Recommendations Summary Detailed information about each recommendation can be found at Factor Current Process Recommended Changes Benefit Programs Inclusion of Programs Academic Transfer, Prof/Tech, and I-Best programs all have different approval processes. For programs to be eligible for Opportunity Grant recipients and some Work First students, additional applications must be completed. Recommend development of one online application for all lower division certificates and degrees. Create a comprehensive guidance manual that walks college staff through the process and provides examples. One online application for all programs provides improved access and streamlines the process for college users. All programs Program Description Program descriptions vary by the type of approval process. The same information is not provided consistently Recommend colleges include common descriptive elements like program title and credits. Colleges will also include information pertaining to program goals, student outcomes, awards and instructional delivery modes. Consistent descriptions will allow colleges and the SBCTC to better query the inventory and more readily respond to requests for information about various college programs. All programs Program Pathway The structure of the program, including options, certificates, entry and exit points, and award types is provided in a free-flowing narrative. Recommend a schematic or flow chart diagram be used to show the structure of the program and entire pathway for students including options beyond a 2-year degree if appropriate. A template with instructions on how to build the diagram will be provided. Examples and links to technical assistance will be included in guidance. A schematic diagram of a program pathway is clearer and simpler to follow than a narrative. The same diagram could be used for advisory meetings and in college publications. All programs
Factor Current Process Recommended Changes Benefit Programs Expedited process for specific programs Prof/Tech certificate programs of 1-19 credits do not require program approval. They must be registered. Prof/Tech programs 20 credits or longer must go through the program approval process. Recommend same process for certificates that are credits – registration only. Recommend certificates 20-44 credits follow an expedited approval process if - The first two digits of the certificate CIP are the same as the first two digits of the primary program CIP College provides a program description and pathway diagram. College provides documentation of need for the proposed prof/tech certificate. Many short certificates are designed to meet employer needs to upskill incumbent workers in competitive markets. An expedited process allows colleges to ramp up needed training programs quickly. New certificates with differing first two digits of the CIP from the primary program will be required to follow the full approval process. Documentation of need may include, but is not limited to advisory committee meeting minutes, notes of conversations or emails from local employers, labor/market data, or notes from meetings with economic and/or workforce development organizations. Prof/Tech Program Credits Total number of credits are listed on approval form Recommend colleges add additional information if certificates or degrees exceed a specific credit threshold. Certificates over 40 or 75 credits and Associate degrees over 105 credits will require rationale. Program cost and length for students have been considered. Rational for creating less than a 1 yr. cert. (for certs 40-44 credits) or an Associate’s degree (for certs. 75-89 credits) is documented Rationale for 2-yr.degree programs that exceed a range of 90-105 credits is documented. All Programs
Factor Current Process Recommended Changes Benefit Programs Inter-College Communication Academic Transfer Prog. The college requesting program approval must secure signatures from the Chief Instructional Officers at neighboring colleges. Prof/Tech Prog. Upon receipt of a program approval request, the State Board forwards notification to CTCs via email. Recommend colleges be encouraged (not required) to submit plans to develop a new program or add an option to an existing program using a new program matrix. Academic Transfer still requires CIO signatures. Prof/Tech still requires notification to CTCs. A matrix will provide more timely notice to colleges. Supports a collaborative system approach to serving students and communities. Will hopefully minimize disputes later in the approval process. All Programs Supply/Demand Data Supply and labor market demand information is required. However, there is no guidance on what type of data is required or tools/resources for providing evidence of need. Recommend following established Applied Baccalaureate program criteria for supply and demand data. Guidelines will add links to free tools and contact information for regional Employment Security Dept. economists. The BAS supply/demand criteria is well-vetted and stipulates the kinds of evidence required for specific circumstances (established occupations vs. emerging occupations). Prof/Tech I-BEST Wage Information Wage data is required, but little guidance is provided. Recommend colleges identify wages for the occupation(s) and area the data represents (county, region, state). Narrative is required if wage information is not available (emerging occupation). A link to the state’s Employment Security Dept. data will be embedded in the form. Helps inform students about potential wages as they select a college program. Provides required wage information for prof/tech programs on college web sites Is required to meet Opportunity Grant and some WorkFirst eligibility criteria. Prof/Tech I-BEST