COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

Transcription

1 COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE Submitted to the Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools March 15, 2010 This report includes four parts: Part 1: Signature page and Trident Technical College s Organizational Structure Chart Part 2: List of substantive changes that have been reported to and approved by the Commission since Trident Technical College s last reaffirmation Part 3: Institutional Summary Form Part 4: Assessment of Compliance (tabbed sections): - Core Requirements - Comprehensive Standards - Federal Requirements TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE P.O. Box Charleston, SC Phone: Toll Free:

2 PART 1. SIGNATURES ATTESTING TO COMPLIANCE By signing below, we attest to the following: 1. That Trident Technical College has conducted an honest assessment of compliance and has provided complete and accurate disclosure of timely information regarding compliance with the Core Requirements, Comprehensive Standards, and Federal Requirements of the Commission on Colleges. 2. That Trident Technical College has attached a complete and accurate listing of all programs offered by the institution, the locations where they are offered, and the means by which they are offered as indicated on the updated Institutional Summary Form Prepared for Commission Reviews, and that the comprehensive assessment of compliance reported on the Compliance Certification includes the review of all such programs. 3. That Trident Technical College has provided a complete and accurate listing of all substantive changes that have been reported and approved by the Commission since the institution s last reaffirmation as well as the date of Commission approval. Accreditation Liaison Suzanne N. Barr March 11, 2010 Chief Executive Officer Mary Thornley March 11, 2010

3 Trident Technical College Organizational Structure Commission on Higher Education State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education TTC Area Commission President Senior Vice President & General Counsel Planning & Accreditation Internal Auditor Institutional Research Quality Finance & Administration Student Services Academic Affairs Continuing Education & Economic Development Information Technology Advancement Bookstore Facilities Management Financial Services Human Resources Procurement & Risk Management Public Safety Enrollment Management Student Development Student Employment & Recruiting Educational Opportunity Programs Aeronautical Studies Allied Health Sciences Business Technology Community, Family & Child Studies Culinary Institute of Charleston Film, Media & Visual Arts Career, Personal & Professional Development Health, Human Services, Environmental & Safety Manufacturing, Industrial & Construction Trades Workforce Development Operations Information Technology Training Center Information Technology Services Systems & Operations Information Services Web Services Development Marketing Public Information Humanities & Social Sciences Industrial & Engineering Technology Law-Related Studies Nursing Science & Mathematics The Learning Center Distance Learning & Broadcast Services Learning Resources Palmer Campus Berkeley Campus High School Programs

4 PART 2. LIST OF SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES APPROVED SINCE THE LAST REAFFIRMATION Directions: For each substantive change approved since the institution s initial accreditation or last reaffirmation review, briefly describe the change and provide the date of Commission approval. If no substantive changes requiring approval have been submitted since the last comprehensive review, write none in the first column. If, in the review of substantive change, the institution discovers substantive changes that have not been reported according to Commission policy, the changes should be reported immediately to Commission staff. Substantive changes requiring approval: Initiating certificate or degree programs at a more advanced degree level Initiating an off-campus site at which students can earn at least 50 percent of credits toward a degree Initiating a branch campus Initiating any change in legal status, governance, form of control, or ownership of the institution Expanding the institution s programs at the current degree level through the addition of significantly different programs Initiating programs at a lower degree level Initiating a consolidation or merger Approval Date December 18, 2009 December 18, 2009 December 18, 2009 Description of Substantive Change Approval of Dorchester County Career and Technology Center as a new site where students may earn more than 50% of workforce development programs. Approval of West Ashley High School as a site where dual enrollment high school students may earn more than 50% of the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and the Allied Health Preparation and Pre-Nursing certificates. Approval of First Baptist School as a site where dual enrollment high school students may earn more than 50% of the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and the Allied Health Preparation and Pre-Nursing certificates.

5 PART 3. INSTITUTIONAL SUMMARY Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools INSTITUTIONAL SUMMARY FORM PREPARED FOR COMMISSION REVIEWS GENERAL INFORMATION Name of Institution Trident Technical College Name, Title, Phone number, and address of Accreditation Liaison Suzanne N. Barr Associate Vice President, Planning and Accreditation (843) Name, Title, Phone number, and address of Technical Support person for the Compliant Certification Bryan Davidson Compliance Assist! Development (678) (Direct) (888) (Toll free) (770) (Main) Submission date of this completed document: March 15, 2010

6 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 1. Level of offerings (Check all that apply) Diploma or certificate program(s) requiring less than one year beyond Grade 12 Diploma or certificate program(s) of at least two but fewer than four years of work beyond Grade 12 Associate degree program(s) requiring a minimum of 60 semester hours or the equivalent designed for transfer to a baccalaureate institution Associate degree program(s) requiring a minimum of 60 semester hours or the equivalent not designed for transfer Four or five-year baccalaureate degree program(s) requiring a minimum of 120 semester hours or the equivalent Professional degree program(s) Master's degree program(s) Work beyond the master's level but not at the doctoral level (such as Specialist in Education) Doctoral degree program(s) Other (Specify) 2. Types of Undergraduate Programs (Check all that apply) Occupational certificate or diploma program(s) Occupational degree program(s) Two-year programs designed for transfer to a baccalaureate institution Liberal Arts and General Teacher Preparatory Professional Other (Specify)

7 GOVERNANCE CONTROL Check the appropriate governance control for the institution: Private (check one) Independent, not-for-profit Name of corporation OR Name of religious affiliation and control: Independent, for-profit * Name of corporation: Public * (check one) Not part of a state system, institution has own independent board Part of a state system, system board serves as governing board Part of a state system, system board is super governing board, local governing board has delegated authority Part of a state system, institution has own independent board *If an institution is part of a state system or a corporate structure, a description of the system operation must be submitted as part of the Compliant Certification for the decennial review. See Commission policy Reaffirmation of Accreditation and Subsequent Reports for additional direction. South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education The South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education (SBTCE) operates the South Carolina Technical College System. The System is composed of 16 technical colleges located strategically across the state and its statewide affiliate programs: the Center for Accelerated Technology Training s readysc program, Apprenticeship Carolina and competesc. SBTCE delegates primary responsibility for the local governance of the technical colleges to their area commissions. The System is the largest higher education system in the state with 114,000 credit students and 128,000 continuing education students. In Fall 2009, TTC s credit student headcount of 14,853 made it the second largest institution in the system.

8 INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION FOR REVIEWERS Directions: Please address the following and attach the information to this form. 1. History and Characteristics Provide a brief history of the institution, a description of its current mission, an indication of its geographic service area, and a description of the composition of the student population. Include a description of any unusual or distinctive features of the institution and a description of the admissions policies (open, selective, etc.). If appropriate, indicate those institutions that are considered peers. Please limit this section to one-half page. Trident Technical College (TTC) is a public, two-year, multi-campus community college that provides quality education and promotes economic development in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in coastal South Carolina. The college has changed dramatically over the past 45 years. In 1964, the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Technical Education Center was established as part of a statewide system founded by Gov. Ernest F. Hollings to meet the education and training needs of the citizens of South Carolina. The center opened with two buildings and 226 students. Today, TTC serves more than 31,000 curriculum and continuing education students each year on three campuses: the Main Campus in suburban North Charleston, the Palmer Campus in downtown Charleston and the rural Berkeley Campus outside of Moncks Corner. Most recently, the college has begun to develop additional rural sites in Charleston and Dorchester Counties that will provide greater accessibility to residents of those areas. The past decade has also seen a significant enrollment increase in TTC s dual credit program serving area high schools. TTC s mission is to serve as a catalyst for personal, community and economic development by empowering individuals through education and training. For its 12,000* traditional and non-traditional curriculum students, TTC meets its mission by offering more than 150 programs of study, including university transfer associate degrees and applied technical associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. The college further promotes economic development through continuing education courses, customized education and training for business, industry and government; and a variety of employment training programs. TTC is an open-door institution committed to providing access to higher education in the communities we serve*. The ethnic diversity of TTC s student body reflects that of the college s service area. Student population: 62% white / 34% minority / 4% unknown 63% female / 37% male 46% full-time / 54% part-time Average age: 27 *In Fall 2009, TTC served 14,834 credit students.

9 2. List of Degrees List all degrees currently offered (A S., B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D., for examples) and the majors or concentrations within those degrees, as well as all certificates and diplomas. Associate Degrees Associate in Arts Associate in Science Associate in Applied Science Accounting Administrative Office Technology Aircraft Maintenance Technology Civil Engineering Technology Commercial Graphics Computer Technology Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Technology Dental Hygiene Early Care and Education Electronics Engineering Technology Emergency Medical Technology General Business General Technology Horticulture Technology Hospitality and Tourism Management Human Services Management Mechanical Engineering Technology Medical Laboratory Technology Nursing (ADN) Occupational Therapy Assistant Paralegal Physical Therapist Assistant Radio and Television Broadcasting Radiologic Technology Respiratory Care Telecommunications Systems Management Veterinary Technology Diploma Programs Cosmetology Early Childhood Development Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Medical Assisting Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Pharmacy Technician Practical Nursing (PN) Certificates A+/Network+ Technician Addictions/Substance Abuse Advanced Baking and Pastry Advanced Beverage Service Management Advanced Computer Animation Advanced Culinary Arts Advanced Film Production Air Conditioning/Refrigeration: Beginning

10 Air Conditioning/Refrigeration: Advanced Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Mechanics Aircraft Assembly Technology Aircraft Maintenance Airframe Aircraft Maintenance General Aircraft Maintenance Powerplant Allied Health Preparation Architectural Design Graphics I Architectural Design Graphics IIArt Foundations Automatic Transmission Repair Specialist Automotive Brakes and Alignment Specialist Automotive Engine Performance Specialist Automotive Engine Repair Specialist Automotive Servicing Baking and Pastry Basic Construction Trades Basic Electronic Journeyman I Basic Industrial Work Skills Bookkeeping Business Information Systems Certificates in Transfer Engineering Civil Engineering Transfer The Citadel Electrical Engineering Transfer The Citadel Chemical Engineering Transfer University of South Carolina Civil/Mechanical Engineering Transfer University of South Carolina Electrical Engineering Transfer University of South Carolina Child Care Management Cisco Certified Network Associate Cisco Certified Network Professional Computer Aided Design I Computer Aided Design II Computer Animation Computer Game Design Computer Graphics Computer Network Technician Computer Numerical Control Operations Construction Management Corporate Quality Cosmetology Crime Scene Investigation Criminal Justice: Corrections Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Culinary Arts Customer Service Database Developmental Disabilities Digital Photography e-commerce Early Childhood Development Early Childhood Special Education Electrical Line Worker Advanced Electrical Line Worker Third Class Electrician: Automated Controls Electrician: Construction Electrician: Industrial Emergency Management and Protection

11 Engineering Design Graphics Esthetics Event Management Family Intervention Studies Filmmaking Film Production Food and Beverage Operations Food Service Specialist Gerontology Golf Course Maintenance Hotel Operations Human Services Generalist Illustration Industrial Maintenance Industrial Mechanic Infant and Toddler Development International Business Internet Programming Landscape Design Landscape Management Leadership Development Machine Tool Technology Massage Therapy Medical Office Specialist Medical Record Coder Medical Transcriptionist Microcomputer Business Applications Microcomputer Expert User Microcomputer Programming Microsoft Network Operations Multimedia Design Nail Technology Network Security Non-Linear Film Editing Nursing Assistant Paralegal Pharmacy Technician Photography Pre-Nursing Professional Accountancy Radio Production School-Age and Youth Development Small Business/Entrepreneurship Surveying Transportation and Logistics UNIX Systems Operations Web Site Design Welding Gas Metal Arc and Flux Cored Arc Welding Gas Metal Arc and Flux Cored Arc Advanced Welding Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Gas Tungsten Arc Advanced Welding Shielded Metal Arc Welding Shielded Metal Arc Advanced Woodworking

12 3. Locations and Distance Education List locations (country, state, and city) where course work toward a degree, diploma, or certificate can be obtained primarily through traditional classroom instruction. For each site, indicate the partial or complete degree offered and, for each degree, certificate, or diploma, whether a student can obtain 50 percent of credits toward any of the educational programs. Provide a brief description of distance education credit offerings that can be obtained primarily through electronic means and indicate where the students are located. Indicate any degree or certificate programs that can be completed primarily through electronic means. Please limit this brief description to one-half page, if possible. Locations Main Campus, North Charleston, South Carolina, USA This is the primary location for all degrees, diplomas and certificates listed above with the exception of those offered exclusively at the Palmer and Berkeley Campuses (below). Palmer Campus, Charleston, South Carolina, USA A wide variety of general education courses is available for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and for the general education core of technical degrees. In addition, the following programs are offered at the Palmer Campus: Health Sciences Associate in Applied Science, Emergency Medical Technology Diploma, Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Certificate, Massage Therapy Law-Related Studies (scheduled to move to Main Campus Fall 2010) Associate in Applied Science, Criminal Justice Associate in Applied Science, Paralegal Certificate, Paralegal Certificate, Crime Scene Investigation Certificate, Criminal Justice: Corrections Certificate, Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Cosmetology Certificate, Esthetics Certificate, Nail Technology Culinary Arts Technology Certificate, Advanced Culinary Arts Certificate, Advanced Baking and Pastry Berkeley Campus, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, USA A variety of general education courses is available for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and for the general education core of technical degrees. In addition, the following programs are offered at the Berkeley Campus: Aircraft Maintenance Technology Associate in Applied Science, Aircraft Maintenance Technology Certificate, Aircraft Maintenance Airframe Certificate, Aircraft Maintenance General Certificate, Aircraft Maintenance Powerplant Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science, Veterinary Technology Cosmetology Diploma, Cosmetology Certificate, Cosmetology

13 Certificate, Esthetics Certificate, Nail Technology New Locations Since Last Reaffirmation in 2000 Dorchester County Career and Technology Center, Summerville, South Carolina, USA A cooperative agreement with Dorchester County allows the college to offer courses in the afternoon and evening at this location. The college offers cosmetology, early care and education, and general education coursework. TTC submitted an abbreviated prospectus for the cosmetology programs August 24, SACSCOC accepted the prospectus and approved Dorchester County Career and Technology Center as a site December 18, West Ashley High School, Charleston, South Carolina, USA The college offers dual credit courses at West Ashley High School. These courses are primarily general education courses that count toward the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and the Pre- Nursing and Allied Health Preparation certificates. TTC submitted a prospectus for this location October 5, SACSCOC accepted the prospectus and approved this site December 18, First Baptist School, Charleston, South Carolina, USA The college offers dual credit courses at First Baptist School. These courses are primarily general education courses that count toward the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and the Pre- Nursing and Allied Health Preparation certificates. TTC submitted a prospectus for this location October 5, SACSCOC accepted the prospectus and approved this site December 18, St. Paul s Parish Site, Hollywood, South Carolina, USA In Fall 2008, TTC opened this site, which primarily offers continuing education courses. TTC has only taught two credit courses at this facility and does not anticipate reaching 25% of the credits required for a program in the foreseeable future. SACSCOC accepted notification of this site July 28, Other Area High Schools In addition to West Ashley High School and First Baptist School, the college offers dual credit courses for 15 other high schools in its service area of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Dual credit courses are primarily general education courses that count toward the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. As of Spring 2010, the college s course offerings at each of these high schools do not constitute 50% of the credits required for any TTC academic program. Distance Education Credit Offerings In 1997, TTC was one of the 16 South Carolina technical colleges that participated in a system-wide substantive change for distance learning. After an on-site review, the Commission on Colleges approved participating institutions for distance education programs. At the time of TTC s last reaffirmation in 2000, two of its programs could be completed entirely via distance learning, and an additional ten programs had at least 50% of the coursework available in distance learning format. The college now offers coursework in electronic format in many academic disciplines. Generally, students taking online courses reside in the college s service area; however, online courses are not restricted to local residents. The following list includes current program offerings with >50% of coursework available in electronic format: (* = 100%) Associate Degree Programs Associate in Arts * Associate in Science Associate in Applied Science Accounting Administrative Office Technology * Computer Technology * Criminal Justice * Culinary Arts Technology Early Care and Education

14 Emergency Medical Technology General Business * Hospitality and Tourism Management Management * Telecommunications Systems Management Early Care and Education Diploma Programs Early Childhood Development Practical Nursing (PN) Certificates A+/Network+ Technician Allied Health Preparation Bank Teller Bookkeeping * Business Information Systems * Child Care Management Computer Game Design Computer Network Technician Crime Scene Investigation * Criminal Justice: Corrections * Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement * Culinary Arts Customer Service Database * Early Childhood Development e-commerce* Food Service Specialist Hospitality Industry Service * Hotel Operations Information Processing * International Business Internet Programming Leadership Development Medical Office Specialist Medical Transcriptionist Microcomputer Business Applications * Microcomputer Expert User * Microcomputer Programming Microsoft Network Operations Network Security Nursing Assistant Pre-Nursing Professional Accountancy Small Business/Entrepreneurship 4. Accreditation List all agencies that currently accredit the institution or any of its programs and the date of the last review for each. Identify the accrediting agency that is the gatekeeper for federal funds if it is not the Commission on Colleges. Describe any sanctions applied or negative actions taken by any of these accrediting bodies (including the Commission) during the two years previous to the submission of this report in regard to your institution.

15 Accreditation TTC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA ; telephone number ) to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Program Accrediting, Approving or Licensing Agency Instructional Program Last Review Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education Occupational Therapy Assistant Dec American Occupational Therapy Association Accrediting Commission American Culinary Federation Culinary Arts Technology March 2006 Foundation American Bar Association Paralegal Aug Standing Committee on Paralegals and Approval Commission American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Pharmacy Technician March 2010 Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs Accounting Feb Computer Technology General Business Management Administrative Office Technology Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Respiratory Care April 2006 Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Physical Therapist Assistant Oct American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Emergency Medical Technology March 2007 Programs Committee on Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Medical Assisting Sept Programs Curriculum Review Board American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment Accrediting Commission for Programs in Hospitality Hospitality and Tourism March 2006 Administration and Commission on Accreditation for Hospitality Management Management Commission on Dental Accreditation American Dental Dental Hygiene Feb Association Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities Veterinary Technology Feb of the American Veterinary Medical Association Council for Standards in Human Service Education Human Services Jan Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Medical Record Coder Dec Management Association Federal Aviation Administration (Licensure) Aircraft Maintenance Technology July 2009 Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Radiologic Technology Oct Technology National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences Medical Laboratory Technology Oct National Association for the Education of Young Children Early Care and Education Feb National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. Nursing (ADN) Nursing (PN) Feb South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (Licensure) South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Board of Nursing (Approval) Cosmetology Nail Technology Esthetics Nursing (ADN) Nursing (PN) June 2005 July 2008 June 2005 Feb. 2004

16 5. Relationship to the U.S. Department of Education Indicate any limitations, suspensions, or termination by the U.S. Department of Education in regard to student financial aid or other financial aid programs during the previous three years. Report if on reimbursement or any other exceptional status in regard to federal or state financial aid. TTC has no limitations, suspensions or terminations by the U.S. Department of Education.

17 PART 4. ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE

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19 Core Requirements 2.1 Core Requirement 2.1 The institution has degree-granting authority from the appropriate government agency or agencies. Judgment: Compliant Narrative Trident Technical College (TTC) is one of 16 constituent institutions of the South Carolina Technical Education System. The South Carolina General Assembly established the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, its purposes, functions and authority. S.C. Code Ann (17) vests degree-granting authority in each college's Area Commission and specifies that these Commissions are authorized to award certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees, but not baccalaureate degrees. TTC offers degrees solely in South Carolina, and its degree granting authority is derived only from the state of South Carolina as codified in its enabling legislation, S.C. Code Ann et seq. Sources S.C. Code Ann et seq. S.C. Code Ann (17) 1

20 Core Requirements 2.2 Core Requirements 2.2 The institution has a governing board of at least five members that is the legal body with specific authority over the institution. The board is an active policy-making body for the institution and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the financial resources of the institution are adequate to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from it. Both the presiding officer of the board and a majority of other voting members of the board are free of any contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution. A military institution authorized and operated by the federal government to award degrees has a public board on which both the presiding officer and a majority of the other members are neither civilian employees of the military nor active/retired military. The board has broad and significant influence upon the institution s programs and operations, plays an active role in policy-making, and ensures that the financial resources of the institution are used to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from the board except as specified by the authorizing legislation. Both the presiding officer of the board and a majority of other voting board members are free of any contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution. Judgment: Compliant Narrative The Trident Technical College (TTC) Area Commission is the legal body responsible for the college and for policy-making. A number of safeguards assure that all Commission actions reflect the decisions of a majority of its members and that the Commissioners carry out their duties free of external influences. S.C. Code Ann et seq. provides the legislative authority for the appointment of the Area Commission. The Commission is composed of nine members, three from each of the counties in the college's service area. Commissioners are recommended by the members of the county legislative delegation and appointed to the Commission by the Governor (Area Commission By-Laws, Article I, Section I). The function, duties and structure of the Area Commission are outlined in S.C. Code Ann et seq. In addition, the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education (SBTCE Policy ) delegates to the Area Commission "primary responsibility for local governance of a technical college." Both the Area Commission's Governance Process Policies and its By-Laws, Article III, Section I(b), provide clear direction for collective decision-making. TTC Policy instructs the Commissioners to "make collective rather than individual decisions" and to "use the expertise of individual members to enhance the work of the Commission as a body, rather than to substitute the judgments of individuals for the collective judgment of the Commission as a whole." The policy further encourages the Commissioners to "make decisions, to the extent possible, on a consensus basis." 2

21 Core Requirements 2.2 The Area Commission By-Laws require five of the nine members to constitute a quorum and list several matters that require at least five affirmative votes to take any action. (Area Commission By-Laws, Article IV, Section IV). The By-Laws clearly reinforce the collective decision-making process by stating that "the Authority of the Area Commission rests in the Commission as a whole, not in individual Commissioners" (Area Commission By-Laws, Article III, Section I(b)). Although the By-Laws allow for actions by the Executive Committee between meetings and in emergency situations, they require these actions to be reported to the full Commission and reflected in the meeting minutes. (Area Commission By-Laws, Article III, Section II(d)). All minutes of the Area Commission meetings clearly reflect adherence to these policies. Sample minutes are included in the table below. The Area Commission meets bi-monthly, and at other times as necessary, and is legally responsible for all aspects of the college, including provision of financial resources necessary to support a sound educational institution. (Area Commission By-Laws, Article IV, Section I and Article I, Section II). The Commission's role in ensuring that TTC has sufficient resources is clearly stated in TTC Policy and substantiated in the Commission's meeting minutes. The President is accountable to the full Commission. The Commission delegates the development and implementation of administrative policy and procedures to the President (TTC Policy ). The following chart identifies minutes of recent Commission meetings that provide evidence of the Commission's oversight of policy, financial resources, educational programs and executive actions. 3

22 Core Requirements 2.2 Board Actions on Policy, Financial Resources, and Educational Programs Minutes Page Category Action Item Feb. 4, Financial Approved FY 2009 Revised Budget (2 nd Revision) Resources Feb. 4, Educational Approved new Certificates and Program Terminations Programs March 24, Financial Resources Approved the FY 2010 County Budget, FY 2010 Tuition and Fees and the Student Receivables Write Off March 24, Policy Reaffirmed TTC Policy , Mission Statement (Mission, Vision, Role and Scope) Operational and Strategic Goals May 26, Financial Approved FY 2010 County Budget and Auxiliary Activities Resources July 28, Executive Approved the Agency Head Performance Evaluation of the President Accountability Jan. 22, Educational Programs Approved new Certificates in Business Technology (Computer Game Design, Advanced Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts, Advanced Culinary Arts, Event Management, and Hotel Operations) and Certificates in Industrial Technology (Air-conditioning/Refrigeration and Basic Industrial Work Skills) Jan. 22, Educational Programs Terminated the Certificate in Business, Catering, and the Diploma in Business, Culinary Arts Jan. 22, Policy Approved an amendment to the Area Commission By-Laws as recommended by the Ad Hoc By-Laws Review Committee March 11, Financial Approved the FY 2009 County Budget Resources March 11, Policy Reaffirmed TTC Policy 8-1-0, Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination May 27, Financial Resources Approved the FY 2009 Tuition and Fees, FY 2009 Proposed Budget and Auxiliary Activities Budget May 27, Educational Approved new Certificate in Health Sciences, Pharmacy Technician Programs July 22, Executive Ratified the selection of the Vice President for Finance and Administration Accountability Sept. 23, Executive Approved the Agency Head Performance Evaluation of the President Accountability Nov. 25, Financial Resources Approved the FY 2008 Annual Financial Report and the FY 2009 Revised Budget Nov. 25, Policy Reaffirmed TTC Policy 2-9-0, General Executive Constraint and TTC Policy , President s Responsibilities TTC is not a military institution. Sources Area Commission By-Laws Area Commission Minutes Policies and Procedures Area Commission Appointments, TTC Web Site Area Commission Governance Process Policies Area Commission Roster S.C. Code Ann et seq. 4

23 Core Requirements 2.3 Core Requirements 2.3 The institution has a chief executive officer whose primary responsibility is to the institution and who is not the presiding officer of the board. Judgment: Compliant Narrative The CEO of Trident Technical College (TTC) is the President, Dr. Mary Thornley. Dr. Thornley has served in this capacity since her appointment by the TTC Area Commission in June The President's position description defines the primary purpose of the position: "The President, as the chief executive officer of the college, is responsible for all college operations, resources and the external image and reputation of the college. The President must provide the leadership and strategic vision and direction for the entire college." TTC Area Commission By-Laws, Article II, Section I(c) state, "The President of the College shall be the Executive Officer of the Area Commission and shall serve on appointment at the will and pleasure of the Commission. The President shall serve as the Secretary of the Commission." The current Chairman and presiding officer of the TTC Area Commission is Mr. Jack Harrison. Sources Area Commission By-Laws, Article II, Section I(c) Area Commission By-Laws, Article II, Section II Area Commission Members, TTC Web Site Area Commission Roster Dr. Mary Thornley, State Position Description Dr. Mary Thornley, TTC Web Site 5

24 Core Requirements 2.4 Core Requirements 2.4 The institution has a clearly defined, comprehensive, and published mission statement that is specific to the institution and appropriate for higher education. The mission addresses teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service. Judgment: Compliant Narrative Trident Technical College s (TTC) mission statement is clearly defined, well published, and appropriate for a two-year institution of higher education. The mission statement explicitly describes the institution s role in the community, with specific attention given to its characteristics, including size, academic components, student services and continuing education opportunities. As with many two-year colleges, academic research and public service are not defined purposes of the college. TTC's mission statement includes the mission, vision, values and the role and scope of the college. The statement is approved by the TTC Area Commission and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. Additional information about the mission statement approval process may be found in CS Mission Trident Technical College serves as a catalyst for personal, community and economic development by empowering individuals through education and training. Vision Trident Technical College s vision is to be the leading force for educational opportunity and economic competitiveness in the communities we serve. Values Student success Diversity Academic freedom Continuous improvement Teaching excellence Integrity Accountability Lifelong learning Individual worth Safety Creativity Role and Scope Trident Technical College is a public, two-year, multi-campus community college that provides quality education and promotes economic development in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. An open-door institution of higher education, the college serves approximately 12,000 traditional and nontraditional curriculum students who have a wide variety of educational goals, from personal enrichment to career development to university transfer. To help students meet their goals, TTC offers university transfer associate degrees and applied technical associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. The curriculum includes programs in arts and sciences, agriculture, business, computer technology, engineering technology, health sciences, industrial technology, and public service. TTC students draw on knowledge from a broad range of disciplines to develop the communication and critical thinking skills that are fundamental to lifelong learning. TTC further promotes economic development through continuing education courses; customized education and training for business, industry and government; and a variety of employment training programs. TTC is committed to being accessible and responsive to community needs. To foster student success, TTC provides developmental education and comprehensive student services. In addition to traditional instruction, TTC s flexible course offerings and alternative delivery methods, including online instruction, enable more members of the community to pursue higher education. 6

25 Core Requirements 2.4 Mission Statement Characteristics The mission statement is specific to TTC as evidenced by the delineation of its service area and the descriptions of its accessibility, size and students. The mission is appropriate to an institution of higher education, defining the degrees and programs offered by the college, its associate degree competencies, and its role in providing support to students. The mission and values statements identify the college's principal roles in teaching and learning. The chart below identified the specific content of the mission statement and addresses each of these characteristics. TTC Mission Statement Characteristic Content Quote Specificity to TTC Service Area Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties Access open-door institution of higher education Appropriateness to Higher Education flexible course offerings and alternative delivery methods enable more members of the community to pursue higher education. Size approximately 12,000 Students Degrees Offered Curriculum Offered Associate Degree Competencies Support for Students traditional and nontraditional curriculum students who have a wide variety of educational goals transfer associate degrees and applied technical associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. arts and sciences, agriculture, business, computer technology, engineering technology, health sciences, industrial technology, and public service. communication and critical thinking skills provides developmental education and comprehensive student services. Teaching and Learning Mission empowering individuals through education and training. Values Student Success Teaching Excellence Academic Freedom Lifelong Learning Creativity Published TTC widely publishes its mission statement. In addition to TTC Policy , the college publishes its mission statement in the Catalog (Page A11), the Employee Handbook (Page 4), the Student Handbook & Planner (Inside Cover), the On Course (Page 22), the annual Accountability Report (Page 1) and on the college's Web site. Distance Learning The TTC mission statement documents the college's commitment to accessibility to higher education through distance learning: "TTC is committed to being accessible and responsive to community needs... TTC's flexible course offerings and alternative delivery format, including online instruction, enable more members of the 7

26 Core Requirements 2.4 community to pursue higher education." TTC has included a strategic initiative, Flexible Student Scheduling, in its strategic plan since Sources Accountability Report , Mission Statement (Page 1) Catalog, Mission Statement (Page A11) Employee Handbook, Mission Statement (Page 4) Mission Statement, TTC Web Site On Course, Mission Statement (Page 22) Student Handbook & Planner, Mission Statement (Inside Cover) TTC Policy , Mission Statement 8

27 Core Requirements 2.5 Core Requirements 2.5 The institution engages in ongoing, integrated, and institution-wide research-based planning and evaluation processes that (1) incorporate a systematic review of institutional mission, goals, and outcomes; (2) result in continuing improvement in institutional quality; and (3) demonstrate the institution is effectively accomplishing its mission. Judgment: Compliant Narrative Trident Technical College (TTC) has an institutional planning process that begins with a regular, systematic review of the college's mission and incorporates an annual review of strategic goals and expected outcomes. The college uses a variety of data sources to monitor progress toward the expected outcomes and uses the results of these assessments to plan for improvement and set new expected outcomes. The documentation for TTC's planning and evaluation processes clearly demonstrates that the college consistently accomplishes its mission. The table below provides links to the key documents of the college's planning processes for the last five planning cycles, which provide clear evidence that TTC's strategic planning and evaluation processes are ongoing, integrated, institution-wide, and research-based. The documents, their content and their role in the planning process are discussed under Annual Strategic Planning and Evaluation Process later in this section. Strategic Planning Component Reporting Plan X X X X X 2. Budget X X X X X 3. Final Report Aug X X X X 4. Highlights Sept X X X X Five-Year Strategic Planning Process The planning process at TTC includes both strategic and operational planning. The college uses information from three important sources in the development of its five-year strategic and operational plans: input from college stakeholders, results of an evaluation of the college environment, and data on college performance. Stakeholder Input. The college begins each five-year planning cycle by actively soliciting advice and counsel from all college stakeholders. At the beginning of the strategic planning cycle, the Director of Quality held focus groups with students, faculty, staff, alumni, academic deans, senior leaders, Area Commissioners and academic program advisory committee members. TTC's Quality Council, a committee of 28 with representation from all administrative divisions, reviewed the input of these focus groups to identify the strengths and weaknesses, as well as key barriers and opportunities the college faces. 9

28 Core Requirements 2.5 Environmental Scan. In conducting its environmental scan, TTC places value on both the internal and external environment. To assess its internal climate, the college regularly surveys both students and employees. To complete its external assessment, TTC uses information from a variety of sources such as the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce s Economic Forecast for the Charleston Region and the SBTCE Economic Impact Study. Performance Results. TTC regularly evaluates institutional performance on a variety of key measures. As part of the strategic planning process, the college identifies expected outcomes for key performance measures. Additionally, senior leaders regularly review college performance on measures that reflect overall organizational health and sustainability. The analysis of performance results is the precursor to continuous improvement. The current strategic plan incorporates the college s vision, mission, and values as well as strategic and operational goals. This five-year plan provides the framework on which the college constructs its annual plan. Each year, the college community identifies strategic initiatives. These initiatives, along with the operational goals, guide the planning processes for academic and administrative programs. At the beginning of the planning cycle, the college identified four key challenges and established four strategic goals designed to meet these challenges: 10

29 Core Requirements 2.5 Challenges Challenge 1. To leverage new facilities and technologies to meet student needs for courses offering technical skills, and engage them in the learning process. Relationship Between Challenges and Strategic Goals Strategic Goals Challenge 2. To maintain the affordability of a TTC education in spite of declining state funding. Challenge 3. To strengthen our partnerships with area business and industry by developing new academic and continuing education programs to address emerging needs. Challenge 4. To use new technologies to meet the needs of all students. Annual Strategic Planning and Evaluation Process Accessibility. To enable all members of the community we serve to pursue or continue higher education. Stewardship. To become a model of fiscal, community and environmental responsibility, promoting these concepts at every level of the institution. Community Prominence. To increase the College s prominence in the region as a provider of educational services and a promoter of economic development. Engagement. To build a community of learners in which all students, faculty, staff and administrators are active participants in and adherents to the principles of lifelong learning. Annual Planning. The college's annual planning cycle begins in March with three key planning activities: the review and revision or reaffirmation of the college's mission statement, the development of the strategic initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year, and the start of the annual budgeting process. Mission Statement Review. In addition to the college-wide review of the mission statement that begins the five-year planning cycle, the President and her Cabinet review the TTC mission statement annually. The President's Cabinet recommends to the TTC Area Commission any necessary changes to the mission statement (TTC Policy ), and at its March meeting the Area Commission revises or reaffirms the mission statement and strategic goals as appropriate. If she deems it appropriate, the President may call for a college-wide review of the mission statement at times other than at the beginning of the five-year planning cycle. In 2007, the President asked the members of Leadership Cabinet to conduct a thorough review of the college's vision and values statements. Strategic Initiative Development. The President and her Cabinet review the college s progress on the strategic objectives three times during the planning year. During the March review, Cabinet identifies initiatives that should carry over to the next planning year as well as new initiatives based on data for the college's key performance indicators and changes in the college environment. Cabinet identifies the expected outcomes for each strategic initiative and the administrative units that will be responsible for achieving these outcomes. The annual Reporting Plan documents the results of these decisions and provides a framework for administrative units to create unit plans that align with the college's annual plan (Example: Reporting Plan ). Budgeting Process. Each administrative unit develops strategies for the accomplishment of strategic objectives and operational goals. These strategies create the foundation for the unit s budget requests. The college uses an online budget planning software application which integrates the budget planning and strategic planning 11

30 Core Requirements 2.5 processes. Budget managers identify the specific strategic goal and/or operational goal that each budget request supports. The budget application and its reporting capabilities provide vice presidents the ability to carefully balance expenditures for both strategic advances and ongoing operations. Vice presidents prioritize each budget request and the President's Cabinet makes consensus funding decisions at a budget meeting in June (Example: Budget ). Annual Evaluation. TTC regularly evaluates its performance on strategic initiatives, reports the results of these evaluations to its constituents and uses these results to continuously improve the college. At the close of each fiscal year, the college creates a Final Report of its accomplishment of the strategic goals and initiatives and a "Highlights" document that lists the college's most significant achievements for the year (Examples: Final Report and Highlights ). In addition to these college-wide reports, each administrative unit documents progress toward attainment of strategic initiatives in its Administrative Unit Assessment (Example: Academic Affairs Administrative Unit Assessment ). These reports provide foundational information for two annual reports: the college's Institutional Effectiveness report, which is mandated by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, and the annual Accountability Report, which is mandated by the South Carolina Budget and Control Board and is based on the Baldrige National Quality Program criteria. In addition to submitting these reports to the appropriate state agencies, the college publishes the reports on its Web site where they are accessible to the general public (Accountability Reports Web site and Institutional Effectiveness Reports Web site). Characteristics of TTC Planning and Evaluation Ongoing. The Final Reports for the last five years' planning and evaluation provide evidence of the ongoing nature of TTC's planning and evaluation. Institution-Wide. The Reporting Plans for the last five years document the inclusion of every administrative unit in the strategic planning process. Research-Based. The Reporting Plans, Final Reports, and Administrative Unit Assessments document that the college identifies the expected outcomes and assesses the extent to which the college attains these outcomes using a variety of quantitative and qualitative measures. Integrated. TTC's strategic planning process provides the foundation for its budgeting and program assessments. During the planning cycle, the college rescheduled the personnel evaluation cycles in order to more closely align all major planning and evaluation processes at the college. The table below provides an overview of the key events in each of these cycles. 12