2015-16 Program Review

of 16 2015-16 Program Review Name of Program: Grant Development and Management Name of Unit: Grant Development and Management Name of Area: Academic Affairs Date Completed: 10/24/2014 Program's Mission Statement The mission of Grant Development and Management (GDM) is to enhance student success by assisting the college community in the strategic pursuit of external funding opportunities that align with the college s mission, values, and goals. The program seeks to support innovative and sustainable excellence in instructional and student support services along with a firm commitment to fiscal accountability and programmatic compliance. Program's SLO Information - Assessment Results (1a) n/a Program's SLO Information - Changes in Instruction (1b) n/a Program's SLO Information - Requested Resources (1c) n/a http://research880/planview.asp?id=1440

of 16 Program's SLO Information - Assessment Reports (2) n/a Program's SLO Information - Online Results (3) n/a Program's SLO Information - Degrees and Certificates (4) n/a Program's Characteristics, Performance and Trends CHARACTERISTICS The Grant Development and Management (GDM) is comprised of two key functions. Grant Development provides leadership for pre-award coordination of all grant applications for the college. The GDM office works with college staff to identify and evaluate funding opportunities. Once the funding opportunity is deemed appropriate the GDM office works with the content expert to develop and submit the grant application. The GDM ensures grant funding requests are in alignment with the college's institutional, goals, mission, values and student equity and student success plans. Grant Management includes post-award support for faculty in charge of grant-funded projects. Once the grant application is funded the content expert usually serves as the project director and responsible for implementation and administering said grant funded project, with assistance from GDM office. Services include: Assistance with the interpretation of regulations, and/or administrative matters pertaining to, grant programs. Perform research of OMB Circular for latest pronouncements applicable to grants awarded to the District and Colleges. Schedule regular meetings with grant project directors throughout the course of their grants. Schedule meeting with project directors upon conclusion of grant to discuss grant closeout process and record retention requirements specific to each funding agency. Facilitate submission of compliance reports (i.e., Progress, Final, and/or APR) to ensure

of 16 reporting is done in a timely and accurate manner. Meet with Accounting on a quarterly basis to ensure projects maintain fiscal accountability. Assistance with programmatic compliance of grant funded programs to ensure programs meet grant compliance requirements. Maintain systems for accurate record retention and centralized database of grant projects. Examples of grant-funded projects that are currently active on campus with a broader institutional impact on student success include TRIO Student Support Services, TRIO Student Support Services/STEM, Mathematics Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA), U.S. Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institutions Regular Title V, National Science Foundation Scholarships for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and the Student Mental Health Program. Examples of grant proposals developed and submitted within the past year include the Department of Labor, Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT), U.S. Department of Education GEAR UP, Department of Rehabilitation, Healthcare Workforce Initiative Song Brown Capitation and Special Programs, SB1070 CTE, and AB86 Adult Education. Grant Management: Examples of grant project management and compliance activities include collecting and preparing quarterly reports, final reports, and budget revisions. GDM will submit 10 or more reports every quarter, Perkins grant fund support 15-18 different programs across 5 divisions. Examples of project support include: Carl D. Perkins I-C, CTE Teacher Education Pipeline, Career and Technical Education Transitions, DSN Health and DSN EE&U, Nursing Education, Career and Technical Education Transitions, and Workforce Innovation Partnership. Staffing resources: GDM consists of one 100% permanent Director and one 95% permanent Research Data Technician (assignment load: 25% CTE programs and 70% GDM). GDM also relies on college community participation to provide the content expertise necessary to develop a qualified and competitive grant proposal submission, The capacity of GDM to fulfill its mission is contingent on the expertise and size of its staff. Maximum capacity is reached quickly when multiple projects need assistance at the same time especially when college community content experts have limited time and/or lack grant experience to fully assist GDM in the development of substantive and competitive grant proposals. The GDM's primary client base is the college community, which consists of the colleges faculty, classified staff, and management team members. The beneficiaries of the program are students, who benefit by participating in activities funded by grants that provide resources for new and innovative programs and services. We provide a variety of services including: 1) Dissemination of timely and accurate grants-related information; 2) Technical assistance and support to faculty and administrators district-wide in the planning and development of competitive grant proposals; 3) Technical assistance in the management and evaluation of funded proposals. Program Components and Services Pre-engagement services:

of 16 Workshops Consultation Outreach Pre-award services: Grant research Grant workshops Concept development Proposal development Proposal submission Grant tracking Post-award services: Project start-up Reporting Compliance review Project close out Document archiving PERFORMANCE AND TRENDS «The Grants Office monitored 23 active projects for a fiscal year funding level of $4,064,512. These grants had a total funding level of $5,058,084 «The Grants Office coordinated and/or submitted 15 applications and proposals for a first year request of $4,566,703. These applications had a total request of $12,337,688. «Of the 15 applications, 5 were funded, 4 are pending, 2 are in process and 4 were not awarded. «Of the 23 active projects, five (5) were federally-funded, sixteen (16) were state-funded, and three (3) were from private or other sources of funding. «Of the 15 applications coordinated/submitted, four (4) were to federal sources, ten (10) were to state sources, and one (1) was to private or other sources of funding. Emerging emphasis on community college completion indicators will create a parallel demand for increased support for new initiatives in student success and degree attainment. There is a sustained demand for GDM services. The economic strain on the college budget continues to increase the number of campus programs seeking external funding assistance. Program's Strengths * Director position now filled (interim) * GDM staff are experienced, professional and customer-service oriented * GDM is encouraging increased collaboration between the GDM and campus departments. * Uniform grant project management processes is established * Launch Pad procedure was revised to address broader stakeholder needs * GDM has sufficient space and equipment for current staff * GDM is developing strong ties with local school districts * GDM works closely with Finance to ensure fiscally sound budget practices Program's Weaknesses

of 16 * The capacity of GDM to fulfill its mission is contingent on the expertise and size of its staff. Maximum capacity is reached quickly when multiple projects need assistance at the same time especially when college community content experts have limited time and/or lack grant experience to fully assist GDM in the development of substantive and competitive grant proposals. * GDM personnel need training on new grant opportunity search tools * GDM would benefit from increased visibility across the institution * GDM needs improved ties the Office of Institutional Research and Planning including research support for evidence based grant proposals *Limited funds for professional development * Some grant proposal submissions continue to circumvent the established program process Program's Opportunities *Advanced planning: Due to the numerous transitions the GDM office has undergone, the grant office has typically responded to requests from campus community members who have identified a funding source to match a program or project they have already developed. RHC has a small but very dedicated and experienced group of project directors that are constantly looking for funding opportunities. This is very important because every grant needs its champion. However in order to increase amount of external funding we must increase the number of grant applications and proposals developed. This requires an increase in number content experts willing and able to identify funding opportunities and develop grant applications and proposals. * Demonstrating alignment with strategic directions outlines in EMP, SSP, and SEP with strengthen grant applications and student success *Federal grant funding opportunities continue to support community colleges, especially science, technology, engineering and mathematics * State funding, though limited, continues to offer grant opportunities to community colleges, especially nursing and career and technical education * Private funding opportunities continue to offer limited support for higher education * Local schools, business, and universities are receptive to grant project partnerships with the college * Evidence-based grant proposals have become a standard requirement among many funding agencies * Grant management database software is available to assist GDM in grant tracking * Many college programs and units have a need for external funding *GDM must adjust to the regionalization of funding opportunities; these grants require colleges to form consortia and to identify regional needs and problems to be addressed through collaboration and systematic alignment and integration Program's Threats * Due to the economic downtown more communities and institutions are now eligible for grant funding that targets low income first generation students making funding programs like GEAR

of 16 UP and TRIO more competitive since overall grant funds are not increasing. * Funders are increasing requirements for leveraged resources and sustainability * Economic-driven budget reductions increase pressure to use grant funds to supplant ongoing costs in addition to supplementing new projects * Evidence-based grant proposal requirements pressure Project Directors and GDM staff to remain current on emerging trends in order to be competitive in their grant submissions, for example (from TAACCCT-SGA)Applicants must conduct a research review to support the proposed program design, clearly describe the evidence on which the proposed education and training strategies are based, and describe how the evidence influenced the design of the program to improve education and employment outcomes. * Grant opportunity deadlines are published with limited time to fully develop proposals from scratch * Faculty content experts have full workloads and schedules potentially making them unavailable for proposal development * Lack of time, interest, or grant experience by content experts to participate in grant development * Increasingly a feature of reducing budgets is the regionalization of grant funding which requires coordination and collaborations between multiple institutions * GDM must adjust to the regionalization of funding opportunities; these grants require colleges to form consortia and to identify regional needs and problems to be addressed through collaboration and systematic alignment and integration Program's Accomplishments and Recommendations for Improvement ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Grants Office consistently meets expectations and deadlines for critical grant application and proposal development and for responding to campus-wide requests for grant compliance and administrative support. The Grants Office coordinated and/or submitted 15 applications and proposals for a first year request of $4,566,703. These applications had a total request of $12,337,688. Of the 15 applications, 5 were funded, 4 are pending, 2 are in process and 4 were not awarded. Of the 23 active projects, five (5) were federally-funded, sixteen (16) were state-funded, and three (3) were from private or other sources of funding. The Grants Office monitored 23 active projects for a fiscal year funding level of $4,064,512. These grants had a total funding level of $5,058,084. 12 quarterly reports were submitted every quarter in order to comply with Instructions, Terms, and Conditions se forth by the CCCCO. The Perkins grant funds are used to support 15-18 programs at RHC therefore the quarterly report includes narratives, outcomes, and budget information for each program. ASSISTED the college community in submitting grant proposals during 2014-2015 in support

of 16 of: *Instructional programs, including healthcare, career and technical education, environmental science, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics); *Student support services, including assessment, articulation, supplemental instruction, tutoring, counseling, literacy improvement, STEM scholarships, student mental health, academic excellence workshops; and *Special initiatives, including STEM, first-generation college, economically disadvantaged students, special populations, and summer bridge opportunities. *Fostered communications and connections between faculty and external experts in the field of Service Learning at faculty's request. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS SUPPORT student success, completion, and transfer by: *Developing effective methods for reviewing and compiling grant reporting data in order to identify linkages between grant activities and student performance outcomes. *Utilizing student performance data to establish and/or expand upon successful student support activities with additional grant funds. SHARE viable funding opportunities with college community by: *Identifying college program priorities in order to establish search criteria to be used to locate new funding opportunities *Providing appropriate grant opportunity announcements to targeted faculty and staff *Develop an annual calendar of grant opportunities and deadlines for submissions that will allow for strategic planning of resource development ASSIST the college community in the development of qualified grant proposals by: *Establishing a highly visible process for grant development planning so that GDM staff are available to sufficiently serve the college community *Establishing on-going grant training workshops geared to enhance the college community's understanding and participation in grant development and grant management activities *Recruiting college community members interested in developing expertise as grant managers *Develop a Grant Management Handbook to assist college community members and program managers implement grant funded programs. ESTABLISH, facilitate, and implement effective grant management practices by: *Updating the GDM webpage to reflect changes in the grants program and provide guidance upcoming grant workshops, grant search tools, and other available resources *Develop a Grants Management Handbook to designed to provide Project Directors and their supervisors with information on the procedures needed to start up and effectively implement a grant Publish a bi-annual newsletter that has a dual purpose: to inform the campus community of the outstanding achievements and services of GDM and to inform the campus community of possible grants opportunities. Professional development on new management tools and resources Program's Strategic Direction

of 16 Grant Development and Management will work toward becoming a well-recognized and highly utilized resource by college community members seeking funding assistance and support for new and innovative ideas aligned with institutional priorities and designed to improve student performance. The GDM will provide effective and strategic assistance in the pursuit of external funding. 1. Increase the number of grant applications developed and submitted. 2. This requires an increase in number content experts willing and able to identify funding opportunities and develop grant applications and proposals. GDM will continue to use all of its resources to: Assess the college s priorities and develop grant projects in conjunction with programs to address those priorities effectively that includes establishing, when possible, sustainable activities that extend beyond the grant funding period. Position itself as a central resource for grant development and effective project management. Target appropriate and viable grant opportunities from federal agencies like National Science Foundation, Department of Labor, National Endowment of the Humanities, among others. Target divisions with limited grant development and management experience with through web-based resources as well as individual assistance. Affirm the position of the GDM as an essential and creative grant development service support unit and center for resource development. Program's Staff Development * Continued membership in professional associations for fund development/management. * Attending professional conferences. * Training on developing Access databases and forms. * Training on workshop development and presentation. * Training on project management. The following Staff Development is being implemented: Bi-Weekly One-on-Ones: Interim Director with Research Data Technician. Trainings and meetings with departments with whom we are interdependent Ongoing training of staff for new and continuing procedures addressing efficiency and effectiveness Program Review - Additional Comments

of 16 Program Review - Executive Summary Program Review - Response to the Executive Summary Goal #1 Short term (1 year) Corresponds with Institutional Goal # 1 Status: in progress Description of Goal Grant proposals will align with institutional priorities that impact student success, completion, and/or transfer. Evaluation of Goal Through the Launchpad process each grant opportunity will be evaluated for alignment with institutional priorities that impact student success, completion, and/or transfer. The Launchpad is reviewed and signed by the Division Dean, GDM and President s Cabinet. GDM Director will produce annual report highlighting grant funded programs that are in alignment with and support institutional priorities as identified the Educational Master Plan, Student Success Plan, and the Student Equity Plan. Objective #1.1 GDM will remain cognizant of institutional priorities through contact with the college community by reviewing institutional reports and attending strategic meetings. GDM director will allocate time for this objective.

of 16 Objective #1.2 GDM Director will meet quarterly with President and Vice President of Academic Affairs to review current grants and to future funding opportunities. GDM director will allocate time for this objective. Objective #1.3 GDM will participate in professional development offered through the Council for Resource Development, National Grants Management Association, Hispanic-Serving Instituions, Chancellor's Office, and other organizations specializing in the training of grants professionals. The GDM budget will support this activity. Goal #2 Short term (1 year) Corresponds with Institutional Goal # 5 Status: in progress Description of Goal Increase the FY funding level for grant projects by at least 5%, as compared to a baseline average of the previous 3 fiscal years. Evaluation of Goal GDM will track all grant applications and distinguish renewal applications from new applications. Objective #2.1

of 16 GDM will prepare and distribute an annual calendar/report of funding opportunities to be used by faculty, staff, project directors, and division deans to allocate time and resources to the development grant applications and proposals. GDM staff will allocate time for this objective. Objective #2.2 GDM staff will receive training as needed on grant opportunity search tools (such as private database services, federal agency databases, state education databases) and project software (such as Microsoft Access). The GDM budget will support this activity. Objective #2.3 GDM will attend technical assistance and bidders workshops and webinars as needed. The GDM budget will support these activities. Objective #2.4 The GDM web pages will provide relevant information about the grants process. GDM staff will monitor web pages for accuracy.

of 16 Goal #3 Short term (1 year) Corresponds with Institutional Goal # 1 Status: in progress Description of Goal Increase the number of new grant proposals submitted each fiscal year by at least 5%, as compared to a baseline average of the previous 3 fiscal years. Evaluation of Goal GDM will continue to track the total grant applications and proposals submitted. Objective #3.1 GDM will develop a grant management handbook to encourage and assist members of the campus community engage in grant development. The GDM budget will support these activities. Objective #3.2 GDM will offer to the college community training workshops to improve its understanding of the grant development process and the key components of developing a grant proposal. Impact of Objective on Other Programs, Units,and/or Areas Impact on the Area: Academic Affairs Faculty will be offered training to increase their knowledge and skill set on selected topics. The GDM budget will support these activities.

of 16 Objective #3.3 Reclassification of the Research Data Technician position to grant specialist Resources Needed: Additional Personnel Position Classification: Classified Required for How Long: Ongoing Position Title: Grants Specialist Basic Position/Job Description: Under general supervision, performs a variety of responsible and specialized duties related to the preparation of grant documents and proposals and the maintenance of financial records and accounts for various projects/grants; assures compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations governing the use of funds for such projects, programs and activities. Estimated Salary Excluding Benefits: $44,259.00 Supporting Rationale: Identify the basic need. Include specifically how your Program Review, Strategic Plan, Master Plan, Accreditation or other external review processes support this position. For permanent positions indicate what percentage you are recommending, i.e. this is a permanent position in Weekend College for 37.5%. This reclassification will align with the strategic direction of the GDM office. This reclassification is alignment with surrounding colleges staffing levels. Goal #4 Short term (1 year) Corresponds with Institutional Goal # 7 Status: in progress Description of Goal Grant project management will include appropriate assistance to the college community as needed and ensure successful outcomes and compliance. Evaluation of Goal GDM will survey college community for quality and satisfaction. GDM will track and monitor level of project compliance for: progress and end-of-year reporting, personnel time and effort reporting, expenditures, procurement, and equipment.

of 16 Objective #4.1 Surveys to college community will be on-going and provide continuous feedback for improvement. Impact of Objective on Other Programs, Units,and/or Areas Impact on the Area: Student Services Staff and administrators will be asked to complete surveys and submit feedback. Impact on the Area: Academic Affairs Faculty will be asked to complete surveys and submit feedback. The GDM budget will support these activities. Objective #4.2 GDM will track reporting schedules and offer grant project leaders assistance in meeting deadlines. Impact of Objective on Other Programs, Units,and/or Areas Impact on the Unit: Student Services Program staff and administrators directing active grant projects will be offered assistance with their reporting requirements. Impact on the Area: Academic Affairs Program faculty directing active grant projects will be offered assistance with their reporting requirements. Objective #4.3

of 16 GDM will provide guidance as needed on grant compliance such as with progress and final reporting and appropriate tracking of grant-funded personnel time and effort. Impact of Objective on Other Programs, Units,and/or Areas Impact on the Unit: Student Services GDM staff will advise grant leaders on compliance-related issues as needed. Impact on the Area: Academic Affairs GDM staff will advise grant leaders on compliance-related issues as needed. Objective #4.4 GDM will participate in professional development relative to project management. The GDM budget will support this activity.

of 16 Individuals Who Participated in Developing this Plan The following people acknowledge that they participated in the development of or reviewed this plan. Name Role 1. Martinez, Maria Review Manager 2. Alvarez, Melissa Participant 3. Slavich, Mike Reviewer 4. Salazar, Barbara Reviewer 5. Fisher, Zolita Reviewer