Thank you for attending the Beginning-of-the-Year meeting and for your ideas on how to achieve our goal of maximizing student success. Workshops will be offered in September to discuss student engagement practices and measures, review availability of data related to student success, and brainstorm ideas for setting department goals for the measurement of student success. Please sign up for one of the workshops listed below by visiting:
http://academic.yorktech.com/department/evaluation/IE_Workshops.asp
Thursday, September 11
2-3:30pm ST-103
Friday, September 12
10-11:30am ST-103
Thursday, September 18
2-3:30pm L-113
Friday, September 19
10-11:30an L-113
Thursday, September 25
2-3:30pm L-113
Friday, September 26
10-11:30am L-113
Taunya Paul shared an excerpt from The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch with me earlier this week related to helping students learn how to learn and students as customers. The analogy is one I have used often. I hope you will take a few minutes to listen to the excerpt posted in the sidebar. Let me know what you think.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Information Services
Earlier this year, you were asked to complete a survey evaluating the services and processes provided by the Information Services Department. This department is responsible for hardware, software, networks, programming, and related services. Your input has been very helpful in evaluating how we can improve on services and processes provided by this department. I wanted to share with you some of their recent activities, some of which are direct improvements based on the feedback you provided.
- 300 new computers installed around campus, mainly in faculty and staff offices. This is the single largest roll-out of new computers ever at York Tech. These systems will support newer Microsoft applications such as Office 2007.
- Internet connection capacity was recently increased from 10MB/sec to 20MB/sec; this has made Internet access much faster and will make Internet applications more efficient. This new connection to the Internet, supplied by Comporium Communications, is also less expensive than the circuit it replaced.
- A new high-speed (10MB/sec) circuit dedicated to interactive video classes was recently installed, which will further enhance the capabilities of the Distance Learning department.
- In cooperation with Comporium, we are completing the transition to a Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) telephone system. This system provides every telephone with voicemail, caller id, and a host of other new features and functions. Thus far, over 350 new phones have been installed.
- Training sessions held on how to use Campus Cruiser to register students during open registration periods. This new method for registration should alleviate the Datatel performance issues we have experienced in the past.
- The Administrative Systems Council will replace the Datatel Core Team, which was responsible for implementing the Datatel Software. The Administrative Systems Council will be responsible for oversight of the administrative data systems which includes how students and staff interact with the systems, how data are defined for use, and how administrative and academic components interact, and how data is collected and reported. Members include Dr. Mark Ulseth (chair), Jack Bagwell, Susan Brackett, Alan Broyles, Dennis Gribenas, Mary Beth Schwartz, and Jim Werner. This group differs from the Information Technology Council which is primarily responsible for the review and evaluation of hardware requests.
Your feedback has also helped with improvements in the Human Resources Department. I hope to share those activities with you next week. Food Services will be surveyed next and will be completed by faculty, staff, and students. An ongoing rotation of feedback will help us improve services that ultimately help support student success. Thanks to Information Services for making these improvements.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Regional Education Center
As part of the Education and Economic Development (EEDA) Act, Regional Education Centers have been designated throughout the 12 Local Workforce Investment Areas in South Carolina. The purpose of the Regional Education Centers (REC) is to “…coordinate and facilitate the delivery of information, resources, and services to students, educators, employers, and the community.” Regional Education Centers will consist of a network of service providers that will collaborate to help connect the local education and business communities. Additional information about the Regional Education Centers can be accessed through http://www.scpathways.org/rec.html.
York Technical College has been appointed as the administrative partner and fiscal agent for the Catawba Regional Education Center (REC). Lisa Robbins will serve as the Coordinator for the local REC and will report to the Catawba Regional Education Center Advisory Board. The position of president of York Technical College is a permanent Board member. Lisa's office is located in the Administration Building in AD9, email address is lrobbins@yorktech.com, and phone number is 981-7702. Please welcome her to the York Technical College campus.
Sherry Glenn continues to administer our local EEDA grant that assists in implementing this legislation and in growing our dual enrollment opportunities with our area high schools. Sherry’s office is located in the Administration Building in AD 29, email address is sglenn@yorktech.com, and phone number is 325-2865.
York Technical College has been appointed as the administrative partner and fiscal agent for the Catawba Regional Education Center (REC). Lisa Robbins will serve as the Coordinator for the local REC and will report to the Catawba Regional Education Center Advisory Board. The position of president of York Technical College is a permanent Board member. Lisa's office is located in the Administration Building in AD9, email address is lrobbins@yorktech.com, and phone number is 981-7702. Please welcome her to the York Technical College campus.
Sherry Glenn continues to administer our local EEDA grant that assists in implementing this legislation and in growing our dual enrollment opportunities with our area high schools. Sherry’s office is located in the Administration Building in AD 29, email address is sglenn@yorktech.com, and phone number is 325-2865.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Budget
Last month, the General Assembly passed the fiscal year 2008-2009 General Appropriations Bill which reduces the amount of funding available to the state’s technical colleges by 3 percent. This equals about $258,000 for York Technical College. Our enrollment increased 13 percent for 07/08 which means the need for more instructors, classes, and support services. To meet this demand, the College Commission met on June 10 and approved a 4 percent increase in tuition. The Schedule of Student Fees outlines the new tuition charges for 2008-2009.
The highest priorities for the SC Technical College System were the Allied Healthcare Initiative and Lottery Tuition Assistance. Allied health programs are very expensive to operate and there is major demand both in terms of students and employers. As a system, we received a special allocation the last two years. The funding was non-recurring, which means it must be secured anew each year. This year, due to budget constraints it has been difficult to secure funding for a third time. The goal was $15 million. We received $4 million from unclaimed lottery prize money. This is not guaranteed but based on past experience it should be available. In addition, there is another funding possibility that was established for next year. This source is potential surplus in a Health and Human Services recoupment fund. At the end of the fiscal year, our system would receive the first $10 million in excess of $50 million. The end result is that we believe we can continue to operate healthcare programs at the current expanded level but next year we could have less or more funding depending on those funding sources.
The goal for Lottery Tuition Assistance was $58 million which based on estimates would provide close to a $1,000 maximum award. We received 47 million. The lottery tuition rates will be announced later this summer.
The highest priorities for the SC Technical College System were the Allied Healthcare Initiative and Lottery Tuition Assistance. Allied health programs are very expensive to operate and there is major demand both in terms of students and employers. As a system, we received a special allocation the last two years. The funding was non-recurring, which means it must be secured anew each year. This year, due to budget constraints it has been difficult to secure funding for a third time. The goal was $15 million. We received $4 million from unclaimed lottery prize money. This is not guaranteed but based on past experience it should be available. In addition, there is another funding possibility that was established for next year. This source is potential surplus in a Health and Human Services recoupment fund. At the end of the fiscal year, our system would receive the first $10 million in excess of $50 million. The end result is that we believe we can continue to operate healthcare programs at the current expanded level but next year we could have less or more funding depending on those funding sources.
The goal for Lottery Tuition Assistance was $58 million which based on estimates would provide close to a $1,000 maximum award. We received 47 million. The lottery tuition rates will be announced later this summer.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Graduation
The graduation ceremony last week was a great success. This was the first year the event has been held at Winthrop Coliseum and it went very smoothly. I am very proud of the College and the way we presented ourselves to the community. I appreciate all the hard work that was put into planning the event. Thanks to all who were involved!
The President’s Award for Students was presented to graduating students selected by the faculty in their divisions for outstanding contributions to the College and the community. Scholastic excellence, service to the College and the community, perseverance and demonstration of positive attitudes are key attributes of those nominated for this recognition. The winners included:
Joni C. Arrowood, Associate Degree in Public Service with a Major in Early Care and Child Education
Greg M. DeAngel, Associate Degree in Science
Michael W. McFadden, Associate Degree in Industrial Technology with a Major in Automotive Technology
Terry A. Mobley, Associate Degree in Business with a Major in Office Systems Technology
Brian C. Roberts, Associate Degree in Business with a Major in Management
Each year, faculty members from the academic divisions of the College are nominated by their peers to be considered as candidates for the President’s Award for Instructional Excellence. Faculty are evaluated for quality instruction, professional development, involvement with students, respect from students as well as fellow instructors and supervisors, and agreement with and support for the philosophy and goals of the College and achieving recognition for the College in the community and the State.
The nominees included:
Jane Fleischer, Program Coordinator for Nursing
Chuck Greene, Automotive Technology Instructor
Brian Hipp, Program Coordinator for Information Technology
Martha Macdonald, English Instructor
John McGill, Science Instructor
Dr. Martha Macdonald received the President’s Award for Instructional Excellence. Congratulations, Martha!
Thanks again to all who were involved in planning the graduation ceremony.
The President’s Award for Students was presented to graduating students selected by the faculty in their divisions for outstanding contributions to the College and the community. Scholastic excellence, service to the College and the community, perseverance and demonstration of positive attitudes are key attributes of those nominated for this recognition. The winners included:
Joni C. Arrowood, Associate Degree in Public Service with a Major in Early Care and Child Education
Greg M. DeAngel, Associate Degree in Science
Michael W. McFadden, Associate Degree in Industrial Technology with a Major in Automotive Technology
Terry A. Mobley, Associate Degree in Business with a Major in Office Systems Technology
Brian C. Roberts, Associate Degree in Business with a Major in Management
Each year, faculty members from the academic divisions of the College are nominated by their peers to be considered as candidates for the President’s Award for Instructional Excellence. Faculty are evaluated for quality instruction, professional development, involvement with students, respect from students as well as fellow instructors and supervisors, and agreement with and support for the philosophy and goals of the College and achieving recognition for the College in the community and the State.
The nominees included:
Jane Fleischer, Program Coordinator for Nursing
Chuck Greene, Automotive Technology Instructor
Brian Hipp, Program Coordinator for Information Technology
Martha Macdonald, English Instructor
John McGill, Science Instructor
Dr. Martha Macdonald received the President’s Award for Instructional Excellence. Congratulations, Martha!
Thanks again to all who were involved in planning the graduation ceremony.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Conversations About What We Believe
In the fall, I met with over 400 faculty, staff, students, business/industry representatives, public school officials, Commission and Foundation members, and others to obtain input in the College's planning process. On April 24, we will continue this process with a Recognition Dinner for Advisory Committee and Deans’ Council members.
Six themes were identified from the sessions: student success, programming, partnerships, campus environment, branding, and organizational development. Of all the themes, none is more important than ensuring success for every student. But what does student success mean to you? What is our philosophy towards students? How should we work together? How should we support each other? Those questions and more are important in helping us better define our values, philosophy towards students, and how we will execute the strategies and initiatives to support our goal. Your input is a key part of this process. Therefore, I would like to meet with you to discuss your thoughts and ideas in a format called Conversations About What We Believe. The idea for this title came from the National Public Radio project, “This I Believe.” Here is a sample of one that I feel has relevance entitled Presumption of Decency. If you discover other relevant stories, please share them.
I'm providing a few reading materials for you to review for discussion at these sessions. The readings include Starting Right: A First Look at Engaging Entering Students, Committing to Student Engagement: Reflections on CCSSE's First Five Years, and Learn and Earn Not Churn and Burn.
Your input is vitally important to this process, so I hope you will join me in one of these four sessions. Please sign up.
April 25 9am-12pm
May 2 9am-12pm
May 14 9am-12pm
May 21 9am-12pm
Six themes were identified from the sessions: student success, programming, partnerships, campus environment, branding, and organizational development. Of all the themes, none is more important than ensuring success for every student. But what does student success mean to you? What is our philosophy towards students? How should we work together? How should we support each other? Those questions and more are important in helping us better define our values, philosophy towards students, and how we will execute the strategies and initiatives to support our goal. Your input is a key part of this process. Therefore, I would like to meet with you to discuss your thoughts and ideas in a format called Conversations About What We Believe. The idea for this title came from the National Public Radio project, “This I Believe.” Here is a sample of one that I feel has relevance entitled Presumption of Decency. If you discover other relevant stories, please share them.
I'm providing a few reading materials for you to review for discussion at these sessions. The readings include Starting Right: A First Look at Engaging Entering Students, Committing to Student Engagement: Reflections on CCSSE's First Five Years, and Learn and Earn Not Churn and Burn.
Your input is vitally important to this process, so I hope you will join me in one of these four sessions. Please sign up.
April 25 9am-12pm
May 2 9am-12pm
May 14 9am-12pm
May 21 9am-12pm
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Phi Theta Kappa
On Saturday, March 17, York Technical College's Alpha Alpha Iota chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recognized at the Phi Theta Kappa Carolinas Region Convention held in Clemmons, NC, for their hard work last year. Kirk Adams, President of PTK, has provided outstanding leadership to the College's local PTK chapter. His dedication to PTK and to the College demonstrates the level of commitment and engagement we hope for all of our students. Karen Hedgepeth and Bill Bass, faculty advisors for the local PTK chapter, have worked very hard supporting our students efforts and are to be commended.
The chapter received the following awards at the Phi Theta Kappa Carolinas Region Convention:
Carolinas Superstar Award - for 90 percent participation in Regional and International events.
Four Clover Challenge Award - for completing four environmental projects including planting trees, recycling, and providing environmental awareness information.
5-Star Chapter Award - for reaching the highest level of participation for a chapter, completing four International Honors Topic projects, four International Service Topic projects and much more.
The International Honors Topic and Service Topic Projects must involve some or all of Phi Theta Kappa's Hallmarks (Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship). Within Scholarship, our chapter shared their knowledge and experience with others in the school, community, and region. For the past two years, they have provided historical presentations at Jefferson Elementary School. They presented movies on campus with discussions afterward on how they relate to the Honors Topic, "Gold, Gods, and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power." They have empowered those in the community and internationally through Project Graduation and Better World Books where they collected food to be donated to a local soup kitchen and books to be donated to The Children's Attention Home, Family Literacy, and Books for Africa.
In line with their Service Topic, "Operation Green: Improving Our Communities", they held a waterway cleanup at Ebenezer Park for the last two years, planted flowers around the school and trees in the community to help to reduce our "carbon footprint." In addition, they have distributed information in ways to keep the environment clean and handed out over 200 pocket ashtrays on campus.
Scholarship Hallmark Award - (awarded to the top 5 chapters in NC & SC) for projects making an educational impact on the college, community, and regional levels.
Service Hallmark Award (Honorable Mention)- (awarded to the top 10 chapters in NC & SC) for service projects making an impact on the college, community, and regional levels.
Hall of Honor Award (for Patricia Celley) - This is given to members who are nominated for Distinguished Chapter Member/Officer/President/Advisor Awards
Distinguished Chapter Officer Award (Patricia Celley) - This is given to the top 5 Chapter Officers in the region for their impact in the chapter as well as in the class and college.
Distinguished Chapter President Award (Kirk Adams) - This is given to the top 5 Chapter Presidents in the region for their impact in the chapter as well as in the class and college.
Horizon Award (Bill Bass) - For contributing to their chapter's continued advancement in the region.
Horizon Award (Karen Hedgepeth) - For contributing to their chapter's continued advancement in the region.
Distinguished Chapter Award (Honorable Mention) - (awarded to the top 10 chapters in NC & SC) for the highest overall scores/awards.
Distinguished College President (Dr. Greg Rutherford) - awarded to the College President who provided the highest level of support to the colleges Phi Theta Kappa Chapter.
As Kirk Adams stated, "our goal as a Phi Theta Kappa chapter is not just to be recognized for academic excellence, but to make a difference on our campus, in our community, and ultimately in our world by sharing what we have learned and giving back of our time and talents. We want to help with Dr. Rutherford's vision of making York Tech the best place to work and to learn by contributing in any way we can."
Thank you Kirk, Karen, Bill, and all the PTK members for a job well done!
The chapter received the following awards at the Phi Theta Kappa Carolinas Region Convention:
Carolinas Superstar Award - for 90 percent participation in Regional and International events.
Four Clover Challenge Award - for completing four environmental projects including planting trees, recycling, and providing environmental awareness information.
5-Star Chapter Award - for reaching the highest level of participation for a chapter, completing four International Honors Topic projects, four International Service Topic projects and much more.
The International Honors Topic and Service Topic Projects must involve some or all of Phi Theta Kappa's Hallmarks (Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship). Within Scholarship, our chapter shared their knowledge and experience with others in the school, community, and region. For the past two years, they have provided historical presentations at Jefferson Elementary School. They presented movies on campus with discussions afterward on how they relate to the Honors Topic, "Gold, Gods, and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power." They have empowered those in the community and internationally through Project Graduation and Better World Books where they collected food to be donated to a local soup kitchen and books to be donated to The Children's Attention Home, Family Literacy, and Books for Africa.
In line with their Service Topic, "Operation Green: Improving Our Communities", they held a waterway cleanup at Ebenezer Park for the last two years, planted flowers around the school and trees in the community to help to reduce our "carbon footprint." In addition, they have distributed information in ways to keep the environment clean and handed out over 200 pocket ashtrays on campus.
Scholarship Hallmark Award - (awarded to the top 5 chapters in NC & SC) for projects making an educational impact on the college, community, and regional levels.
Service Hallmark Award (Honorable Mention)- (awarded to the top 10 chapters in NC & SC) for service projects making an impact on the college, community, and regional levels.
Hall of Honor Award (for Patricia Celley) - This is given to members who are nominated for Distinguished Chapter Member/Officer/President/Advisor Awards
Distinguished Chapter Officer Award (Patricia Celley) - This is given to the top 5 Chapter Officers in the region for their impact in the chapter as well as in the class and college.
Distinguished Chapter President Award (Kirk Adams) - This is given to the top 5 Chapter Presidents in the region for their impact in the chapter as well as in the class and college.
Horizon Award (Bill Bass) - For contributing to their chapter's continued advancement in the region.
Horizon Award (Karen Hedgepeth) - For contributing to their chapter's continued advancement in the region.
Distinguished Chapter Award (Honorable Mention) - (awarded to the top 10 chapters in NC & SC) for the highest overall scores/awards.
Distinguished College President (Dr. Greg Rutherford) - awarded to the College President who provided the highest level of support to the colleges Phi Theta Kappa Chapter.
As Kirk Adams stated, "our goal as a Phi Theta Kappa chapter is not just to be recognized for academic excellence, but to make a difference on our campus, in our community, and ultimately in our world by sharing what we have learned and giving back of our time and talents. We want to help with Dr. Rutherford's vision of making York Tech the best place to work and to learn by contributing in any way we can."
Thank you Kirk, Karen, Bill, and all the PTK members for a job well done!
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