Program Darwinism The Evolution of Programs Fall Plenary

Program Darwinism: The Evolution of Programs Fall Plenary 2011 Presenters: Kevin Bontenbal Don Gauthier Lesley Kawaguchi Angelina Stuart

Got Pre$$ure? You are not alone. Got a Program Discontinuance Policy? Did you know that Accreditation Standards and Title 5 require such a policy?

Overview of today’s session: n n n Session Survey Results of Spring Plenary 2011 Small Group Discussion & Debriefing Key Elements of a Program Discontinuance Policy & Procedures 3 Sample Policies Wrap up: Q & A

Session Survey Let’s see a show of hands: 1. Does your college have a Program Disc. Policy? 2. Does it cover noninstructional programs? 3. Does it distinguish between APR and PD? 4. Has your college discontinued programs in the last 3 years? 5. Is the Senate involved in those discussions? 6. Who starts Prog. Disc?

Spring Plenary 2011 Results: See handout provided: n 68% of colleges have a Program Disc. Policy. n Only 37% cover noninstructional programs n 88% distinguish clearly between APR and Prog. Discontinuance. n 30. 3% have discontinued programs in past 3 years n 42. 9% provide scale-back provisions.

Survey Results (continued) n n 76% have scaled back in the past 3 years 89. 2% were course offering scale backs 62. 5% of these scale backs were done without a policy 46. 7% of reductions are made without involvement of the Senate

Mini-Breakout: Small Groups You will have 5 minutes for the following activity: n Create a group of no more than 2 -3 people. n Tell your group your name and where you work. n Answer the three questions: 1. 2. 3. Does your college have a program discontinuance policy? Has your college reduced programs in the past 3 years? What elements do you think are critical to include in a Program Discontinuance policy? Why?

Small Group Debriefing

Key Elements: A strong Program Discontinuance Policy should: n Provide set timelines n Outline clearly defined steps to the process n Include affected stakeholders, faculty as well as staff n Involve the Senate n Invite the Unions Accreditation Standard II. A. 6. b: “When programs are eliminated or program requirements are significantly changed, the institution makes appropriate arrangements so that enrolled students may complete their education in a timely manner with a minimum of disruption. ”

Beware of Backdoor Program Discontinuance n n n Be wary of processes developing outside of the set policy/procedure which could infringe on educational program development. Watch mandates from Student Success Task Force Recommendations closely Handle programs on the verge of extinction with great care and deliberation

3 Sample Policies n n n Kevin Bontenbal: Cuesta College Don Gauthier: LA Valley College Angelina Stuart Southwestern College

Questions & Answers:

Remember to keep Program Discontinuance clear & simple. Darwin would be proud!

Thank you for attending our session! We hope this info will prove useful. Presenter Contact Information: Kevin Bontenbal: kbontenbal@cuesta. edu Don Gauthier: gauthidj@lavc. edu Lesley Kawaguchi: kawaguchi_lesley@smc. edu Angelina Stuart: astuart@swccd. edu