NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT Editors:
Anna R. Buehrer Camille Langston Tony Chalkley
Designer:
Anna R. Buehrer
Photographers: Mimi Duvall Brian Giza Kay C. Hendricks
President: Jacqueline Claunch PhD Vice President: Jo-Carol Fabianke EdD
Cover Design: Special thanks to Adriana Garcia who designed the cover artwork. This was also the design for the Northwest Vista College Grand Opening commemorative poster. Miss Garcia is a Fine Arts graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, and is a student in the Multimedia Technology program at Northwest Vista College.
1999-2000
Among the mesquite branches reaching skyward in the only trailer, in the trailer park of one, at the end of Ellison Drive grew the fetus of an educational edifice. Indeed, the incubated ideal found its genesis, began its gestation.
Imbued with a spirit of inclusion, the embryonic ideal outgrew the womb of the lowly trailer, reached out like the mesquite branches to new vistas of opportunity. Each gestatory stage nourished in remote sites, enjoying the hospitality of Holmes, the wonder of World Savings, the vitality of Villa Rosa, the sanctity of St. Rose.
All the while, the midwife of this addition to the ACCD labored to secure its place in a family of diversity, labored to create a separate yet inclusive identity reflecting the spirit of one diminutive giant, one presidential person.
VIVA
S
ibling rivalry notwithstanding, this infant edifice severed the umbilical cord of the lowly trailer with a technological leap into the academic world with unheard of acuity of purpose. The prenatal placenta, like a Kafka cockroach, metamorphed into a magnificent marvel of mortar, brick, and glass.
C
ual es su nombre? Como se llama la recien llegada? Se llama Northwest Vista. Viva la Vista! Viva la Vista! Que nos dice un nombre?
Like the omnipresent North Star, the “north” part of its name
LA
portends the boundless potential of this budding edifice. Its upward inclination, a beacon to guide students from the shadows of mediocrity to the bright light of excellence.
The “westness” of its bent recalls those famous words of Greely, “Go west young man, go west young man!” The manifest promise of this new campus equally affording itself to the young and the old, the rich and the poor, and all the community’s diversity.
La Vista es bonita!
Rising from the white limestone landscape, the architectural excellence of this triple-building campus redundantly reflects a oneness with the environment— a forged integrity of people, place, and purpose.
Yet, more than the splendor of Nature’s hospitality, more than the magnificence of this man-made marvel, is the spirit that enfolds NVC like a mother’s arms.
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VISTA Written by NVC English Instructor Cluster Byars on the occasion of the Grand Opening of Northwest Vista College, October 8, 1999
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE SEPTEMBER 1999-AUGUST 2000 “Thereisinallthings...ahiddenwholeness” Thomas Merton
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Jacqueline Claunch, PhD Here it is -- the First Northwest Vista
as the completion of the first phase of
2004 Strategic Plan as well as the Alamo
College Annual Report! We invite you to
construction, our October 1999 grand
Community College District Strategic
read it, get it autographed by one or more
opening, the launching of a weekend
Initiatives.
Northwest Vista students, faculty, and staff, and keep it!
The Annual Report attempts to
Who knows, it may one day be a
share with the reader the state
collector’s item.
of the College, but it cannot begin to communicate the
In this, the first Northwest Vista
whole story -- the developing
College Annual Report, you will
story of a college and its
read about our mission, our
people. The report can tell you
vision, our values, and our past
of visible, tangible things but
and future goals and priorities.
not the “hidden wholeness” of
Our mission statement docu-
which Thomas Merton speaks.
ments our purpose -- what we
Cluster Byars, in one of the
were created to do. Our vision
final lines of his poem for the
statement communicates the
Grand Opening, wrote of “...a
ideal we have for ourselves as a
forged integrity of people,
learning community -- what we
place, and purpose.” North-
strive to be. Our values provide
west Vista is blessed with a
yet another framework for how
beautiful and inviting campus,
we will act, individually and
talented and caring faculty and
collectively, in our learning
staff, committed and support-
community. Our goals and
ive community members, and
priorities provide direction for
strength of purpose to achieve
the college consistent with our
student success. Our hidden
mission and vision.
wholeness, however imperfect, may well be the synergy
As you peruse data and discourse related
college learning community, our new and
created by our people, place, and pur-
to the 1999-2000 academic year goals,
evolving business and community
pose. We invite you to become a part of
you will get a flavor for the state of the
partnerships, and, above all, the suc-
creating the Northwest Vista College
college. Hopefully, you will share our
cesses of our students. The final pages
story.
enthusiasm of our accomplishments, such
of the report outline the College’s 2000-
3
allows eligible high school juniors and
FACILITIES
seniors to earn college credit for certain courses. Enrollment for the college grew to 804 students. The groundbreaking for the con-
The Northwest Vista College campus is comprised of four buildings: the Learning Center, the College Com-
struction of the 137-acre Northwest Vista
mons, the Academic Building, and the
College campus was held in November of
Physical Plant. The Learning Center
1996. Construction began in July of 1997
houses the state-of-the-art Learning
on Phase One of the college’s campus
Resource Center, the Student Success
development plan, which included
Center, and the college’s administrative
construction of the Academic Building,
offices. The College Commons is home to
newest college of the Alamo Community
the Learning Center, the Commons
the bookstore, the college’s Kinesiology
College District, joins Palo Alto College,
Building, and the Central Plant, totaling
and Multimedia Technology programs,
St. Philip’s College, and San Antonio
150,300 square feet.
Student Activities office, the Student
HISTORY Northwest Vista College, the
College in serving Bexar County and the
The Academic Building opened to
Lounge, Banquet Room and catering kitchen, refreshment
surrounding areas.
vending, and food
Northwest Vista College, established in
service facilities. The
1994 with a donation of
Academic Building is
approximately 112 acres
home to classrooms,
from World Savings and
labs, faculty offices,
Loan Association, began
and the office of
offering classes in the
Corporate and Commu-
fall of 1995 at Northside
nity Development. The
ISD and partner corpora-
Physical Plant houses
tion sites. The first 12
the campus’ Department
students attended
of Public Safety,
academic classes for
Facilities, and House-
transfer to four-year
keeping departments.
colleges and universities and two unique
students in October 1998, and the
programs: Semiconductor Manufacturing
campus celebrated its grand opening in
Technology and Community Health.
October 1999 with the completion of the
Since then, Northwest Vista College has added five programs: Pharmacy Technology,Teleservice Technology,
Learning Center and the College Commons. Northwest Vista College’s expan-
Computer Programming, Network Admin-
sion is guided by a 20-year, four-phase
istration, and Multimedia Technology,
master plan to accommodate a projected
each offering a two-year associate’s
enrollment of 11,500 by the year 2015.
degree and/or one-year certificate option.
LOCATION Northwest Vista College is located at 3535 N. Ellison Drive in the northwest quadrant of San Antonio. The completed campus is situated on 137 acres inside Loop 1604 adjacent to World Savings and Loan Association and SeaWorld San Antonio. The campus is bordered by World Savings and Loan Association on
In the fall of 1996, the college began participating in a
4
dual credit program with Northside ISD, which
the north, N. Ellison Drive on the south, Wiseman Boulevard on the east, and Loop 1604 on the west, and is accessible by Via Metropolitan Transit.
MISSION
STATEMENT
Northwest Vista College is founded as a comprehensive public community college serving, primarily, the northwest quadrant of Bexar County, Texas. As such, the College will address a wide range of learning objectives. The College will be characterized by innovative learning systems, accessible scheduling, and the effective use of learning technologies. Northwest Vista college will fulfill its mission by offering the following: • Programs for students who wish to transfer to senior institutions. • Occupational and technical programs leading to immediate employment and career opportunities. • A general education core curriculum in support of all College programs. • Developmental education. • Student Success programs and services to enrich and support the learning experience. • Learning technologies and distance education to complement instruction. • Effective partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations to ensure effective community, economic, and workforce development. • A learning environment based on a physically attractive campus readily accessible to the community.
VISION
STATEMENT
We envision Northwest Vista College as a learning center where: 1. A sense of community empowers students, faculty, and staff to grow as enthusiatic, collaborative learners and leaders. 2. Technological innovation supports learning in a constantly changing environment. 3. Partnerships with the external community address the social, economic, and cultural needs of San Antonio. 4. The success of students defines the success of the college. (Revised February 2000).
5
NORTHWEST
VISTA
COLLEGE
VALUES
(The values statements were developed in 1998 by the College’s faculty and staff.)
W
e, the students, faculty, and staff of the Northwest Vista college community, are committed to making a difference through learning and through service. To that end, we are guided and inspired by a unifying set of values. Learning: We value a quality learning environment in which each of us grows in effectiveness as a worker and citizen while acquiring knowledge and understanding of self, community, and our cultural diversity. Community: We value a community in which all members are empowered to contribute as learners and leaders, practicing mutual respect and building mutual trust. Caring: We value caring -- for ourselves, for each other, and for this place -- and exhibit that caring through service to others. Synergy: We value working together to make our shared vision a reality, recognizing that the whole we can create together is greater than the sum of its parts. Diversity: We value diversity, appreciating different ways of knowing and ways of living and recognizing that our diversity is a source of strength. Creativity: We value thinking beyond the usual parameters to engage in and support innovations that continually recreate our learning community as a model of excellence in higher education. Openness: We value open and honest communications that create an atmosphere of trust and an openness to change for the benefit of students. Integrity: We value acting with integrity, placing high ethical standards before personal gain and modeling that behavior for others. Joy: We value laughter and play that enriches our work and lives.
ENROLLMENT From a Fall 1998 enrollment of 1,720 students, Northwest Vista College grew to a Fall 1999 enrollment of 2,527 students. In Spring 2000, the enrollment grew to 2,873 students, compared to the 1,827 students enrolled in Spring 1999. On-campus students accounted for 1,955 of the Spring 2000 enrollment, and 918 were students in the Dual Credit Program.
Number of Students
Overall Enrollment Increase
6
4000 3000 2000
2527 1720
2873
1827
1000 0 Fall 1998
Spring 1999
Fall 1999
Spring 2000
1999-2000 AYEAR N I REVIEW
In 1995, the staff and faculty of Northwest Vista College, with the support of the ACCD administration, initiated a strategic planning process to set goals and priorities for the next four years. The process resulted in the creation of six major goals and accompanying priorities. A review of the plan reveals how the Northwest Vista College community successfully met and exceeded those goals.
learning
GOAL 1 Develop innovative programs and processes to support learning and community and workforce development into the 21st century.
PRIORITIES a. Develop degree and certificate programs according to established program development timelines. Technical Occupational Programs: In 1999, Northwest Vista College added Computer Information Systems as a technical occupational program. Under this program, students have the option of pursuing a certificate in either Computer Programmer or Network Administrator programs. Computer Information Systems joined a lineup that includes Community Health Worker, Multi-
PROGRAMS Community Health Computer Programmer Customer Service Multimedia Technology Network Administrator PC Help Desk Pharmacy Technology
AAS X X
CERTIFICATE
X X X
X X X X
Semiconductor Manufacturing Tech.
X
X
X X
media Technology, Pharmacy Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, and Teleservice Technology. In Spring 2000, after extensive review and a needs assessment, the Teleservice Technology Program was changed to create credit and Continuing Education Customer Service certificate programs. b. Design and implement alternative educational strategies and delivery options (i.e. alternative scheduling, distance learning, weekend programs, and learning communities). Distance Learning & Technologies: In 1999, Northwest Vista College began offering courses via the Internet. These included offerings in Geology and Chemistry. Other courses incorporated into their curriculum technology such as the use of Microsoft Outlook Exchange for communication via e-mail, posting of assignments, and the use of chat rooms for student/instructor discussions. Technology Infrastructure: As part of its initial start-up, the college’s technology infrastructure included personal computers for use in classrooms, computer and tutoring labs, the Learning Center, administrative and faculty offices, and multimedia labs. These systems use the latest Microsoft Windows NT technology and innovative software, including Office 2000, Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop, Macromedia Director and Flash, and Kinnetix 3-D Studio Max.
7
Tutoring Labs: The tutoring labs provide a wide array of software programs for students needing assistance with math, English, the sciences, foreign languages, and more. Instructional Technology—Technology Learning Center: In Fall 1999, the Instructional Technology Department established the Instructional Technology—Technology Learning Center (IT-TLC), located in the Academic Building. Through the IT-TLC, instructors use innovative multimedia and other tools that enhance the students’ learning experiences. Computer Hardware and Software: Northwest Vista College’s computer hardware includes portable multimedia projectors, digital cameras, scanners, color laser printers, video cameras, stereo cassettes and CD systems, and more. Software programs include the full Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe PageMaker, Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, and Quark Express. Weekend Learning Community: In Fall 1999, Northwest Vista College launched 2001: A Learning Odyssey, a weekend learning community program. Now called the Weekend Learning Community, this innovative, integrated curriculum allows students to attend all classes on the weekend (Friday evenings and Saturdays) and complete an Associate of Arts degree in two years. To participate in this program and complete the degree in two years, students must enroll in each semester. After two semesters, the program achieved great success with 39 students enrolled in the program. In the past year, Northwest Vista College president, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch, and instructors Dr. Sharon Shelton-Colangelo and Mimi Duvall presented the program to peers at the League for Innovation in Community Colleges and the University of Texas’ National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). Corporate and Community Development: In response to input from the business community, Northwest Vista College’s Workforce Development Department changed its name to Corporate and Community Development. Three areas comprise this new department: the Corporate College, the Center for Workforce Development, and the Center for Community Outreach. The Corporate College provides customized and contract training for employers, Work Keys job profiling, professional development, and shortterm and upgrade training, and it operates the college’s call center. The Center for Workforce Development coordinates several grant-funded programs that provide job training to individuals who rely on government assistance. The Center for Community Outreach provides continuing education, technology preparedness, family and job counseling, and other programs to the community.
community
c. Evaluate and update general education core as well as course competencies and outcomes.
In Spring 1998, the transfer core curriculum was revised to align with guidelines established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for common core competencies for students in all Texas public colleges and universities. During the 1999-2000 academic year, each course’s core competencies were identified to ensure that nationally established Secretary’s Commission Assessing Necessary Skills (SCANS) competencies were addressed. NVC met all of the requirements of the Three Part Foundation. Competencies include Basic Skills, including reading, writing, arithmetic/mathematics, listening, speaking; Thinking Skills, including creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, seeing things in the mind’s eye, knowing how to learn, and reasoning; and Personal Qualities, including responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management and integrity/honesty. Additionally, Five Workplace Competencies, including Resource, Interpersonal, Information, Systems, and Technology were addressed. d. Create educational partnerships with businesses and community organizations. In 1996, Northwest Vista College, in partnership with Philips Semiconductors and Sony Semiconductors, created a Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology program. To enable their employees to take advantage of the program, the two companies agreed to hold classes on-site at their facilities. As of the 2000 commencement, 12 students have graduated with Associate of Applied Science degrees and 11 have received certificates of completion in semiconductor manufacturing technology, all of them employees of these two corporations. At the initiative of a Northwest Vista College student, Jennifer Ramos (pictured at right), the college initiated a mentoring program with Zachry Middle School in the Northside Independent School District. During the 1999 - 2000 academic year, 26 NVC students volunteered of their time to mentor at the middle school and the Northside Independent School District recognized Miss Ramos as a Outstanding Youth Tutor and Northwest Vista College as “Outstanding Community Partner.”
8
In May 2000, Northwest Vista was the host facility for the first conference of the Professional Teleservice Management Association (PTMA). More than 130 San Antonio-area customer service professionals participated in the one-day conference. After the conference, PTMA presented Northwest Vista College with a check for $2,500 to support scholarships for students in the college’s Customer Service Program. These are but a few examples of the growing number of collaborations. e. Effectively use advisory committees in the process of program design, marketing and revitalization. Program Advisory Committees: The program advisory committees are an integral part of the college’s growth and development. Community partners from major industry sectors make up these committees that provide program content advice and direction to the college’s faculty and staff. This year the committees were involved in the development of needs-assessments for each of the programs. Currently advisory committees exist for the following programs: Community Health Computer Information Systems Customer Service Multimedia Technology Pharmacy Technology Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
caring
Task Forces: In addition to the above-listed Program Advisory Committees, Task Forces were formed to study the viability of proposed new programs, including laboratory research/biotechnology, Associate of Applied Science degrees in Multimedia Technology, Computer Programmer, Network Administrator, PC Help Desk, and Electronic Commerce. f. Seek external funding for workforce development. Texas Workforce Commission Grant: In late 1998, the Texas Workforce Commission awarded Northwest Vista College a selfsufficiency grant to train welfare recipients in the area of customer service. Sixty-five individuals successfully completed the program, and 63 of those individuals are currently employed in the customer service industry. Industry and community partners on that grant included Sears Roebuck, QVC, La Quinta, Aetna Health Care, On Point, City Group, Southwestern Bell, City of San Antonio Community Initiatives Department, Lutheran Social Services, Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Alamo Workforce Development and SER Jobs for Progress. Skills Development Grants: Skills Development Fund grants for new hire and employee training were completed with Philips Semiconductors, Nix Health Care Systems and South Texas Blood and Tissue Center.
GOAL 2 Enhance learning and promote success by designing integrated support services that are flexible, accessible, and innovative and that meet diverse needs of students.
PRIORITIES a. Incorporate and promote the use of technology throughout the college curricula to support student learning. Technology Infrastructure: Northwest Vista College provides 515 desktop computers, which feature Intel Pentium technology and operate using Microsoft NT Workstation 4.0. To provide centralized server management, the College uses Microsoft Server 4.0 and Microsoft System Management Server 2.0. NVC hosts computer labs in the Academic Building and computer stations in the Learning Center. Through the College’s computers, students may access the World Wide Web for research, Microsoft Outlook Exchange for communication with classmates and instructors, and a wide array of software programs to develop skills, assignments and projects. b. Develop a student success system to provide student-centered entry services. Student Success Office: In September 1999, Student Success Services were relocated into a new office in the Learning Center. This office provides integrated admissions, advising, assessment, financial aid, and registration in one location. Additional student success and support services include bursar’s office, student records, special services for students with disabilities, transfer and career information, job placement, and student programs.
9
Student Success Career and Employment Services: To empower and assist students and alumni in exploring, selecting, preparing for, and entering satisfying careers consistent with personal interests, abilities, and values, Northwest Vista College hired a full-time time Coordinator of Career and Employment Services. Northwest Vista College provides career and employment assistance to all currently enrolled Northwest Vista College students and alumni and limited services to members of the community. Career Planning Services include career counseling, vocational assessment, mentoring, job shadowing, and access to career resources. Employment Services include job listings, job fairs, on-campus employers, resume assistance, mock interviews, and job search assistance. Career and Employment Services utilizes two specialized software programs: Embark, a career guidance program that assists students in choosing majors, career paths, colleges, and financial aid scholarships, and Brass Ring, an internet-accessible job databank. c. Design and implement a student-centered Learning Resource Center. Computer-based Collection: The Learning Resource Center has steadily increased its computer-based collection in order to meet student needs. Through the addition of electronic databases, such as Electric Library, Periodical Abstracts, and Ethnic Newswatch, students may access complete or abstracted articles from a broad range of areas, including art, literature, history, science, and others, and/or find reference information for articles. Online Resources: The Northwest Vista Learning Resource Center dedicated a large portion of 1999 to implementing a districtwide, searchable, web-based catalog of ACCD books, videos, and resources. Additionally, the Learning Resource Center provides students with web-based references called “Ready Reference.”
synergy
Laboratory: Part of the construction of the Learning Resource Center included a laboratory classroom equipped with personal computers for teaching students research methods. In 1999, librarians in the Learning Resource Center provided students with instruction on locating and accessing electronic documents. d. Design and implement tutorial and developmental services to assure student success.
Academic Center: Northwest Vista College’s Academic Center provides developmental students with tutoring services, computer-based learning, Internet access, and office applications. The center is equipped with 25 personal computers, which operate using Windows NT Workstation 4.0 and are fully networked. Lab computers are equipped with software designed for developmental students. Retention and Success Rate in Developmental Courses: Northwest Vista College data shows that more than three-fourths of all developmental students complete developmental courses with a course grade (A, B, C, D, F) verses an Incomplete (I) or a Withdrawal (W). Additionally, more than two-thirds of all developmental students successfully pass their developmental courses with the grade of A, B, or C. SPRING 1999
FALL 1999
SPRING 2000
100%
100%
100%
90%
90%
90%
80%
80%
80%
70%
70%
70%
60%
60%
60%
50%
50%
50%
40%
40%
40%
30%
30%
30%
20%
20%
20%
10%
10%
10%
0%
0%
0%
Success Retention (A,B,C, vs. (A,B,C, D, F vs. I,W) Other)
01
Success (A,B,C, vs. Other)
Retention (A,B,C, D, F vs. I,W)
Success (A,B,C, vs. Other)
Retention (A,B,C, D, F vs. I,W)
e. Design student services that can be delivered electronically through web pages and kiosks. On-line Registration: Using the Internet, Northwest Vista College students may easily access course schedules and register for classes. Busy students may register from home, work, or anywhere they have Internet access. No longer do they have to wait in lines or even be on the college campus to enroll. f. Implement measures to support, evaluate, and increase student success and retention. Northwest Vista College data indicate that at 94% in Spring 2000, Dual Credit students have the highest rates of success (C or better in courses). The Dual Credit student population also has the lowest drop rate in courses with 97% of students completing courses for Spring 2000. Second are students in academic courses with a Spring 2000 success rate of 70% and a retention rate of 79%. Spring 2000 students in technical/occupational programs achieved a success rate of 69% and a retention rate of 78%. For that same semester, 67% of developmental education students successfully completed those courses with a C or better grade. The Spring 200 retention rate for developmental students was 83%) Spring 1999
Fall 1999
Spring 2000
100%
100%
100%
80%
80%
80%
60%
60%
60%
40%
40%
40%
20%
20%
20%
0%
0%
0%
Success
Retention
Success
(A,B,C vs
(A,B,C, D,
(A,B,C vs
other) All On-Campus Students
F vs I, W) Academic Programs
Retention
Success
Retention
(A,B,C, D,
(A,B,C vs
(A,B,C, D,
other) Technical/Occupational
F vs I, W) Developmental Education
other)
F vs I, W)
Dual Credit Program
Commencement: The Commencement Ceremony was one of the highlights of 1999. Of the 17 students participating in graduation, 14 graduated with Associate of Applied Science degrees in Semiconductor manufacturing Technology. The college’s continued partnerships with Philips Semiconductor (formerly VLSI) and Sony Semiconductors have contributed to the achievement. In 2000, 25 students participated in the commencement ceremony with the largest number to date, of graduates with Associate of Arts degrees.
diversity
Transfer Rates: In Fall 1999 a telephone survey was conducted of Spring 1998 and Spring 1999 graduates. The survey indicated that of the two individuals graduating with Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, both had successfully transferred to four-year institutions, resulting in a transfer rate of 100%! Data from the National Student Loan Clearinghouse indicates a 74.8% transfer rate for Dual Credit completers of 1999 (1134 students). In other data, 204 Northwest Vista College students started at UTSA during or after the Spring 1999 term. This data indicates a 73.3% transfer rate for NVC students who apply to UTSA (206 starts for 281 transcripts sent in calendar year 1999). Career Prep: A survey conducted on Spring 98 and Spring 99 NVC Associate of Applied Science degree graduates indicated a 90% job success rate, in directly related fields, for NVC certificate/degree graduates. The survey conducted on Spring 98 and Spring 99 NVC graduates provides a sample of names and telephone numbers of supervisors of successfully employed NVC graduates. Data gathered in preparation for the February 1999 THECB audit indicated a 100% Licensure/Certification examination pass rate for graduates of the NVC Pharmacy Tech program. Environment and Access: The ACCD Student Survey form administered on campus (NVC) during Fall 1999 asked the supplemental question “How would you rate the physical appearance of the NVC campus?” Very Attractive, Attractive, Neither Attractive or Unattractive, Unattractive, or Very Unattractive. A random sample of 108 responses showed an overall success rating against the criteria (will rate the campus “attractive” or “very attractive”) of 89%. (32% Very Attractive, 57% Attractive, 10% Neutral, 1% Unattractive). The campus is accessible using public transportation with minimum transfers. In a Fall 1999 assessment of college environment administered by the National Initiative for Leadership and Institutional Effectiveness (NILIE), the overall results from the Student Assessment of College Environment (SACE) indicated a healthy campus, yielding a 3.99 mean score (rated on a five point Likert-type scale). In the Personal Assessment of College Environment, the overall results also indicate a healthy campus climate, yielding a 3.87 mean score.
11
g.
Provide learning support services and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Data on Special Populations: In Fall 1999, Northwest Vista College added a full-time coordinator of special populations. Enrollment in this segment of the on-campus student population has continued to increase. The following chart shows the increase from Spring 1999 to Fall 1999 with percentages based on total enrollment.
On-Campus Students with Disabilities Students with Disabilities Total Students % Disabled Students
Spring 1999 39 842 4.6%
Fall 1999 69 1537 4.5%
Spring 2000 116 1955 5.9%
GOAL 3 Establish a commitment to excellence (faculty/staff development, high program standards, service excellence, continuously measured effectiveness, and service recognition).
PRIORITIES a. Design and implement an effective orientation program for new faculty and staff. Orientation Program: The Alamo Community College District provides orientation to the ACCD for all new employees. In the fall of 1999, new full-time faculty participated in a week-long orientation program. New adjunct faculty were oriented by the academic cluster leaders, while continuing education faculty participated in orientation with the Corporate and Community Development staff. An assessment of the processes has identified areas for improvement and expansion. The development of a revised orientation program is underway.
creativity
b. Provide vehicles for effective college communication, both external and internal.
Northwest Vista College emphasizes college communication through numerous venues. The View, the official newsletter, is mailed externally to associates and industries who share a connection with the College. Internally, the college’s public relations department produces La reVista, formerly known as the NVC Compendium, and distributes to all of the college’s faculty and staff. Additionally, several areas, such as the NVC Learning Resource Center and the NVC Safety Committee, distribute newsletters throughout the college campus via campus mail and email as well as through distribution in common meeting areas. Email and the Web provide additional outlets for college communication. Faculty, staff, and students correspond through email, and use the NVC web page and Outlook Exchange as resources for sharing and obtaining information. In December 1999, Northwest Vista College administered the Student Assessment of the College Environment (SACE) to 232 (15.1%) of the 1537 NVC students, and the Personal Assessment of the College Environment (PACE) survey to all NVC employees in order to obtain the perceptions of students concerning the institutional climate and to promote more open and constructive communication among faculty, staff, and administrators. SACE and PACE results found NVC to be a highly collaborative college which produces an organizational climate characterized by excellent communication as well as by high peer-group loyalty, high confidence and trust, and favorable attitudes toward supervisors. c. Maximize opportunities for all employees and students to engage in student-centered decision making processes. NVC emphasizes collaboration between employees and students and provides opportunities for employees and students to engage in student-centered decision-making processes. For example, Spring 2000 NVC Strategic Planing Meetings involved not only administrators but also faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, the December 1999 Personal Assessment of the College Environment (PACE) survey, which was administered to all 176 NVC employees, confirmed that NVC is highly student focused. In this survey, the student focus climate factor received the highest composite rating. Additionally, the PACE revealed that NVC surpasses the norm base in every category, including communication, collaboration, and student focus. The high results in these areas speak to the interaction between employees in student-centered,
21
decision-making processes. The PACE also revealed a few dissatisfaction themes; however, NVC employees and students have already implemented remedies. For example, the lack of NVC food service and Saturday Learning Resource Center hours were listed as dissatisfaction themes. Since then, NVC has added food service and extended Learning Resource Center hours to include Saturdays. Additionally, since the NVC community operates collaboratively, we are currently addressing other areas of dissatisfaction, such as encouraging difference of opinion and clearly defining administrative structure and processes.
d. Develop an innovative employee recognition program to recognize and increase awareness of achievements of the staff. Service Recognition: Each of the past three years, an employee has been recognized for outstanding service. For the 19992000 academic year, an excellence in teaching recognition was added. At the May 2000 graduation, Barbara Griest-Devora received the college service award for her outstanding service and leadership as the college accreditation self-study director. Five faculty members were recognized for Excellence in Teaching and Learning: Mimi Duvall, adjunct faculty in art; Julie Flint, adjunct faculty in government; Cluster Byars, full-time faculty in English; Manuel Escobar, full-time faculty in Mathematics, and Javier Guerra, fulltime faculty in Mathematics. A faculty and staff team is being established to develop other forms of recognition consistent with college culture and priorities. e. Provide faculty and staff development.
openness
Throughout the Fall 1999-Spring 2000 academic year, Northwest Vista offered numerous faculty development sessions to fulltime and adjunct instructors. During the Fall 1999 semester, NVC hosted Roger Johnson and Edith Halubec Johnson, renowned speakers on active learning and collaboration. Through a total of six fall sessions and one spring session, faculty participated in activities that focus on increasing active learning in the classroom. In the spring, faculty development continued with sessions focusing on sessions such as writing across the curriculum, developing creativity, speech across the curriculum, quick assessment techniques. In addition to these sessions, Information Technology provided training throughout the year. Hands-on workshops included topics such as ACCD email at home, keeping grades in Excel, and NVC networking.. f. Develop and implement a program review and evaluation process to continually improve programs and services. APQC Benchmark Study: Northwest Vista College is affiliated with the American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) through Continuous Quality Improvement Network (CQIN) and participated in a benchmarking study on developmental education. Fifteen community colleges participated in the study completed in Summer 2000. Knowledge acquired from the study will be used to implement practices to improve student success. CQIN: In 1998, Northwest Vista College joined the Continuous Quality Improvement Network, (CQIN) a group of approximately 30 community colleges with the purpose of continuously improving quality of learning and learning support services. During Summer 2000, a team of ten faculty and staff attended the Disney Institute to identify strategies aimed at supporting and perpetuating our institutional culture.
GOAL 4 Provide an environment that supports and enhances learning and values diversity.
PRIORITIES a. Complete the construction, furnishing, and equipping of the first four buildings. Grand Opening: October 5-8, 1999, Northwest Vista College celebrated the grand opening and dedication of its newly completed campus. Academic Building: In Fall 1998, Northwest Vista opened its Academic Building and facilities. The Academic building is home to classrooms, labs, faculty offices, and the Corporate and Community Development Department.
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Learning Center: In September 1999, the Learning Center opened. It houses the state-of-the-art Learning Resource Center, the Student Success Center, and the college’s administrative offices. College Commons: In September 1999, Northwest Vista College opened the College Commons (pictured at right). The Commons features the bookstore, the colleges’ Multimedia and Kinesiology programs, the Student Activities office, the student lounge, banquet facilities, and refreshment vending facilities. Physical Plant: Northwest Vista College’s Physical Plant houses the campus’ Department of Public Safety, Facilities, and Housekeeping departments. b. Complete the information technology infrastructure and a technology plan. College action plans for 1998 through 2000 call for providing computer access for all faculty, staff and students. The 19992000 budget provided for ten personnel to support campus technology and funding for equipment and software. The 1999-2000 budget included $280,770 for personnel and $518,000 for equipment and software. A new technology plan is currently under development with projected completion in September 2000. c. Provide safe and accessible physical facilities for all who come to the campus. The planning and construction of all campus facilities was completed in accordance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements for access. In a Fall 1999 survey of students and faculty, on questions related to physical building access, NVC ratings by students were above the national norm base. d. Develop and promote a campus care plan.
integrity
In the Spring of 2000, the Alamo Community College District implemented a productivity incentive pilot project for custodial services at Northwest Vista College. A self-managing team of five custodians was hired, with incentive pay for each custodian. Training and development as well as a customer satisfaction feedback process are designed to improve productivity and quality of facilities care. The effectiveness of this program will be evaluated after one year with the potential for expansion to other colleges of the Alamo Community College District. e. Create a climate that values and supports diversity. Mexican Folk Art: During Northwest Vista College’s grand opening events, local artist Eduardo Tijerina presented a lecture and demonstration of Mexican Folk Art. Tai Chi: Dr. Xu Weijun, Deputy Director of the Wushu (Kung Fu) department at the Beijing University of Physical Education, taught a seminar on health and the martial arts. During the seminar, participants observed and learned the arts of Qiqong and Taijiquan. Top Hispanic College: SuperOnda magazine, a publication of Hispanic Business, ranked Northwest Vista College in the “top ten” of best colleges for Hispanics to attend. The criteria included enrollment, faculty, student services, and retention rate. Special Populations: According to Northwest Vista College’s December 1999 Student Assessment of the College Environment (SACE) survey, NVC instructors and staff excel in meeting the needs of challenged students. In meeting the needs of special populations, NVC instructors and staff received the highest rating, the collaborative management style, which is related to greater productivity, group decision making, and the establishment of higher performance goals. The high score reveals that instructors and staff are sensitive to different ways that students learn and to students’ physical challenges.
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DIVERSITY OF STUDENTS - Credit Classes Spring 1999
Fall 1999
Spring 1999
Total On-Campus Students
842
1527
1955
White non-Hispanic
327
647
805
Black non-Hispanic
45
93
103
444
750
979
Asian or Pacific Islander
20
39
54
American Indian/Alaska
5
3
8
Non-Resident Alien
1
1
1
4
5
Hispanic
Non-Specified
DIVERSITY OF FULL-TIME FACULTY
DIVERSITY OF STAFF Hispanic 48%
Female 76%
White non-Hispanic 41% African American 7%
White non-Hispanic 61%
Male 61%
Hispanic 35% Male 24%
African American 4%
Female 39%
Asian 1%
GOAL 5 Develop and strengthen partnerships with area high schools, colleges, and universities to promote student success.
PRIORITIES a. Develop articulation agreements and working relationships/partnerships Northwest Vista College has signed agreements with Wayland Baptist University, the University of Texas at Dallas as well as Texas A&M Kingsville, System Center at Palo Alto College. NVC also is developing articulation agreements with the University of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake University, Southwest Texas State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. b. Continuously improve the college’s dual credit program.
joy
Since Fall 1996, the beginning of NVC’s Dual Credit Program, Northwest Vista College has provided Northside Independent School District (NISD) high school students the opportunity to advance in their college careers. During the 1999-2000 year, Northwest Vista College has made significant improvements in both the assessment and registration process for dual credit students. Currently, student may complete assessment/placement tests at their high schools instead of coming to NVC, and students may register for dual credit courses at the high school. Although NVC enrollment rates have decreased, NVC continues to build relationships with area high schools. The drop in enrollment can be attributed to changes in dual credit rules regarding TASP and class configuration.
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Number of Students
Dual Credit Enrollment 1050 1000
1012
990
985
950 918
900 850 0 Fall 1998
Spring 1999
Fall 1999
Spring 2000
c. Increase the interaction with area high school and higher education faculty and staff. San Antonio Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP): In the summers of 1999 and 2000, Northwest Vista College was a host campus for the Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP). TexPREP is an academically intense, mathematics-based, summer program for middle and high school students. NVC hosted 63 students on the campus this summer from June 5 to July 25. The program identifies achieving middle and high school students with the interest an potential for careers in engineering, science, technology, and other mathematics-related areas. Recruitment targets students who are female and/or members of groups that traditionally have been underrepresented in those professions. Northwest Vista College faculty member Javier Guerra led the program, and college instructors, high school teachers, military officers, and undergraduate students majoring in engineering, mathematics, or sciences provided mentoring.
GOAL 6 Develop and implement a marketing plan that will establish Northwest Vista College as a center of learning for the Northwest Community.
PRIORITIES a. Continually monitor demographics and workforce needs of the Northwest quadrant of Bexar County area. Demographics/Workforce Needs - In response to the growing needs of Northwest Bexar County, NVC has modified existing programs and added new programs to meet workforce needs. During the 1999-2000 year, NVC added an associate’s degree in Multimedia Technology and certificate programs in Network Administration and Computer Programming. Additionally, we began to explore the opportunity for a Biotechnology Program. Due to rapid changes in the semi-conductor manufacturing industry, the Skills Development Fund Grant was established to assist VLSI (now Philips Semicondcutors) in upgrading their workforce skills. Additionally, due to the growing number of Bexar County call centers, the Self Sufficiency Grant was established to increase the customer service labor force. Furthermore, the NVC Corporate and Community Development Center expanded its training programs to include ACT Work Keys, an assessment tool that quickly and cost-efficiently pinpoints employees’ strengths and skill gaps and allows the college to customize training to help employees improve skills.
b. Develop strategies to market unique programs.
learning
In Spring 2000 the college hired a marketing professional to recruit specifically for the technical/occupational programs by attending college and job fairs, promoting the programs to area businesses and establishing relationships with area social service agencies.
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c. Employ innovative as well as traditional marketing strategies In 1999, Northwest Vista College hired a full-time Director of Community and Public Relations. In conjunction with the ACCD marketing staff, Northwest Vista College implemented several advertising strategies and media relations efforts. An aggressive advertising campaign, which included print, radio, and outdoor media, was developed to increase the public awareness of NVC. The College’s web site was revised and updated to provide registration and course schedule information, construction and accreditation updates, and general college information. With the assistance of a graphic designer, new brochures describing the College’s Technical-Occupational programs and the Weekend College were developed. A new general information brochure was designed and mailed to more than 70,000 households in northwest San Antonio. The View, the College’s community newsletter, was redesigned, and the first edition was mailed to more than 400 San Antonio community and business leaders. The College received news coverage on several special events and programs held on campus. In October, the College held its Grand Opening Celebration with more than 350 education and community leaders in attendance. Local and state outlets, including La Prensa, Northwest Sun, San Antonio Express News, The Current, Texas State Network, KABB-TV, KWEX-TV, WOAI-AM, and KJ97-FM, covered the Grand Opening Celebration.
community
d. Develop a program of events that will attract the community to the campus.
Special Events: During the Spring and Fall of 1999, Northwest Vista College featured several distinguished speakers. Northwest Vista College invited the public to attend various presentations. Dr. Luke Barber lectured on work and life, and Stephanie Elizondo Griest talked on international journalism. Additionally, nationally renowned poet Naomi Shihab-Nye and mystery writer Rick Riordan presented selections of their works. Northwest Vista College also hosted a state-wide video festival and competition, a guitar recital by Daniel Smith, and a Day of the Dead program. During grand opening festivities, a Wellness Fair and Flu Shot Clinic were open to the public. In April 2000 the college hosted a luncheon for area business partners. Philips Semiconductor was a sponsor of the luncheon and QVC, Sears, Sony, ACT Work Keys and SeaWorld San Antonio were recognized for their contributions to the college’s grand opening. World Savings and Loan Association was recognized for its contribution of the land for the campus. Community leader and developer, Charles Martin Wender was presented with an award for his support of the college. Dr. Luke Barber, co-author of “Work Like Your Dog” added levity to the celebration and received rave reviews from participants.
“What is essential is to refocus what a college or university does best and match that focus with opportunities and challenges emanating from the greater society.” From Strategic Change in Colleges and Universities by Rowley, Lujan and Dolence
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In February of 1994, Alamo Community College District Chancellor Robert Ramsay appointed an ACCD Strategic Planning Team comprised of administrators, faculty, staff, students, Board members, and community representatives. The charge to the team was to develop a District Mission Statement and Strategic Plan which would chart the direction of the District for the next five or more years. The team worked on the ACCD Mission Statement and Strategic Plan for approximately nine months. The result was a Plan that included a mission statement and five strategic initiatives with general explanations and guidelines attached to each initiative. In November 1994 the ACCD Board of Trustees unanimously adopted the following Strategic Initiatives:
Whatthe future holds... STRATEGIC INITIATIVE #1
The Alamo Community College District will nurture a student-oriented environment.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE #2 The Alamo Community College District will increase its presence in Bexar and surrounding counties.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE #3 The Alamo Community College District will provide and effectively use applicable state -of-the- art technology to fulfill its mission.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE #4 Using measures of effectiveness to ensure continuous improvement, the colleges of the Alamo Community College District will provide relevant educational programs, comprehensive student support systems, and effective systems to facilitate learning consistent with the needs of their designated service area.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE #5 The Alamo Community College District will broaden its funding base from public and private sources and redefine its method for allocating available resources. In Spring 2000, under direction of the President, the faculty and staff at Northwest Vista College initiated a process to develop a new Strategic Plan that would carry the college through to the year 2004. Using the college’s Mission Statement as a springboard, the team developed an extensive plan of goals, performance indicators and standards, and the strategies to meet those objectives. What follows is a summary of the plan with the top two performance indicators for each goal. A complete copy of the plan can be obtained by calling the Northwest Vista College administration office at (210) 348-2001. Goal 1: Monitor and improve transfer student success rate. Strategy 1.1: Develop a process whereby all students with intent to transfer are counseled, advised, monitored, and supported. Develop actions within the support mechanism which provide periodic contact for all transfer students, early warning for transfer students experiencing difficulty, and transfer information from the senior institution of choice (Complete by December 2001). Strategy 1.2: Expand the number of articulation agreements and curricular partnerships with four-year institutions. Add four by December 2001 and 4 each through December 2004.
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Goal 2: Continuously increase the number of students who complete workforce programs and are employed in the area of preparation. Strategy 2.1: Define and implement an annual program evaluation process. (complete by December 2001) Complete program reviews and state mandated course conversions by August 2000. Strategy 2.2: Implement at least one new credit and one new noncredit workforce program from proposed list each year. Two programs by December 2001. Goal 3: Continuously refine content and delivery of core curriculum to promote student success. Strategy 3.1: Offer faculty development (available to all faculty) on alternative teaching strategies (i.e., cooperative learning, valuing diversity, service learning, effective use of technology...). By December 2000 a session on service learning and a session on cooperative learning. Goal 4:
Continuously improve the success rate of students participating in developmental programs.
Strategy 4.1: Design and implement at least two sections of each course that allow students to accelerate through the developmental program. (Complete by Fall 2000) Strategy 4.2: Explore and implement methods of funding tutors and/or other support models for students (including cost/benefit analysis). Identify methods/models by December 2000. Goal 5: An increasing number of students will develop an educational plan, will use support services, and will participate in co-curricular activities. Strategy 5.1: Develop and implement an academic advising plan, using faculty and staff for decided and undecided majors. (Complete plan by December 2000; Implement in 2001-2004) Strategy 5.2: Develop a process whereby all students have a stated educational goal. (Complete by December 2001) Goal 6: Increase and improve the use of learning technologies and distance learning. Strategy 6.1: Train all personnel on use of electronic communication resources. Strategy 6.2: Increase the percentage of students (excluding dual credit) connected electronically on e-mail to at least: 40% of students by December 2000 and add additional 10% per year until 2004. Goal 7: Increase the penetration of Northwest Vista College in the community. Strategy 7.1: Increase alternative delivery systems by at least two per year. Strategy 7.2: Expand partnerships and collaborations with schools, business and industries, governmental agencies, and community-based organizations. Year One: Establish a service learning program with at least 50 participants by December 2000. Goal 8: Solidify the Northwest Vista College climate as student-centered, inclusive, and collaborative. Strategy 8.1: Address problem issues identified on the climate surveys (student and employees). Strategy 8.2: Institute food service and exhibit art work in the College Commons.
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NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE Jacqueline E. Claunch, Ph. D. Jo-Carol Fabianke, Ed. D. Debra A. Morgan, M.S. Christine Godin, M.A. Judith F. Cardenas, Ed. D. Robert L. Gomez, M.B.A. Laurence B. Edmond, M.S. Brian Giza, B.F.A., M.S., M.A.I.S. Anna R Buehrer, B.A.
President Vice President - Academic Leader Dean of Student Success Director of Learning Resources Director of Corporate and Community Development Director of College Services Director of Informational Technologies Director of Learning Technologies Director of Community and Public Relations
ACADEMIC CLUSTER LEADERS Julie Pace - College Preparatory Learning Cluster Leader M.S., University of Texas at San Antonio Dennis Gittinger - Scientific Technology Learning Cluster Leader Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin Dana Goodrich - Core Learning Cluster Leader, M.A., Southern Methodist University Lynn Schmitz - Business and Professional Learning Cluster Leader M.S., Central Michigan University
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS Administrative Offices Career and Employment Services College Services Community and Public Relations Corporate and Community Development Informational/Instructional Technology Learning Resource Center Student Activities Student Success
(210) 348-2001 (210) 348-2023 (210) 348-2001 (210) 348-2082 (210) 348-2360 (210) 348-2350 (210) 348-2060 (210) 348-2023 (210) 348-2020
www.accd.edu/nvc