees' June 22, 2022 decision to hire Dr. Swayne;
• Concerns about the legality of the super-majority requirement in Dr. Swayne's contract;
• Concerns about the president's relationship with the NIC Foundation;
• Timing for board recognition of open meetings law violations;
• The decision-making authority and jurisdiction of Kootenai County District Court vs. the NIC Board of Trustees;
• Information about Mr. Macomber's investigation process; and
• Recommendations to the NIC Board of Trustees.

Read the full unredacted and unedited report here: Macomber April 14 Report on Presidential Contract Formation and Modification

April 25, 2023

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NWCCU Standards and Eligibility Requirements cited in show cause sanction

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) evaluates all member institutions based on criteria that the NWCCU calls Standards and Eligibility Requirements. North Idaho College has compiled an abridged version of the NWCCU's Standards and Eligibility Requirements, including the areas of risk identified by the NWCCU, as a reference guide for our community. See the NIC Quick Reference Guide.

The full version of each can be found on the NWCCU's website. See the NWCCU Standards and the NWCCU Eligibility Requirements.

March 23, 2023

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STEM Charter Academy letter re: dual credit

North Idaho STEM Charter Academy sent NIC a letter Thursday, March 16 after a recent meeting with NIC President Nick Swayne.

STEM Charter Academy administrators emphasized the importance of NIC programs and offerings for their students, as well as their appreciation for faculty who have continued to deliver quality instruction throughout governance and leadership concerns.

"(President Swayne) made it clear that you are committed to protect and preserve these pathways moving forward. We are hopeful that NIC will take the specific necessary steps outlined in the Show Cause letter from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) to make to make that happen. Our students and community are counting on it."

Read the full letter here: STEM Charter Academy March 16 Letter to NIC

March 17, 2023

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Lakeland Joint School District and NIC dual credit

Lakeland Joint School District Board of Trustees asked district administration to research alternative dual credit opportunities for their students in the case that NIC receives an adverse decision regarding accreditation from the NWCCU. As of posting, NIC remains accredited by the NWCCU as the college works with the accrediting body through the show cause process. Below is the statement Lakeland Joint School District Superintendent Lisa Arnold distributed to families regarding the topic:

Feb. 21, 2023

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Inquiries re: NWCCU Letters

The NWCCU sent a letter to North Idaho College at the end of the day on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 4:42 p.m. PST.

The letter sent may be viewed here:

• NWCCU February 9 Letter to NIC

NIC responded to multiple public records requests earlier in the day stating that no new letters had been received. The information has since been updated here and on the Accreditation page.

Feb. 9, 2023

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Employee Personnel Files are Exempt from Disclosure

NIC does not release contracts or agreements or any other documents within an employee's personnel file. We follow public records law regarding exemptions from disclosure in Idaho Code and items within personnel files are exempt from disclosure. The Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer or their designee is the college's custodian of public records, and that person has a duty and an obligation to protect employee information within personnel files and to follow public records law.

The only employment contract that North Idaho College releases is that of the President of the college, a public official, who is the sole employee of the NIC Board of Trustees, and that contract is voted on and approved in a public meeting of the NIC Board of Trustees, thus public in its very nature. Interim President Greg South's Contract has been released as a public record.

Jan. 31, 2023

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President's Executive Cabinet Salary and Compensation

NIC hired interim leaders from 2021 to 2023 to assist the college and to help staff the President's Executive Cabinet. Find position and salary information about current and past Executive Cabinet leaders here:

Executive Cabinet Salary and Compensation FY23

Jan. 30, 2023