Palomar College – Program Review and Planning
Instructional Programs
YEAR 1
Academic Year 2012-13
Purpose of Program Review and Planning: The institution assesses progress toward achieving stated goals and makes decisions regarding the improvement of institutional
effectiveness in an on-going and systematic cycle of evaluation, integrated planning, resource allocation, implementation, and re-evaluation. Evaluation is based on analyses of both
quantitative and qualitative data (ACCJC/WASC, Standard I, B.3.)
Discipline: Economics
09/06/2012
Instructional Discipline Reviewed (Each discipline is required to complete a Program Review)
Please Add Date
(00/00/2012)
STEP I. ANALYSIS
Fall 2008
Fall 2009
Enrollment at Census
1,458
1,360
Census Enrollment Load %
100.07%
98.84%
WSCH
4,512
4,238
FTES
150.41
141.26
Total FTEF
7.20
6.80
WSCH/FTEF
627
623
Full-time FTEF
3.00
2.00
Hourly FTEF
4.00
4.40
Overload FTEF
0.20
0.40
Part-Time FTEF
4.20
4.80
Part-Time/(Total FTEF) %
58.33%
70.59%
Student Achievement: Non Distance Education Courses
● Retention Rate
95.06%
95.56%
● Success Rate
64.56%
69.21%
Student Achievement: Distance Education Courses
● Retention Rate
84.62%
91.84%
● Success Rate
48.08%
57.14%
Degrees Awarded
1
3
Certificates Awarded:
1
3
- Under 18 Units
- 18 or More Units
1
3
Plan for Academic Year 2012-13
Fall 2010
1,281
90.27%
3,976
132.52
7.00
568
2.40
4.00
0.60
4.60
65.71%
<<Prelim>>
Fall 2011
1,217
96.05%
3,777
125.90
7.00
540
2.40
3.80
0.80
4.60
65.71%
◄▬ Preliminary Fall 2011 data are as of 1/31/2012
Definitions
Self Explanatory
Enrollment at Census Divided By Sum of Caps (aka "Seats")
Weekly Student Contact Hours
One Full-Time Equivalent Student = 30 WSCH
Total Full-Time Equivalent Faculty
WSCH Generated per Full-Time Equivalent Faculty Member
FTEF from Contract Faculty
FTEF from Hourly Faculty
FTEF from Contract Faculty Overload
Hourly FTEF + Overload FTEF
Percent of Total FTEF Taught By Part-Time Faculty
Those NOT taught via Distance Ed (see below) methods of instruction
93.63%
66.82%
94.84%
64.07%
Non-W Eligible Grades (see next line) Divided by All Eligible Grades
A,B,C,CR/P Grades Divided By A,B,C,CR/P,D,F,FW,NC/NP,W Grades
Those taught via Internet, TV or non line-of-sight interactive methods
85.92%
43.66%
2
2
2
86.27%
36.27%
N/A*
N/A*
N/A*
N/A*
Non-W Eligible Grades (see next line) Divided by All Eligible Grades
A,B,C,CR/P Grades Divided By A,B,C,CR/P,D,F,FW,NC/NP,W Grades
Degree Counts Are for the Full Academic Year (thus, *N/A for 2011-12)
Certificate Counts Are for the Full Academic Year (*N/A for 2011-12)
Certificate Counts Are for the Full Academic Year (*N/A for 2011-12)
Certificate Counts Are for the Full Academic Year (*N/A for 2011-12)
Page 1 of 7
I. A. Reflect upon and provide an analysis of the four years of data above (for a sample analysis see
http://www.palomar.edu/irp/11PRYear1/sampleforIA.pdf)
The past four years have shown a continual strong interest in Economics classes. The limiting factor for students is the number of course
sections we are authorized to offer. Our offerings have been cut nearly 20% in the past three years. This is detrimental for our transfer students.
In each of the past 3 years, students have enrolled in over 90% of our class caps, with an average of 96.3%. Further, we are maintaining a steady
93-95% retention rate. Finally, the success rate is strong for our face-to-face classes. The distance learning students have more of a challenge
successfully completing the online courses. We are investigating ways to be more effective in the distance learning environment.
I. B. Please summarize the findings of Course AND Program SLO assessments conducted by your discipline. (For examples, see
http://www.palomar.edu/irp/11PRYear1/PRPsloExamples.pdf)
I.B.1 Summarize Course SLO assessment results beginning on the next line.
The majority of our students scored a 3 or better on the embedded questions in the final exam. We have identified several deficiencies that
continue to challenge our students including math skills, graphing literacy, and study skills. The economics professors have met to discuss
strategies to increase student success. The consensus of those meetings was that the economics instructors need to use more computer
applications including games, simulations, agraphing tutorials, and animations.
I.B.2 Summarize Program SLO assessment results beginning on the next line.
We have embedded questions on our final exams which evaluate students' ability to analyze data. A majority of the students met this Student
Learning Objective at a high level (a score of 4 or 5). An even greater share of the students met this Student Learning Objective at a proficient
level (a score of 3, 4, or 5). The goal is to have a majority of the students achieve this Student Learning Objective. This goal was achieved;
however, we continue to investigate ways to increase our effectiveness.
I. C. Reflect upon the SLO assessment findings in Box B above. Discuss overall observations and any areas of concern or noteworthy trends.
(For examples of such analysis, see http://www.palomar.edu/irp/11PRYear1/PRPsloExamples.pdf)
I.C.1 Please reflect upon the Course SLO findings in Box B (above) beginning on the next line.
Our students continue to struggle with several things including study skills, graphing, and math skills. We are investigating ways to address
these deficiencies including simulations, animations, and graphing tutorials.
I.C.2 And, please reflect upon the Program SLO findings in Box B beginning on the next line.
Although students have been successful and we have met our goals, we believe there is always room for improvement. The economics
professors continue to meet regularly to share curriculum and ideas. We are working to use technology more effectively in our courses.
I. D. For Career Technical disciplines only, please provide a brief summary of the labor market outlook. This data can be found at
http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/ Please include job projections and trends that may influence major curriculum revisions.
n/a
Plan for Academic Year 2012-13
Page 2 of 7
STEP II. PLANNING
Reflecting on the 4-year trend data, the SLO assessment results, and the college’s Strategic Plan 2013, describe/discuss the discipline planning related
to the following: (For sample reflections, see http://www.palomar.edu/irp/11PRYear1/samplesforII.pdf)
II. A. Curriculum, programs, certificates and degrees (consider changes due to Title 5 or other regulations, CSU/UC transfer language updates,
articulation updates, student retention or success rates, workforce and labor market projections, certificate or degree completions, etc.)
We plan to continue to offer the core 3 economics classes at a variety of times. Several years ago we adopted a Math 60 prerequisite for the 101
and 102 courses. At first this affected out enrollment, but the demand for the core classes and the electives remains robust. We have held
numerous meetings with textbook publishers to negotiate lower prices for our students by adopting a single text for Economics 100. We have
developed a new class, Environmental Economics, which is being offered for the first time this fall. In this way we contiue addressing our
students' transfer and AA needs in spite of the reduction on resources.
II. B. Class scheduling (consider enrollment trends, growth, course rotation, sequencing, Center/Site offerings, comprehensiveness, etc.)
Due to recent budget cutbacks, we have had to cut sections by nearly 20% over the past four years. Because of the drastic cuts to the economic
schedule, we have drastically reduced our offerings at the satelite campuses, thereby making transfer much more difficult for our students who
live far from the main campus. Economics seeks to replenish those lost offerings. We also look forward to offering courses at the North and
South Satelite campuses as soon as they are up and running. We continue to monitor our successes in distance education, and are considering
expanding these offerings.
II. C. Faculty (Briefly discuss the faculty hiring needs for this discipline. This discussion does not replace the requirement to submit a Rationale
Form for Faculty Hiring to IPC.)
Economics would greatly benefit from an additional full time faculty member. The extraordinarily high PT-Ft FTEF ratio is only one indicator of
this. The growing strains on full time faculty to implement SLOAC demands, timely part time evaluations, accreditation requirements, and other
intstitutional service comes at our students' expense.
STEP III. RESOURCE REQUESTS FOR DISCIPLINE:
III. A. Describe the resources necessary to successfully implement the planning described above. Provide a detailed rationale for each request by
referring to the analyses of data and SLO assessment results in Step I and/or to any other evidence not apparent in the data or SLO Assessment
results.
NOTE: Do NOT include Resource Requests that duplicate requests from other disciplines In your department. Place requests common to two or more
disciplines on the form: ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT RESOURCE REQUESTS.
Plan for Academic Year 2012-13
Page 3 of 7
a. Equipment (per unit cost is >$500) Enter requests on lines below.
Resource
a1.
Describe Resource Requested
A Lockable cabinet for MD 303
Prioritize
these
requests
1,2,3, etc.
1
Strategic
Plan 2013
Goal/
Objective
Addressed
by This
Resource
(Link)
2.6
Provide a detailed rationale for the
requested resource. The rationale
should refer to your discipline’s plan,
analysis of data, SLO assessments,
and/or the College’s Strategic Plan
Have student and faculty instructional
supplies for effective instruction readily
available, thereby maximizing
instructional time.
Estimated
Amount of
Funding
Requested
600.00
Will this be
one-time or
on-going
funding?
one time
Is resource already
funded (in part or in full)?
If so, name source. Why
is that source not
sufficient for future
funding?
no
a2.
a3.
a4.
a5.
b. Technology (computers, data projectors, document readers, etc.) Enter requests on lines below.
b1.
two (2) ipadsModel: MC744LL/A
1
Strategic
Plan 2013
Goal/
Objective
Addressed
by This
Resource
(Link)
2.5, 2.6, 2.7
b2.
addiitional computer monitor for MD
303
2
2.5,2.6, 2.7
b3.
Smart Board for MD 303
3
2.5,2.6, 2.7
Resource
Describe Resource Requested
Prioritize
these
requests
1,2,3, etc.
Provide a detailed rationale for the
requested resource. The rationale
should refer to your discipline’s plan,
analysis of data, SLO assessments,
and/or the College’s Strategic Plan
We are in need of two additional ipads
to be used for instructional purposes
including simulations, animations, and
graphing tutorials. This will aid us in
addressing the deficiencies (math
skills, graphing, and study skills) of our
students we have identified in the
assessment process.
Ability to have students work out a
group problem using the screen and to
work one-on-one with other students at
the same time
ability to create animations, graphing
tutorials, simulations.
Estimated
Amount of
Funding
Requested
Will this be
one-time or
on-going
funding?
Is resource already
funded (in part or in full)?
If so, name source. Why
is that source not
sufficient for future
funding?
2000
one time
no
300
one time
no
4000
one time
no
b4.
b5.
c. Budget for 4000s (per unit cost is <$500 supplies) Enter requests on lines below.
Plan for Academic Year 2012-13
Page 4 of 7
Resource
c1.
Describe Resource Requested
auto feed scanner
Prioritize
these
requests
1,2,3, etc.
1
Strategic
Plan 2013
Goal/
Objective
Addressed
by This
Resource
(Link)
2.5,2.6, 2.7
Provide a detailed rationale for the
requested resource. The rationale
should refer to your discipline’s plan,
analysis of data, SLO assessments,
and/or the College’s Strategic Plan
Organize and share instructional
activities and assessments. The
scanner used in conjunction with the
cloud technology such as "Dropbox"
will increase add to the efficiency by
which we collaborate on instruction
activities.
Estimated
Amount of
Funding
Requested
400
Will this be
one-time or
on-going
funding?
one time
Is resource already
funded (in part or in full)?
If so, name source. Why
is that source not
sufficient for future
funding?
no
c2.
c3.
c4
c5.
d. Budget for 5000s (printing, maintenance agreements, software license etc.) Enter requests on lines below.
d1.
printing resources
1
Strategic
Plan 2013
Goal/
Objective
Addressed
by This
Resource
(Link)
2.5, 2.7
d2.
Annual Drop box subscription
2
2.5,2.6, 2.7
Resource
Describe Resource Requested
Prioritize
these
requests
1,2,3, etc.
Provide a detailed rationale for the
requested resource. The rationale
should refer to your discipline’s plan,
analysis of data, SLO assessments,
and/or the College’s Strategic Plan
We are unable to maintain high
instructional standards with the
printing budget we have now. The
latest cut to our printing budget was
20%. We have posted many
assignments, syllabi, etc. on the
Blackboard website, but cannot
continue this practice without
jepordizing the integrity of our
program.
Use of Dropbox (or other cloud
technology) for faculty to share
instructional assignments,
assessments, and activities.
Estimated
Amount of
Funding
Requested
Will this be
one-time or
on-going
funding?
Is resource already
funded (in part or in full)?
If so, name source. Why
is that source not
sufficient for future
funding?
300
ongoing
Yes, but department
funding is no longer at
sufficient levels.
120
ongoing
no
d3.
d4.
d5.
Plan for Academic Year 2012-13
Page 5 of 7
e. Classified staff position (permanent/contract position requests unique to this discipline) Enter requests on lines below.
Resource
Describe Resource Requested
Prioritize
these
requests
1,2,3, etc.
Strategic
Plan 2013
Goal/
Objective
Addressed
by This
Resource
(Link)
Provide a detailed rationale for the
requested resource. The rationale
should refer to your discipline’s plan,
analysis of data, SLO assessments,
and/or the College’s Strategic Plan
Estimated
Amount of
Funding
Requested
Will this be
one-time or
on-going
funding?
Is resource already
funded (in part or in full)?
If so, name source. Why
is that source not
sufficient for future
funding?
e1.
e2.
e3.
e4.
e5.
f. Classified staff position (temporary and student workers position requests unique to this discipline) Enter requests on lines below.
Resource
f1.
Describe Resource Requested
ongoingTutors
Prioritize
these
requests
1,2,3, etc.
1
Strategic
Plan 2013
Goal/
Objective
Addressed
by This
Resource
(Link)
2.5, 2.6, 2.7
Provide a detailed rationale for the
requested resource. The rationale
should refer to your discipline’s plan,
analysis of data, SLO assessments,
and/or the College’s Strategic Plan
we need skilled economic tutors
available at the tutoring center for our
students to aid in their success.
(Approximately 200 hours per
semester)
Estimated
Amount of
Funding
Requested
4000
Will this be
one-time or
on-going
funding?
ongoing
Is resource already
funded (in part or in full)?
If so, name source. Why
is that source not
sufficient for future
funding?
no
f2.
f3.
f4.
f5.
III. B. Are there other resources (including data) that you need to complete your discipline review and planning?
STEP IV. SHARE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS (AKA Brag, Toot your horn) Please include at least one discipline accomplishment that you’d
like to share with the college community.
Plan for Academic Year 2012-13
Page 6 of 7
We continue to expand out electives in order to strengthen our students ability to transfer and/or earn an AA degree in Economics. Jon Smith created
Economics 120, Enviromental Economics, last year and it is being offered for the first time this fall semester 2012. Econ 120 has a strong enrollment
for a brand new class. Our department continues to host Political Economy days in the fall and spring semesters. Political Economy Days has grown
in popularity and size. Peter Bowman and Teresa laughlin are co-coordinators of the program. Jose Esteban has created several online tutorials to
help our students grasp the fundamentals of economic theory, graphing, and math skills specific to the study of economics.
STEP V. ACCREDITATION For programs with an external accreditation, indicate the date of the last accreditation visit and discuss
recommendations and progress made on the recommendations.
n/a
STEP VI. COMMENTS Other comments, recommendations: (Please use this space for additional comments or recommendations that don’t fit in
any category above.)
n/a
Please identify faculty and staff who participated in the development of the plan for this department:
Jose Esteban
Teresa Laughlin
Jon Smith
Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
Department Chair/Designee Signature
Date
Division Dean Signature
Date
 Provide a hard copy to the Division Dean no later than September 14, 2012
 Provide a hard copy with the Dean’s sign-off to Instructional Services by September 28, 2012
 Email an electronic copy to jdecker@palomar.edu by September 28, 2012
Plan for Academic Year 2012-13
Page 7 of 7