April 3, 2015
Dr. Mick Starcevich
President
Kirkwood Community College
P.O. Box 2068
6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Dear President Starcevich:
Attached is a copy of the Multi-Location Visit Report completed following the visit to
Kirkwood Community College. As detailed in the report, the pattern of operations at the
locations appears to be adequate and no further review or monitoring is necessary.
Within the Multi-Location Visit Report, you will find brief comments on the instructional
oversight, academic services, student services, facilities, marketing and recruitment
information and adequacy of assessment of student performance. Please consider these
comments as advice for continued improvement of the additional locations.
Per HLC policy, completion of these visits and fulfillment of the requirement will be noted
in your institution’s history record and the completed report will be included in your
institution’s permanent file.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Multi-Location Visit or the attached
report, please contact Pat Newton-Curran (pnewton@hlcommission.org).
Sincerely,
Higher Learning Commission
Multi-Location Visit Report
Institution:
Kirkwood Community College
Ad. Location #1:
Kirkwood Regional Center, Linn County, 1770 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA
52233
Ad. Location #2:
Cedar County Center, 1410 Cedar, Tipton, IA 52772
Ad. Location #3:
Iowa County Center, 200 West Street, Williamsburg, IA 52361
Date Reviewed:
February 25-26, 2015
Evaluator Name,
Institution, & Title:
Jeffrey L. Bailie, Kaplan University, Professor
Instructions: In order to document effective administrative systems for managing multiple
additional locations, please complete the following. For each item, check adequate or
attention needed, and indicate in Comments the institution’s strengths and/or opportunities for
improvement in controlling and delivering degree programs off-campus. If comments pertain to
a specific location, they should be included along with the identity of that location.
Overview Statement. Provide information about current additional locations and the institution’s
general approach to off-campus instruction. Describe the growth pattern at the institution since
the last review of off-campus instruction. Provide information about the involvement of external
organizations or other higher education institutions.
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
! adequate
" attention needed
Comments:
Kirkwood Community College (KCC) delivers academic instruction from multiple geographical
locations situated in the predominantly rural setting of eastern Iowa. The service area
encompasses a seven country region and includes various means by which the institution
effectively serves the educational interests of disbursed and an increasingly diverse learning
community.
As related by many of those interviewed, a vision of the founding board of directors held that
Kirkwood students should not need to travel more than 30 minutes from their home to attend a
Kirkwood education center. In response, a Kirkwood Campus or County Center has
subsequently been established in each of the counties served. Through these County Center
locations, a variety of college credit courses to post-secondary enrollees and concurrently
enrolled secondary students, high school equivalency diploma courses, and continuing
education classes are delivered.
A comprehensive visit by the Higher Learning Commission was conducted in 2012, and a multilocation visit to the locations in Cedar Rapid, Williamsburg, and Monticello, IA was completed in
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June of 2010. Since these visits, the institution has continued to expand its operations by
tactically adding new locations, thereby increasing program enrollments.
The existing locations include the main campus, nine county centers, and four regional centers.
During the visit to the main campus and the three locations selected for review, evidence was
collected and coupled with on-site interviews with members of the college administration,
instructional division deans, center directors, academic program chairs, faculty, and students.
Engagements with each of these groups upheld the view that Kirkland College exercises
consistent oversight of academics at all of its locations. The outcome of this visit acknowledges
that:
•
Institutional policy, protocol, and practice assures the college adheres to a uniform
approach to service delivery, which is based on a solid history of providing career and
technical training programs across geographically dispersed sites in a rural setting.
•
Randomly selected students that were interviewed reported they are satisfied with the
quality of instruction provided, program outcomes, and facilities. While each location is
truly unique, the students related a strong sense of belonging to the college. Each of the
students questioned indicated that they felt they are receiving a level of service
consistent with/or exceeding that offered at other KCC locations, including the main
campus.
•
Various faculty and staff that were interviewed reported that all faculty (part and full time)
engage in routine opportunities for in-service and training regardless of their assignment
location. Face to face engagements with college leaders, administrative staff, fellow
colleagues, and (on occasion) members of the Board of Trustees also occur on a routine
basis.
•
College publications, including evidence collected from such items as the current KCC
catalog, course bulletins and related advertisements, institutional assessment practices,
and faculty and student handbooks all depict a constant system of delivery and
accountability.
There was no apparent discrepancy in the level of service provided with respect to instructional
delivery or quality of student learning. Interviews with students, faculty, program administrators
and related staff supported the position that the institution strives to provide the same quality
learning experience and service at all locations. It is apparent that Kirkwood campuses and
locations adhere to a standard set of policies, marketing standards, and general approach in
achievement of its stated purposes. The college is structured to provide the same quality of
instruction from the main campus to each location. Off campus procedures and guidelines are
the same as those for the main campus, and all students have access to the same resources
regardless of the service location.
Toward the advancement of their mission, KCC has partnered with several area organizations
including high school districts, such as Linn, Cedar and Iowa County, in the provision of career
and technical training courses to concurrently enrolled secondary students. In addition,
collaborative endeavors are in place under formal agreements with the Iowa State Department
of Education, the Iowa Office of Workforce Training and Economics Development (WTED), and
the University of Iowa to name a few.
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Institutional Planning. What evidence demonstrates that the institution effectively plans for
growth and maintenance of additional locations? Identify whether the institution has adequate
controls in place to ensure that information presented to students is adequate. Describe whether
the financial planning and budgeting process has proven effective at additional locations.
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
! adequate
" attention needed
Comments:
Long range planning, feasibility and market research are among the methods KCC has
historically incorporated into its overall planning processes, and evidence supports a continuous
efficacy in this regard. At the request of local stakeholders, Kirkwood Community College
conducted feasibility studies to validate the interest and need for the new locations, in
combination with the college’s formal strategic planning process. Minutes from planning
meetings show that those participating in this endeavor included college leadership,
administration and faculty, local school board members and administrators, local chambers of
commerce and economic development entities as well as local businesses and industries. In
effect, each entity represents an informed constituent sponsor of potential learners, as well as
an advocate for an expanded learning community.
Various lease, Memorandums of Understanding, and related contractual agreements pertaining
to operations at the new locations were reviewed as part of the visit. Each partnering school
districts formally pledged their involvement through an Education Service Agreement which
guarantees annual funding and student participation over a pre-determined time frame.
Memorandums of understanding compliment these pledges, and are renewed on a five year
cycle.
Financial resource/budgetary detail demonstrating how KCC is planning for the growth and
maintenance of the additional locations was made available for review during this visit. So too
was past, current and projected enrollment data (credit and head count) for each new location
by term. As evidenced by information included in these documents, the college has effectively
demonstrated a planned tactic for the ongoing support and maintenance of the current program
facilities, including appropriate contingencies for future growth and expansion. Such evidence
sustains the finding that KCC has adequately planned for, and subsequently manages quality
institutional and academic programs at the locations included in this visit. Further, the intuition
is keenly positioned to respond to future opportunities and challenges that might arise.
Interviews conducted during the visit, as well as documentation gathered in conjunction with the
visit, reveal a strong consensus that the colleges’ strategic and budget planning process
supports the institution’s mission statement and purposes. Financial planning and budgeting
processes have long been established and responsibly executive over the years, as the college
has effectively positioned itself to tactically manage and grow a variety of academic offerings
well into the future.
Facilities. What evidence demonstrates that the facilities at the additional locations meet the
needs of the students and the curriculum? Consider, in particular, classrooms and laboratories
(size, maintenance, temperature, etc.); faculty and administrative offices (site, visibility, privacy
for meetings, etc.); parking or access to public transit; bookstore or text purchasing services;
security; handicapped access; and other (food or snack services, study and meeting areas, etc.)
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
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! adequate
" attention needed
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Comments:
Visits to each of the three locations determined that the descriptions previously reported to the
Commission, and included in the materials provided by Kirkwood Community College to the
reviewer in preparation for the visit, were accurate. These documents included the KCC
Regional Education Centers: New Facilities Overview, the Substantial Change Application, the
Previsit HLC Multisite Visit Form, the current KCC catalog, and the Regional Center Websites.
The onsite review of each location found the classrooms and labs to be properly equipped,
adequately staffed, and the physical environment to be conducive to learning. Kirkwood has a
standard lecture classroom setup that is consistent in all locations. Lab classrooms and
learning environments are designed and outfitted by the respective main campus Academic
Dean and Lead Faculty to maintain consistency in all locations.
Each off-campus facility is owned, maintained, and operated by Kirkwood Community College.
The facilities at all three sites are well designed and maintained, and offer modern classrooms,
labs, meeting rooms, and office space. All of the sites have student break areas, adequate
parking and are accessible to persons with disabilities. Each site appears to have options for
future expansion, based on future growth and enrollment projections.
KCC’s investment is technology is apparent, as each site offers students and staff wide access
to computers and wireless connectivity. In addition each site has a dedicated interactive
instructional television studio that connects remotely positioned students and instructors across
the state through a dedicated audio and video network.
Instructional Oversight. What evidence demonstrates that the institution effectively oversees
instruction at the additional locations? Consider, in particular, consistency of curricular
expectations and policies, availability of courses needed for program and graduation
requirements, faculty qualifications, performance of instructional duties, availability of faculty to
students, orientation of faculty/professional development, attention to student concerns.
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
! adequate
" attention needed
Comments:
Direct oversight of each location is the administrative responsibility of a County/Regional Center
Director. Each Director reports to the Dean of Regional & County Centers and the Dean of
Distance Learning and Secondary Programs, who in turn report directly to the Vice President,
Academic Affairs. The Deans are responsible for the supervision of program offerings, the
assurance of policy adherence, and uniformity in program outcomes.
Instruction is closely monitored by the local Director, in collaboration with the main campus
Academic Deans and lead faculty from main campus. Interactive video instruction supervision
is the responsibility of the Director of Distance Learning, also in conjunction with the
County/Regional Director and Academic Deans.
Curriculum, student services and facility maintenance are coordinated by the Directors in
conjunction with the main campus departments. The Deans and Directors maintain regular
contact with on-location staff and routinely visit sites under their respective individual purview.
They work collectively with faculty and related staff to ensure consistency in program quality and
course offerings.
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Policies and guidelines for courses are the same at all KCC locations. Consistency of curriculum
is realized through the use of common course syllabi used by all faculty teaching a particular
course to ensure that course topics, objectives, and learning outcomes are congruent. Course
delivery to multiple sites through the CCTV system by program faculty also lends to an
assurance of the standardization of academic offerings. For these course offerings, the
instruction delivered is identical to instruction at the main campus because of the synchronous
telecommunication network employed.
The Associate Dean of Online and Outreach works with academic department chairs to develop
a master schedule for all classes. Ensuring that available courses leading to program
completion are offered is accounted for through student advising and academic planning in
cooperation with local staff from each location.
The college has a formal student complaint policy in place, as presented in the school’s catalog.
Those with concerns can report them at the local level and, if need be, there is a protocol for
escalating the concern to administrative ranks.
Institutional Staffing and Faculty Support. What evidence demonstrates that the institution
has appropriately qualified and sufficient staff and faculty in place for the location, and that the
institution supports and evaluates personnel at off-campus locations? Consider the processes in
place for selecting, training, and orienting faculty at the location.
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
! adequate
" attention needed
Comments:
As determined by a review of a roster of current faculty depicting academic awards, instructors
are appropriately credentialed in accordance with the institution’s standing policy. Official
graduate transcripts, resumes and application materials are on file for all faculty. KCC adheres
to a common formula to ensure that staffing at all campuses and locations is consistent with
course instructional delivery requirements.
As validated by interviews with multiple staff and faculty alike, appointed administrators conduct
evaluations of faculty on a regular basis in accordance with an institution-wide policy.
Evaluations are completed by the local Director in conjunction with the Academic Dean, or Dean
or Director of Distance Learning, depending on the faculty assignment. Student input is also
accounted for in these reviews.
New faculty are required to complete a formal orientation, and all faculty attend in-service
meetings held at the beginning of each semester to familiarize off-campus faculty with Kirkwood
policies and practices. Instructors are the off-campus locations are paired with main campus
lead faculty for instructional and curricular support.
A HR department with governance across the institution serves the interest of all Kirkwood
locations. The Kirkwood Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching provides professional
development opportunities for all faculty, including those serving in an adjunct role, as well as
instructors shared with local high schools.
Student Support. What evidence demonstrates that the institution delivers, supports, and
manages necessary student services at the additional locations? Consider, in particular, the
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level of student access (in person, by computer, by phone, etc.) to academic
advising/placement, remedial/tutorial services, and library materials/services. Also, consider the
level of access to admissions, registration/student records, financial aid, and job placement
services, as well as attention to student concerns.
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
! adequate
" attention needed
Comments:
Interviews with staff at each location verified that the new sites provide a full range of academic
and student support services reflective of those available at the main campus. Such services
include academic advising, placement testing, tutoring, computer lab access and support,
enrollment services & financial aid counseling, library access, ADA accommodations, career
counseling and more. Support staff at each location are cross trained so that they can offer
immediate guidance, and or referral, in response to onsite student inquiries. Accordingly, each
additional location has student support personnel or a faculty advisor available for students.
Location staff and directors are also available to help students navigate any circumstance they
might encounter.
Tutoring is offered based on individual need, and can be arranged (dependent of qualified tutor
availability) either on-site or via the distance education network. Subjects are selected based
on expressed leaner need, or on a routine basis according to the history of high tutoring
demand, and are available free of charge to all students. Disability Resources, Career
Services, and Financial Aid services are available by phone, email, or face to face appointment.
Financial Aid staff also visit each center on a regular basis.
The library provides access to a compliment of subscription databases for all KCC students at
all campuses and centers. In addition, students may access these resources from home and
other locations with online access. A library orientation is available for all students.
Evaluation and Assessment. What evidence demonstrates that the institution measures,
documents, and analyzes student academic performance sufficiently to maintain academic
quality at the additional locations? How are measures and techniques employed at a location
equivalent to those for assessment and evaluation on the main campus? Consider, in particular,
the setting of measurable learning objectives, the actual measurement of performance, and the
analysis and use of assessment data to maintain/improve quality.
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
! adequate
" attention needed
Comments:
Detail collected through interviews with administrative staff, academic officers, and faculty
sustain the fact that the institution has an operational plan for the assessment of student
learning that permeates across the college. Further, discussions with various personnel
denoted the importance that the college has placed on formal evaluation and assessment
through multiple measures and at various levels within its operations, including at the locations
that were a focus of this visit. The college has appointed a seasoned classroom instructor from
within the ranks to lead the institutional assessment effort, and an interview with this individual
determined that Kirkwood Community College has an institutional assessment plan in place and
the plan includes multiple data points collected from all of its locations. Specifics of the plan
were reviewed and discussed with a full range of personnel during this visit.
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Continuous Improvement. What evidence demonstrates that the institution encourages and
ensures continuous quality improvement at its additional locations? Consider in particular the
institution's planning and evaluation processes that ensure regular review and improvement of
additional locations and ensure alignment of additional locations with the mission and goals of
the institution as a whole.
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
! adequate
" attention needed
Comments:
Each of the seven counties served by KCC has a representative seat on the KCC Board of
Trustees. Each location hosts outreach events, open to the public and stakeholders, to receive
feedback from local constituents. KCC encourages comments and suggestions from each of the
communities served. Input is also obtained from students, parents, faculty, staff, community
members and governmental entities through regular engagement.
From a systems standpoint, annual SMART goals are created, monitored and reported for each
location, the County/Regional Center team, and the department of Distance Learning. These
goals then aligned with those set by the college Academic Affairs division. Representative of
each location serve on College Learner Success Agenda (LSA) teams, committees, and subcommittees. LSA teams consider various enhancement opportunities in the areas of internal
college communication, matriculation, and learner support services. Each of these elements, in
addition to others, are employed with an interest toward continuous program improvement.
Marketing and Recruiting Information. What evidence confirms that the information
presented to students in advertising, brochures, and other communications is accurate?
Judgment of reviewer. Check appropriate box:
! adequate
" attention needed
Comments:
A review of the KCC Website finds that a comprehensive array of informational items pertaining
to academic policy, programs, services, and service locations are readily available to the
extended learning communities served, as well as the general public. A wide variety of
materials were collected and reviewed during stops at each location, including a standard
compliment of class schedules, marketing materials, and informational brochures that are being
distributed by the college. Posters and flyers appropriately affixed to bulletin boards throughout
the facilities were also examined. The institution presents materials that accurately describe its
relations with the related governing bodies, and the programs and services that it offers.
Marketing materials are managed through a central Marketing Service department at the home
campus for quality control purposes. All marketing collateral must be approved by Marketing
Services and be compliant with the college’s guidelines for consistency, accuracy, and
branding.
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SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Select one of the following statements. Include, as appropriate, a summary of findings.
Overall, the pattern of this institution’s operations at its additional locations appears
to be adequate, and no further review or monitoring by the Higher Learning
Commission is necessary.
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