Editor’s note: This is a developing story, and will be updated as WHQR receives information from the college.
Marine technology is a flagship program for the college — and it’s the same on the East Coast. He has been with CFCC for over 55 years.
In the year In the spring of 2013, the college purchased the Cape Hatteras from the National Science Foundation — and before CFCC bought it, the ship had been used by researchers to conduct ocean science experiments for nearly 30 years.
Students from across the region and the country will be aboard the ship for hands-on training and training on equipment such as conveyors and sampling equipment. They also conduct biological studies on board.
It is a successful program: CFCC He reports on the website for the program About 94% of marine technology graduates are employed full-time in the industry or continue their education at a higher level. They are employed in industries such as fishing, shipping, hydrographic surveys and marine equipment.
Capt. Robert Daniels, who was among the college’s top 15 earners at $99,720, reportedly resigned last week in a change to the staff’s compensation period.
According to an internal CFCC email sent by Jason Rogers, chairman of the Department of Naval Technology, on Aug. 29, the resignation was due to an emergency adjustment to the employee’s compensation period.
“Recently, the college changed the ability of Cape Fair Hattress employees to receive compensatory time off, which resulted in several layoffs,” Rogers said.
Rogers sent a separate email to students: “I met with John Downing (Vice President of Economic Workforce Development) and Mark Council (Dean of Career and Technical Education) and there is no intention of closing the Marine Technology program.” Challenges facing the program revolve around safely managing the R/V Cape Hatteras and carrying out the marine transportation portion of the program.
WHQR reached out to both Rogers and the college for comment but has not heard back.
Rogers did not elaborate on the exact changes to this vacation period, but WHQR requested changes to their contract through an Aug. 26 public information request to the college after five different unidentified employees and/or students spoke to the crew about the changes to compensatory time.
The effect of layoffs
Rogers did not name the specific crew members who resigned, but said the resignations will affect the ship’s ability to service and conduct training cruises safely.
He said he’s trying to create a Plan B for students who need to meet their training ship requirements, but it won’t be “on board Cape Hatteras.”
During the duration of the program, which generally lasts five semesters or two years, students are usually at sea for 32 days on a training ship. These ‘cruises’ often occur every semester, and each trip brings to life the training you receive in class, according to information on the program’s website.
According to the budget issued by the region for the fiscal year 2022-2023, CFCCC marine technology It will receive $821,003 to run the programIt’s about half the cost of delivery.
WHQR contacted the college to ask the following questions.
1) Why did the college make these changes to the workers’ compensation period? And have these changes been presented to the College Council or Board of Trustees prior to compensatory period adjustments?
2) Why were these changes made after the workers signed their first contract in the spring?
3) Does the college wish to comment on the resignation of Captain Robert Daniels or the sailors who resigned?
4) What will happen to the program after these layoffs? What about current students and their future career paths?
5) Will the college have to return some of the $821,003 in state funding if the entire program is not implemented this semester?
The college has not yet answered these questions. HQR will update the story if the college provides comments.
Meanwhile, CFCC’s naval technology students are organizing — and calling on those in the program to attend the board’s Sept. 22 meeting to call attention to a policy change that has forced some of the ship’s crew to leave.
As part of their call to action, the students are including an ‘exclusive activity policy’ in their organizing materials to let their students know. First amendment rights (Pages 24-25).
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