5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, Texas

Transcription

1 Office f the President 5930 Middle Fiskville Rad Austin, Texas July 5, 2011 Dr. Belle S. Wheelan President Suthern Assciatin f Clleges and Schls Cmmissin n Clleges 1866 Suthern Lane Decatur, Gergia Dear Dr. Wheelan: In preparatin fr Austin Cmmunity Cllege s (ACC) upcming cmpliance certificatin fr the reaffirmatin prcess (Class f 2013), the Cllege recently cmpleted an intensive, tw-year audit f its cmpliance with the Substantive Change Plicy. This was cnducted as a result f learning at the December 2008 SACSCOC Annual Meeting that ACC s interpretatin f the Substantive Change Plicy was nt up t date with the current interpretatin f the plicy. Fr example, ACC was still perating, as were ther Texas cmmunity clleges, under the ld interpretatins that the Cllege was apprved t ffer any prgrams at the assciate degree r certificate levels. Als, fr lcatins, ACC understd that the 25% and 50% threshlds were fr prgrams ffered at that lcatin, nt anywhere in the Cllege. T better understand and clarify the expectatins f the Substantive Change Plicy, ACC staff attended a Substantive Change Plicy wrkshp at Del Mar Cmmunity Cllege in Crpus Christi, Texas in March Based n the infrmatin btained at the wrkshp, an audit was cnducted f all lcatins and prgrams since ACC s last Special Cmmittee n Reaffirmatin visit in September 2004 t ensure cmpliance with the plicy. This cmprehensive audit resulted in enhanced internal prcesses t ensure cmpliance with the Substantive Change Plicy. The prcedures, which are designed t identify substantive changes in prgrams and lcatins, are described in Attachment 1: Prcesses t Prevent Nncmpliance. Several f these prcesses were initially identified in the Rund Rck Higher Educatin Center Mnitring Reprt (submitted September 4, 2009) and a fllw-up letter f clarificatin (submitted April 29, 2009). The purpse f this letter is t share the results f this audit that identified ptential unreprted substantive changes related t (1) ff-campus lcatins where ACC ffers cursewrk, (2) the additin f new prgrams t the curriculum, and (3) the clsing f existing prgrams. Fr this audit, all lcatins where ACC ffered cursewrk since September 2004 were examined. The factrs cnsidered when determining the lcatins t be reprted t SACS are described in Attachment 2: Prcedures fr Identifying Unreprted Off-Site Teaching Lcatins. This audit identified the fllwing lcatins, which are primarily high schls where dual credit curses are ffered:

2 Dr. Belle S. Wheelan July 5, 2011 Page 2 15 ff-campus teaching lcatins that shuld have been reprted under Prcedure One: Substantive Changes Requiring Ntificatin and Apprval Prir t Implementatin; and 12 ff-campus teaching lcatins that shuld have been reprted under Prcedure Tw: Substantive Changes Requiring Only Ntificatin Prir t Implementatin. ACC s curriculum was als examined beginning with ACC s Catalg. In determining cmpliance with the Prcedure One Expansins at the Current Degree Level with Significant Departure frm Current Prgrams Substantive Change sectin f the Substantive Change Plicy, the term, significant departure, presented a prblem in that it was nt clearly defined. T address this ambiguity, ACC defined significant departure as fllws: T cnstitute a Prcedure One Expansins at the Current Degree Level with Significant Departure frm Current Prgrams Substantive Change the fllwing cnditin must be met: The minimum number f semester credit hurs required fr the award includes at least 25% f semester credit hurs frm curses nt previusly ffered at Austin Cmmunity Cllege, as indicated by the Cllege s mst recent academic year catalg. If this cnditin is met, the new award must meet at least ne f the fllwing cnditins: 1. The new award requires hiring faculty with credentials different frm thse listed n Austin Cmmunity Cllege s current Faculty Qualificatins Table. 2. The new award requires new/different facilities, learning resurces, r library resurces than are currently available. Withut these resurces the award culd nt be ffered. Using this abve definitin, the audit identified seven new prgrams that were ptential unreprted substantive changes under Prcedure One: Substantive Changes Requiring Ntificatin and Apprval Prir t Implementatin. We are reprting these prgrams as substantive changes, but we respectfully request clarificatin f the term significant departure and cnfirmatin f whether the definitin used by ACC is apprpriate. In additin, the audit identified 17 prgram clsings with an internal teach-ut prtcl that shuld have been reprted under Prcedure Tw: Substantive Changes Requiring Ntificatin and Apprval Prir t Implementatin. In the event ur analysis/criteria are crrect, Austin Cmmunity Cllege fficially ntifies SACS f these unreprted Prcedure One and Prcedure Tw Substantive Changes and submits the apprpriate prspectuses r dcumentatin, as required. Enclsed is a USB drive that includes: Prcedure One: Substantive Changes Requiring Ntificatin and Apprval Prir t Implementatin. 15 prspectuses n unreprted lcatins that ffer at least 50% f an award 7 prspectuses n new awards/prgrams ACC ffers

3 Dr. Belle S. Wheelan July 5, 2011 Page 3 Prcedure Tw: Substantive Changes Requiring Ntificatin and Apprval Prir t Implementatin. 1 dcument identifying 12 lcatins that ffer 25%-49% f an award and the awards ffered at each lcatin [Attachment 3: Unreprted Lcatins Offering 25%-49% f an Award] Ntificatin f the clsings f awards and the resulting actins [Attachment 4: Ntificatin f Clsing f Awards and the Resulting Actins] We request any directins r guidance yu may wish t prvide. We thank yu fr yur assistance and lk frward t wrking with yu and yur staff during the substantive change prcess. Cc: Dr. Jack Allen, Vice President, SACSCOC Sn Merz, Vice President, Effectiveness and Accuntability

4 D I S T R I C T Abbreviated Substantive Change Prspectus fr Initiating Off Campus Teaching Lcatins where Students Can Obtain 50% r Mre Credits Twards a Prgram Eastside Memrial High Schl (Frmerly Jhnstn High Schl) 1012 Arthur Stiles Rad Austin, TX Opened: Spring 2002 Reached 50% f a Prgram: Spring 2010 Institutinal Cntact: Sn Merz, Accreditatin Liaisn Assciate Vice President fr Effectiveness and Accuntability Phne: (512) smerz@austincc.edu

5 DESCRIPTION OF SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE Prpsed Change ACC seeks apprval frm the Suthern Assciatin f Clleges and Schls t ffer 50% r mre credits tward a prgram at an ff site teaching lcatin, Eastside Memrial High Schl (frmerly Jhnstn High Schl). Date f Implementatin This teaching lcatin was implemented in Spring 2002 at Jhnstn High Schl. In Fall 2008, this lcatin became Eastside Memrial High Schl. In Spring 2010, it became pssible fr a student t earn 50% r mre f a prgram at Eastside Memrial High Schl. TRANSCRIPTABLE DEGREES OFFERED AT EASTSIDE MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL ACC cursewrk ffered at Eastside Memrial High Schl is applicable t numerus degrees. Students wh cmplete ACC curses at Eastside Memrial High Schl may earn 50% r mre credits twards a Certificate in Autmtive Brake and Suspensin. Schl: Students can earn 25 49% credits tward the fllwing degrees at Eastside Memrial High Assciate f Arts Creative Writing English General Studies in Liberal Arts Gvernment Histry Assciate f Arts in Teaching Educatin Instructin 8 12 Grade Levels Assciate f Science Envirnmental Studies Assciate f Applied Science Autmtive Technlgy Cmputer Infrmatin Technlgy Game & Visualizatin Prgramming Specializatin Certificate Autmtive Technlgy & Outdr Pwered Equipment Autmtive Drive Train Specialist Autmtive Engine Perfrmance Specialist Autmtive Heating & Air Cnditining Autmtive Technician Page 2

6 Students can earn 1 24% credits twards the fllwing degrees at Eastside Memrial High Schl: Assciate f Arts Anthrplgy Art Dance Drama Ecnmics Freign Language Gegraphic Infrmatin Systems Gegraphy Jurnalism Music Philsphy Psychlgy Radi Televisin Film Scial Wrk Scilgy Speech Assciate f Science Archelgy Bilgy Business Administratin Chemistry Cmputer Infrmatin Systems Cmputer Science Engineering General Studies in Science Gelgy Health Kinesilgy Mathematics Physics Pre Dental/Pre Medical/Pre Pharmacy/ Pre Veterinary Assciate f Arts in Teaching Educatin Instructin 4 8 Grade Levels EC 6 Grade Levels Assciate f Applied Science Accunting Accunting Specialist Accunting Technician Assciate f Applied Science American Sign Language Interpreter Training Architectural & Engineering Cmputer Aided Design Architectural Specializatin Electrnic Graphics Specializatin Interdisciplinary Specializatin Mechanical Specializatin Aut Bdy Cllisin & Refinishing Bitechnlgy Building Cnstructin Management Business & Technical Cmmunicatins Business & Gvernment Cmmunicatins Specializatin Technical Cmmunicatins Child Develpment Cmmercial Music Management Cmputer Infrmatin Technlgy Cmputer Prgramming Cmputer Prgramming, Sftware Testing Specializatin Cmputer Prgramming, Web Prgramming Specializatin LAN Systems Netwrk Administratin Specializatin LAN Systems Security Administratin Specializatin Micrcmputer Applicatins, Applicatins Micrcmputer Applicatins, User & Desktp Supprt Specializatin Criminal Justice Crrectins Law Enfrcement Culinary Arts Dental Hygiene Diagnstic Medical Imaging Radilgy Electrnics & Advanced Technlgies Autmatin, Rbtics & Cntrls Technlgy Specializatin Biinstrumentatin Technlgy Specializatin Electrnics Technician Specializatin Engineering Technlgy Specializatin Page 3

7 Assciate f Applied Science, Cntinued Electrnics & Advanced Technlgies Nanelectrnics Manufacturing Technlgy Specializatin Netwrking/Cmputer Electrnics Specializatin Pwer Technlgy Specializatin Renewable Energy Specializatin Utility Lineman Specializatin Emergency Medical Services Envirnmental Technlgy Financial Management Mrtgage Banking Fire Prtectin Technlgy Gegraphic Infrmatin Systems Health Infrmatin Technlgy Heating, Air Cnditining & Refrigeratin Technlgy Hspitality Management Baccalaureate Prep Specializatin Fd & Ldging Specializatin Htel & Ldging Specializatin Human Services Department Addictins Cunseling General Human Services Therapeutic Recreatin Internatinal Business Jewelry Land Surveying Technlgy/Gematics Management Marketing Fashin Merchandising Marketing Medical Lab Technlgy Meeting and Event Planning Specializatin Nursing Mbility Track Traditinal Track Occupatinal Therapy Assistant Office Administratin Administrative Assistant Specializatin Legal Administrative Assistant Specializatin Medical Administrative Assistant Specializatin Paralegal Persnal Fitness Trainer Assciate f Applied Science, Cntinued Phtgraphic Technlgy Advertising Fashin Fcus Peple Prtrait Fcus Physical Therapist Assistant Real Estate Brkers Licensing Sngraphy Diagnstic Cardiac Sngraphy (Echcardigraphy) Diagnstic Medical Sngraphy Surgical Technlgy Travel and Turism Visual Cmmunicatin 2D Animatin Specializatin 3D Animatin Specializatin 3D Mdeling Specializatin Game Art Specializatin Game Design Specializatin Graphic Arts Technlgy Specializatin Graphic Design Specializatin Interactive Media Technlgy Specializatin Mtin Graphics Specializatin Web & Interactive Design Specializatin Welding Technlgy Cde Welding Arts Metals Certificate American Sign Language Interpreter Training Bitechnlgy Electrnics & Advanced Technlgies Engineering Technlgy Specializatin Pwer Technlgy Specializatin Heating, Air Cnditining & Refrigeratin Technlgy Radi Televisin Film Film/Vide Prductin Management Film/Vide Prductin Technlgy Real Estate Visual Cmmunicatin Game Design Specializatin Interactive Media Technlgy Specializatin Page 4

8 Curses ffered at Eastside Memrial High Schl have been primarily in General Educatin. General Educatin curses have been ffered at numerus ACC teaching lcatins, including, but nt limited t ACC s Cypress Creek, Eastview, Nrthridge, Pinnacle, Ri Grande, Riverside, Rund Rck, and Suth Austin campuses and via distance learning. Cursewrk in Autmtive Technlgy and Outdr Pwered Equipment has als been ffered at Eastside Memrial High Schl. Autmtive Technlgy and Outdr Pwered Equipment curses have been ffered at ACC s Cypress Creek, Riverside, and Rund Rck campuses, ACC s San Marcs Gdnight Center, Crckett High Schl, David McDavid Acura, Reagan High Schl, and Rger Beasley Mazda. FACULTY ROSTER ACC curses ffered at Eastside Memrial High Schl are taught by qualified faculty members. Appendix 1 cntains the Fall 2010 faculty rster fr the lcatin and ACC s Faculty Credentials Table [Appendix 1: Eastside Memrial High Schl Faculty Rster]. ACC ffers curses at Eastside Memrial High Schl based n curse demand. As a result, relatively few curses are ffered at the lcatin each semester. The Spring 2010 substantive change was the cumulative result f the cursewrk ffered since the lcatin pened in Spring LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES Disciplines Taught at Eastside Memrial High Schl Since the Eastside Memrial High Schl teaching lcatin was implemented, the majrity f curses taught at the High Schl have been General Educatin curses frm the fllwing disciplines: Ecnmics English Gvernment Scilgy ACC has als ffered Autmtive Technlgy and Outdr Pwered Equipment curses at this lcatin. Page 5

9 Discipline Specific Library Resurces Supprting Eastside Memrial High Schl ACC students taking curses at Eastside Memrial High Schl have full rights and privileges t access ACC s library services system via the web r at any ACC campus. This includes ACC s Eastview and Riverside campuses, which are tw and three miles frm Eastside Memrial High Schl, respectively [Appendix 2: Austin ISD Early Cllege Start Memrandum f Understanding]. ACC s award winning library system cntains extensive learning resurces devted t General Educatin and Autmtive Technlgy and Outdr Pwered Equipment curses [Appendix 3: American Library Assciatin Award]. On Campus Libraries Print Cllectins: Each f ACC s eight campuses includes a library with a print cllectin f general educatin and wrkfrce resurces. Library Services cllectin is cmprised f 1,400 print issues f peridicals and 173,000 print vlumes, DVDs, and cmputer sftware. ACC s Eastview Campus is tw miles frm Eastside Memrial High Schl. ACC s Riverside Campus is three miles frm Eastside Memrial High Schl. Electrnic Resurces: Library Services cllectin als includes 43,500 electrnic jurnals; 32,000 electrnic bks; and 80 electrnic database subscriptins. Electrnic resurces can be accessed at an ACC library r remtely via the web with an ACCeID. ACC students at Eastside Memrial High Schl have access t the High Schl s cmputers in the cmputer labs and the library t use these resurces. Databases fr the disciplines ffered at Eastside Memrial High Schl include: Autmtive Technlgy and Outdr Pwered Equipment: Academic Search Cmplete, MasterFILE Premier, Science & Technlgy Cllectin, and GreenFILE Ecnmics: Business Search Enhanced Interface, Business Surce Cmplete, Hver s Online, RIA Financial Database, and Wall Street Jurnal Online English: Blm s Literary Reference, Cntemprary Literary Criticism, Dictinary f Literary Bigraphy, Literature Resurce Center, and Twentieth Century American Petry Gvernment: CQ Electrnic Library, CQ Researcher Online, Legal Cllectin, Military & Gvernment Cllectin, Oppsing Viewpints in Cntext, and U.S. Gvernment Online Scilgy: Academic Search Cmplete, CQ Researcher, CQ Electrnic Library, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and Oppsing Viewpints in Cntext Page 6

10 Research Guides: Library Services maintains ver 65 nline research guides tailred t specific disciplines and subjects. Research guides have been created fr the disciplines ffered at the Eastside Memrial High Schl teaching lcatin. Research guides include: directins t relevant reference materials; links t resurces recently added t ACC s cllectin; links t high quality websites; links t prfessinal rganizatins; methds fr btaining research assistance; and the cntact infrmatin fr the faculty librarian assigned t the discipline [Appendix 4: Autmtive Technlgy and Outdr Pwered Equipment Research Guide; Appendix 5: Ecnmics Research Guide; Appendix 6: English Research Guide; Appendix 7: Gvernment Research Guide; Appendix 8: Scilgy Research Guide]. Dcument Delivery Service: Patrns may request that print and media materials be delivered t anther ACC library. Students at Eastside Memrial High Schl may als request print and media items be mailed t their hme. If an item exists in an electrnic, full text frmat the dcument is ed t the student [Appendix 9: Dcument Delivery Services]. Cnsrtia Memberships: Library Services has jined several cnsrtia t extend the number f materials and resurces available fr General Educatin and wrkfrce disciplines. Currently, ACC is a member f three cnsrtia. The TexShare cst sharing partnership prvides library patrns with TexShare library cards that allw patrns t brrw materials directly frm ther participating institutins. TexShare als prvides ACC students with access t 11 interdisciplinary databases and 20 nline general educatin and wrkfrce specific databases [Appendix 10: Library Services TexShare Partnership]. OCLC, an internatinal library cperative and bibligraphic netwrk, which prvides an interlibrary lan system. This membership allws ACC patrns t request bks r articles, nt wned by ACC, frm member libraries. Generally, delivery takes tw t eight weeks [Appendix 11: Library Services OCLC Partnership]. The Amigs partnership, a reginal nnprfit bibligraphic netwrk that prvides nline cntent and supprt fr interlibrary lan, resurce sharing, and catalging [Appendix 12: Library Services Amigs Partnership]. Page 7

11 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ACC is cmmitted t prviding supprt and success services t ACC students at Eastside Memrial High Schl. ACC students taking curses at Eastside Memrial High Schl have full rights and privileges t access ACC s student supprt and success system. ACC ffers extensive nline services, including tutring, fr students wh take classes at lcatins ther than an ACC campus. ACC has assigned a field representative t Eastside Memrial High Schl, whse primary jb is t assist ACC students and faculty at Eastside Memrial High Schl. Field representatives arrange assessment, advising, and registratin services fr students. Field representatives may refer students t the apprpriate supprt services lcated at Eastside Memrial High Schl s primary supprt campus, ACC s Eastview Campus. This system prvides services such as disability services, administers ACC s student discipline plicies, and prvides advising and assessment supprt fr the Eastside Memrial High Schl teaching lcatin [Appendix 2: Austin ISD Early Cllege Start Memrandum f Understanding]. Each ACC campus, including Eastside Memrial High Schl s primary supprt campus Eastview, ffers a full cmplement f student supprt services. 1. Admissins and Recrds: The Admissins and Recrds Office assists students with applying t ACC, registering fr classes, changing class schedules, determining residency status, requesting ACC transcripts, verifying enrllment at ACC, updating student recrds, evaluating credits fr transfer t ACC, applying fr graduatin, btaining student IDs, curse withdrawals, and qualifying and receiving mney frm the Texas Public University Tuitin Rebate Prgram [Appendix 13: Admissins and Recrds]. 2. Advising and Cunseling: Advisrs and Cunselrs assist students with selecting curses, preparing t transfer fr Bachelr s degrees, cmpleting Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements, successfully transitining t cllege, identifying methds t vercme struggles with classes, assessing academic standards f prgress, getting ff/staying ff academic prbatin r suspensin, and drpping r withdrawing frm curses. Students may als see faculty members, upn cmpletin f TSI requirements, fr advising within their declared majr [Appendix 14: Advising and Cunseling]. Page 8

12 3. Assessment and Testing: The Assessment and Testing Center helps students cmplete placement exams. Advisrs and Cunselrs then use placement exam scres t recmmend apprpriate classes and class sequences t students [Appendix 15: Assessment and Testing]. 4. Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office assists students with applying fr and managing lans, grants, wrk study, and schlarships. The Office als assists students with alternate frms f financial aid, such as educatin tax benefits, ACC s Student Emergency Fund, and the Wrkfrce Investment Act [Appendix 16: Financial Aid]. 5. Internatinal Student Office: The Internatinal Student Office helps internatinal students negtiate student visa requirements, enrll at ACC, understand ACC plicies and prcedures, and cnnect with student supprt and success services [Appendix 17: Internatinal Student Office]. 6. Office f Student Life: ACC s Office f Student Life ffers cmmunity building events, experiential learning prgrams, and leadership and vlunteer pprtunities t prmte students persnal, emtinal, cultural, scial and ethical develpment [Appendix 18: Office f Student Life]. 7. Student Recruitment Office: The Student Recruitment Office helps ptential ACC students prepare fr cllege and guides future students thrugh the admissins, advising, and financial aid prcesses. The Student Recruitment Office als prvides widespread, cmprehensive utreach t students frm histrically underserved and underrepresented ppulatins [Appendix 19: Student Recruitment Office]. 8. Office fr Students with Disabilities: The Office fr Students with Disabilities prvides students with dcumented disabilities academic supprt r physical accmmdatins. Accmmdatins may include alternative testing methds, nte taking services, interpreter services, early registratin, textbks n tape, and adaptive equipment. The Office als prvides ne n ne advising t students with disabilities [Appendix 20: Office fr Students with Disabilities]. 9. Transfer and Articulatin Services: Transfer and Articulatin Services helps students plan t transfer t fur year institutins thrugh advising sessins, visits t select area universities, ncampus recruitment visits frm area universities, and nline and print guides [Appendix 21: Transfer and Articulatin Services]. Page 9

13 10. Tutring and Learning Labs: ACC s Learning Labs prvide students with free ne n ne and small grup tutring, guided study grups, self paced independent study, cmputer based tutrials, wrkshps, placement test review, cmputer access, and grup study rms [Appendix 22: Tutring and Learning Labs]. 11. Veterans Affairs: The Veterans Affairs Office helps veterans and spuses/dependents f veterans wh are disabled r deceased receive several supprt services. These include assistance with btaining GI benefits, declaring a majr, finding healthcare and cunseling services, and cmplying with United States Veteran Affairs requirements and guidelines,. The Veterans Affairs Office hlds regular, specialized rientatin sessins fr veterans and spuses/dependents f veterans wh are disabled r deceased [Appendix 23: Veterans Affairs]. PHYSICAL RESOURCES AT EASTSIDE MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Eastside Memrial High Schl prvides adequate physical resurces t meet students and faculty members needs. ACC classes at Eastside Memrial High Schl are taught in a mdern facility designed fr classrm instructin. Each classrm has apprximately square feet f instructinal space. Each classrm is able t accmmdate the curses instructinal capacity f students. ACC s maximum curse capacity at Eastside Memrial High Schl is 30 students. Eastside Memrial High Schl classrms are equipped with adequate bard space, verhead prjectrs/display equipment, cmputers, televisins, ther multimedia equipment, and internet access [Appendix 2: Austin ISD Early Cllege Start Memrandum f Understanding]. Specialized equipment nt available at Eastside Memrial High Schl is transprted t the High Schl by ACC fr temprary use as needed. Page 10

14 APPENDICES IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE Appendix 1: Eastside Memrial High Schl Faculty Rster Appendix 2: Austin ISD Early Cllege Start Memrandum f Understanding Appendix 3: American Library Assciatin Award Appendix 4: Autmtive Technlgy and Outdr Pwered Equipment Research Guide Appendix 5: Ecnmics Research Guide Appendix 6: English Research Guide Appendix 7: Gvernment Research Guide Appendix 8: Scilgy Research Guide Appendix 9: Dcument Delivery Services Appendix 10: Library Services TexShare Partnership Appendix 11: Library Services OCLC Partnership Appendix 12: Library Services Amigs Partnership Appendix 13: Admissins and Recrds Appendix 14: Advising and Cunseling Appendix 15: Assessment and Testing Appendix 16: Financial Aid Appendix 17: Internatinal Student Office Appendix 18: Office f Student Life Appendix 19: Student Recruitment Office Appendix 20: Office fr Students with Disabilities Page 11

15 Appendix 21: Transfer and Articulatin Services Appendix 22: Tutring and Learning Labs Appendix 23: Veterans Affairs Page 12