TASK FORCE FINDINGS FINAL REPORT: FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY (ACCREDITED PROGRAM) SPRING 20133 TASK FORCE MEMBERS Co- Chair: James Gary, Accredited Fire Science Program Manager Co- Chair: Jim McAlister, Fire Academy Program Manager Jack Evans, Dean of Associate Science & Technical Programs Elizabeth Stewart, HCC Institutional Research Captain Todd Alt, Tampa Fire Rescue Captain Jada Marshall, Hillsborough County Fire Rescuee Captain Jay O Driscoll Hillsborough County Fire Rescuee
CONTENTS I. Introduction II. Description of Unit III. Unit Planning Objectives IV. Task Force Findings: SWOT Analysis A. Strengths of Unit B. Weaknesses of Unit C. Threats to the Unit D. Opportunities/ Recommendations for the Unitt V. Distribution List. VI. List of Appendices Datatel Query Report Enrollment Fire Science Technology Projections Report Collegee Level Credit Certificate
INTRODUCTION Hillsborough Community College engages in a review of academic, academic support, and administrative areas for the following purposes: 1. To complement the institution s strategic planning process requiring the internal development of unit plans with an external perspective in the review of those plans and the quality of programs and services. 2. To respond to intrinsic motivations for continuous improvement with a focus on the enhancement of institutional effectiveness and efficiency; student learning outcomes; and client satisfaction. 3. To respond to state mandates and accreditationn requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools calling for a systematic review of all programs and services. The review is conducted by a Task Force composed primarily of individuals outside the unit under review. The chair is a full time employee of the unit under review. The charge to the Task Force is to identify strengths and weaknessess of the unit as guided by empirical evidence. From the list of strengths and weaknesses, the Task Force is to develop recommendations for improvement to capitalize on strengths and redress weaknesses. The work of the Task Force is to be completed within the spring semester culminating in a final report. For academic areas, a judgment should also be rendered regarding the continued viability of the program in context of service area demand, enrollment, and critical workforce needs. Subsequently, two brief follow-up reports are to be drafted. The first follow-up report is due in the following semester. The second is due one year laterr at the conclusion of the semester in which the original review was conducted. Each consists of a listing of the final recommendations with a few statements indicating the status of theirr achievement. Recommendations not achieved within a year may become unit planning objectives to ensure a continued focus on their attainment. Objectives that stem from review recommendations should be indicated as such in the Strategic Planning System of the College..
DESCRIPTION OF UNIT The mission of the Fire Science Technology Accredited Program is to maintain and operate a state certified comprehensive training and educations system for local area fire services. The Fire Science Technology Accredited Program plans, researches, develops and delivers quality basic, advanced, and specialized training programs to enhance the ability of fire service providers to protect life, expeditee incident stabilization, and protection of property and the environment. The program is fully accredited by the Bureau of Standards and Training Division of the Florida State Fire College and offers the most current and up to date curriculum. Under the auspices of the Fire Science Technology Accredited Program, students are able to completee required courses to obtain various state certifications such as the State Certified Pump Operator, State Certified Fire Service Instructor, State Certified Fire Service Inspector, State Certified Fire Officer, and the (state recognized) International Association of Fire Fighter s Hazardous Materials Technician Certification. These courses and state certifications offer firefighters advancedd continuing education enabling career advancement and qualifications for promotional opportunities. Those who wish to enhance their credentials can pursue an Associate in Science or an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Fire Science. There is alsoo a degree transfer program in place and an articulation agreement with University of Florida for a 4 year degree program.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Narrative Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Unit Mission: The Fire Science Programs at HCC provide basic, advanced, and specialized training for firefighters and fire safety officers Planning Facilitator(s): : Jack Evans/Jim Gary Unit Planning Process: Requirements and standards for fire training are established and monitored by specific state and federal agencies. Consequently, unit objectives within the Fire Science program are developed using the guidelines set forth by these agencies. The evaluation of all objectives is done in conjunction with our annual reporting/accountability process. he findings are reviewed by senior management and the local Advisory Board in order to formulate new objectives and/or corrective measures that will improve overall performance within the unit. External Trends: Trend/Event training centers are offering non-credit fire science courses Impact Possible reduction of fire science students Constituent Needs: Our program provides training to support the first-responder needs of area fire safety organizations. Because of public response to the events of 9/11/01, more individuals are interested in public service careers. Consequently, our program is experiencing unparalleled enrollment demands. If the training needs of local fire agencies are to be fulfilled, and public safety is to be maximized, new facilities and enhanced access to courses must be acquired.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: Enhancement of the course delivery to support objective number one. Areas of Broad Interest: Information/Comm. Technology Facilities Diversity Target Date: 11/30/2011 Position Responsible: Fire Science Instructor James Gary Does this objective originate from a program review recommendation? This unit objective supports achievement of the following: College Goal: 3 Enhance access, flexibility, and responsiveness to meet the changing educational needs of the students and the community. Strategic Initiative: 3-A Reexamine the complete array of program offerings to ensure they are responsive to community need and workforce demands (Partial Assessment: CSF). Other Goals/Initiatives Addressed by Objective: The continued development of on line instruction combined with hybrid course delivery. Total cost to achieve this objective: $0 Cost exceeds unit based budget Capital Costs Expenses Prof-Dev Full-Time Part-Time Hourly Contract $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Explain Costs: The current faculty funding and course development budget will meet this objectives needs. Strategies: * Increase in online course delivery and the development of hybrid courses.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: Increase in student retention and enrollment by 5% during the 2011-2013 planning cycle Areas of Broad Interest: Information/Comm. Technology Facilities Diversity Target Date: 11/30/2013 Position Responsible: Fire Science Instructor James Gary Does this objective originate from a program review recommendation? This unit objective supports achievement of the following: College Goal: 1 Advance student success through a focus on the achievement of learning outcomes for all students with the active involvement of all employees. Strategic Initiative: 1-B Increase the retention rate of students enrolled in degree programs to exceed the state average (Assessment: CSF). Other Goals/Initiatives Addressed by Objective: Total cost to achieve this objective: $0 Cost exceeds unit based budget Capital Costs Expenses Prof-Dev Full-Time Part-Time Hourly Contract $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Explain Costs: The current full time faculty and part time faculty will be able to handle the work load. Strategies: * Achievement of the object will be met by reaching students through our portal system, enhanced and flex delivery of classes.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: Increase the electronic delivery of classes. Areas of Broad Interest: Information/Comm. Technology Facilities Diversity Target Date: 11/30/2011 Position Responsible: Fire Science Instructor James Gary Does this objective originate from a program review recommendation? This unit objective supports achievement of the following: College Goal: 4 Provide the necessary human, financial, physical, and technological resources to ensure a high quality learning environment and an efficient organization. Strategic Initiative: 4-A Leverage technology to streamline administrative processes and reduce the percentage of budgeted expenditures for overhead functions (Assessment: FDOE Cost Analysis). Other Goals/Initiatives Addressed by Objective: Total cost to achieve this objective: $0 Cost exceeds unit based budget Capital Costs Expenses Prof-Dev Full-Time Part-Time Hourly Contract $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Explain Costs: The current budget and capital outlay will meet this objectives needs. Strategies: * Using technology to enhance the current on line delivery of courses.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: To enhance the delivery of Fire Science classes in the area of international course delivery. Areas of Broad Interest: Information/Comm. Technology Facilities Diversity Target Date: 01/31/2011 Position Responsible: Fire Science Instructor James Gary Does this objective originate from a program review recommendation? This unit objective supports achievement of the following: College Goal: 2 Foster partnerships with the local and global communities to position the College as a premier educational institution for college transfer, career workforce and economic development, lifelong learning, and community initiatives. Strategic Initiative: Not Applicable Other Goals/Initiatives Addressed by Objective: Total cost to achieve this objective: $0 Cost exceeds unit based budget Capital Costs Expenses Prof-Dev Full-Time Part-Time Hourly Contract $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Explain Costs: Funding was worked out through a contractual agreement between Hillsborough Community College and the Barbados Fire Service Strategies: * There are currently three classes scheduled for delivery in January 2011. During the delivery process a plan for future classes will be developed.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: To improve the program through a systematic and ongoing review process. Areas of Broad Interest: Information/Comm. Technology Facilities Diversity Target Date: 11/30/2010 Position Responsible: Fire Science Instructor James Gary Does this objective originate from a program review recommendation? This unit objective supports achievement of the following: College Goal: 6 Continuously improve programs and services through a systematic and ongoing process of strategic planning, assessment, and review in which a "culture of evidence" guides our direction. Strategic Initiative: 6-A Successfully complete the 5th Year Review to maintain compliance with the requirements and standards of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS). Other Goals/Initiatives Addressed by Objective: Total cost to achieve this objective: $0 Cost exceeds unit based budget Capital Costs Expenses Prof-Dev Full-Time Part-Time Hourly Contract $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Explain Costs: Current funding will meet this objective. Strategies: * Biannual Advisory Board meetings and completion of the five Year Review Process.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Results Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: Enhancement of the course delivery to support objective number one. Expected Outcome/ Performance Results Means of Assessment Results of Assessment A corresponding increase in enrollment by meeting the Fire Science community needs. Tracking student enrollment numbers by semester and year. We have increased the number of online classes offered, through our mass mail out list we have offered non scheduled classes to meet the demand Status: Accomplished Status Date: 11/27/2012 Use of Assessment Results: We will continue to pursue creative options to deliver our classes. One of our first strategies was to teach classes at our Columbus Dr. Training Center targeting the fire academy graduates.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Results Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: Increase in student retention and enrollment by 5% during the 2011-2013 planning cycle Expected Outcome/ Performance Results Means of Assessment Results of Assessment Achievement of the 5% retention enrollment goal. Tracking student numbers by semester and year through the planning cycle. Enrollment has dropped by approx. 3-4% due to increased state training sites Status: In Progress Status Date: 11/27/2012 Use of Assessment Results: We are currently targeting students as they graduate the fire academy and enrolling them in a 3 class sequence
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Results Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: Increase the electronic delivery of classes. Expected Outcome/ Performance Results Means of Assessment Results of Assessment Increase in student retention and enrollment. Tracking student numbers by semester and year. While the overall number of students has decreased the number of online sections has increased to meet cyclical demand for classes Status: Accomplished Status Date: 11/27/2012 Use of Assessment Results: We will continue with our current marketing program to meet the need for fire science class delivery.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Results Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: To enhance the delivery of Fire Science classes in the area of international course delivery. Expected Outcome/ Performance Results Means of Assessment Results of Assessment Delivery of specified classes to the Barbados Fire Service. Completion of classes during January 2011 (3) Classes were delivered to Barbados Fire Service Status: Partially Accomplished Status Date: 11/27/2012 Use of Assessment Results: We have continued to make suggestions on future classes and are waiting for a reply
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Objective Results Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Objective: To improve the program through a systematic and ongoing review process. Expected Outcome/ Performance Results Means of Assessment Results of Assessment Increase in student retention and enrollment. Tracking of students by semester and year. While the number of students has decreased our sections have increased with a new marketing strategy Status: Partially Accomplished Status Date: 11/27/2012 Use of Assessment Results: We will continue to look at creative course delivery and marketing strategies.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Student Learning Outcomes Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Program: Fire Science Technology - AS/AAS Year: 2011-2012 Program Outcome: Students will demonstrate knowledge of rules governing friction loss in fire hose. Expected Results/Performance Targets: 90% of students will achieve a passing score on relevant items contained in course exams. Means of Assessment: Embedded test items in FFP 2302 Results of Assessment: Status: Accomplished Last Update: 05/07/2012 Use of Assessment Results: Continue to utilize the current approach and assessment method to ensure validation of the learning outcomes.
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Student Learning Outcomes Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Program: Fire Science Technology - AS/AAS Year: 2011-2012 Program Outcome: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the different styles of leadership. Expected Results/Performance Targets: 90% of students will achieve a passing score (70 or better) on exam in FFP 1710. Means of Assessment: Embedded test items in FFP 1710 Results of Assessment: Status: Accomplished Last Update: 05/07/2012 Use of Assessment Results: Continue to use this assessment method as it is current with national standards. 3
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Student Learning Outcomes Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Program: Fire Science Technology - AS/AAS Year: 2011-2012 Program Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the initial fire tactics required at a structure fire. Expected Results/Performance Targets: 90% of students will achieve a passing score Means of Assessment: Embedded test items in FFP 1810 Results of Assessment: Status: Accomplished Last Update: 05/07/2012 Use of Assessment Results: The current method will be continued to validate the learning outcomes as this method is used in promotional testing. 3
2011-2013 INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PLAN, Hillsborough Community College Planning Unit Summary Report Student Learning Outcomes Summary Unit Title: Fire Science Program: Fire Science Technology - AS/AAS Year: 2011-2012 Program Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to deliver 300 gallons of water per minute through a fire hose connected to a fire engine. Expected Results/Performance Targets: 90% of students will achieve a passing score on relevant instructional modules within Practicum Means of Assessment: Direct Observations and Rubric within NFPA 1410 Professional Practicum exercise (National Fire Protection Standard on Pump Evolutions) Results of Assessment: Status: Accomplished Last Update: 05/07/2012 Use of Assessment Results: This assessment is a national standard and will continue to be utilized to ensure quality and validation of the learning outcomes.
STRENGTHS OF THE UNIT 1. Program accessibility: Class offerings via online delivery and the flexibility of the program to deliver classes as they are needed meeting the demands of the 1,400 firefighters in the greater Hillsborough County area and their twenty four hour work schedule. Source: Task Force Notes, Fire Science Advisory Committeee Notes, Datatel-Query 2. Facilities: HCC has state-of-the-art set forth by the Florida State Fire College Bureau of Fire Standards and teaching facilities and fire ground simulators meeting current certification requirements Training. With the purchase and construction of the Columbus Drive facility, a new, up-to-date fire training building with modern fire ground simulators advances the resource capabilities greatly over the past five years. Other similar facilities exist in St. Petersburg, Polk County and at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala however, with Hillsborough Community College now owning their own fire engines and an aerial ladder truck to be used at the facility is unprecedented. Aeriall ladder trucks were previously scheduled, borrowed and demonstrated from area fire departments on limited, tight and extremely short time frames which will no longer be necessary. Classes weree previously required travel off-site to a fire station where an aerial ladder truck was housed which will no longer be a factor for students. The training grounds will be able to accommodate more than one class at a time (i.e. firee academy, A.S. Degree classes, contracted agency training, etc.). Area fire departments will be encouraged to contractt with Hillsborough Community College for use of the facility to conduct a portionn of their internal in-service training on-site that requires hands-on applications or fire ground simulation. To operate the site at its fullest potential, a facility manager/coord dinator is needed to overseee the various schedules, facility maintenance, vehiclee maintenance, etc. 3. Program Placement Rates data shows strength in graduate s ability to find employment: a. Program completers 100% employed b. Earnings higher than the National Average Firefighter Average - National Average - Source: Fire Science Technology Report $22.62/ hr. $21.99//hr. 2.8% higher 4. Market Demographics: Growth in the number of jobs through 2022, both in the county and state. Firefighters in Hillsborough County in 213 Projection in 2212 1,232 1,385 (12% increase) Source: Fire Science Technology Report 5. Program effectiveness: 90% of the course offerings in the program are used by firefighters to meet criteria for promotion and Florida State Fire College (FSFC) advanced certification requirements. Source: Fire Science Technology Report
WEAKNESSES OF THE UNIT 1. Decrease in degree seeking and degree completing students. Thiss statistic is a direct reflection of area fire services required to become a statee certified paramedic or face termination within a three year window. Students completing the paramedic program in the Allied Health program receive (42) credits toward the degree requirements, resulting in a decrease need for the fire science degree. Fire Sciencee had 98 students enrolled with 10 students completing the degree during 2011-2012. (Source: Workforce Programss Institutional Research H.C.C.). Fire Science students use the curriculum to meet the requirements for promotional opportunities within their organization or to improve employment opportunities 2. Lack of current technology in the practical portion off course delivery. The equipment used for pumpp operations is not current with that which is used in area departments. (Task Force Notes.)
THREATS TO THE UNIT 1. Abundance of certificate only training centers and single source providers delivering Fire Science Classes starting in 2012. Students through Industrial Credentialing are able to turn these certificates into College Credit at a reduced rate resultingg in a decreased enrollment of 24% from 2011 to 2012. (Source: Datatel query and Fire Science Enrollment Analysis)
OPPORTUNITIES/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE UNIT 1. Develop a creative approach to online course delivery through an open enrollment strategy. All online Fire Science classes would bee open for enrollment during the falll and spring semesters allowing students to take classess as they need them. 2. Purchase a state of the art fire engine to keep current with technologic demands. 3. Link the PSAV Fire Academy to the A.S. Degreee Program with a College Credit Certificate (9) credits.
The final report and follow-ups will be distributed by the chair to the President s Cabinet, appropriate deans and/or directors, unit head, unit members, task force members, and all campus libraries. It will be posted to Public Folders and disseminated electronically to the HCC community. TASK FORCE MEMBERS Co- Chair: James Gary, Accredited Fire Science Program Manager Co- Chair: Jim McAlister, Fire Academy Program Manager Jack Evans, Dean of Associate Science Elizabeth Stewart, HCC Institutional Research Captain Todd Alt, Tampa Fire Rescue, H.C.C Fire Academy Instructor Captain Jada Marshall, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Captain Jay O Driscoll Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
APPENDICES Datatel Query Report Enrollment, Fire Science Enrollment Analysis Fire Science Technology Projections Report Collegee Level Credit Certificatee Linking Element
APPENDIX Datatel Query Report - Enrollment Analysis FFP Course Enrollments by Term: 2008-2012 Summer Spring 08 Fall 08 09 FFP0010 Firefighting I FFP0015 Firefighting I 108 113 48 FFP0020 Firefighting II FFP0025 Firefighting II 94 102 42 FFP0026 Firefighting III 94 100 44 FFP0140 Emergency Services Firs t Responder 108 FFP0141 Emergency Services Firs t Responder 112 48 FFP1000 Introduction to Fire Science 35 FFP1304 Aerial Operators Course 5 14 41 FFP1506 Fire Prevention and Investigation 35 FFP1710 Company Officer 11 31 FFP1810 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy I 13 27 FFP2120 Fire Service Building Construction 10 2 31 FFP2303 Fire Service Hydraulics 20 34 FFP2305 Apparatus Operations 10 16 25 FFP2401 Hazardous Materials I 28 FFP2402 Hazardous Materials II 25 FFP2490 Chemistry of Hazardous Materials FFP2510 Codes and Standards 22 4 FFP2521 Construction Documents and Plan Review 22 FFP2540 Private Fire Protection Systems 15 19 FFP2604 Cause and Origin 24 FFP2740 Fire Service Course Delivery 10 15 9 FFP2741 Fire Service Course Development 15 FFP2811 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy II 28 FFP8013 Live Fire Instructor Training 2 FFP8017 LFTI Refresher 463 670 478 Source: Institutional Research State Data Files Summer 09 Fall 09 52 Spring 10 110 Summer 10 92 57 47 110 81 54 81 1011 110 92 57 37 16 15 28 16 2 35 17 27 11 17 18 16 17 26 13 18 23 15 17 27 14 18 19 26 19 7 222 17 5 10 8 20 34 11 4 30 27 18 2 26 16 27 22 Spring Fall 10 11 71 49 70 49 71 49 23 5 474 598 626 54 465 433 34 30 46 27 36 28 36 27 28 18 16 19 25 14 8 1 13 Summer 11 Fall 11 38 70 38 70 38 70 34 11 21 13 21 30 11 18 23 26 17 31 17 11 14 25 26 19 9 8 4 9 253 469 Spring Summer 12 12 23 68 23 68 23 68 23 8 35 12 33 1 21 22 17 16 15 5 23 19 11 25 12 5 1 15 316 276 Fall 12 24 24 24 28 15 26 14 8 21 20 13 16 22 11 11 277
Fire Science Technology Enrollment Analysis Fall 08 Fall 09 Fall 10 Fall 11 Fall 12 243 225 253 259 194 Spring 09 Spring 10 Spring 11 Spring 12 294 296 286 247 *Summer 08 *Summer 09 *Summer 10 *Summer 11 *Summer 12 59 105 54 130 72 (624) (603) (675) (513) *Summer classes are unscheduled and set aside to meet student needs. Starting fall 2012, certificate only training centers and single source providers began offering classes. Enrollment figures for the (3) most demanded classes. (Aerial, Hydraulics, Pump) 2009 (190) 2010 (164) 2011 (215) 2012 (138)
APPENDIX- Fire Science Technology Projections Report
APPENDIX- College Credit Certificate Linking Element: Apparatus and Pump Operators Certificate FFP 1304 Aerial Operators 3 credits FFP 2303 Fire Service Hydraulics 3 credits FFP 2305 Apparatus Practices 3 credits