ACCSC Professional Development Conference September 29 – October 1, 2010 Ritz Carlton – Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Welcome from the ACCSC Chairman! September 29, 2010 On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, the Executive Director, and the staff at ACCSC, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the fourth annual ACCSC Professional Development Conference in historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our conference theme, A Community of Partners in Education, highlights a unique opportunity for leaders from our accredited member institutions to interact with the Commission and its outstanding professional staff, to celebrate the success of several outstanding individuals, and to share ideas and best practices representative of the ACCSC community of schools. This year’s break-out sessions provide an opportunity to hear from experts and engage in discussions on topics relevant both to the accreditation process and to the primary goal of ACCSC and our member institutions—namely, quality assurance as a cornerstone for ensuring and enhancing the success of the tens of thousands of students that attend an ACCSC-accredited institution each year. We are anxious to get your feedback on these sessions and your suggestions for new sessions at future professional development events. At a time of increased scrutiny of higher education and accreditation in particular, it behooves us to do all we can to increase the level of our skill in evaluating schools we accredit, of discerning issues that need to be corrected, and in helping our schools navigate the complex regulatory changes that are impacting all of higher education. We sincerely hope this conference provides valuable, relevant information and is a meaningful experience for all in attendance. Allow me to extend our sincere appreciation to the many volunteers who participate in the ACCSC accreditation process and, indeed, in the entire process of career-focused education. We are proud of our peer review approach and remain convinced that it is second to none in the world. The contributions of time, effort, and expertise of our hundreds of volunteers, from Team Leaders to Education Specialists to experts and professionals from a variety of disciplines, are essential to the success of the accreditation process. Without your efforts we could not meet the needs of our member institutions and the students we all collectively serve. We appreciate your support, both of this conference and of the Commission, and trust that you will find the conference an interesting and informative experience. We hope you will take some fresh ideas back to your schools and make some new professional friends in the process. Again, welcome, and thank you for attending and participating in our fourth annual Professional Development Conference. The ACCSC Commissioners and staff look forward to interacting with you over the course of these few days, and we hope that you enjoy your time in Philadelphia.
Sincerely,
Ronald S. Blumenthal Commission Chair
The ACCSC registration desk will be open during the following hours in the Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function: Wednesday, September 29th | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Thursday, September 30th | 7:30 am – 4:30 pm Friday, October 1st | 8:00 am – 10:00 am Please check in at the registration desk before the start of the PDC to receive conference materials and a name badge. Please note that a name badge is required for admittance to all events. Three full-day, interactive workshops will be held on Wednesday, September 29th. Please note there is an additional fee to attend the Wednesday workshops. All conference events will take place at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia. ACCSC’s Connection Café The theme of the conference, A Community of Partners in Education, focuses on the unique opportunity that the PDC provides for ACCSC-accredited schools to come together for education, training, and networking. As part of these efforts, this year the PDC will feature a Connection Café located outside of the registration area, which will provide a comfortable venue for conference participants to make new contacts, reconnect with colleagues, discuss ongoing initiatives and activities, and relax in between sessions. ACCSC has also arranged for complimentary wireless Internet access to be available in the Connection Café to help participants stay connected with their campus while at the conference. Please check in with the PDC registration desk to receive the wireless Internet pass-code. The Connection Café will be open throughout the PDC.
General Conference Information / Professional Development Overview
General Conference Information
Professional Development Conference Overview Wednesday September 29, 2010
8:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration for Pre-Conference Workshops and PDC Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 8:00 am – 9:00 am Continental Breakfast in the Connection Cafe Concourse Level - Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Connection Café Open – Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
6 Pre-Conference Workshops • • •
Leadership Matters with Dr. Michale McComis, ACCSC Executive Director 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom Distance Education: Building a Community of Online Learners with Dr. Joel English, Executive Director, Centura College, representatives from Centura College, and Christopher Lambert, ACCSC Director of External Affairs 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom Mission Possible: Creating a Systematic Process for Programmatic Assessment with Dr. Julie Basler, Platt College–Aurora and Dr. Juanita Gurubatham, ACCSC Director of Institutional Review and Development 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch – Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom
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Professional Development Overview
Thursday September 30, 2010
7:30 am – 4:30 pm Registration Open – Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 7:30 am – 9:00 am Continental Breakfast in the Connection Café Concourse Level Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 7:30 am - 4:30 pm Connection Cafe Open – Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 9:00 am – 10:30 am Welcome from the ACCSC Chairman and Keynote Address Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Keynote Speaker: Eric Chester, Generation Why? During his Keynote Address, Eric Chester will discuss strategies that can help organizations to recruit, train, manage, motivate, and retain the very best of the current generation.
Keynote Speaker: Eric Chester
10:45 am – 12:00 pm 3 Concurrent Breakout Sessions • Don’t Teach Until You See the Whites of Their Eyes – 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom • Social Networking and Online Partnerships: Building Community Via Distance Education – 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom • Strategies To Increase Graduation Rates of Ability-to-Benefit Students 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm Lunch and Treasurer’s Report – Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm 3 Concurrent Breakout Sessions • Focusing on Student Preparation and Faculty Support – 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom • Recruitment and Retention Through Impactful Community Service 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom • Maximizing Program Advisory Committees: An Institutional Perspective 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm 3 Concurrent Breakout Sessions • Best Practices of Highly Effective Institutions: A Brainstorming Session 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom • The Accreditation Experience: Accountability. Continuous Improvement. Community. 2nd Level - Petite Ballroom • Career Schools and Employers: A Full Partnership – 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm 2010 Awards Ceremony & Reception Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom
Friday October 1, 2010
8:00 am – 10:00 am Registration Open – Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 8:00 am – 9:30 am Continental Breakfast in Connection Café Concourse Level Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 8:00 am – 10:00 am Connection Café Open Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function
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10:45 am – 12:00 pm 3 Concurrent Breakout Sessions • Professionalism and Today’s Students – Developing the Soft Skills to Succeed – 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom • The Watershed: A View from Washington – 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom • Care and Feeding of Externships – 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom
Full Schedule of Events
9:30 am – 10:30 am Executive Director’s Annual Report Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom
12:00 pm Conference Concludes
Full Schedule of Events Full-Day Workshop Descriptions
Leadership Matters Dr. Michale McComis, ACCSC Room: 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom
Wednesday, September 29th
Leadership in any organization is a key component to the success of that organization. In today’s higher education landscape, college leaders must be able to articulate the vision for their institutions, set the tone, and challenge their institutions to achieve greatness. This interactive workshop (i.e., come prepared to share and discuss) will cover best practices in leadership within the career college sector that contribute to high levels of institutional and student success. Topics include leadership in a school setting, establishing partnerships in your community, and committing to a meaningful institutional assessment and improvement process.
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Distance Education: Building a Community of Online Learners Dr. Joel English, Centura College Administration and Staff of Centura College Christopher Lambert, ACCSC Room: 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom Distance education students often face significant burdens that can interfere with their ability to be successful, including striking an appropriate balance between school obligations and personal responsibilities. Suffice to say, online schools face a greater challenge with student graduation rates and must continuously work hard to implement strategies to bolster student retention. This workshop will showcase effective strategies employed by an ACCSC-accredited institution with a growing online student population to support student success and will afford an opportunity for participants to gain a better understanding of the Commission’s expectations regarding distance education programs, including an overview of the technical areas required by the Standards of Accreditation. Mission Possible: Creating a Systematic Process for Programmatic Assessment Dr. Julie Basler, Platt College – Aurora Dr. Juanita Gurubatham, ACCSC Room: 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom This workshop is geared toward both school administrators and faculty members who are interested in learning how to implement a comprehensive program evaluation
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Full Schedule of Events
process. During this workshop, the presenters explain how, using a partnership of faculty, staff, Program Advisory Committee members, board of directors, and other outside constituencies, a comprehensive program review can be part of any institutional effectiveness plan. Participants will learn how to create a program assessment process, effectively collect data as part of this process, and incorporate program and student assessment into institutional review processes.
Concurrent Breakout Session Descriptions
There are three distinct tracks for the educational break-out sessions at this year’s PDC: • Enhancement • Administration • Partnership
Thursday, September 30th | 10:45 am – 12 noon Don’t Teach Until You See the Whites of Their Eyes Dr. P. Michael Lanouette, Remington Colleges, Inc. Track: Enhancement Room: 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom Most teachers get tired of college administration and educational supervisors telling them what to do all the time. The following presentation eliminates training fatigue by looking at the other side of the educational training coin and focusing on what a college administrator should not do. This presentation looks at standard “Don’ts”—Administrative Don’ts, Verbal Don’ts, and Technology Don’ts, as well as some Outside-the-Box Don’ts—that will leave participants exploring newer and more effective methods of teaching and assessment. Social Networking and Online Partnerships: Building Community within Distance Education Programs Moderator: Barbara Purvis, Centura College Presenters: Liz Salazar, Coordinator of Legal Programs, Centura College Karlene Jaggan, Coordinator of Medical Programs, Centura College Brad Groom, Coordinator of Aviation Programs, Centura College Track: Partnership Room: 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom Student retention is a critical area of focus for all higher education institutions and the students they serve. For institutions that offer a 100% online program, the fact that students are not “on campus” can exacerbate the divide between institution and student learner. This interactive session will showcase an ACCSC-accredited institution’s efforts to bolster student retention in its distance education programs by offering innovative social networking programs. This session will also include a LIVE demonstration of how this technology is being wielded to meet the expectations of students, increase student motivation, and build a greater sense of community among a growing segment of online learners. Strategies To Increase Graduation Rates of Ability-To-Benefit Students Kathy Fox – ATI Enterprises, Inc. Track: Administration Room: 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom As a community of partners in education, it is important to share retention strategies for the segment of the student population that is so often neglected by other sectors of higher education. This session looks at research and data on the ability-to-benefit (ATB) student population and provides a forum to discuss retention strategies that have been proven
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Thursday, September 30th | 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm Focusing on Student Preparation and Faculty Support Dr. Chris Stabile Keiser Career College/Everglades University Track: Enhancement Room: 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom
Full Schedule of Events
to not only keep ATB students in school but also to provide these students with the necessary skills for success in the workplace.
This session will present a case study that outlines the process of how the administration of one institution collaborated to develop and foster a shared-learning community among students and faculty. The presentation will cover a diverse array of topics to help institutions begin to understand the meta-cognitive aspect of learning, the function of a learning community, and the relationship between student preparation and faculty support in an active learning environment. This session will also provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on their current levels of student preparation and faculty support and the steps they will take to develop a workable strategy at their campuses. Recruitment and Retention Through Impactful Community Service Yasith Weerasuriya Stanbridge College Kevin Michael Days Advisor, Higher Education Special Initiatives Learn and Serve America, Corporation for National and Community Service Track: Partnership Room: 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom With a continued spotlight on national service, this is a time of tremendous growth at the Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the Learn and Serve America program. This service-learning program provides opportunities for students to get involved with their local communities in a tangible way by integrating service projects with classroom learning and provides opportunities for students to actively contribute to their communities through the service they perform. This presentation provides an opportunity to discuss impactful student engagement and service learning activities and will include tips and guidance on how to set up and grow service programs. The presentation will also provide an overview of how community service projects can generate student loyalty and ensure a lively campus environment. Maximizing Program Advisory Committees: An Institutional Perspective Jeffrey Bodimer Kaplan Higher Education, Inc. Track: Administration Room: 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom An effective Program Advisory Committee (PAC) network can be an invaluable resource to any institution as it strives to continue to meet the needs of students, graduates, and employers. In fact, when managed effectively, a PAC can prove to be every institution’s greatest partner in the educational community. This session will provide an accredited institution’s perspective on how to manage, evaluate, and reap the benefits of an effective PAC to meet the needs of students and to satisfy employer demands. This session will also provide participants with ideas on how an institution can utilize the PAC to exceed ACCSC’s expectations in generating employment opportunities, enhancing school curricula, and developing dynamic community outreach programs.
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Full Schedule of Events
Thursday, September 30th | 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm Best Practices of Highly Effective Institutions: A Brainstorming Session Christopher Lambert ACCSC Track: Enhancement Room: 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom This interactive session builds upon the success of the ACCSC Webinar, “Transcend Compliance: Best Practices in Accreditation” and is designed to challenge the way institutions think about, prepare for, and engage in the accreditation process. The rapid fire strategy session provides a forum for ACCSC to share best practices of high-performing accredited institutions and to explore the fundamental difference between basic compliance and institutional effectiveness. Specific areas of focus include: strategic planning, student services, faculty development, admission policies and practices, recruitment, and much more. The Accreditation Experience: Accountability. Continuous Improvement. Community. Thomas J. Cornacchia, Bettina Falwell, Lisa J. Miles - ACCSC Sherry Bomberger, 2010 Volunteer of the Year Dr. Gary Maluf, 2010 Volunteer of the Year Track: Administration Room: 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom The on-site evaluation experience is an essential component of an institution’s ongoing accredited status. Many institutions undertake this particular facet of their accredited status with confidence or apprehension…and sometimes both. During this session, participants will learn how to foster an effective on-site evaluation process and will learn how to reduce anxiety and enhance confidence in preparing for and undergoing a successful on-site evaluation. Presenters will outline the process of the school’s renewal of accreditation, placing emphasis on the overall communication required before, during, and after an on-site evaluation. In addition, the session will address best practices of high performing institutions and will include the perspectives of seasoned Commission staff representatives, including a unique viewpoint from two highly experienced team member volunteers. Lastly, the session will cover effective ways to prepare an institutional post-evaluation response as well as how to clearly communicate and demonstrate compliance with the Standards of Accreditation. Career Schools and Employers: A Full Partnership Dr. Elaine Hiatt American Institute of Alternative Medicine Track: Partnership Room: 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom This session builds upon the fundamental belief that career schools and colleges play a critical role in preparing students to enter and advance in the workforce and will focus on an essential aspect of institutional and student success: developing and maintaining a meaningful relationship with the employment community. Using content provided in the session, as well as a peer learning activity through small group discussions, participants will learn how to maximize their relationships with employers. Highlighted strategies include the creation of sample employer introduction letters and the development of an institutional fact sheet for enhancing opportunities for meaningful community partnerships.
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8:00 am – 10:00 am Registration Open – Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 8:00 am – 9:30 am Continental Breakfast in Connection Café Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function
Full Schedule of Events
Friday, October 1, 2010
8:00 am – 10:00 am Connection Café Open Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function 9:30 am – 10:30 am Executive Director’s Annual Report Dr. Michale McComis Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom
Friday, October 1st | 10:45 am – 12:00 noon Care and Feeding of Externship/Clinical Sites Patrick DeBold Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. Track: Partnership Room: 2nd Level – Pavilion Ballroom By definition, an externship is an experiential learning opportunity that immerses a student in a real world job setting in his/her field of study. During externships students are afforded practical opportunities to apply the theory and skills taught in classroom and laboratory settings. Needless to say, the externship experience can be a critical component in the life of a student as he/she prepares to make the transition into the workforce. During this session participants will learn more about strategies to secure a clinical site and an externship location, and in the wake of significant enrollment growth and increased competition, how to identify future externship sites and manage current externship sites. Participants will also learn more effective ways to evaluate the appropriateness of externship activities and to not only identify common pitfalls in the externship process, but to avoid them altogether. The Watershed: A View from Washington Michale S. McComis, Executive Director, ACCSC Ronald S. Blumenthal, Chair of the Commission Track: Administration Room: 3rd Level – Plaza Ballroom The last year has brought significant change in the legislative and regulatory landscape of the higher education community—especially with respect to for-profit institutions. From Negotiated Rulemaking to the hearings in the House of Representatives and the Senate, ACCSC has participated fully in these events in order to position accreditation as a crucial part of the conversation, to bolster confidence in ACCSC as a leader in accreditation, and to show that the Commission has rigorous standards that hold its institutions accountable for their actions. During this session, participants will have an opportunity to hear from the leadership at ACCSC regarding their views of the current regulatory landscape and to gain a better understanding of future possibilities that may prove to reshape the higher education landscape.
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Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception
Professionalism and Today’s Students: Developing the Soft Skills to Succeed Dr. Ronnie Kramer Communication Dynamics, Inc. Track: Enhancement Room: 2nd Level – Petite Ballroom While many schools are producing highly trained graduates with strong technical skills, it can be a challenge to instill a sense of professionalism in today’s students. The objective of this session is to provide participants with tools and concepts for enhancing students’ “softskills” as well as to provide schools with ideas to inspire students to comport themselves as professionals while in school, on externship or clinical rotation, throughout the job interview process, and in the workplace. Topics include key issues related to professionalism—general interpersonal skills, client interaction, and projecting a professional image—as well as an interactive discussion on teaching strategies to ensure student success.
Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception Thursday, September 30th 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Location: Concourse Level – Grand Ballroom
Each year the ACCSC Awards Ceremony provides an opportunity for the Commission to recognize and thank the individuals who give so much of their time to further the mission of ACCSC and represent the very best qualities of career education and to celebrate the significant achievements of our community of schools. Join us for the 2010 Awards Ceremony, where the Commission will present the following individual and institutional awards: • • • •
2010 Volunteers of the Year
Volunteers of the Year Instructor of the Year Graduate of the Year Community Service Awards
• • •
Schools of Distinction Schools of Excellence ACCSC Staff Member of the Year
Sherry Bomberger Team Leader YTI Career Training Institute – York, Pennsylvania Sherry Bomberger has served as an ACCSC Team Leader since 1998, conducting over 40 on-site evaluations on behalf of the Commission. Sherry, who has been with YTI since 1987, currently serves as the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for YTI Career Institutes’ corporate office located in York, Pennsylvania. Sherry also serves on the State Board of Private Licensed Schools for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education and has conducted on-site evaluations for the Postsecondary Services Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education. Sherry’s commitment and dedication to higher education and her tireless efforts to serve on ACCSC on-site evaluation teams make her an excellent candidate to be selected for multiple site reviews. She has participated in several Commission-directed and other challenging onsite evaluations and provides an exceptional sense of leadership. In addition, she has served the Commission as an Appeals Panel Member since 2007 and consistently demonstrates her commitment to the sector of higher education and the ACCSC membership while upholding the integrity of the ACCSC Standards of Accreditation.
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Dr. Gary Maluf is one of ACCSC’s most dedicated volunteers, having participated as an Education Specialist on 59 on-site evaluations since 2005. In fact, in 2010 alone, Dr. Maluf participated in 17 on-site evaluations, including numerous Commission-directed evaluations. Needless to say, Dr. Maluf is committed to the on-site evaluation process and believes in the important work being done by ACCSC-accredited schools to serve students. Dr. Maluf currently serves as the Laboratory Director at Benson Hospital in Benson, Arizona, where he has been employed since 1987. Dr. Maluf has served as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Graduate Studies at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois and has served on various governance boards in allied health fields. Dr. Maluf has also authored various articles on topics such as laboratory testing, monitoring diabetes, and molecular screening. By many accounts, Dr. Maluf consistently demonstrates the values of ACCSC throughout the on-site evaluation process and has been a staunch advocate for the students served by our member institutions.
Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception
Dr. Gary Maluf Education Specialist Benson, Arizona
Please join ACCSC in congratulating Sherry Bomberger and Gary Maluf on being named 2010 Volunteers of the Year.
2010 Instructor of the Year
Bharat Kandel Missouri Tech Bharat Kandel is the designated student advisor and lead instructor for the Information Technology programs at Missouri Tech. In addition to his role as an active student advisor and mentor, Bharat serves in a number of critical roles at the school, including helping to design and implement new courses and programs. But first and foremost, Bharat is a teacher who cares deeply about the success of students, consistently making time for every student that passes through his classroom. As part of developing an active learning environment for students, Bharat makes a concerted effort to take student learning out of the classroom and provide meaningful opportunities for students to understand the impact of their education in the larger community. For the last few years, Bharat’s Network Administration students have been competing in the Imagine Cup, an international competition sponsored by Microsoft. Through this experience, students not only have the opportunity to compete internationally but also the ability to experience the IT field on the international platform. Bharat routinely sacrifices his time outside of class to ensure that students are caught up on the course material and to offer his encouragement, mentorship, and advice. Bharat Kandel is truly an exceptional individual who is deeply respected and appreciated by students, staff, faculty, and management. He is able to reach across boundaries and to inspire his students to not only learn what is necessary to be successful but what is necessary to make a difference in their world. Please join ACCSC in recognizing Bharat Kandel as the 2010 Instructor of the Year.
2010 Graduate of the Year
Vickie Knight ICDC College – Los Angeles Vickie Knight excelled as a student in the Alcohol and Drug Counseling program at ICDC College in Los Angeles. She consistently earned high marks in her coursework, only missed 1% of her scheduled classes, and eventually graduated with a 96% average. What makes Vickie’s story exceptional is that she achieved all of this while being unemployed, raising her children, and unbeknownst to the school, experiencing
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Community Sservice Awards
homelessness. Through these trials and tribulations, Vickie consistently maintained a positive and enthusiastic demeanor that left a lasting impression on the staff and faculty at ICDC, who saw tremendous strength and courage in this brave student. ICDC assisted Vickie in securing an internship close to her homeless shelter at New Choice Recovery Treatment Center. After a month on internship, the Center called ICDC to thank the school for sending an outstanding student like Vickie. In November 2009, the Center offered Vickie a job, and each day she works with clients struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. As noted by her employer, Vickie’s deep compassion and ability to show empathy toward her clients will prove to be the key to her success. Vickie is currently building on this success by pursuing an Associates of Occupational Studies degree from ICDC. As noted in her nomination, “Vickie was a model student and now a graduate that has proven to be an example of what hard work and perseverance can bring anyone, she has shown extraordinary commitment to both her occupational field and community.” Please join ACCSC in congratulating Vickie Knight as the 2010 Graduate of the Year.
Introducing the 2010 ACCSC Community Service Awards In 2010, the Commission launched a new institutional award designed to recognize ACCSCaccredited institutions that have made outstanding contributions to their local community through service initiatives. In selecting the winners for the 2010 Community Service Award, the Commission considered several compelling aspects, such as the scope of community service initiatives; the impact of the service initiatives; connections between education programs and service learning for students; the level of commitment of a school to its community; and a demonstration of how the initiative touched the personal lives of school personnel, students, or community members. This year the Commission received 29 nominations from our accredited member schools that highlighted the significant commitment that ACCSC-accredited institutions have made towards their local communities. For the inaugural Community Service Award, the Commission selected Bidwell Training Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the Vatterott / L’Ecole Culinaire System of Schools.
2010 Community Service Award Bidwell Training Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Each year, Bidwell Training Center ensures that there are ample opportunities for students to support important initiatives with outcomes that have a positive impact on the community at large. These annual efforts include blood drives, collections for local food pantries, collections of personal care items for the homeless, advocacy and fundraising for breast cancer awareness, community garden initiatives, and even bake sales to help out a needy student or associate. In addition to the aforementioned outreach and community efforts, the instructional units of Bidwell Training Center’s Horticulture Program are designed purposefully to engage its students in meaningful community service activities, including participation in the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show and leading a neighborhood revitalization and clean-up initiative. However, one of the school’s most significant activities comes each year with the students’ active participation in Camp Raising Spirits. In June 2010, a group of Horticulture students designed and conducted horticultural therapy sessions for sixty cancer patients and their guests, as part of a weekend retreat sponsored by the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society. These activities include classes on herbals, windowsill herb gardening, and floral design, where participants design and create their own gardens and arrangements to brighten their cabins and take their mind off of health-related concerns. Students often acknowledge this experience as “being one of the most satisfying of their life.”
Please join the Commission in recognizing Bidwell Training Center as a 2010 Community Service Award Winner.
2010 Community Service Award
Vatterott / L’Ecole Culinaire System of Schools In considering the nominations for the 2010 Community Service Award, ACCSC took note of the significant commitment made by the entire Vatterott / L’Ecole Culinaire System of Schools to play active roles in their respective communities. In fact, this year ACCSC received nomination packets from 9 campuses within the Vatterott system which underscore the organization’s belief that community involvement and community impact are driving forces behind their success. Each year, individual Vatterott campuses, including L’Ecole Culinaire campuses, spearhead a number of community service initiatives that are designed to teach students to look outside the classroom to get a feeling for just how powerful an impact their future professions can have on the communities that they serve. Activities include support of clothing drives, blood drives, and food banks as well as charitable events that benefit the Ronald McDonald House, the American Red Cross, and Toys for Tots.
Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception
Bidwell Training Center believes that these types of opportunities often help students realize their own self worth and provide the incentive for development of leadership skills, which are critical to students’ success as they enter the job markets. The community service initiatives, through creative planning and implementation, have become a seamless extension of the work that students, faculty, and staff do each and every day at the school.
Some of the schools’ community service activities include: • • • •
Cool Down St. Louis: 2010 will mark Vatterott’s fourth year participating in “Cool Down St. Louis,” a city‐wide effort to collect new or gently used air conditioners for those in need. The College has become a collection site for the surrounding communities and Vatterott’s HVAC students engage by taking the opportunity to lightly service the units prior to passing them along to “Cool Down.” As of June 28, 2010, the charity has helped 200,000 people in the last decade and has raised $6 million dollars. Give Kids a Smile: Every year, the Give Kids a Smile program provides an opportunity for dental students and faculty to serve as volunteers for the free dental clinic for underprivileged children in St. Louis. This project began in St. Louis in 2003 and then expanded to provide dental care to children in need on a national basis. Give Kids a Smile has served one million children to date. Community Cuts for Kids: An annual event to offer children the chance to go back to school with confidence, a fresh new haircut, and new school supplies. Vatterott’s instructors and students volunteer their time to participate in this important community event. Kitchens with a Mission: These classes involve chef instructors teaching the public cooking techniques, with students assisting guests in preparation and cooking. Fifty percent of the net proceeds from the classes go to a designated charity. Since inception, fifteen classes have been held, benefitting fourteen charities.
As a community leader, Vatterott uses these service-oriented projects to address the challenges faced by our underserved populations, particularly during these difficult economic times. In addition to providing benefits to others, these outreach activities provide practical educational experiences that help students foster a sense of community awareness and civic pride. It is Vatterott’s belief that students enhance their self‐confidence and self‐ worth as they give of themselves to those less privileged. Please join ACCSC in congratulating the Vatterott/L’Ecole Culinaire System of Schools on being named a 2010 Community Service Award Winner.
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2009 – 2010 ACCSC Schools of Distinction
2009 – 2010 Schools of Distinction The ACCSC School of Distinction Award recognizes member schools that have demonstrated a commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSC accreditation as well as a commitment to delivering quality educational programs to the students, graduates, and employers that deserve our best work. Through this award, it is the Commission’s intent to recognize the significant achievement of schools that complete the accreditation process without stipulation and that have been timely in the submission of the fees and reports required of an ACCSC-accredited institution throughout their term of accreditation. The 2009 – 2010 School of Distinction Award recognizes institutions that successfully completed the accreditation process and were reviewed by the Commission from August 2009 through May 2010.
American Technical Institute
Bayamon
PR
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Chesapeake
VA
Center for Natural Wellness School
Albany
NY
D’Mart Institute
Vega Alta
PR
Daytona College
Ormond Beach
FL
Florida College of Natural Health
Miami
FL
ICDC College
Los Angeles
CA
ICDC College
Huntington Park
CA
Industrial Management & Training Institute
Waterbury
CT
Lincoln Technical Institute
Hartford
CT
Lincoln Technical Institute
Union
NJ
Lincoln Technical Institute
Mahwah
NJ
Lincoln Technical Institute
Shelton
CT
Lincoln Technical Institute
South Plainfield
NJ
New Tyler Barber College
North Little Rock
AR
Northwest College of Art
Poulsbo
WA
Pacific Coast Trade School
Oxnard
CA
Porter and Chester Institute
Chicopee
MA
Remington College
Shreveport
LA
Remington College—Little Rock Campus
Little Rock
AR
Roberto—Venn School of Luthiery
Phoenix
AZ
School of Piano Technology for the Blind
Vancouver
WA
The Landing School of Boatbuilding
Kennebunkport
ME
The Salon Professional Academy
Tampa
FL
Upper Limit Aviation
Salt Lake City
UT
Vatterott Career College
Memphis
TN
Vatterott College
Des Moines
IA
Wichita Technical Institute
Wichita
KS
Wichita Technical Institute
Wichita
KS
of Massage Therapy
and Design
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The ACCSC School of Excellence Award recognizes schools for their efforts in demonstrating a high-level of achievement among their students. In order to be eligible for the award, a school must meet all of the criteria for the School of Distinction award, and a majority of the school’s graduation and employment rates from all programs offered must meet or exceed the average rates of graduation and employment among all ACCSC-accredited institutions.
Academy of Massage & Bodywork
Bear
DE
All-State Career School
West Mifflin
PA
Arizona Culinary Institute
Scottsdale
AZ
Arkansas College of Barber & Hair Design
Little Rock
AR
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology
Troy
OH
The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Inc.
Cambridge
MA
The New York School for Medical
Long Island City
NY
Triangle Tech
Sunbury
PA
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois
Glendale Heights
IL
and Dental Assistants
2009 – 2010 ACCSC Schools of Distinction
2009 – 2010 Schools of Excellence
The 2009 – 2010 School of Excellence Award recognizes institutions that successfully completed the accreditation process and were reviewed by the Commission from August 2009 through May 2010.
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Staff Member of the Year
2010 Staff Member of the Year Award
Each year the Commission is afforded an opportunity to recognize members of our professional staff that have made significant contributions to the organization, espoused the organization’s core values, and demonstrated a commitment to advancing the mission of ACCSC. There were several worthy candidates this year and the Commission appreciates an opportunity to recognize the two finalists: Jaye Bishop, Accreditation Coordinator; and Sean Forman, Senior Institutional Review and Development Analyst. In being nominated for Staff Member of the Year, it was noted that Jaye Bishop exemplifies all of ACCSC’s core values and, on a daily basis, that he remains consistently committed to the mission of ACCSC. Jaye is a tremendous asset to the Commission, our schools, and the students we collectively serve. Please join ACCSC in recognizing the efforts of Jaye Bishop.
2010 Staff Member of the Year
This year, ACCSC selected Sean Forman, Senior Analyst in the Institutional Review and Development department as, the 2010 Staff Member of the Year. Sean Forman joined ACCSC in January 2005 and throughout his years of service to the Commission, he has continually distinguished himself as a top-performer and dedicated member of the ACCSC team. As the primary point of contact for the Annual Report, and as the lead staff member responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Commission’s Progress Committee, Sean plays a critical role in ensuring that the students served by our accredited member institutions are provided every opportunity for success. Beyond his unique skill-set, Sean always treats people with respect, an open approach, and utmost professionalism. Sean is reliable, dependable, dedicated to the mission of ACCSC, and quite funny. Sean does his work, does it well, and does it with a great attitude. Sean is also active in his local community, volunteering each year to support an important local event, Celebrate Fairfax. Sean continues to grow in his role with ACCSC, and his leadership and dedication to our mission are highly valued. Please join ACCSC in congratulating Sean Forman as the 2010 ACCSC Staff Member of the Year.
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