The Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) referendum was conducted during tough economic times and a turbulent political landscape. Miron Construction worked with Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) to clearly identify FVTC's needs. Extensive input was gathered from key stakeholder groups including faculty, staff, students and valued community partners. Dr. Susan May, FVTC president, said: "EUA and Miron helped us design a process to gain public support from all constituencies, one that assisted FVTC in making effective and efficient decisions in a relatively short time frame." The result was a $66.5 million referendum that passed with 66 percent approval. Craig Uhlenbrauck, vice president of marketing for Miron who works first-hand with all educational projects, could speak to their approach on this and any educational project in their portfolio.

1. American Association of Community Colleges
93rd Annual Convention
April 23, 2013
ROUTE TO REFERENDUM SUCCESS:
Strategies to Get to Yes

2. Team Introductions
Dr. Susan May Craig Uhlenbrauck
President Referendum Coordinator
Fox Valley Technical College Miron Construction Co., Inc.
Kit Dailey Steve Tyink
Public Information Specialist FVTC Foundation Board President
Eppstein Uhen Architects Community Engagement
Miron Construction Co., Inc.

3. BACKGROUND

4. A Few Statistics
Last referendum was 1998
50% enrollment growth since last referendum
FVTC serves approximately 53,000 people annually

5. Turbulent Political Landscape and Weak Economy

6. Scope of Referendum Projects
Public Safety Training Center - $34.8M
• Vital hands-on tactical training for students and public safety
professionals
Health Simulation and Technology Center - $11.9M
• Enhanced training through patient/medical simulation
Student Success Center - $7.4M
• Increased support service space to help more/diverse students
become work ready
Transportation Center Expansion - $6.2M
• Addresses state’s annual need for 8,000-10,000 truck drivers and 400
diesel mechanics

7. Scope of Referendum Projects continued…
Agriculture Center Expansion - $3.5M
• Accommodates 87% enrollment growth in ag-related programs
since 2008
Chilton Regional Center Purchase/Expansion - $1.7M
• Meets rural health care training needs & reduces operating
expense
Future Regional Expansion- Oshkosh - $1.0M (land only)
• Provides for future campus needs &
program growth

8. Summary of Referendum
Public Referendum Held
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Not to Exceed $66.5M
• Approximately $1/month
• Tax impact estimated at $12.50/year per $100,000 of property
value – 15 years
Referendum Passed with 65% Approval

9. 4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM
READINESS
1
2
3
4
Partners &
Planning Community
Engagement College
Foundation Realistic
Timing

10. 4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM
READINESS
1
Partners &
Planning

11. Role of Leadership
Who gets involved
and when?

12. Role of Internal Leadership
Executive Team
• Confirm and reinforce the needs
• Oversee the process
• Implement planning & information strategies
Board
• Key decision-making timeline
• Public representation and connection
Foundation
• TechWorks /Friends of FVTC – public advocacy
Stakeholders
• Community partners, employers, students, staff, faculty

13. Leadership Retreat
Retreat with FVTC Leadership Team
• Learned about referendum process
• Brainstormed critical needs
• Created Facilities Vision Statement

14. Establish Your Professional Partner Team EARLY
Research Partners Construction Manager
Financial Advisor
Architectural Partner

15. Partners & Planning
Identify Needs
• What will the projects be?
Consider Timing
How quickly do you need to implement?
• Strategy for Election Cycles
• Legal Requirements
• College & System Deadlines
• Existing Debt Obligations
Do the Homework
• How do you fund it?
• How do we get there?
Position Board To Make Informed Decisions,
Not Poor Decisions

16. Define Scope
Master Planning
Programming/Space Analysis
Estimating
• Facility Costs
• Operational Costs

17. 4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM
READINESS
2
Community
Engagement

18. Community Engagement
Economic
Impact Study
Public Opinion
Poll Facilities
Planning
Summit
Key Board
Community Decision
Partner on
Survey Employer
Referendum Demand
Faculty & Staff Student
Survey Needs

19. 4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM
READINESS
3
College
Foundation

20. FVTC Foundation Inc.
• Background
• Mission
• Assets
• Role of Foundation
• Personal Reputation
The Foundation's mission is to be
the College's partner in securing and
providing various resources to
promote lifelong learning and
workforce development throughout
the communities we serve.

21. Oh No!
Not the
“R” word!

22. Steps the Foundation Took
ESTABLISH THE TEAM
• Leadership Team
IMPLEMENTATION • Community Steering Committee - TechWorks
• Video • Professional Resources
• Testimonials
LOGISTICS
• Legal considerations
• Budget
• Fundraising
CAMPAIGN STRATEGY MESSAGING & BRANDING

23. TechWorks Campaign

25. 4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM
READINESS
4
Realistic
Timing

26. Realistic Timing
Laying the Groundwork
• Building Institutional Reputation
• Ongoing Community Research
• Service to the Region
• Identifying core needs
Always in Referendum Mode….Reality is Perception

27. Realistic Timing
Planning

28. Readiness Self Assessment
What is the community’s perception of your College?
Can you articulate your critical needs?
Does your vision anticipate future needs?
Can you demonstrate responsiveness to local demand and
various stakeholders?
Are you positioned financially for this effort?
Have you maximized other financial means to address needs?
Do you have a proactive communication strategy?
What’s your reputation with the local media?
How well is your College Foundation positioned to support this?
Is the timing right for your community?

29. 4 KEYS TO REFERENDUM
READINESS
1
2
3
4
Partners &
Planning Community
Engagement College
Foundation Realistic
Timing

30. QUESTIONS?

31. American Association of Community Colleges
93rd Annual Convention
April 23, 2013
Thank you!
ROUTE TO REFERENDUM SUCCESS:
Strategies to Get to Yes