J. Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee February 22, 2001 1:10 p.m. (ET), Room A, Laurel Technical College, London, KY Page Call to Order Roll Call Approval of November 30, 2000, Minutes...61 1. Action: Ratification of New Certificate Programs...71 2. Action: New Program Proposals a. AAS in Apprenticeship Technologies, Jefferson Technical College...73 b. AAS in Information Technology, Madisonville Community College...77 3. Update: Performance Category ELMS...81 Next Meeting: April 26, 2001, Somerset Community College and Somerset Technical College Adjournment 59
MINUTES KCTCS Board of Regents Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee November 30, 2000 Committee Members Present: Dr. John F. Jack Hanel, Chair Ms. Penelope Penny Logsdon, Vice Chair Ms. Alesha A. Brittain Ms. Cynthia L. Cindy Read Dr. Joseph B. Wise, III Committee Member Absent: Mr. William E. Beasley CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Hanel called to order the KCTCS Board of Regents Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee meeting at 3:10 p.m. (ET), November 30, 2000, in Room 103 of Northern Kentucky Technical College, Edgewood Campus in Edgewood, Kentucky. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Dr. Wise moved that the Committee approve the minutes of the September 16, 2000, meeting. Ms. Read seconded the motion. Chair Hanel accepted the minutes by unanimous consent. CHAIR S REPORT Chair Hanel welcomed new committee members, Ms. Brittain and Ms. Logsdon, to the Committee. Chair Hanel reported that in April 1999, the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) delegated to the KCTCS Board of Regents approval authority for all new certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs at KCTCS technical and community colleges. As part of the delegation, which was effective until December 2000, the Council established a Timeline for Implementation and Review of KCTCS New Program Approval Authority. This timeline included a series of steps for the implementation, review, and audit of program approval policies at KCTCS. During fall 2000, CPE staff conducted a review of KCTCS program approval procedures and met with KCTCS staff and Chair Hanel to assess the Committee s role and evaluate the process. Based upon that review, the Council reaffirmed in November 2000 the delegation of 61
program approval authority to KCTCS. Chair Hanel distributed and read correspondence from the Council s Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, James L. Applegate, that confirmed the Council s reaffirmation. Chair Hanel expressed appreciation for the good work of those who develop and review new program proposals, including those at the local colleges, the System s office, and Committee members. Keith Bird, KCTCS Chancellor, said that the Council staff was complimentary of the minutes detailing the discussion of new programs that takes place in the Committee and Board meetings. The Committee received an updated Program Inventory which lists all programs offered by KCTCS, including the new programs approved by the Board. RATIFICATION OF NEW CREDIT CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS RECOMMENDATION: That the Board ratify the approval of the new credit certificate programs listed on page 55 of the agenda book. Dr. Bird explained that a number of the listed programs are a result of rolling over an existing curriculum to a new integrated curriculum with multiple exit points, e.g., Network and Information Systems Technology curriculum rolled over to the new Information Technology curriculum. All certificate programs on page 55 of the agenda book are applicable toward at least one degree program, and additional resources are not required for their implementation. MOTION: Ms. Read moved that the Committee approve the recommendation. Dr. Wise seconded the motion. Ms. Logsdon said that students of all ages are interested in the new program opportunities that are evolving. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. AAT IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY, BOWLING GREEN TECHNICAL COLLEGE RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve an Associate in Applied Technology degree program in Automotive Technology for Bowling Green Technical College. Chair Hanel welcomed Iris Dotson, Dean of Instruction at Bowling Green Technical College. Anthony Newberry, KCTCS Chancellor, presented the proposal. 62
Bowling Green Technical College currently offers certificate and diploma programs in Automotive Technology, and the proposed degree program would build on those programs. The College s classroom and laboratory space are certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation; no renovation is necessary to implement the program. The general education courses in the program will be taught at Western Kentucky University (WKU), other regionally accredited colleges and universities, or via distance learning. Library resources will be available at Bowling Green Technical College, WKU, and via the KY Virtual Library (KYVL). If the program is approved, it will be implemented in spring 2001. The Barren River Area has a strong workforce demand for automotive technicians, with a projected 34 annual job openings for automotive technicians through 2005. The Workforce Development Cabinet s publication, Kentucky Career Outlook and Job Opportunities, projects that the automotive technician occupation will rank fifth in Kentucky occupations with the most annual job openings to the year 2005. Extensive postsecondary education and training are required for this occupation. In closing, Dr. Newberry pointed out that the System already has AAT degree programs in Automotive Technology at Elizabethtown Technical College and Mayo Technical College. Also, the System has AAS degree programs in Automotive Technology at Hazard Community College and Jefferson Community College. The program at Jefferson Community College is a joint program with Jefferson Technical College. One advantage of the System is that a common core curriculum can serve all programs with the same program inventory classification. MOTION: Dr. Wise moved that the Committee approve the recommendation. Ms. Logsdon seconded the motion. Ms. Read asked whether the program supports the computerization trend in automotive technology. Ms. Dotson responded that much of the automotive coursework involves computer tasks. Chair Hanel complimented Committee members on the detailed review they give to the program proposals. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. 63
AAT IN RADIOGRAPHY, BOWLING GREEN TECHNICAL COLLEGE RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve an Associate in Applied Technology degree program in Radiography for Bowling Green Technical College. Chair Hanel welcomed Diane Button, Radiography faculty member at Bowling Green Technical College. Dr. Newberry presented the proposal. According to the Occupation Outlook Handbook, Radiologic Technologist is one of the nation s fastest growing occupations. It is one of 25 occupations projected to grow the fastest in the next 10 years. A survey conducted in the college s service area confirmed the need for the program at Bowling Green Technical College. The accrediting body, The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), noted that the number of certificate and diploma level programs has declined nationally. While there are nearly 300 associate degree level programs nationally, there are only 10 certificate programs. Bowling Green Technical College currently offers a diploma program in Radiography, and the proposed degree program retains the diploma level credential. Students enrolled in the AAT in Radiography program would take their general education courses at Western Kentucky University, other regionally accredited colleges or universities, or via distance learning. The approved curriculum in the proposal is the same as that in place for existing programs at Elizabethtown Technical College and West Kentucky Technical College. Library resources will be available at the college, Western Kentucky University and via the KYVL. With the diploma program already in place, Bowling Green Technical College will not require additional funding for the implementation of this program. The college, in collaboration with Western Kentucky University, currently has the faculty, facilities and equipment to offer an AAT in Radiography program. If the program is approved, it will be implemented in spring 2001. MOTION: Ms. Logsdon moved that the Committee approve the recommendation. Dr. Wise seconded the motion. Ms. Logsdon said that Kentucky is in desperate need of radiographers, and that new programs and more graduates would enhance the profession and benefit the Commonwealth s citizens. 64
Chair Hanel asked about the decline nationally in certificate and diploma offerings in Radiography. Ms. Dotson cited the health care industry s increased demand for associate degrees programs as the reason for the decline. Ms. Logsdon cited the national trend towards joint community and technical colleges as another reason. Dr. Bird pointed out the national phenomenon of increasing numbers of baccalaureate students returning to technical and community colleges to earn certificates and diplomas in the health sciences and computer industry. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. AAS IN DIESEL TECHNOLOGY, CUMBERLAND VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve an Associate in Applied Science degree program in Diesel Technology with options in Medium and Heavy Truck Mechanics and Construction Equipment Mechanics for Cumberland Valley Technical College. Chair Hanel welcomed Ron Mason, Cumberland Valley Technical College Campus Director, and Dave Wilder, a Diesel Technology faculty member. Dr. Bird presented the proposal. Cumberland Valley Technical College presently offers certificates and diplomas in Diesel Technology, and the proposed AAS in Diesel Technology includes options for students to specialize in medium and heavy truck mechanics or construction equipment mechanics. The Kentucky Occupational Outlook estimates an increase of 153 diesel engine specialist job openings between 1996 and 2006. Classroom and laboratory facilities at the college are National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certified. They are up-to-date and meet the requirements of the degree program without any renovation. Students enrolled in the program may take their general education courses at Southeast Community College, at other regionally accredited colleges and universities, or via distance learning. Library resources will be available at Cumberland Valley Technical College and Southeast Community College as well as via the KYVL. Implementation of the program, if approved, will be spring 2001. No additional resources will be required to implement this program. Mr. Mason said that an assessment of local companies labor needs indicates that 45 new diesel engine specialists will be needed between 2000 and 2005. One heavy equipment company in the Middlesboro area expressed a dire need for diesel technicians. 65
MOTION: Ms. Read moved that the Committee approve the recommendation. Ms. Logsdon seconded the motion. Dr. Wise asked about the accuracy of the Kentucky Occupational Outlook. Dr. Bird said that it is becoming more reliable, and it is being used with the Workforce Investment Act. The document provides a general indication of employment needs, with its forecast related to local economic conditions. However, there is no substitute for a local employer need assessment. Dr. Bird said that the System would monitor each new program closely as part of the System s productivity review process. Also, Dr. Bird mentioned that KCTCS, the CPE and the Workforce Investment Board plan to use ELMS (Early Leavers with Marketable Skills) as a performance indicator. This means that students who leave a program early with marketable skills and who are employed in jobs related to their programs of study would be counted as completers, provided that documentation from program faculty and employers is collected and verified. Chair Hanel asked that the September 4, 2000, Employment & Training Reporter article on ELMS be sent to the Committee members. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. AAS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY, JOINT PROGRAM FOR LAUREL TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND SOMERSET TECHNICAL COLLEGE RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve a joint Associate in Applied Science degree program in Law Enforcement Technology for Laurel Technical College and Somerset Technical College. Chair Hanel welcomed representatives from Somerset Technical College and Laurel Technical College: Carol VanHook, Director, Somerset Technical College; Edd McWhorter, Director, Laurel Technical College; Greg Fryman, Academic Dean, Somerset Technical College; and Ron Kincaid, Law Enforcement faculty member, Somerset Technical College. Dr. Bird presented the proposal. The proposed joint AAS in Law Enforcement Technology program from Somerset Technical College and Laurel Technical College is the first example of a truly district program. The general education courses will be provided by Somerset Community College, by other regionally accredited colleges and universities, and via distance learning. Library resources will be available at Somerset and Laurel Technical Colleges and Somerset Community College, as well as via KYVL. The proposed program greatly enhances accessibility to postsecondary education as it can be moved within the district as needed. 66
Numerous municipal, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are represented in the district. The Kentucky Workforce Development Cabinet predicts that within the Somerset Technical College and Laurel Technical College district, police patrol and correctional officer occupations will be among the top 49 occupations with the most annual job openings through 2005. A need assessment survey of the Somerset Technical College and Laurel Technical College district projects more than 100 job openings (75 and 50 respectively) over the next four years. The proposed program meets the minimum needs of law enforcement offices. Dr. Bird and Dr. Newberry have discussed with Eastern Kentucky University the possibility of linking the program with the Police Academy. This program will not require additional funding. If approved, implementation is planned for spring 2001. MOTION: Dr. Wise moved that the Committee approve the recommendation. Ms. Logsdon seconded the motion. Dr. Wise asked what the Commonwealth s minimum requirements are for law enforcement officers. Mr. Kincaid said that to be a law enforcement officer in Kentucky, a person must have a high school diploma or GED, pass certain physical requirements, and complete a criminal record check. Most chiefs of police and other law enforcement administrators would like to require higher standards. The Kentucky State Police require prospective troopers to have at least an associate degree. Kentucky has a financial incentive program that rewards law enforcement agency employees for continuing their education. Federal agencies have different standards, as do different areas of the state. Ms. Logsdon pointed out the importance of the practicum, the clinical experience requirement of the program, and said that it will help with retention. Dr. Newberry said that several programs allow students to complete a practicum as an elective. Dr. Bird said that KCTCS staff plans to work with the colleges to increase work-based experience options. Carolyn O Daniel, KCTCS staff, mentioned that a law enforcement curriculum revision is underway to assure that programs continue providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet changing workforce demands. 67
Committee members asked whether the proposed program could be expanded to meet the needs of new detention centers under construction in the colleges service areas. Mr. Kincaid stated that the proposed program incorporates the current curriculum, and will incorporate the revised curriculum when completed. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. TECHNICAL COLLEGES CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve the technical colleges candidates for degrees and diplomas as listed on pages 71-89 of the agenda book, with the degrees and diplomas to be awarded to the candidates upon certification that the requirements have been satisfactorily completed. MOTION: Ms. Read moved that the Committee approve the recommendation. Ms. Logsdon seconded the motion. Chair Hanel pointed out that the May 2000 technical college list of graduates had 15 candidates, and the December 2000 list has 205 candidates. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. COMMUNITY COLLEGES CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve the awarding of associate degrees to community college candidates (as listed on pages 92-93 of the agenda book) who have met all requirements for programs approved by the Board with the degrees to be awarded to the candidates upon certification that degree requirements have been satisfactorily completed. MOTION: Dr. Wise moved that the Committee approve the recommendation. Ms. Logsdon seconded the motion. Chair Hanel pointed out that for the first time, the KCTCS graduate list for the community colleges includes candidates for the associate in arts and the associate in science degrees. The first KCTCS degree awarded was an associate in applied science, which was awarded to a student at Ashland Community College in May 1999. In December 1999 the Board approved 17 candidates for KCTCS associate in applied science degrees, and in May 2000 it approved 43 candidates from six community colleges for KCTCS associate in applied science degrees. The December 2000 graduate list includes 52 candidates from nine community colleges for associate in applied science, associate in science, and associate in arts degrees. 68
Dr. Wise asked what date would appear on the degrees approved by the Board at the December 1, 2000, meeting. Chancellor Newberry said that the date that appears on the degree is the graduation date. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve the awarding of associate degrees to community college candidates (as listed on pages 94-110 of the agenda book) who have met all requirements for programs approved by the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, with the degrees to be awarded to the candidates by UK upon certification that degree requirements have been satisfactorily completed. MOTION: Ms. Logsdon moved that the Committee approve the recommendation. Ms. Read seconded the motion. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS Chair Hanel thanked college representatives who attended the meeting to provide additional information about the programs under consideration by the Committee. He also thanked the Chancellors for their work in the program approval process and for facilitating the review process with the CPE. NEXT MEETING ADJOURNMENT The next Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of February 22, 2001, at Laurel Technical College in London, Kentucky. MOTION: Dr. Wise moved that the meeting adjourn. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. (ET). Date Approved by the Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee John F. Jack Hanel Committee Chair 69
70
60
ACTION RATIFICATION OF NEW CREDIT Agenda Item J-1 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS February 23, 2001 Recommendation That the Board of Regents ratify the approval of the new credit certificate programs listed on the following page. Rationale The Board of Regents Policy on Program Approval, adopted April 30, 1999, specifies that the Board must approve all new programs that lead to the awarding of an associate degree or a diploma. The KCTCS President may approve new credit certificate programs upon recommendation by the chancellors, with such approvals to be presented to the Board for ratification. The certificate programs listed on the next page support the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act s goals of being responsive to the needs of students and employers, avoiding unnecessary program duplication, and increasing inter-institutional collaboration. They meet all KCTCS program approval policies and procedures, the KCTCS Policy on Collaborative Program Development, the KCTCS Policy on Inter-Branch Transfer of Credit, and all applicable Council on Postsecondary Education policies and procedures. Some of the certificate programs listed are a result of rolling over an existing curriculum to a new integrated curriculum with multiple exit points, e.g., Network and Information Systems Technology curriculum rolled over to the new Information Technology curriculum. All certificate programs included on the list are applicable toward at least one degree program, and additional resources are not required for their implementation. Background In April 1999, the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) delegated to the KCTCS Board of Regents authority to approve new academic programs at technical and community colleges. As part of the delegation, which was effective until December 2000, the CPE established a Timeline for Implementation and Review of KCTCS New Program Approval Authority. This timeline included a series of steps for the implementation, review, and audit of program approval policies at KCTCS. During fall 2000, CPE staff conducted a review of KCTCS program approval procedures and met with the Chair of the KCTCS Board of Regents Academic Affairs Committee to assess the Committee s role and its evaluation of the process. At its November 13, 2000, meeting CPE reaffirmed the delegation of program approval authority to KCTCS for all new certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs offered by KCTCS technical and community colleges. 71
KCTCS Certificate Programs Approved for Ratification by the Board of Regents December 2000 - February 2001 College Embedded Description CIP Code Bowling Green Technical College Y Database Oracle 11.0101 Y Database Web Oracle 11.0101 Y Info Systems Support 11.0101 N CNC Operator/Programmer 48.0503 N CNC Technician 48.0503 N Commercial Cabinetmaker 48.0703 Cumberland Valley Technical College Y Diesel Mechanics Assistant 47.0605 Elizabethtown Community College Y Quality Specialist I 52.1099 Y Quality Specialist II 52.1099 Y Team Leader 52.1099 Hazard Community College Y Info Systems Support 11.0101 Henderson Community College Y Medical Office 51.0801 Administrative Assistant Y Database Oracle 11.0101 Y Database Web Oracle 11.0101 Y E-Commerce 11.0101 Y Network MS2K Enhance 11.0101 Y Info Systems Support 11.0101 Hopkinsville Community College Y Info Tech A+ 11.0101 N Network Cisco Basic 11.0101 Jefferson Community College Y Industrial Chemical Technology Jefferson Technical College N Airframe Maintenance Technician Certificate N Powerplant Maintenance Technician Certificate 41.0301 47.0608 47.0608 Laurel Technical College N Network Cisco Basic 11.0101 Northern KY Technical College N Massage Therapy 12.0405 Paducah Community College Y Paramedic Certificate 51.0904 72
NEW PROGRAM PROPOSAL ACTION AAS IN APPRENTICESHIP TECHNOLOGY Agenda Item J-2a JEFFERSON TECHNICAL COLLEGE February 23, 2001 Recommendation: That the Board of Regents approve an Associate in Applied Science degree program in Apprenticeship Technology with options in carpentry, cabinet and millwork, and millwright for Jefferson Technical College to be implemented in fall 2001. Rationale: The Kentucky Department of Labor and the Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) have requested the Apprenticeship Technology Program. Statistics provided by the Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Training, the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Apprenticeship and Training, and the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and International Apprenticeship Committee indicate large numbers of both apprentices and journeymen for whom this would be an attractive opportunity. In Kentucky, there are over 2,500 active apprentices and more than 17,500 journeymen in more than 260 active programs. In the Greater Louisville Area, there are 1,200 apprentices and over 6,300 journeymen in 125 active programs. The proposed AAS degree program will enable apprentices and journeymen in those federally or state-approved apprenticeship programs to obtain college credit in technical course work and progress toward completion of an AAS degree. The proposed AAS in Apprenticeship Technology is designed to meet workforce needs in Kentucky, and is consistent with the mission of Jefferson Technical College and KCTCS. The proposed program is based on an approved KCTCS curriculum consisting of 64-75 credit hours with 18-19 credit hours in general education. Additional resources will not be required to implement this program since the general education courses are already available at Jefferson Community College and Jefferson Technical College and the technical components are to be provided through existing apprenticeship programs. Regarding the objectives of the 1997-2002 Kentucky Plan for Equal Opportunities in Postsecondary Education, Jefferson Technical College is automatically eligible to have new degree programs. See the attached executive summary of the proposal. A copy of the full proposal has been forwarded to each member of the Board s Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee. 73
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Associate in Applied Science in Apprenticeship Technology Jefferson Technical College A Proposal for Initiation of a New Degree Program Mission, Influence, Organization The proposed Apprenticeship Technology Program is consistent with Jefferson Technical College s mission to offer career-oriented programs designed to enhance the skills of the Commonwealth s workforce. It is also consistent with mandates of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 to increase the technical skills and professional expertise of Kentucky workers, to develop a pool of educated citizens to support the expansion of existing business and industry and the recruitment of new business and industry, and to enhance the flexibility and adaptability of Kentucky workers in an ever-changing global economy. Program Description The 64-75 credit hour AAS in Apprenticeship Technology Program would enable apprentices in federally or state-approved apprenticeship programs to earn college credit in technical course work that would apply toward a degree. The Apprenticeship Technology Program would require students to complete four components a general education core, a technical core, a specialty core, and a work experience component. Program options include carpentry, cabinet and millwork, and millwright. As companies requiring workers skilled in crafts and trades become increasingly more technically sophisticated, global in focus, and organizationally complex, they will need workers to possess a greater variety of skills and more comprehensive education. This program structure prepares apprentices to meet the challenges of a multicultural workforce and a global economy while preparing graduates to move from labor to supervisory positions thus enhancing the quality of Kentucky s workforce. Apprenticeship and training program leaders participated in the development of the apprenticeship technology curriculum, along with representatives of the Kentucky training programs, and technical college faculty and staff. Additional apprenticeship programs in trades and crafts will be considered as needs are identified. 74
Supportive Data The Kentucky Department of Labor and the Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils (JATC) requested this Apprenticeship Technology Program. The technical colleges have a long and successful history working with apprenticeship programs to provide both credit and non-credit instruction and the time is right to move forward with this program. The passage of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, the current statewide emphasis on high-tech training, and the recognition that workers who have earned an associate degree are prepared to meet the challenges of a multicultural workforce and a global economy all support this effort to provide for truly integrated training and education. Leaders of Kentucky apprenticeship programs have indicated that they will seek a partnership with an out-of-state institution if KCTCS is unable to provide the program needed. Statistics provided by the Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Training, the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Apprenticeship and Training, and the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, International Apprenticeship Committee indicate large numbers of both apprentices and journeymen for whom this would be an attractive opportunity. In Kentucky, there are over 2,500 active apprentices and more than 17,500 journeymen in more than 260 active programs. In the Greater Louisville Area, there are 1,200 apprentices and over 6,300 journeymen in 125 active programs. Clearly, there is a huge pool of potential students, both locally and statewide, as well as an impetus from the workforce to encourage lifelong learning to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of Kentucky workers. Resources A majority of the training for the technical, specialty, and work experience components will occur at apprenticeship facilities, and the training will be provided by the apprenticeship programs instructional staff. Community college faculty will provide the instruction for the general education courses. No additional resource needs are anticipated. Conclusion This program is proposed in direct response to requests from representatives of the trades. Apprenticeship training program leaders participated in the development of the apprenticeship technology curriculum. This program is clearly needed to move Kentucky s apprentices through a seamless educational pathway and can be provided without additional resources. 75
76
NEW PROGRAM PROPOSAL ACTION AAS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Agenda Item J-2b MADISONVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE February 23, 2001 Recommendation That the Board of Regents approve an Associate in Applied Science degree program in Information Technology (IT) with options in Computer Programming, Database Administration, Electronic Commerce, Information Systems Support, and Network Administration for Madisonville Community College with implementation in fall 2001. Rationale A need assessment conducted with local industry in the college s service area indicates 81 percent of employers rank their top training need in the Information Technology field including the areas of computer networking, web page design, and software application. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published in the AACC Research Brief, 2000, there is a critical shortage of IT professionals with appropriate certifications. Information Technology is an industry with projected rapid employment growth through 2006. The proposed AAS in Information Technology designed to meet workforce needs in Kentucky is consistent with the mission of Madisonville Community College and KCTCS. The proposed AAS degree program is based on an approved KCTCS curriculum consisting of 67-71 credit hours. Internal reallocation of resources and reassignment of faculty will enable the college to implement the program without additional resources. Private fund raising and grant funds will be used for program enhancements. Regarding the objectives of the 1997-2002 Kentucky Plan for Equal Opportunities in Postsecondary Education, Madisonville Community College has automatic eligibility for 2001. The attached executive summary provides further information about the proposal. A copy of the full proposal has been forwarded to each member of the Board s Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee. 77
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology Madisonville Community College A Proposal for Initiation of a New Degree Program Mission, Influence, Organization The mission of Madisonville Community College includes offering curricula for career-oriented programs leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree and that prepare students for immediate technical or semi-professional employment. The proposed program addresses the goals of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 as well as the System s goal of providing access to learning opportunities that will develop a workforce with skills to meet employment needs of new and existing industries, increase technical skills of workers, and enhance lifelong learning. The proposed Information Technology program will be housed in the Social Sciences and Related Technologies division. Program Description The Information Technology program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and certificates in several options: Information Technology Fundamentals, Computer Programming, Network Administration, Database Administration, Information Systems Support, and Electronic Commerce. Madisonville Community College plans to implement the E-Commerce Option of the Information Technology program with additional options considered as the needs of the community dictate. The college will award both certificates and the degree during the initial phase. The curriculum includes a solid foundation of core courses focusing on problem-solving and communication skills for professionals involved in computer network environments. The proposed AAS degree program is based on an approved KCTCS curriculum consisting of 67-71 credit hours. Supportive Data In a recent publication, the American Association of Community Colleges reported U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics revealed that the information technology industry will experience rapid growth through 2006 and that there is currently a critical shortage of credentialed professionals in the field. Through telephone interviews and advisory committee meetings, local employers emphasized the need for information technology graduates. The College s 1998 Regional Needs Assessment research revealed that 81 percent of employers viewed their top training needs in the area of computer technology. Additionally, local economic development initiatives (six new businesses in the past 12 months) have brought employers to Madisonville who need Information Technology graduates. 78
Resources Facilities necessary for the Information Technology program already exist on the campus of Madisonville Community College. Equipment needs and professional development of faculty can be funded through private fund raising or grant monies such as Perkins funding. Faculty resources for the program will initially come from a reassignment of existing full- and part-time faculty. Similarly, funding for supplies will come from internal reallocation of resources. Conclusion The significance of the proposed Information Technology program for Madisonville Community College lies in aligning the college s curricular offerings in the computer field with industry standards and needs. Approval of this program will not require additional funds for implementation and will permit effective use of existing resources to meet community workforce needs. 79
80
UPDATE: Agenda Item J-3 PERFORMANCE CATEGORY - ELMS February 23, 2001 At the June 30, 2000, KCTCS Board of Regents meeting, the Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Accountability Committee reported on the status of performance indicators, including the performance measures for assessing the outcomes of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). One of the completion rate performance measures (in addition to graduation rate and transfer rate) that KCTCS has advocated is Early Leavers with Marketable Skills (ELMS). Starting in September 2001, students who leave a program before completion and are employed in jobs directly related to their programs of study at the college will be designated as ELMS, provided that documentation from program faculty and employers is collected and verified. Both the Council on Postsecondary Education and the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board now utilize this definition of the ELMS program completer. The CPE has included the ELMS definition in the key performance indicators proposal currently under statewide discussion. At the November 13, 2000, CPE meeting, CPE staff members reported that they would present to the Council in March 2001 a formal recommendation on the proposed key indicators and goals. When formally adopted by the Council, KCTCS will become the first system in the nation to utilize the ELMS measure as an official performance indicator. A national article in the September 4, 2000, issue of the Employment & Training Reporter featured KCTCS ELMS performance category. During spring 2001, a KCTCS process will be developed to identify ELMS students and to implement a tracking system to certify ELMS students as program completers. ELMS students will be identified as a student group within the KCTCS Student Administration System. 81
82