BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Need (Statement of Problem) ............................................................................ 1-4
Response to Need .......................................................................................... 5-8
Program Management/Institutional Commitment ............................................ 9-10
Identified Resources...................................................................................... 11-12
Appendices
Application Signature Page .................................................................13
i
BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
NEED
a) Program Description
Rio Hondo College proposes to offer a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in
Automotive Technology that will build on our college’s existing Associate of Science
(A.S.) degree program in Automotive Technology. Our current program—which is well
aligned with the automotive industry both regionally and nationally—provides a solid
foundation for the development of the new B.S. program.
Based on input from valued industry partners and members of our Automotive
Technology Advisory Committee over the past ten years, successful candidates for
employment within organizations requiring a baccalaureate degree in this field need
high level Automotive Technology skills and knowledge. Graduates need to be
technically competent and possess strong interpersonal skills, such as the ability to
communicate effectively, solve problems, work in teams, and pursue continued
professional development. The primary goal of the proposed Bachelor of Science in
Automotive Technology Degree (ATD) is to provide the automotive industry with
employees with these skills. Specific objectives are 1) to graduate students who are
ready for employment in the rapidly-evolving automotive/transportation field in technical,
management, and professional occupations; 2) to expand the available curriculum in
Automotive Technology, especially by integrating sector technology advances into the
curriculum on an ongoing basis; 3) to serve an increasing number of underserved
students and; 4) to apply supportive policies that help students achieve degree
completion more efficiently.
Graduates from Rio Hondo’s ATD program will demonstrate a balance of
technical and managerial knowledge. They will be able to apply business practices,
information technology, and other technical skills necessary to lead and effectively
participate in interdisciplinary teams in the Automotive Technology field. They will
display a cooperative and inquisitive spirit that supports the desire to pursue lifelong
learning and enables them to adapt to contemporary issues in the workplace, which will
help advance the goals of their organizations.
Rio Hondo’s proposed ATD will target graduates of accredited community
colleges who have earned an A.A. or A.S. degree, or equivalent, in Automotive
Technology, Heavy Equipment Technology, Industrial Technology, Business
Administration, Communications Studies, Engineering Technology, Energy Systems,
Environmental Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or related studies. The ATD
program will include two career tracks, representing distinct areas of emphasis:
 Automotive Management and Marketing (Entrepreneurship)
 Automotive Technical
Both career tracks are designed as part of a 2+2 program that will build on either the
aforementioned associate’s degree or a degree from an accredited college or university.
Under both scenarios, graduates will be admitted to the ATD program as third-year
juniors to complete the baccalaureate degree within two years.
In addition to two separate career tracks, students will be able to choose from
two pathways leading to completion of the ATD. The first is for traditional full-time
students. A proposed second pathway is designed for working professionals to
complete the course of study while fulfilling current personal and professional
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
responsibilities. Regardless of which career track or completion pathway is selected, the
program will feature industry-focused, real world learning. Upper division classes (300400 level) will be limited to enrollment of no more than 20 students to ensure personal
attention and promote a collaborative team spirit.
The proposed ATD program will not only focus on operational and financial
aspects of the subject area, but will also promote students’ personal development and
leadership skills. ATD graduates will be well positioned to move into managerial,
technical, or related senior positions. They will be prepared to start their own
businesses in a variety of transportation-related industries, including vehicle
manufacturers, transportation, equipment part suppliers, component manufacturers,
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), vehicle and equipment suppliers, and
dealers. Career opportunities will include technical and business management for sales,
service, parts, advanced technology vehicle research and support, finance, warranty
administration, field technical specialists, and customer service positions.
Students will receive training in various business, management and technical
courses, such as Managerial Accounting, Leadership, Marketing, Advanced Vehicle
Systems Design and Performance. Other courses will emphasize soft skills, such as
communication, business & technical writing, and human relations. The upper division
courses are being developed under the California State University (CSU) upper division
content and rigor guidelines. Courses will be taught by graduate (at least Master’s)
level faculty members who have broad industry experience along with appropriate
credentials in their fields of expertise. Both career tracks (entrepreneurial or technical)
will include project assignments, including a capstone Senior Project/Directed Studies
course in the student’s area of emphasis. Courses will be scheduled both during day
and evening, with some distance learning options available. However, most upper
division, discipline-specific courses will be offered in the evening to better serve the
needs of working professionals.
b) College and District Demographics, Characteristics, and Enrollment Data
Rio Hondo Community College District (RHCCD) is a single-college district
whose campus is located at the junction of two distinct regions in southeastern Los
Angeles County. To the north is the San Gabriel Valley; to the south are some of the
“Gateway Cities” of southeast Los Angeles County. Rio Hondo College is fully
accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
as part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
During the 2012-2013 academic year, Rio Hondo College had a Fall headcount
of more than 18,000 and annual headcount of over 27,400. The number of Full-Time
Equivalent Students (FTES) was 13,207. At present, 55.8% of Rio Hondo’s students are
male, and 67.2% are Hispanic (10.2 % White; 8.1% Asian; 2.2% African-American).
The combined population of the seven communities served by the District is
380,783 (2010 census). Within the service area, the primary ethnic identification is
Hispanic. Each of the seven communities is well below the statewide figure for persons
with bachelor’s degrees (30.5%), ranging from a low of 7.9% in Pico Rivera to a high of
24.5% in Whittier. A total of eleven school districts serve K-12 students within RHCCD’s
boundaries. The high graduation rate among Rio Hondo’s primary feeder high
schools—near, or above, 90%—will assure a sustainable pipeline of ATD program
candidates. The predominantly Hispanic student population at Rio Hondo and in the
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
community directly aligns with the objective to serve underserved students through the
proposed baccalaureate program. Furthermore, the rate of bachelor’s degrees
throughout communities served by the District—well below the state average—suggests
an under-served population with less-than-adequate access to four-year degrees.
c) Demand and Necessity for Four-Year Program
Transportation, highway, mass transit, rail, and aviation systems are vital to Rio
Hondo’s regional economy. Southern California is also a major center of design,
technical and marketing firms for automotive and related industries from all over the
world. The Los Angeles/Orange County region is the North American home for nearly all
of the Asian automakers, including Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, Mazda, Isuzu,
Mitsubishi, Kia, and Hyundai. Research and design/development companies include the
above listed manufacturers, plus BMW, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and
Volvo. Corporate headquarters and division offices generate a significant number of
white-collar jobs—an employment demand which the ATD program will help address.
Many specialty/aftermarket equipment firms have also located in the region,
including more than 400 other independent new and aftermarket parts manufacturers.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)—the trade group for aftermarket
firms—is based in nearby Diamond Bar. Auto manufacturing and wholesale industries in
the Southern California region represent more than 300 establishments with over
10,000 employees. In the Los Angeles/Orange County region, more than 3,000 vehicle
dealerships employ more than 60,000 individuals. Automotive support industries—
including auto parts and tire dealers, and auto service and repair/maintenance
companies—consist of over 8,000 establishments with more than 50,000 employees.
The region’s strong base of automotive and transportation related industries offer
promising employment opportunities for graduates of Rio Hondo’s ATD program.
d) Regional LMI Data and Gaps
Southern California is the center of a variety of automotive/transportation related
industries due, in part, to its unique infrastructure offering seaports for importing, rail
heads, commercial air transportation hubs, and a freeway culture. As the table below
indicates, nearly 15,000 automotive/ transportation establishments in Southern
California employ over 159,000 persons
Industry
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers Total
Gasoline Stations Total
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Total
Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Mfg Total
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing Total
Motor Vehicle/Part Merchant Wholesalers Total
Other Motor Vehicle Dealers Total
Auto Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores Total
Automotive Repair and Maintenance Total
Number of Establishments
Average Employment
3,076
59,759
1,769
15,365
17
302
46
1,915
262
7,118
1,246
17,695
266
3,188
1,824
15,820
6,065
38,478
Grand Total
14,571
159,640
These establishments require leaders, managers, and increasingly sophisticated
technicians with the types of applied skills and competencies that may be obtained from
Rio Hondo’s Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Degree (ATD) program.
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
EMSI data supplied by the CCCCO Center of Excellence for Los Angeles
regional automotive industry-related enterprises (including vehicle manufacturers,
replacement and aftermarket parts manufacturers and suppliers, retailers,
service/maintenance/repair providers, and government agencies) reports over 6,000
management and professional jobs regionally each year. Nearly all of these
management and professional jobs require a bachelor’s degree (see table below).
SOC
Median Annual Typical Entry Level
Earnings
Education
Description
11-1011
Chief Executives
11-1021
General and Operations Managers
11-2011
Advertising and Promotions Managers
11-2021
Marketing Managers
11-2022
Sales Managers
11-2031
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
11-3011
Administrative Services Managers
11-3021
Computer and Information Systems Managers
11-3031
Financial Managers
11-3051
Industrial Production Managers
11-3061
Purchasing Managers
11-3111
Compensation and Benefits Managers
11-3121
Human Resources Managers
11-3131
Training and Development Managers
13-1041
Compliance Officers
13-1051
Cost Estimators
13-1071
Human Resources Specialists
13-1111
Management Analysts
13-1151
Training and Development Specialists
13-1161
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
13-2011
Accountants and Auditors
13-2031
Budget Analysts
13-2041
Credit Analysts
13-2051
Financial Analysts
13-2052
Personal Financial Advisors
13-2053
Insurance Underwriters
13-2061
Financial Examiners
13-2071
Credit Counselors
13-2072
Loan Officers
Source: QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees & Self-Employed - EMSI
* Change means job growth or job loss
$169,005
$104,319
$114,773
$124,376
$110,741
$97,448
$88,854
$134,149
$124,132
$94,806
$105,277
$111,890
$104,541
$107,985
$73,920
$62,047
$60,866
$73,778
$59,920
$61,603
$67,711
$77,867
$68,969
$87,271
$71,083
$70,176
$73,311
$44,484
$76,381
2014.3 Class
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
of Worker
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
degree
California statewide data for Fall 2014 from the U.S. Department of Labor also
shows that turnover of employees in the durable goods sector (including vehicle
manufacturers) and the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (including dealers and
service providers) reflects an average annual employee turnover of 15.7% and 27.4%,
respectively. Using a conservative 20% average turnover factor among the 6,000+
professional level jobs in the Los Angeles/Orange County economic region, there are
approximately 1,200+ automotive/transportation related openings each year. At the
same time, data from the California State Universities’ Analytic Studies website
indicates that CSU students enrolled in industrial technology degree programs during
Fall 2012 totaled only 480 students, representing a significant professional labor gap.
e) Additional Evidence of Need
Currently, Rio Hondo College graduates who earn an Associate of Science (A.S.)
degree in Automotive Technology need to transfer to a CSU or UC to earn a nonAutomotive Technology baccalaureate degree. There are no four-year Automotive/
Management baccalaureate programs in the public UC/CSU system. The closest notfor-profit program is at Weber State in Utah. CSU Dominquez Hills offers a degree in
Transportation—Logistics Management, which is focused on goods movement and
supply chain. CSU Fresno offers a degree in Industrial Technology, with a
Transportation option to prepare students for technical careers in business, industry,
agriculture, and government. The development of an ATD in Automotive Technology
offers a valuable option for current and future students at Rio Hondo College.
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
RESPONSE TO NEED
a) Size, Scope, and Success of Existing Associate Degree Programs
Rio Hondo’s Automotive Technology associate’s degree program is considered
one of the strongest Automotive Technology programs in the State of California. In
2004, the Rio Hondo A.S. program received an award for Outstanding Program by the
California Community College Association for Occupational Education (CCCAOE):
“The Automotive Technology program at Rio Hondo goes above and beyond the
call of duty to take care of their students, the community and their industry
partners. The faculty and staff continually analyze models of student success and
incorporate approaches that ensure retention, impactful learning, and job
placement. They have integrated academics by pairing automotive courses with
Math and English. The curriculum is cutting edge: providing students training in
the use of Alternative Fuel Technology and Advanced Transportation
Technology. The faculty and staff have developed interdisciplinary and
public/private partnerships. Because of this program, students have been able to
move up career ladders to lucrative positions which enhance California’s position
within the global economy.”
The proposed Rio Hondo Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Degree
(ATD) program will build on Rio Hondo’s successful associate degree program as well
as other existing Automotive Technology programs within the Los Angeles/Orange
County region. The region currently offers fifteen automotive programs as part of the
twenty-nine campuses within Regions 7 and 8. Several other local community colleges
offer A.S. programs in Automotive Technology:
 Los Angeles/Orange County: Citrus, PCC, L.A. Pierce, LATTC, ELAC,
Cerritos, Cypress, Golden West, Fullerton, El Camino, Santa Ana
 Southern California: Riverside, San Bernardino, Chaffey, Saddleback,
Miramar, Victor Valley, Cuyamaca, Mira Costa
The average enrollment for these fifteen programs (for the period 2011-2014) has been
387 students per campus, including the students at Rio Hondo. During this period, the
region awarded 2,735 certificates and 272 degrees in Automotive Technology (TOP
Code 0948.00). Of the fifteen programs, eight are NATEF Certified, including Rio
Hondo’s program. Of Rio Hondo’s students, approximately 25% are full-time (twelve
units or more) and 75% part-time (fewer than twelve units). Statewide, 21,000 students
are enrolled in Automotive Technology classes/programs (TOP Code 0948.00) that
award an average of 3,358 certificates and degrees. During 2011-2014, 327 A.S.
degrees were conferred (CCCCO Data Mart).
b) Building Upon Existing Programs/Access for Prospective Students
Rio Hondo’s proposed ATD is designed as a 2+2 program building upon either
the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Automotive Technology from Rio Hondo
College (35 semester units), or associate degrees earned by transfer students from
programs in Automotive Service Technology, Heavy-duty Truck Technology, Diesel
Technology, or similar programs. Students who have completed their associate degree
from any accredited college or university in one of these programs will be admitted as
juniors and may complete their baccalaureate degree within two years.
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
Credits from private institutions such as Universal Technical Institute (UTI),
WyoTech, and similar institutions are not college-level course credits but could possibly
transfer to Rio Hondo College as elective course credits only. However, challenge
examination credit and experiential credit will be available for students with Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE) certifications and at least five years of industry experience,
per California Education Code Title V regulations.
Rio Hondo College is committed to provide access for students seeking a
Bachelor of Science degree through the following entry pathways:
Current RHC student
Student enrolls in
AutoTech Degree
Courses and CSU GE
required courses
Student enrolls in Auto
Tech Degree Courses and
CSU GE required courses
New College Student
(who completed a similar Auto
Degree at another college)
Student
enrolls as
upper division
student in BS
program
Student completes
AS degree in Auto
Tech & GE entrance
requirements for BS
Student completes AS
degree in Auto Tech &
GE entrance
requirements for BS
Student enrolls as
upper division
student in BS
program
or enrolls in the BS
program if all GE and
lower division major
requierments are
complete
Student enrolls in any
required GE courses not
completed in their granted
degree
Student enrolls
as upper division
student in BS
program
Students complete BS Requirements
First Time College Student
(Pre-admiitted to BS program
enrolls in AS AutoTech)
c) Five-Year Enrollment Projections and Number of Anticipated Graduates
The table below indicates the number of students projected to enroll in upper
division courses (300-400 Level) within Rio Hondo’s ATD program. Numbers may be
higher if counting students enrolled in the lower division courses (A.S. degree track) and
students from outside the boundaries of the District.
Academic
Year
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
Number of
Students
20 +
30-35+
30-35+
30-35+
30-35+
30-35+
30-35+
Approximate
Degree Completion
2018-2019
2019-2020
2020-2021
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
2024-2025
Completers
12-15+
12-15+
12-15+
12-15+
12-15+
12-15+
12-15+
(During 2018-2025, approximately 84-105+ students will complete the baccalaureate degree)
d) Evidence of Lack of Program Duplication with UC/CSU Statewide
Rio Hondo’s proposed ATD program will not duplicate baccalaureate programs
offered at the UC/CSU statewide. Eight CSUs and UCs within the region were recently
contacted by Rio Hondo’s Director of Government and Community Relations, Russell
Castañeda-Calleros: CSU Long Beach, CSU Fullerton, CSU Los Angeles, CSU
Dominguez Hills, California Polytechnic-Pomona, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, and UC Los
Angeles. No concerns were expressed, while one university requested additional
information about the proposed program. Ongoing dialogue with all eight universities is
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
anticipated. In addition, Rio Hondo’s Office of Instructional Operations Articulation
Officer, Song Le Graham, recently researched CSU and UC websites, including
Assist.org, to research possible duplication. Collected data confirms that the proposed
program will not duplicate an existing bachelor’s degree offered within the state.
e) & f) Proposed Curriculum/Upper Division Discipline & General Ed Course Work
It is the intent that Rio Hondo’s associate’s degree will be the “backbone” of the
bachelor’s degree. The current Automotive Technical Core is comprised of all eight
industry-recognized Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification areas:
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
Engine Repair
A2 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
Manual Drivetrain and Axles
Suspension and Steering
Brakes
Electrical/Electronic Systems
Heating and Air Conditioning
Engine Performance
The table below highlights recommended upper division discipline and general
education course work to support the proposed baccalaureate degree program.
Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Major and General Education
(Lower & Upper) Requirements- DRAFT
ENTRY PATHWAYS
First Time Freshman
(start bachelor’s degree)
Rio Hondo AS Automotive Tech Degree
Required Courses: 35 units
&
CSU General Education Transfer
Requirements: 30+ units
Continuing/Returning Student
(without AS degree)
Rio Hondo AS Automotive Tech Degree
Required Courses: 35 units
&
CSU General Education Transfer
Requirements: 30+ units
Continuing/Returning Student (with
Auto Tech AS degree)
Complete CSU General Education
Transfer Requirements: 30+ units
&
30-35 units of AS degree in related
field
Junior Status (after completing lower division major and CSU GE requirements)
Upper Division GE Courses 12 units: Prereq-ENGL 101
AREAS
THEME
Themes & Courses
Each theme has three areas:
A. Appropriate Technology Utilizing Natural Resources
Current Issues: Life and
B. Environmental Pollution in Society
the Environment
A. Natural Sciences and Math: 4 units
C. Cultural Diversity Affecting Urban Environments
A. Ancient and Modern Technology
Ancient and Modern
B. Classical Civilization and the Modern World
Science
B. Social Sciences: 4 units
C. Ancient Thought & Its Modern Legacy
A. Environmental Geology of Developing Nations
Climate Change in the
B. Dynamics of Change in the Developing World
Modern World
C. Humanities: 4 units
C. Cultural Impact of Urban Development
A. Technological Aspects of Global Climate Change
Current Perspective: The
B. Social Effects of World Pollution
Global Environment
C. Environmental Impacts on Health and Nutrition
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
Foundation/Core Courses: 12-units
-TCED 154: OSHA Workplace Safety Standards: 4-units
-ECON 154: Applied Personal And Business Finances: 4-units
-ENGL 154 Applied Communication Skills and Practices: 4-units
Tracks
Technical Track: 21-units
- Advanced Engine Design & Performance: 3-units (Prereqs:
AUTO 160, MATH 160, PHY 120)
Entrepreneurial Track: 21-units
-Dealership and Manufacturer Management: 3-units
(Prereqs: MATH 130, ENGL 201)
-Advanced Powertrain Systems: 3-units (Prereqs: AUTO 220,
AUTO 230, MATH 160, PHY 120)
-Corporate Sales Management: 3-units (Prereqs: MATH
130, ENGL 201)
-Vehicle Systems Management Control: 3-units (Prereqs:
AUTO 140, AUTO 150, MATH 160, PHY 120)
-Organizational Theory and Behavior: 3-units (Prereqs:
MATH 130, ENGL 201)
-Advanced Vehicle Dynamics: 3-units (Prereqs: AUTO 200,
AUTO 210, MATH 160, PHY 120)
-Legal and Social Environment of Business: 3-units
(Prereqs: MATH 130, ENGL 201)
-Vehicle Occupant Safety and Comfort Systems: 3-units
(Prereqs: AUTO 240, MATH 160, PHY 120)
-Business and Managerial Finances 3-units
(Prereqs: MATH 130, ENGL 201)
-Hydraulics and Fluid Power: 3-units (Prereqs: MATH 160,
PHY 120)
-Sales and Marketing Strategies and Techniques 3-units
(Prereqs: MATH 130, ENGL 201)
-Tech 499 Directed Studies: 3 units
-Tech 499 Directed Students: 3 units
Note: An advisory composed of industry representatives, general education, and CTE faculty will
collaborate in the development of all upper division major and elective courses. This is a draft, and
additional courses need to be added to meet the 120 units requirement for a bachelor’s degree.
All upper division (300-400 level) courses will be developed in accordance with
CSU Curriculum Guidelines and taught by faculty members who possess a Master’s
degree or higher. The upper division courses will include project assignments for
students throughout the discipline course work, including a TECH 499 “Capstone” class,
designed as a Senior Project/Directed Studies course.
g) Timeline for Program Planning, Implementation, Accreditation Approval, and
Degree Completion
The table below depicts the timeline for program planning, implementation,
requisite accreditation approval, and degree completion of Rio Hondo’s proposed ATD.
Program Planning & Approval
Implementation & Degree Completion
Spring Start curriculum development of
upper division classes; start
2015 marketing campaign.
RHC course approval; submit to
Chancellor’s Office for approval;
students enroll in lower division
classes/Ed Plans completed.
Spring Build two year upper division class
2016 schedule.
Fall
2015
8
Spring
2017
Upper and lower division classes
are offered.
Fall
2017
Upper and lower division classes
are offered.
Spring
2018
Upper and lower division classes
are offered.
BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT/INSTITUTIONAL COMMITMENT
a) College/District Accreditation Status/Program Accreditation
Rio Hondo College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for
Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and
Colleges (WASC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and U.S. Department of Education.
Beginning with the Application for Reaffirmation of Accreditation: Self Evaluation 2014,
submitted in July 2014, the most recent comprehensive review of the educational quality
and institutional effectiveness of Rio Hondo College is nearly finalized. An evaluation
team visited in late September/early October 2014. ACCJC will deliver its final report on
Rio Hondo’s accreditation status in spring 2015. During the previous accreditation cycle,
Rio Hondo submitted its Application for Reaffirmation of Accreditation in 2008, with
subsequent follow-up, midterm, and annual reports to ACCJC.
The award-winning Rio Hondo Automotive Program is also accredited by the
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), a nationally
recognized independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization established to improve the
quality of automotive technician training programs nationwide at secondary and postsecondary, public and proprietary schools.
b) College and District Long-term Effective and Stable Fiscal Management
Rio Hondo College practices effective oversight of finances in all areas, including
grants, financial aid, associated student body funds, and other auxiliary funds. The
College adheres to established board policies and administrative procedures for
financial planning and budget development. Appropriate internal controls are in place.
Management of financial resources is under the direction of Vice President of Finance
and Business, Myeshia Armstrong, in conjunction with Superintendent/ President
Teresa Dreyfuss.
Rio Hondo College complies with Government Audit Standards and the California
School Accounting Manual and consistently receives positive audits, which confirms
that fiscal management processes and procedures are sound and appropriate business
and accounting practices are being followed. Annual independent audits of the College
for the last six years have been submitted with positive, unqualified opinions. Last
month, the ACCJC accreditation evaluation team offered a “Commendation” to Rio
Hondo as follows:
“The College has demonstrated sound financial effectiveness for its yearly
operations. This fiscal stewardship is an especially noteworthy accomplishment
in light of substantial multi-year economic challenges California community
colleges have faced.”
As a result of effective long-term planning and strict fiscal control of revenue and
expenses, the District’s financial resources are sufficient to support student learning
programs and services—including the proposed baccalaureate degree in Automotive
Technology. During the recent economic downturn and severe budget reduction, the
College has been able to avoid any cash borrowing. More importantly, the District did
not lay off personnel or institute furloughs or salary reductions. This was a clear
demonstration of the District’s fiscal solvency and ability to simultaneously allocate
sufficient revenue to support educational improvements and institutional effectiveness.
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
c) Program Administration and Support Staff with Time Allocation
The Board of Trustees, as well as the Superintendent/President of Rio Hondo
Community College District, Teresa Dreyfuss, offer their full support and commitment to
the Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Degree (ATD) program. The
program will be under the administrative leadership of Vice President of Academic
Affairs, Dr. Kenn Pierson, who reports directly to the Superintendent/President. Dr.
Pierson will allocate approximately 5% of his time to help develop and implement the
program.
The ATD program will be housed in the Division of Career and Technical
Education (CTE) under the direct supervision of Mike Slavich, Dean of both CTE and
Instructional Operations. Depending on the stage of program development and
implementation, Dean Slavich will allocate 10-20% of his time to ensure that the
program is managed and executed according to appropriate standards and
requirements. CTE faculty member Steve Tomory will serve as the Program Director,
dedicating approximately 20% release time to the pilot program and reporting directly to
Dean Slavich.
The District will assign qualified faculty and support staff with necessary teaching
and/or occupational experience, training, educational background, and understanding of
baccalaureate degree programs to provide instruction and services to support student
learning. All faculty members teaching upper division courses will have Masters and/or
Doctorate degrees (see subsection e for the organizational chart indicating
administrative and instructional support staff time allocations).
d) Successful Programs Similar to the Proposed Baccalaureate Degree Program
Housed within the Division of CTE are the Civil Design Technology and Heavy
Equipment Technology (formerly known as Heavy Equipment Maintenance, or HEM)
programs. They are examples of successful programs implemented at Rio Hondo
College which provide a seamless transition through a four-year degree program.
Originally funded by Industry-Driven Regional Collaborative (IDRC) grants, both of
these baccalaureate-articulated associate degree and certificate programs are
institutionalized with fully developed curricula and full-time faculty dedicated to the
programs.
e) Organizational Chart for the Pilot Program
The following organizational chart reflects administrative and support staff
associated with the ATD program. Names reflect individuals currently filling positions
and are subject to change. Time allocations may change according to the stage of
program implementation.
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
RESOURCES
a) Funding for Planning and Support of the Program
The proposed Rio Hondo Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Degree
(ATD) program enjoys full support from the Board of Trustees, administration, and
Academic Senate of the Rio Hondo Community College District. This support is based
on the continued success of the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and
its award-winning Automotive Technology training programs, which have earned
recognition for Rio Hondo as a certified Training Center by the National Automotive
Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), California Automotive Business Coalition’s
Automotive Technician Training Standards (ATTS), and Honda Professional Automotive
Career Training Program (PACT).
Rio Hondo’s commitment to the success of the proposed ATD program is also
demonstrated through its initial and continued financial and resource support, which has
leveraged district, state, and federal funds to provide exemplary facilities and address
administrative and student services staffing requirements. Rio Hondo’s proposed ATD
will make use of recent facility upgrades, expansion, and capital improvements that
have been supported by $245 million District capital bond funds and additional $100
million of state facilities matching funds. Required curriculum and professional
development support for the ATD program’s faculty and staff will be underwritten by
new, pending, or continuing program support through grants from the National Science
Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Education, California Energy
Commission, and California Community College Chancellor’s Office, as well as industry
support from the American Honda Foundation, Southern California Automobile Dealers
Association, Southern California Edison, The Quinn Foundation, and the Rio Hondo
Foundation. The ATD program’s sustaining and annual operating costs will be
generated from student tuition and state apportionment after the initial start-up period.
A faculty member assigned as program director for the proposed ATD program
will write curriculum based on input from the following constituents: industry partners
and advisory boards which include members from industry and California State
University (CSU) staff and faculty. Individuals serving as Sector and Deputy Sector
Navigators from California Community Colleges’ “Doing What Matters for Jobs and the
Economy” will be involved in the ATD development process. Courses will be developed
in accordance with CSU’s curriculum outline for upper division “new-course”
development, each course proposal clearly defining the course’s role in the proposed
ATD program and how the course differs from lower division courses and allows for
evaluation of specified objectives. Developed curriculum will then follow the established
curriculum approval process. After all course work has been approved for the proposed
ATD degree, the program will be submitted to ACCJC for substantive change approval.
b) Availability of Discipline-Prepared Faculty and Student Support Services
The CTE division employs ten full-time faculty members, two of whom will serve
as primary discipline professors for the ATD program. John Frala is Professor of
Automotive Technology with expertise in hybrid/electric/fuel cell vehicles, Clean Cities
Educator, and a committee member of Governor Brown’s “Green Team.” Steve Tomory
is program chair of Automotive Technology, specializing in California Smog Technician
Training, Electrical/Electronics, Fuel and Drivability, Advanced Emissions, and course
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
implementation of technician training programs. Among all CTE faculty is a median of
18 years of subject-matter-relevant, post-secondary teaching experience, and an
average of 15+ years of real-world industry experience. CTE also draws from a pool of
15 experienced adjunct faculty members and a staff of administrators, career
counselors, program managers, lab technicians, and instructional assistants.
Three additional professors from other divisions will join the two Automotive
Technology professors as an integral part of the instructional team for upper division
class offerings and curriculum development:
Faculty
John Frala, M.A.
Vann Priest, Ph.D.
Steve Tomory, M.A.
Adam, Wetsman, J.D., Ph.D.
Jon Whitford, D.B.A, PMP
Title
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Upper Division Area
Automotive Technology
Sciences and Mathematics
Automotive Technology
Social Sciences
Business and Management
Faculty members from other degree-aligned associate programs will indirectly
support Rio Hondo’s proposed ADT program, including Advanced Engine Performance;
Alternative Energy Technology; Alternative Fuels/Advanced Transportation Technology;
Automotive Collision Repair; Automotive Technology; Business Administration;
Business Management and Supervision; Business Marketing; Electronics; Engineering
Design; Heavy Equipment Technology; Honda PACT Program; Logistics Management;
and Small Business/Entrepreneurialism. Primary student services support will come
from designated counselors and articulation officer.
c) Description of Facilities and Equipment
The main facility relevant to Rio Hondo’s proposed ATD program is Rio Hondo’s
Applied Technology Building, a 40,000 square-foot building recently renovated and
expanded to meet the curriculum requirements for training forward-thinking applied
technology students. New equipment was recently installed, including dynamometers,
component test equipment, and vertical lifts, as well as welding, painting, and engine
performance diagnostic units. The completed facility now provides capacity to train
students in alternative fuel technologies, such as hybrid, electric, and (in the near future)
hydrogen-powered vehicles. The facilities, labs, tooling, and instructional aids and
equipment appropriate to the proposed ATD program are equal to or exceed the similar
capabilities of CSU programs that offer Industrial Technology degree programs.
d) Evidence of Program Success with Identified Resources
The tools for the ATD program’s success will be derived from various institutional
plans and processes that will assure the program’s viability, including the Educational
Master Plan, Facilities Master Plan (FMP), Technology Master Plan (TMP), Student
Success and Support Program, Academic Senate, and the annual program planning
process overseen by the Office of Institutional Research and Planning (IRP), which also
assists faculty and staff in accessing data for accreditation, program review, grants, and
federal and state reporting. IRP will establish “LinkedIn” and “Twitter” social media
accounts for the ATD program’s enrolled students and graduates to track and advise of
job opportunities, update student occupation status, and solicit program feedback and
evaluation.
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BA Pilot Program Application - Automotive Management - Rio Hondo College School District
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