The New York State Education Department requires Community Colleges to report their efforts in assessing their effectiveness of programs, services, and student learning in achieving objectives related to learning and development. Every year, programs conduct student evaluations of teaching and course efficiency, faculty and student satisfaction surveys of academics and student services, course and curriculum updates, etc. At Clinton Community College, Academic Programs undergo a formal review process (Program Review) which includes:
This formal process occurs every five (5) years.
Within SUNY, Formal Assessment inside Student Services is not mandated every five years as is done with Academic Programs. Clinton Community College, in 2006-2007, began the systematic assessment of Student Services, with the Athletic and Intramural Program being the first program on campus chosen. This evaluation was difficult as the development was the first on campus within Student Services to do a Program Review and there was no trend analysis available to refer to or compare with. As well, there were no other community college models within the SUNY system to use as a guide.
The Program Review of the Athletic and Intramural Department was completed Spring 2007 with the receipt of the evaluation completed by the External Review Team.
The information collected and the process of evaluation provided several components of assessment:
In addition program recommendations were received by members of the College Athletic and Intramural staff and an evaluation of the Program was delivered from an External Team. Since completion, several recommendations have been implemented by the Department and assessment has become a regular part of our evaluation process. This information will be valuable when the next Program Review is completed.
Program Review is a four-part, formal process, completed every five years as stated earlier. It is designed to periodically and objectively review degree programs and departments in Student Services, and is designed to utilize individuals from inside the institution, as well as outside evaluators. Initially, a written self-study report is done. The report at Clinton CC was completed by the Director of Athletics with input by members of the Athletic and Intramural Staff. Each person involved is recognized within the document. After the document is completed, it is forwarded for an Internal Document Review. Members were chosen from the College's Assessment Committee. After the document is reviewed internally, and changes are made, it is sent to an external panel of consultants. The External Review Process consists of one professional in the field, one educator from a similar program (two year college), and one CCC faculty or staff member outside the program being assessed. The purpose of the External Team is to provide consultation, critique, and evaluation.
The results of the formal evaluation process become a tool for the Department to use for implementation of results: improving programs and services to students, faculty and staff, and the community, as well as directing resources to strengthen the program. It should be noted that all programs, academic and student service, are subject to continuous evaluation and development by staff.
The Program Review of the Athletic and Intramural Department provided assessment of several key components: Program Mission and Philosophy, Funding, Administration, Personnel, Safety, Title IX (Equity in Athletics), Facilities, Student-Athletes, and Goals. Although not forwarded to SUNY as is required of Academic Program Review, the design and implementation of this pioneer program in Student Services was and continues to be an effective model for the Department to measure, evaluate, and employ. The Program Review was crafted at a minimal cost, the only financial costs were funds allocated to be paid to the External Review Team (ERT). Each member of the ERT received full reimbursement for all travel expenses to and from the College, and a $150.00 honorarium. The Chairperson of the ERT received an additional $100.00 honorarium. They also received lunch paid for by the College. A significant impact was derived from this program for the entire campus and for off-campus users of our facilities, all in a very cost-effective manner.
The participation level was outstanding. This long process was most successful as a result of participation by students. As part of the formal process, students contributed relevant, requested items. A group of students also met with the ERT. Informally, students were frequently recruited to provide input to the Director of Athletics. As a public facility, the Healthy, Physical Education, and Health Facility is frequently used by the community, by students, by staff, and by Foundation (donors) Members. Each of these constituent groups has a positive impact regarding the implementation, and were noteworthy contributors.
The following people were part of this collaborative approach:
In order to complete a document that would have value, it was necessary to involve other departments and divisions on our campus. The Building & Grounds Department was often asked to collaborate, specifically when related to the indoor and outdoor venues used for athletic, physical education, intramurals, and community recreation. The Health and Physical Education (HPE) Division (Athletics and HPE are two separate entities at CCC) were intimately involved throughout. One HPE member is paid a stipend to serve as the Athletic Trainer, the other HPE faculty member receives a stipend separate from his salary, to coach Men's Soccer.
Also collaborating with this program were: The Admissions Office, Faculty Student Association, Student Senate (Government), Vice President of Administration, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Purchasing, and the Foundation and Alumni Affairs Office.
The purpose of assessment is to be able to establish the effectiveness of a program and eventually be able to use the evidence to analyze and improve teaching, learning and programming. This formal review process document had been utilized at Clinton Community College for these purposes, not only by the Athletic and Intramural Department, but by the entire institution. Additionally, the final product has been used as model by other departments within the Student Services Department. (ie Financial Aid). The CCC Director of Athletics presented his program review at Columbia-Greene Community College during a day of consultation.
On the Clinton Community College campus, the following outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the Program Review: