ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW
RESPONSE AND ACTION PLAN FOR DEGREE PROGRAMS REVIEWED IN
2006-08
Report to be presented to the Vice President for Academic Affairs
Program reviewed during 2006-08: A. A. S in Music Electronic Technology (ME2)
Date of site visit: February 13-15, 2008
QCC Steering Committee:
Professor Joseph Nagler, Chairperson, Music
Administrative Support:
Dr. Karen Steele, Dean for Academic Affairs
Prof. Michele Cuomo, Faculty Fellow, Academic Affairs, on leave from Department of
Speech Communication and Theatre Arts
Dr. Archie Calise, Director of Institutional Planning and Records
Ms. Anna May Jagoda, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment
External Reviewers:
Dr. David Smith, Chair Media and Technology Studies
New York City Technical College
RESPONSE REPORT AND ACTION PLAN FOLLOWING ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW
Prepare a separate response for each program reviewed, using the outline below:
Program reviewed: A. A. S. in Music Electronic Technology
1. Corrections of any factual errors in reviewers’ reports
2. Major conclusions of self study
The self study focused on key resource questions as well as curricular issues related to
program delivery. The students enrolled in the program are enriched by a studentcentered curricular model. The faculty strive to provide ‘real-world’ and professional
learning experiences. Faculty teaching load, lack of release time for senior faculty, need
for funding for conferences, and upper limits of enrollment are pressing issues.
Acquisition, manipulation and presentation of specialized computing in service of digital
audio and image could be met through centralized services; however, the college opts to
distribute these resources into specialized labs. The furniture is old and in need of
replacement.
3. Major conclusions of external reviewers
The faculty is the strength of the program. QCC faculty is well credentialed with
impressive professional and academic activities, and is well respected by students.
Student services are well integrated. The Academic Computing Center and the Writing
Center are wonderful resources. Funding for basic instructional supplies is adequate. A
formalized plan is needed to keep technology for the arts current. An increase in the
quality of the physical facilities is necessary. More collaborative experiences in
performance, composition and recording as well as an increase in performance and
practicum are advised. A 27 hour work load is burdensome to faculty. The lack of a
centralized location for the arts impedes collaboration among the disciplines. Safety
issues in the Humanities Theatre must be corrected.
4. Proposed action plan and timetable (next five years)
The program needs to respond to radical changes in the music industry in the last five
years. The curriculum is under revision. Upgrades of four recording studios are advised.
Currently, the program is funded in the same manner as extracurricular programs; more
robust funding is needed. Improved recruitment and retention of students, the
streamlining of the disciplines and upgrades to presentation forums are needed. The
creation of Performing and Visual Arts Academy for the Fall of 2008 may prove to be an
important mechanism and unifier in the advancement of these goals. The Academy will
encourage dialogue and collaboration among all faculties in the arts.