Institutional Effectiveness

Planning Council Subcommittees are working groups that support the Planning Council by researching issues and developing potential solutions. Subcommittees provide proposals for new initiatives, recommendations for budget allocations, evaluation and assessment reports, and other information that might be useful to the Planning Council for informed decision-making. Two co-chairs are appointed annually by the President to lead each subcommittee. Subcommittee members are recommended by the subcommittee co-chairs and confirmed and appointed by the President. Subcommittee co-chairs also serve a one-year term ending in June. Co-chairs and subcommittee members may be re-appointed, but it is expected that there will be opportunities for new appointees each year. Co-chairs and subcommittee members are not members of the Planning Council itself.

The results of the subcommittees’ work are presented to the Planning Council for review and approval through a consensus process. Planning Council recommendations are forwarded to the President and Senior Executive Staff for action. The Senior Executive Staff may accept the recommendations in whole or in part, modify the recommendations or send an issue back to the Planning Council for further work.

The Planning Council operates with a standing subcommittee structure that includes the following 6 standing subcommittees/teams:

• Academic Success Committee - Evaluates strengths and challenges, identifies opportunities, and provides recommendations for improving outcomes at the course, program and institutional level. Analysis is based on outcomes data and information provided to the committee by the academic assessment teams (vocational, associate of science, associate of arts, and baccalaureate).

• Administrative Unit Review Committee - Provides an opportunity to evaluate administrative unit productivity, staffing, and cost effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements. Analysis is based on data and information gathered over a three-year period. 

• Falcon Ideas Committee - Provide proactive support and recognition for the development of innovative ideas from the college community that further the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of the college.

• Institutional Success Committee - Assesses the planning efficacy of non-academic units. The committee reviews the mission, outcomes, strategies and performance targets of each unit and makes recommendations for improvement. Analysis is based on reports submitted as part of the unit planning process.

• Instructional Program Review Committee - Evaluates academic programs by reviewing their strengths and challenges, identifying opportunities and providing recommendations for improvements. Analysis is based on data and information spanning a three‐year period.

• Teaching and Learning Committee - Provides review, oversight, and approval of changes to or termination of existing programs and implementation of new programs. Reviews and recommends changes to faculty credentialing requirements and faculty responsibilities. Evaluates policies and procedures related to student learning and academic programs, and recommends changes to enhance efficiency and outcomes. Identifies best practices and innovations to enhance the teaching and learning process.

Ad hoc subcommittees may be convened to accomplish a specific task or study a specific issue, such as retention, to see what opportunities the College may have to enhance student learning or improve institutional effectiveness.