Educational Master Plan

Transcription

1 Educational Master Plan

2 Contents Executive Summary Plan Overview Key Components of the Plan... 4 External Environment State Outlook Bridge Programs Regional Outlook Internal Environment Credit and Non-Credit Programs Career Education Community Programs MCC Enrollment Initiatives for Completion and Student Success Internal Research for Completion and Student Success The Future of MCC Increased Access Excellence in Teaching and Learning Student Success Conclusion

3 Executive Summary McHenry County College Educational Master Plan This document is designed to maximize impact of future investments under the leadership of McHenry County College s new Board of Trustees and President. The Educational Master Plan for the College presents national, state and regional data, and enrollment and occupational trends which demonstrate the necessity for specific initiatives and improvements to the 44-year old College. Key strategies, woven with a continued and enthusiastic mission of success for every student, include the following: Increased Access for district and regional residents to take advantage of high quality educational opportunities at MCC, including program growth in healthcare, public safety, emerging technologies and manufacturing. Excellence in Teaching and Learning, through a focus on classroom instruction, student success and college-wide partnerships to produce well-equipped graduates and thoughtful citizens. Student Success in every pursuit for students, and meaningful opportunities for all who come to McHenry County College. The greatest asset of MCC is also its primary aspiration: the ability meet students where they are, and transform their opportunities, their options and their outlook. The foundations of our regional workforce are shifting, and only a change-ready and personalized institution like McHenry County College has the capacity to grow when needed and innovate each term. The Educational Master Plan illustrates how McHenry County College will serve increased numbers of students, the county and regional economy through quality, accessible and affordable postsecondary education. The institution and its leadership are passionate about education. What matters most is the journey each student takes after walking through the doors at MCC, and this plan lays out a meaningful way to improve the lives in and around the county through investment and growth. 1

4 Plan Overview To ensure that educational programming meets the needs of a growing community and its diverse workforce demands, and based on the vision that McHenry County College will be the leading community college in Illinois by focusing on excellence and student success, the following Educational Master Plan ( Master Plan or plan ) is founded upon the College s mission: We put the interests of our students and community first. By providing high quality, affordable and accessible learning opportunities, we enable students to meet their educational, career and personal goals. By sharing our knowledge and our resources, we support our community s educational, social, cultural and economic vitality. In order to accomplish this mandate, the limited resources of the institution must be directed effectively and thoughtfully. Also, a solid response to the assertion that McHenry County College aspires to be the leading community college in Illinois necessitates a well-defined strategy that is change-ready, and has the support of community stakeholders and partners. This plan attempts to fulfill those requirements clearly and pragmatically. The plan will assist MCC leadership as institutional decisions are made in finances, technology implementation and growth. It is by no means a static document of concrete program and student engagement plans. Instead, the aim of the Educational Master Plan is to structure the academic environment to best meet the needs of a dynamic community in concert with McHenry County College s core principles of quality, accessibility, affordability, innovation and accountability. Quality: To.achieve.excellence.in.teaching,.learning.and.the.services.we.provide.by:.promoting. student.success.through.outstanding.teaching.and.support.services;.attracting.and.retaining.high.quality. employees;.promoting.a.culture.of.personal.and.professional.development.among.employees;.and. providing.up-to-date.facilities.and.equipment.that.meet.student.learning.needs,.support.program.growth. and.promote.employee.effectiveness. Accessibility: To.provide.learning.opportunities.and.support.services.that.meet.the.needs.of.our. diverse.population.by:.providing.opportunities.to.allow.students,.employees.and.the.community.to.engage. at.mcc.inside.and.outside.of.the.classroom;.meeting.student.demand.for.coursework.through.diverse. delivery.modes;.and.providing.smooth.transitions.from.one.learning.stage.to.another. AffordAbility: To.offer.opportunities.to.those.of.all.economic.levels.to.pursue.their.educational.goals. and.personal.enrichment.by:.offsetting.the.financial.burden.on.our.students.by.using.current.resources. effciently.and.pursuing.alternate.sources.of.revenue;.increasing.financial.aid.resources.available.to.students;. and.strengthening.the.college s.financial.stability. innovation: To.collaborate.with.stakeholders.to.anticipate.their.needs.and.pioneer.creative.and.effective. solutions.by:.valuing,.inspiring.and.cultivating.people,.partnerships,.and.processes.to.embrace.dynamic. growth;.and.creating,.reinventing,.and.promoting.opportunities.to.encourage.a.lifetime.of.learning. AccountAbility: To.promote.a.service-oriented.and.ethical.culture.of.fiscal,.social,.professional.and. individual.responsibility.by:.increasing.transparency.in.institutional.policies,.procedures.and.processes;. improving.internal.controls;.promoting.and.modeling.sustainability.and.environmental.stewardship;.and. creating.measurable.targets.and.evaluation.processes.for.key.strategies.and.objectives. 2

5 In Fall 2010, the MCC president incorporated these principles in the following seven objectives on which to focus MCC operations in the next five years: Ensure facilities meet educational needs Ensure educational programming is meeting the needs of the community Ensure appropriate technology is implemented to meet College and student needs Ensure quality education occurs Increase the percentage of students who complete a certificate or degree Establish an organizational structure that meets the future direction of the College Attract, retain and develop good employees The Educational Master Plan was completed with input from college administrators, faculty and staff, 2009 and 2011 community surveys, and data from state, county and national sources. Additionally, MCC Core Principles, Academic Plan, presidential goals and the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) Systems Appraisals Report were integrated. This plan is also being developed concurrent with the MCC rebranding effort for A new College president, a new Board of Trustees and an academic reorganization necessitated a fresh look at the educational environment at MCC beyond 2011, and this framework will set the stage for combining planning with technology advancements, facility plans, budget development and funding allocations. The Master Plan process incorporated the following sources and evaluative work: Research in trends in postsecondary education, historic student enrollment, strategic plans and current regional economic demands Assessment of the internal environment, including the current population served by MCC Examination of the relationship of MCC to the local service area, regional and statewide stakeholders A survey of faculty, staff and administrators regarding the aspiration to become the leading community college in Illinois Public surveys and community input Analysis of courses, programs and services to support the educational mission of MCC Proposal of future capacities in the next five years Attentive planning for the future of McHenry County College takes into consideration specific issues facing the community, such as employment outlook for the College s service area and surrounding region. A system will be created that allows College leadership and trustees the ability to measure the success and document the needs of the plans as they move towards implementation. Support from faculty and administrators, staff and educational partners will be an important piece of the design, and all outreach to members of the community and local policy makers will be transparent and responsive. This process will place necessary emphasis on technology to allow the College to provide the most current resources for students MCC s most important stakeholders so they may achieve their goals. Once the future facility and technology needs have been determined, the focus will shift to evaluating various options to finance the additional facilities deemed necessary. 3

6 Key Components of the Plan The aspiration to become the leading community college in Illinois requires a dedicated commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. The plan is divided into three sections that reflect an examination of the changing environment where community colleges like MCC are best suited to provide postsecondary education. They are: The External Environment, including trends in education and industry alongside a regional economic outlook. Factors are identified that have significant impact on the College, incorporating data from the 2010 census, and national, state and regional initiatives. The Internal Environment of MCC, identifying students who attend the College and their achievements in academic programs (credit and non-credit) as well as educational delivery methods. In addition, activities external to the classroom are presented, including student services and academic support. The Future of MCC. Objectives and aspirations for program, facility and service growth are presented, to fully realize the potential of McHenry County College. 4

7 External Environment national outlook McHenry County College is the only comprehensive postsecondary educational institution in the county. Traditional associate and transfer degree programs, alongside emergent and incumbent job training, career development, vocational education and professional certificates reflect the fact that educational attainment has never had greater impact on individual opportunity in this country. In the past 35 years, employment opportunities requiring college coursework have increased significantly, while jobs available to people with only a high school education have diminished. 1 As a result, course and program completion leading to a degree, certificate, career opportunity or professional and personal development is a critical objective for all county residents. 100% 7% 9% 11% Master s Degree or better Percentage of Workers by educational level 80% 60% 40% 20% 12% 40% 32% 21% 10% 17% 30% Bachelor s Degree Associate s Degree Some College, No Degree High School graduate High School dropouts 11% 0% Number of people: 91 million 154 million 1 Illinois P-20Council report, April 27, 2011, web. 5

8 In March 2009, President Obama proposed the American Graduation Initiative, which set forth the goal, by 2020, this nation will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. 2 To illustrate this critical objective, in 2011, Department of Education Under Secretary Martha Kanter testified before Congress while defending Pell Grants: Students pursuing postsecondary education today face a different national landscape than the one they would have seen just a few decades ago. College, or other postsecondary training, has never been more important to finding meaningful and substantial employment. Over the past decade, individuals with only a high school diploma have been twice as likely to be unemployed as individuals with college degrees. In the current economy, individuals who may be having trouble finding a job, or see their income stagnating, may be returning to school for new or additional training. The demand for more education is a welcome development, but it has resulted in exceptional challenges to postsecondary education in general. 3 The New York Times reported on June 26, 2011 that people with college degrees have higher salaries even when their jobs don t require higher education. Business columnist David Leonhardt and the Center on Education and the Work Force at Georgetown University reported that college graduates who work as dishwashers, childcare workers, hairdressers and cashiers have 60-80% higher median salaries than those with only a high school diploma, among many other fields. The U.S. Department of Labor provides additional emphasis on postsecondary education in its recent projections of employment changes by educational attainment. According to projections, occupations requiring associate degrees are expected to grow fastest, by about 19%, while vocational postsecondary training occupations are expected to grow at a healthy 13%. 4 Associate s degree Master s degree First professional degree Bachelor s degree Doctoral degree 19% 18% 18% 17% 17% Postsecondary vocational award Bachelor s or higher degree, plus work experience Moderate term on the job training Work experience in a related occupation Short term on the job training Long term on the job training 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 13% Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Dialogue of Occupational Outlook 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Percent growth 2 Remarks by the President, Warren, MI July, 2009, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Division of Occupational Outlook, bls.gov/oco, web. 6

9 Percent change in employment by education or training category, (projected) The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also publishes occupational and industry growth projections for the United States. Data have been released for , and ten of the fastest growing occupations nationwide are listed following, accompanied by the current educational capacity of MCC to provide training in these fields: High-Growth occupations requiring some Postsecondary education Occupations Percent change Number of new jobs (in thousands) Wages (May 2008 median) Education/ training category McHenry County College Educational Enterprise Short-term Home health aides ,460 on-the-job training Basic Nurse Assistant (BNA) certificate with extensive clinical work Personal and home care aides ,180 Short-term on-the-job training Basic Nurse Assistant (BNA) certificate with extensive clinical work Respiratory Therapists ,200 Associate s Degree Feasibility study complete, space limitations exist for program development Athletic trainers ,640 Bachelor s degree AAS in Health & Fitness Education, Fitness Instructor Training Certificate Physical therapist aides ,760 Short-term on-the-job training Not under consideration at this time due to space limitations Dental hygienists ,570 Associate s degree Not under consideration at this time Veterinary technologists and technicians ,900 Associate s degree Feasibility study complete, space limitations paramount Dental assistants ,380 Moderate-term on-the-job training Not under consideration at this time Medical assistants ,300 Moderate-term on-the-job training Medical Administration Certificate, billing & coding courses complete & awaiting ICCB approval Physical therapist assistants ,140 Associate s degree Under initial consideration. Space limitations paramount Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics and Division of Occupational Outlook 7

10 According to BLS, Of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the economy (table 1, above), half are related to healthcare. Healthcare is experiencing rapid growth, due in large part to the aging of the baby-boom generation, which will require more medical care. In addition, some healthcare occupations will be in greater demand for other reasons. As healthcare costs continue to rise, work is increasingly being delegated to lower paid workers in order to cut costs. For example, tasks that were previously performed by doctors, nurses, dentists or other healthcare professionals increasingly are being performed by physician assistants, medical assistants, dental hygienists and physical therapist aides. In addition, patients increasingly are seeking home care as an alternative to costly stays in hospitals or residential care facilities, causing a significant increase in demand for home health aides. Although not classified as healthcare workers, personal and home care aides are being affected by this demand for home care as well. 5 Nationwide, registered nurses (RNs) are the largest occupational component in the healthcare profession, with 2.6 million jobs in Approximately 60% of RN jobs are in hospitals, and the three most common educational pathways to RN are the bachelor s degree, an associate ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) degree from community college, or a diploma from a nursing program. Many nurses with an ADN or diploma can later enter bachelor s programs for greater opportunities in their field. 6 As the only comprehensive postsecondary educational institution in the county, MCC prepares traditional students to attend university with the academic rigor and ICCB (Illinois Community College Board) articulated coursework they need to transfer for undergraduate degree programs. Classes and degrees offered at McHenry County College provide access to residents as they pursue the first two years of a quality education at affordable rates. Courses establish a postsecondary foundation that is meaningful and personalized, and community college degrees lead to further study in rapidly growing occupations requiring four-year and graduate degrees also projected by BLS, as follows: 5 Occupational Outlook Handbook , Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, 6 Occupational Outlook Handbook , Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, 8

11 4-year and Graduate degree category occupations with fastest Growth , u.s. department of labor, bureau of labor statistics Occupations Percent change Number of new jobs (in thousands) Wages (May 2008 median) Education/ training category MCC Educational Enterprise articulated transfer Degrees and Courses Biomedical engineers $77,400 Bachelor s degree Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering Network systems and data communications analysts ,100 Bachelor s degree AAS Computer Information Systems and Network Security Financial examiners ,930 Bachelor s degree AAS Accounting and Business Mgmt Medical scientists, except epidemiologists ,590 Doctoral degree Biological and physical sciences, communication and humanities Physician assistants ,230 Master s degree Biological and physical sciences, communication and humanities Biochemists and biophysicists ,840 Doctoral degree Biological and physical sciences, communication and humanities Athletic trainers ,640 Bachelor s degree AAS Health & Fitness Education, Training Certificate Computer software engineers, applications ,430 Bachelor s degree AAS Computer Information Systems and Network Security Veterinarians ,050 First professional degree Biological and physical sciences, communication and humanities Self-enrichment education teachers ,720 Work experience in a related occupation AA, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health & Fitness Education courses in wellness & coaching Compliance offcers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation ,890 Long-term on-the-job training Ethics, AAS Business Management, Legal Administration Certificate Industrial Engineering, Robotics ,820 Bachelor s degree AAS Industrial Robotics Program under development 9

12 Finally, a 2008 article demonstrating the career potential of a community college degree noted College Board projections of further occupational growth in additional community college degree fields, including: Preschool teachers (exclusive of special education): 33% increase in demand - MCC offers AAS in Early Childhood Education, plus 12-hour and 24-hour ECE certificates; Illinois Director Credential Program; Legal assistants and paralegals: 30% increase in demand - MCC offers Legal Administration Certificate (no paralegal) and AAS in Administrative Offce Management; Automotive technicians and mechanics: 16% increase in demand - MCC offers AAS Automotive Technology and Management, plus two Technician certificates; Medical secretaries: 17% increase in demand 7 - MCC offers Medical Administration Certificate. Billing & Coding Coursework completed and awaiting ICCB approval. 7 Chen, Grace, Careers After Community College, Community College Review, February 21,

13 State Outlook In April 2011, the Illinois State Legislature passed SB-1773, in which the Board of Higher Education budget recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly shall include allocations to public institutions of higher education based upon performance metrics designed to promote and measure student success in degree and certificate completion. 8 U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan released a statement shortly after passage, praising the Illinois legislature: While states all across America are wrestling with diffcult and complex educational issues from teacher evaluation and staffng to compensation and tenure, Illinois has steadily and effectively built consensus for real and meaningful change among all of the key stakeholders, and set a national example of constructive collaboration for other states to follow. 9 Added assessment and scrutiny requires College administration, Trustees, faculty and employees to advance the educational mission further for all students, as they strive to achieve their goals. Overall, the environment for postsecondary education and training will challenge an institution like McHenry County College to distinguish itself as a leading educational provider in a rapidly changing environment. For example, the affordability of community college increases its attractiveness in a competitive economy where households are stretching each dollar earned. Universities have increased tuition in the past decade, and economic choices in postsecondary education are becoming more polarized. John Hrabe of USC s Annenberg School of Communication reported in the Huffngton Post that this fall, Harvard will charge students $36,992 for semester tuition, compared to a bill 34 times less at most community colleges. Don t let the higher sticker price fool you. Community colleges offer teaching instruction comparable to their four-year counterparts but won t saddle graduates with long term debt in the process SB1773, Illinois General Assembly, 9 Statement of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Chicago s New Education Team and Proposed Reforms in Illinois, April 18, Hrabe, John, Harvard University or Community College? Why the Choice Isn t As Crazy As It Sounds, Huffngton Post, April 22, 2011, web. 11

14 On average, according to the College Board calculator, public four-year colleges charge $7,605 per year in tuition and fees for in-state students. The average surcharge for full-time, out-of-state students at these institutions is $11,990. Private nonprofit four-year colleges charge, on average, $27,293 per year in tuition and fees. Public two-year colleges charge, on average, $2,713 per year in tuition and fees. 11 With economic impacts felt across the nation, more students and members of the workforce may pursue their educational goals first through a public two-year college like McHenry County College. Community colleges are more agile and change-ready for local economic forces, and able to meet the needs of local residents with a tailored curriculum. MCC is the largest provider of workforce training and baccalaureate transfer coursework in the county, and it has the ability to meet the evolving needs of business, industry and healthcare. As the employment outlook changes in the next five years, McHenry County College plans to increase quality, accessibility, affordability, innovation and accountability for all of its stakeholders, becoming the leading community college in Illinois. MCC is responsive to state and national guidelines given to educational institutions. The Illinois state government established the Illinois P-20 Council 12 to streamline education policy and integrate education at every level. The P-20 Council was designed to provide a structure for institutions and individuals representing pre-kindergarten through grade 20 to participate in discussions, align data and assessment benchmarks, and make recommendations for developing a strong statewide educational system. P-20 meets regularly in public venues to hear presentations and generate policy which will maximize students educational attainment, opportunities for success in the workforce, and contributions to their local communities. Today, about 41 percent of the state s nearly 7 million working-age adults (25-64 years old) hold at least a two-year degree. To align with national goals and the American Graduation Initiative, the P-20 Council has set a goal by which to indicate progress: their leadership intends to drive programs to increase the proportion of state residents with postsecondary degrees and credentials to 60 percent by the year Reaching this goal will require coordination of efforts in the education system, from local communities to the state capitol. The Educational Master Plan for MCC incorporates new resources for academic and career services, and student engagement plans for greater student success. 11 What It Costs to Go to College, 2011 College Board calculator, retrieved 6/11, add-it-up/4494.html. 12 P-20 indicates pre-school through grade 20, or graduate level education. 12

15 Bridge Programs The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) have worked collaboratively to establish bridge programs that prepare adults with limited academic or limited English skills to enter and succeed in credit-bearing postsecondary education and training leading to career-path employment in high-demand, middle- and high skilled occupations. The Joyce Foundation, through its Shifting Gears initiative, has provided funding through ICCB to implement a series of policy and program changes in order to institutionalize the bridge program model throughout the state. 13 MCC has taken a strategic approach to transitioning adult education students into credential programs and/or the workforce. This population typically has barriers to college enrollment, let alone completion. However, through transition activities and contextualized learning opportunities in math and English, MCC is helping these adult learners gain basic skills, in conjunction with technical training. An example of contextualized learning is an ESL course paired with a Certified Nurse Assistant course, enabling language fluency development alongside career certification in a growing field. McHenry County College has received repeated accolades for its bridge programs, and currently is the leading Illinois community college in context-based adult education. In June, 2011, the Adult Education Department received $20,000 in funding through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) for the ABE (Adult Basic Education) to Credentials program. Through the funding, Adult Education will partner with the English and Math departments, as well as departments within the Education, Career, and Technical Education (ECTE) division, to plan classes designed to help transition adult education students into manufacturing, automotive technology, and administrative offce skills classes. ICCB awarded the funding to only eight colleges in Illinois from a grant of the Gates Foundation and MCC was one of the eight. The funding will help MCC build on programming started through Shifting Gears and the F.A.S.T grants administered by Continuing and Professional Education. The Education, Career and Technical Education division will participate in the curriculum design as well. Additional bridge programs include: LPN-RN Bridge: This course is designated to assist a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) transition into the role of the Registered Nurse (RN). Areas of study include health perception and health management, including values and beliefs; sleep, activity and exercise; and nutritional and metabolic issues. Upon successful completion of all components of the course, the student will be admitted to NUR 120 and will have earned, by advanced standing, nine credit hours in MCC s ADN program. ESL-CNA Bridge: There is a need in McHenry County for bilingual Certified Nurse Assistants, but low success rates historically occur with ESL learners in CNA. Therefore, MCC developed a CNA Bridge to prepare ESL students for success in CNA classes. Two cohorts were offered, one in Fall 2010 and one in Spring In the fall, 92.5% (37 out of 40 students) successfully completed the CNA certificate and passed the state exams. In spring, 100% of students completed and passed the state certification exams. ESL-Automotive Bridge: Beginning in Fall 2012, this bridge program will transition adult education students to an automotive credit program. The College Experience (MCC 101) Cohort: This cohort has been specifically designed for adult education students who require specific focus and tools for college success. Regularly offered as a freshman program for traditional students, the cohort program introduces returning adults and members of the incumbent and traditional workforce to a postsecondary environment, tailored to individual experience and opportunity

16 Regional Outlook The neighboring counties of Kane, DuPage and Lake Counties, to the east and south of McHenry County, hold significant population centers offering employment opportunity and regional growth for McHenry County residents in the next decade. In fact, DuPage County is the 46th largest county in the United States, with over 932,000 residents, and Lake County is the 85th largest 14, with over 710,000 residents, according to 2009 Census data estimates. The surrounding counties have solid numbers of high school graduates and growing numbers with 4-year degrees. To this end, McHenry County College s educational objectives must consider both a community and regional perspective. regional educational Attainment 100% % of residents ages 25+ with High School Diploma % of residents ages 25+ with Bachelor s Degree 80% 81% 89% 87% 80% 90% Percent of residents 60% 40% 39% 41% 20% 28% 28% 13% 0% Boone McHenry Lake Counties Kane DuPage 14 Resident Population Estimates for the 100 Largest U.S. Counties Based on July 1, 2009 Population Estimates, 14

17 educational Attainment in McHenry county, 2005 and % 30% % 28.6% 32.8% 30.4% 30.0% 32.6% 25% 20% 15% 10% 8.9% 8.4% 5% 0% Less than High School Some College Bachelor s High School or GED or Associate s or Higher Educational attainment data in McHenry County demonstrate that more individuals are completing bachelor s degrees or higher in the area, and the county is above the statewide average of 41% of the population holding a two-year degree or greater. McHenry County, with over 320,000 residents, sits at the Wisconsin border to the north and Boone County (54,000 residents) to the west, with surrounding counties including Kane, with over 510,000 residents, plus Lake and DuPage counties. Additionally, given the region s access to Chicago via the northwest Metra train line, credit must be given to Chicago employment needs which regularly affect job and career opportunities. This bolsters consideration for growth and expansion under the Educational Master Plan. The largest employers in McHenry County are Centegra Health System, McHenry County government, Follett Library Resources and Software, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Mercy Health System, Brown Printing, Snap-On Tools, Sage Products, McHenry County College, Knaack Manufacturing, InTren, Aptar Group and Wells Manufacturing. 15

18 In neighboring DuPage County, major employers include: BP America, Argonne National Lab, United Parcel Service, Northern Illinois Gas, Fermi Lab, Edward Hospital, Navistar International, Central DuPage Hospital, Tellabs, McDonald s Corporation, DuPage County, and the College of DuPage. Employers with more than 500 employees in Kane County include the following: Universities Res Associates, Bank One, Hollywood Casino, Grand Victoria Casino, Delnor Community Hospital, IL Department of Human Services, Dryer Cancer Center, Provena Hospital, Dukane Corp., SKF USA, Dreyer Clinic, US Can Corp., Metal Technologies Solution, System Sensor, Suncast Corporation, the Federal Aviation Administration, Provena Health, Kane County Government, Delnor Community Health Systems, Elgin Community College and Waubonsee Community College. 15 The top 25 employers with 1,000 or more employees in Lake County include the U.S. Navy-Great Lakes Station, Abbott Laboratories, Aon/Hewitt, Baxter International, WW Grainger, Discover Financial Services, Motorola, Vista Hospitals, LaCosta Facility Support Services, CDW Corp, Walgreen Corp., HSBC Finance Corp., Medline Industries, Advocate Condell Medical Center, Hospira, Inc., Rexam CP, Veterans Health Administration, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, Acco USA, Indalex, Trustmark Insurance Co., College of Lake County, Siemens Electrical, Waukegan Community School District, Eastek Holdings, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Kinetek, Inc. 16 A regional perspective on future employment and career opportunity also examines the Wisconsin county north of MCC, Walworth County. Employers there draw many Illinois residents northward, including the following major entities: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Grand Geneva LLC, County of Walworth, Wal-Mart, Sta-Rite Industries, Aurora Healthcare, Miniature Precision Components, the Elkhorn and Delavan-Darien Area School Districts, SPX, Agrilink Foods and Alpine Valley Resort. 15 Sources: County Economic Development Corporations of Kane, McHenry, DuPage, retrieved 6/ Lake County Partners, 501c3, Libertyville, IL, lakecountypartners.com/content/statistics, retrieved 6/11. 16

19 Regional projections by the Illinois Department of Employment Security demonstrate strong occupational growth across a wide range of business, education and health science sectors. Across the five counties listed above are hundreds of employment openings projected each year in fields trained and certified by community college degrees or certificate programs: Occupation (MCC Educational Enterprise: Courses, Programs and Certificates Offered) Registered Nurses (ADN Nursing) Sales Representatives Bookkeeping/Accounting Clerks (Certificate 2010) Business Operations Specialists (AOM Certificate) Executive Secretaries/Admin. Assistants (AOM Cert.) Computer Systems Analysts (Certificates, AAS) Management Analysts (Certificates, AAS)) Computer Software Engineers (Programming Certificate) Retail Sales Workers Child Care Workers (Entry & Director level Certificates, AAS Childcare) Restaurant Cooks (Certificates, AAS) General and Operations Managers (AAS, Fast Track) Legal, Medical Secretaries (AOM Certificate) Nursing Aides, Orderlies, Attendants (BNA Certificate) Automotive Technicians & Mechanics (AAS and Certificate) Police & Sheriff s Patrol Offcers (Criminal Justice AAS) Licensed Practical Nurses (ADN RN only) Electricians (Codes courses for national exam prep) Employment/Recruitment Specialists (Organizational Leadership Certificate) Computer Specialists, General (Certificate) Dental Assistants Network Administrators (Certificate) Firefighters (Certificates 1 & 2, AAS Fire Science) Pharmacy Technicians Preschool Teachers (Certificate) Medical Assistants (Certificate) Bill and Account Collectors (Fall 2011, Certificate Spring2012) Home Health Aides (BNA) Fitness Trainers/Aerobics Instructors (AAS) Sales Managers Insurance Agents Personal and Home Health Care Aides (BNA Certificate) Machinists EMTs & Paramedics (Certificate) Preschool Special Ed Teachers (Preschool Ed Certificate) Hairdressers/Stylists/Cosmetologists (Third Party Contract Ed) Data Entry Keyers (AOM) Library Technicians Dental Hygienists Loan Offcers Graphic Designers (Starting Fall 2011) Bus/Truck Mechanics & Diesel Specialists Medical Records & Health Info Technicians 17 (Cont. Ed., Course Approval Pending) Regional annual Job Openings More than 500 openings annually More than 250 openings annually More than 150 openings annually More than 80 openings annually

20 Additionally, the Illinois Career Resource Network has identified emerging occupations for , and these will affect and influence future program considerations at McHenry County College. Projected areas of employment include: Architecture and Construction: Energy Auditors Business Management and Administration: Supply Chain Managers Government and Public Administration: Regulatory Affairs Managers and Specialists Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Electronics Engineering Technologists; Energy Engineers; Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists; Manufacturing Engineering Technologists; Manufacturing Engineers; Manufacturing Production Technicians; Photonics Engineers; Precision Agriculture Technicians; Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists; Robotics Engineers; Validation Engineers. Other emerging occupations include: Environmental Engineering Technicians Marine Biologists Recycling and Reclamation Workers Renewable Energy Engineers Solar Panel Installers Wind Turbine Technician Illinois Career Resource Network, retrieved 6/11. 18

21 Internal Environment This section of the Educational Master Plan focuses on MCC student profiles, enrollment trends and demands for space and student services, as well as graduation and completion rates. Academic and careerfocused programs are presented, in addition to student support services offered at the College. Finally, qualitative input and research on best practices for a high quality, accessible, postsecondary education is drawn from college administrators, faculty, staff and public surveys. McHenry County College offers diverse program options for a quality education, including seven associate degree programs which provide the first two years of a baccalaureate college curriculum, twenty Associate of Applied Science degrees aimed at career preparation, and 49 certificate programs. Additionally, MCC enters yearly joint agreements and chargebacks for occupational programs in pursuit of degrees or certificates with consortium and non-consortium colleges in Illinois. students served by Mcc, fy05 to fy10 Curriculum Fiscal year Five year Growth Credit 8,626 8,698 8,578 8,403 8,456 9, % Noncredit 5,633 5,327 5,463 6,033 4,315 3, % Adult Education 2,454 2,424 2,214 2,114 2,018 1, % Source: MCC A1 and N1 files submitted to ICCB. The growth and demand for courses and programming has increased significantly over the past five years, even as the population growth rate for McHenry County has stabilized. The primary growth has occurred in credit courses, while a struggling national economy has reduced the available investment dollars for corporate training in non-credit courses, which has led to a downward turn in these programs (as seen in the table above, and the graph below). Additionally, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) enrollment has decreased at MCC over the past five years, leading to lower numbers in Adult Education. This is primarily due to a lack of new ESL residents in the district, and a saturation point in educational requirements being reached for existing residents. Mcc student Headcount, fy05 to fy Credit Adult Education Noncredit

22 Annual Growth rate in Mcc credit students, fy05 to fy10 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 2% 4% Credit As seen in the map and graph below, credit and non-credit students attend MCC from all over District 528, traveling an average of 12.3 miles to school. Residents attending the College also represent varying levels of their community populations, and several communities representations are statistically significant. For example, nearly 13% of Wonder Lake s population enrolled in credit and/or non-credit coursework at MCC in Union, Ringwood and Woodstock also send proportionally higher numbers of their populations as students to MCC (stars). Based on the locations of these towns in relation to MCC (rectangle), the College campus remains central to the student population. MCC serves students from towns with both high and low median household incomes in both credit and non-credit courses, but the county median household income is $77,314, significantly higher than that of Illinois or the United States ($55,222 and $51,425, respectively) Image source: 20

23 Home towns of Mcc students, fy 2009 town Enrollment Fy 2009 town Population 2009 % of Population Distance from MCC (avg= 12. 3m.) Median Household income Wonder Lake 499 3, % $74,297 Union % $56,249 Ringwood % $86,786 Woodstock 2,125 24, % 5.96 $56,491 Harvard 840 9, % $45,369 McHenry 2,174 27, % 9.85 $69,098 Crystal Lake 3,271 42, % 3.33 $73,370 Richmond 179 2, % $65,290 Marengo 537 7, % $62,210 Hebron 96 1, % $48,966 Cary 1,053 19, % 8.44 $94,602 Spring Grove 265 5, % $98,288 Johnsburg 225 6, % $86,360 Fox River Grove 132 5, % 9.83 $92,850 Lake in the Hills , % 6.67 $80,460 Huntley , % 9.36 $68,082 Oakwood Hills 31 2, % 7.45 $81,250 Island Lake 107 8, % $72,021 Algonquin , % 8.27 $79,730 Barrington 11 10, % $83,085 Other In-District 358 NA NA NA NA Other Out of District 835 NA NA NA NA Out of State 360 NA NA NA NA State of Illinois NA NA NA NA $55,222 USA NA NA NA NA $51,425 Total 20 14, , % NA NA The above table shows the annual percentage of hometown populations that are represented at MCC. Through credit courses, non-credit programs, business training and GED or ESL classes, MCC has touched the lives of over 25% of the residents in McHenry County over the course of five years. 20 Sources: American Community Survey, ; MCC A1 and N1 files, student records. 21

24 MCC serves students of all ages in its credit and non-credit programs, but it still provides the greatest proportion of excellence in teaching and learning to its traditional age, baccalaureate transfer students, ages The year old age group includes the over 300 high school students enrolled in dual-credit courses. Program classification by student Age Group, fy 2010 Program Classification age 15 to 19 age 20 to 24 age 25 to 34 age 35 to 55 age 56 or Older Baccalaureate 1,447 3, Career & Technical 590 1, Community Education (non-credit) ,370 1,208 Adult Basic Education Adult Secondary Education English-as-a Second-Language (ESL) Source: MCC A1 and N1 files submitted to ICCB It is worth noting in the age distribution graph below that both credit and non-credit enrollment is combined. This results in a large percentage of enrollment for residents ages 35-55, as MCC provides corporate training, professional development and customized educational modules for area businesses throughout the year. Courses in leadership, management, technology and specific certifications and re-certifications are offered on the main campus, at the Shah Center, and onsite at corporate and industrial facilities. Age distribution of Mcc students, 2005 and % 30% 25% % 30.3% 32.1% 28.8% 20% 15% 18.4% 16.6% 10% 11.7% 12.6% 10.5% 11.8% 5% 0% Age 15 to 19 Age 20 to 24 Age 25 to 34 Age 35 to 55 Age 56 or Older 22

25 comparison of county and Mcc Age distribution, fy09 35% 30% 25% McHenry County MCC Students 30.3% 32.1% 28.8% 20% 21.6% 15% 16.6% 10% 12.6% 11.4% 11.8% 5% 7.4% 5.7% 0% Age 15 to 19 Age 20 to 24 Age 25 to 34 Age 35 to 55 Age 56 or Older The racial and ethnic distribution of McHenry County College matches that of the overall county population, and is reflected in the following graphs. Again, the two age groups most frequently in MCC classrooms and laboratories are the traditional year old traditional college students, and the incumbent workforce students who attend MCC as non-credit, continuing education, retraining or professional development participants. comparison of county and Mcc demographics, fy09 Racial/Ethnic Group McHenry County MCC Students N % N % White non-hispanic 268, % 11, % Hispanic 36, % 2, % Black 2, % % Asian 8, % % American Indian 0.0% % Other 4, % % TOTAL MINORITy 52, % 2, % Age Group Age 15 to 19 23, % 1, % Age 20 to 24 18, % 4, % Age 25 to 34 36, % 2, % Age 35 to , % 4, % Age 56 or Older 69, % 1, % Source: American Community Surveys, 1-year estimates, MCC A1 and N1 files submitted to ICCB. 23

26 Below are the declared program classifications by student racial or ethnic group. The column following enrollment by group describes the percentage of the overall enrolled population in that program. Nearly 50% of white, Asian and Native American students attend MCC for baccalaureate degrees. Program classification by student racial/ethnic Group, fy10 Program Classification asian Native amer. Black Hispanic White # of Students % # of Students % # of Students % # of Students % # of Students % Baccalaureate % 20 50% 60 38% % 5,749 49% Career & Technical 54 20% 11 28% 51 32% % 2,638 23% Community Education (non-credit) 28 10% 5 13% 9 13% 182 8% 2,863 25% Adult Basic Education 11 4% 21 13% 120 5% 96 1% Adult Secondary Education English as a Second Language 3 1% 4 10% 12 8% 192 9% 190 2% 42 16% 6 4% % 114 1% Total Students ,196 11,650 Source: MCC A1 and N1 files submitted to ICCB When compared to the racial and ethnic demographics of the county, MCC has remained consistent with county percentages in its student demographics, and this consistency has held since Slightly more Hispanic students attend MCC relative to their representation in the county population, and slightly fewer White, non-hispanic students attend MCC relative to their county population. racial/ethnic distribution in McHenry county, 2005 and % 80% 70% 60% 85.6% 84.3% % 40% 30% 20% 10% 10.1% 11.3% 2.6% 2.8% 0.6% 0.9% 0.2% 0.0% 0.8% 1.3% White Hispanic Black Asian American Other or non Hispanic Indian multiracial 24

27 Credit and Non-Credit Programs Academic education Students who come to MCC for academic purposes traditionally transfer their coursework to a four year university after completing two years of study. Although the research in this Plan is directed at data driven trends, occupational outlooks and workforce developments, it is critical to remember that MCC seeks to develop citizens, not simply workers. Truly, the most successful individual is the one who utilizes reason, judgment and wisdom throughout their working and personal life. Success is more than a degree. It is an understanding of the human experience. To crystallize these ideals, each member of the faculty and every member of the College community pursues five General Educational Goals in classrooms and laboratories. Adopted in 2007, the five General Education Goals are: Critical Thinking: To identify, define, analyze, synthesize, interpret, and evaluate ideas. Information Literacy: To locate, evaluate, and use resources effectively. Effective Communication: To develop, articulate, and convey meaning. Ethical Awareness: To identify and make responsible choices in a diverse world. Technological Literacy: To use tools skillfully. These goals reflect the genuine interest in every student s success, both as an individual and as a member of society. Moreover, every program and certificate developed at MCC takes into account the partnerships and influences on the local and regional community, to ensure that a student guided in a particular direction will find a measure of satisfaction and fulfillment on their educational and career path. These are the ideals held by the College, and they are reflected in the carefully chosen faculty, professional staff and administrators who lead classrooms and divisions each day of the year. Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) incorporate 14 academic disciplines focused on the whole individual. Classes are designed to build character, in departments like sociology, psychology and philosophy. Other classes inspire value in departments such as speech, music, art and theatre. Further classes engender understanding through economics, political science, anthropology and history. Finally, HSS classes stimulate curiosity in departments like modern languages, journalism, reading and composition. These courses cover most general education requirements for transfer students and AA degree students. Instructors in this division are innovative and well-respected in their fields, and regularly make a meaningful difference in the community with their talents, research and publications. 25