Linn-Benton Community College has developed a plan with Umpqua and Central Oregon community colleges to assist each other in the event of a natural disaster or act of terrorism, the college's board of education learned Wednesday evening.

The meeting was held at the college's Lebanon center.

Mike Holland, vice president of student affairs, outlined the concept of why the mutual aid group was developed. Each college president has appointed representatives to the group, which meets periodically to review and update campus emergency preparedness plans and maintain current lists of personnel, equipment, specialized training and other resources available to the group.

They are also responsible for meeting as soon as possible after an event to critique and prepare a summary report for each of the respective college presidents.

The LBCC board also approved three new programs:

• The Polysomnographic Technology Program will train students to work with sleep physicians to help patients with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. The program will include online lectures, hands-on practice in a laboratory setting and patient contact in a clinical practicum.

The program will be designed for up to 20 students, full-time and over three quarters. The course will be accredited by the Association of Polysomnographic Technologists and online courses will be through Highline Community College in Seattle, Wash. It will begin in the spring of 2008.

• The Mediatronics Technician Program will prepare students through cross training in pneumatics, hydraulics, electro-mechanical systems, mechanical systems, electronics and applied physics to work in food processing, automated warehousing and manufacturing.

The course will be designed for up to 20 students. There are 60 students interested so far. Graduation will require completion of 107 course credits.

• The Retail Management Certificate will be a one-year program approved by the Oregon State Board of Education. The certificate is offered by Lane, Chemeketa, Blue Mountain, Central Oregon, Clatsop and Clackamas community colleges.

Students will acquire management skills needed in the retail food industry, which has an average annual employment growth rate of more than 12 percent. Graduates will have to complete 35 credits.

In other business

President's contract: The board approved a 5.03 percent salary increase for president Rita Cavin. The percentage is the same as that given to other management staff members. Cavin's new salary will be $155,960.

New hires: Jill Bartosz, secretary II, college advancement; Jeremy Conforth, accounting clerk I, accounting services; Susan Clark, instructional designer, staff and organizational development; Carolyn Pokorney, training specialist; Mia Schroer, teen specialist; James Cooper, instructional assistant II, machine tool technology; Catherine Nightingale, instructional assistant II, mathematics; Stacey Gerger, instructional assistant II, dental assisting; Amanda Williams, financial aid adviser;

Separations: Nancy Pittman, retail specialist, bookstore; Fran Sperle, financial aid adviser.