Annual Program Plan―2015-2016 Department Chemistry Discipline or Program on which this plan focuses Date I. February 4, 2015 Version number 3 Program Description The chemistry department serves a role as a service department, providing coursework necessary for other departments in the college- primarily life sciences, nursing, preveterinary, engineering and animal health technology. The primary role of chemistry and these other departments, except nursing, is to prepare students for transfer to university to major primarily in science, engineering or preprofessional studies. The vast majority of our coursework supports this role. Chemistry 51, a survey course, serves as an Allied Health preparation course that is required for entry into several registered nursing (RN) programs, including our own (although Chemistry 60 can also serve this role). Several years ago, as a result of a STEM grant, the department developed and began offering Chemistry 34- EPA Laboratory Methods, to support 2 new certificate programs in the area of environmental sciences. One such certificate was issued to a student this past year. All chemistry courses include a laboratory component, which is where students receive hands-on training in the techniques and instrumentation of the discipline. Most classes (except 34 and 51) also include a discussion/workshop component, typically held in our studio room (2026) which serves primarily to provide a collaborative learning environment for students with practice in problem solving strategies and usage of the terminology and symbolism of our subject. Most of our coursework is sequential (60 101 102 211 212, 221) and the chemistry sequence requires a mathematic prerequisite(s). We have been offering classes for three years now in the new Center for Sciences facility. The design of the building has served our needs very well. The laboratories are modern, spacious and well equipped resulting in a much safer and more effective teaching environment. They have been designed for fewer students than our old building, 31 stations in preparatory and first year classes and 22 stations for second year classes (although initial enrollments are higher). To try to maintain productivity, most of our classes are offered as double or triple sections. The 2 lecture halls that chemistry uses (91125 and 91126) are designed to be large enough to accommodate these numbers. Our Studio Room (92026), a new space, is where the discussion sections of most classes are scheduled and they are always single sections. It provides a seating set up flexible enough to accommodate a variety of teaching and learning modes. This format leads to instructors having smaller student numbers when they are involved in interactive activities with their students: in laboratory and discussion environments. Our laboratory program, especially the second year, is heavily dependent on instrumentation. Our instrumentation room (92023), which is adjacent to the advanced laboratory room, contains a variety of instruments available for direct student use. This gives our students a distinct advantage over those students taking similar courses at other community colleges and universities, where such use 2015-2016 Annual Academic Program Plan Form Draft/May 16, 2014 2 I. Program Description is less available. Upkeep of this equipment along with the preparation and distribution of the many chemicals and other supplies needed for experiments is a very labor intensive activity that requires the work of 2 full-time chemistry lab technicians with the help of faculty. The department’s faculty takes advantage of the modern instructional technology equipment provided in our new building. In order to upgrade our equipment, smartboards were recently installed in the 2 lecture halls we use and in the studio room. Many instructors are now using these. II. Assessment of 2014-2015 Annual Goals Provide an assessment of 2014-2015 Annual Goals. List any continuing goals in Section VII. Goal Achieved Continuing Discarded A. Determine alternate ways to raise money for departmental needs. B. Evaluate the role that online tutorial/HW systems have on the success of our students. x C. Bring the “add-on” CFS project under budget and start its implementation. x D. Increase the percent of hours taught by full time faculty. E. Make use of the Internet as a feedback tool during class time. x F. Continue to upgrade the quality and effectiveness of our program. x G. Obtain curriculum committee approval for a DE form of Chemistry 101 and offer it in the summer of 2014. x x x (Press tab for additional rows.) III. Curriculum Changes During 2014-2015 Academic Year List any new programs and/or certificates OR changed programs and/or certificates approved by the Curriculum Committee during the 2014-2015 academic year. Check A. whether they are New or Changed, and provide the date they were approved by the Curriculum Committee. 1 New Changed Approval Date 2 3 (Press tab for additional rows.) 3 B. List any new, updated, or changed courses approved by the Curriculum Committee during the 2013-2014 academic year. Provide the course number and the course title. 1 Received curriculum approval for a DE form of Chem 101 New Check All That Apply. Distance Updated Honors Education x x Approval Date 4/14 2 3 4 5 6 (Press tab for additional rows.) C. IV. Course Outlines of Record 1 Number of courses in discipline or department 8 2 Number of courses that have been updated since 2008 (CORs must be updated every 6 years) 8 3 Number of courses that require updating during 2015-2016 to maintain currency 8 Progress in the Student Learning Outcomes Cycle A. Learning Outcomes Development and Assessment Status Total 1. Number of courses in discipline or department 8 2. Number of courses with approved SLOs on the COR 8 3. Number of degrees and state-approved certificates in the discipline/department (If zero, please go to A.6.) 4. Number of degrees and state-approved certificates with program-level outcomes (PLOs) developed 5. Number of degrees and state-approved certificates with PLOs developed and courses mapped to the PLOs B. 6. Number of courses mapped to one or more General Education Learning Outcomes 8 Outcomes Assessment Results 1. Provide a narrative describing the significant findings from the course- and program-level outcomes assessed in 2014-2015. Place your narrative in the expandable row below. In general, students from our classes showed mixed success in meeting the benchmarks set for SLOs assessed in the 2014-15 4 IV. Progress in the Student Learning Outcomes Cycle academic year. Part of this mixed success we feel is due to insufficient practice in solving problems related to the material. Our sequential courses (60 to 221) all include a one or two hour “workshop” session each week during which the focus is primarily on problem solving. This session is designed to provide such practice under the supervision of the faculty. This time is spent by some instructors having students work on the on-line homework packages included with the textbook through the Internet. 2. Provide a narrative describing any steps taken or changes made as the result of these findings. Place your narrative in the expandable row below. It is recognized that many students benefit from doing tutorials, homework and assessment online where they can receive immediate feedback, review and hints to help them solve problems. The online format is one that many students are comfortable with and enjoy engaging in which means they will spend more time on task. The textbooks that the department is currently using were chosen to some degree because of the quality of their online systems (Mastering Chemistry and OWL). Such systems can be used to assign homework and tutorials that can be automatically recorded and graded, a very time consuming task if it needed to be done by the instructor by hand. More instructors are requesting that students complete these assignments as part of the course requirement and including the results in the overall grade. We do not have any hard data on whether the use of these systems results in greater success, but there is anecdotal evidence to that effect and the department plans to do a more thorough study of its benefits. 3. Provide a narrative that describes additional steps to be taken as the result of the findings, including any needed resources required to address shortcomings in student performance. Place your narrative in the expandable row below and specify any resource requests in Items X through XIV. For on-line systems to be used effectively during class time, reliable and robust wireless Internet access is essential in the rooms of CFS. Currently the reliability of the Wi-Fi system in CFS is inadequate and needs to be improved. V. External Influences (Environmental Scans) A. Report on course articulation status (from ASSIST or articulation officer) How many of your courses are transferable to CSU or UC? Of these courses, how many are articulated with CSU or UC? All All Do you have an approved or in process Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for your discipline? If so, name of TMC: if so, please provide approval status: B. Provide relevant labor market data supporting demand for the program (if applicable) 5 V. VI. External Influences (Environmental Scans) C. Describe Advisory Committee input (if applicable, including date of last meeting) D. Discuss other pertinent data (such as interactions with four-year institutions, concepts derived from professional conferences and journals, outcomes from district discipline committee meetings, emerging technologies, input from adjunct faculty, agreements with high schools or regional occupational programs, etc.) Data Sets Provided by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (Research Office) Please discuss any longitudinal trends within your program or the relation to college averages in these areas: changes in enrollment, FTES, section offerings, and FTES/FTEF; success and retention rates; degrees and certificates awarded (especially if few awards are made each year); and full-time/part-time faculty ratios. Included in the data sets are the Benchmarks and Goals for success and retention. If the most current success and retention rates fall below the Benchmarks, please discuss ways in which your program will address these areas. Please discuss ways in which your program hopes to meet the Goals in the coming year. Pierce College Mission Statement and Values Pierce College is a student-centered learning institution that offers opportunities for access and success in a diverse college community. The college dedicates its resources to assist students in identifying and achieving their educational, career, and personal goals. Our comprehensive curriculum and support services enable students to earn associate degrees and certificates, prepare for transfer, gain career and technical proficiency, and develop basic skills. We serve our community by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, economic and workforce development, and a variety of enrichment activities. Pierce College values: Student success and engagement A student-centered environment conducive to learning Freedom to think, dialogue, and collaborate Commitment to excellence Access and opportunity Service to our communities Enrichment through diversity 6 VII. 2015-2016 Annual Goals Based on the Pierce College Mission Statement and the Strategic Master Plan (Distinguish between goals and the resources required to achieve these goals.) Provide an action plan for achieving each goal. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Master Plan goal addressed → Strat. Plan A. Assessment of the effectiveness of online homework D1a B. Provide better counseling for STEM students A1b,A3a,b C. Increase the success and retention rates of our students A1b,A3a,b D. Make more effective use of technology in our curriculum D 3,4,5 (Press tab for additional rows.) Return to X, Human Resources VIII. Return to XI, Equipment/Software Return to XIV, Other Resources Planned Curriculum Changes List planned curriculum changes (new and/or modified courses, degrees, and certificates) that will be submitted to the curriculum committee during the 2015-2016 academic year. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Plan Objective addressed →Strat. Plan A. Follow through on the ATD for chemistry A1c,d B. Obtain state approval for our Environmental Technician Certificate. A1a C. D. IX. Long-Range Educational Goals (3–4 Years) Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Plan Objective addressed →Strat. Plan A. Offer more sections of chemistry to meet the demand for students entering STEM careers and to make more efficient use of our facilities. A1b,A3a,b B. Continue to evaluate and develop ways to help improve the retention and success rates in chemistry classes. A1b,A3a,b C. D. (Press tab for additional rows.) 7 X. Additional Human Resources Needed to Implement Annual Program Goals in Section VII―Faculty, Staff, Student Workers, and Others Describe additional specific human resources required. Provide a comprehensive justification based on annual program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed. A. Faculty 1. Adjunct hours for STEM counseling Cost Annual Goal $15,000 B,C 2. LTS for 2015-6 academic year (to replace Alex sabbatical) $40,000 C (Press tab for additional rows.) B. Classified Staff 1. 3 hours per week of a joint CFS secretary Cost Annual Goal C 2. (Press tab for additional rows.) C. Student Workers/Tutors/Assistant Coaches 1. 4 student workers @ 12 hours/week during each regular semester Cost Annual Goal $7200 C 2. (Press tab for additional rows.) H D. Professional Experts/Contracts/Others E. Scheduled Overtime/Sub and Relief 1. Cost Annual Goal (Press tab for additional rows.) Cost Annual Goal 2. (Press tab for additional rows.) 8 XI. Additional Equipment and Software Needed to Implement Program Goals List additional/replacement equipment needed for the 2015-2016 academic year. Place all items in priority order. Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed. A. Purchases Item and Justification Annual Goal Cost 1. 3 top loading balances: needed to replace broken equipment C $800 2. 3 analytical balances: needed to replace broken equipment $3000 C 3. Projector: needed to provide a replacement when a current projector is nonfunctional (joint request) $3000 C 4. 5 Variac temperature controllers: used to regulate heating mantles $1000 C 5. Mini gas chromatograph, accessories and software $3000 C (Press tab for additional rows.) B. Leases Item and Justification Cost Annual Goal 1. 2. (Press tab for additional rows.) C. Maintenance Agreements Item and Justification Cost 1. Yearly maintenance of NMR; needed to support classes in organic chemistry $1000 Annual Goal C 2. General equipment maintenance contract: to maintain expensive instructional equipment in working order ? C 3. Contract (A plus) for the repair and maintenance of in-class instructional technology equipment. ? D 2. Deionized water maintenance (ongoing) $3600 C (Press tab for additional rows.) D. Repairs Item and Justification Cost Annual Goal 9 D. Repairs Item and Justification 1. Fan installation for ICP unit: needed to provide proper venting for the instrument (fan has been purchased) Cost Annual Goal ? C 2. (Press tab for additional rows.) E. List additional/updated software needed during 2015-2016—OTHER THAN MICROSOFT OFFICE AND ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE. Place all items in priority order. Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed. Item, Number of Licenses, New or Renewal, and Justification Cost Annual Goal 1. 2. 3. 4. ge (Press tab for additional rows.) XII. Supplies Budget Needed to Implement Program Goals Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Categories of Items and Justification 1. Cost 5% increase in current budget to account for inflation $1400 2. 3. 4. (Press tab for additional rows.) XIII. Facilities A. Describe any new facilities or additional classrooms (leased or built) required to implement program goals. Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. 10 XIII. Facilities B. Describe any improvements, alterations, and technological upgrades required for existing facilities to implement program goals. Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. 1) Ever since the opening of Center for Sciences in 2011 there have been a number of problems in our laboratories that have kept our operations from functioning smoothly. These include many of the deionized water faucets and electrical outlets, which are not functional. Requests have been put in numerous times however they are still not working. With up to 35 students being accommodated in each lab room, these deficiencies can hinder the smooth operation of the laboratory. 2) Now that we are going on the fourth year of operation of our instructional technology equipment, we are beginning to see some malfunctions that are due either to simple wear and tear or the lack of proper maintenance or both. This equipment has become an essential component of the teaching and learning process to many faculty and when it is not working properly this imposes a severe burden. Faculty have come to rely on this equipment and valuable class time is lost when there are problems. The existence of a maintenance contract with A+ has helped to correct some of these problems, but given that scheduling appointments requires days and sometimes weeks, the faculty have had to endure without functional classroom presentation equipment. The inability of our own college staff to respond quickly enough when a problem arises has left us with no alternative but to wait. 3) Upgrade Wi-Fi system to be functional in all rooms of CFS. This may require installation of more hubs and other unknown equipment. Ready access to the Internet is needed more and more by science students. Online homework is being assigned by more instructors and students are working these assignments during classes, office hours, labs and tutoring sessions here in the CFS facility. This access must be reliable and robust and allow the potential for all students in a room to have simultaneous access to the Internet via Wi-Fi. 4) Implement an emergency system of communication in CFS. XIV. Other Additional Resources Needed to Implement Program Goals Include costs for student transportation related to educational programs, required insurance payments, and organizational memberships. Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed. Item and Justification Cost Annual Goal (Press tab for additional rows.) 11 XV. Consolidated Priority Listing From the requests listed in Sections X (except full-time faculty), XI, and XIV, prioritize the items in the order you wish the Resource Advisory Task Force to consider them. 1. Contract (A plus) for the repair and maintenance of in-class instructional technology equipment. 2. 3 top loading balances: needed to replace broken equipment 3. 3 analytical balances: needed to replace broken equipment 4. Yearly maintenance of NMR; needed to support classes in organic chemistry 5. Projector: needed to provide a replacement when a current projector is nonfunctional (joint request) 6. 5 Variac temperature controllers: used to regulate heating mantles 7. Fan installation for ICP unit: needed to provide proper venting for the instrument (fan has been purchased) Mini gas chromatograph, accessories and software (Press tab for additional rows.) Additional Comments or Information: Insert additional comments or information here: 12 Pierce College Strategic Master Plan 2014–2017 Return to VII, Annual Goals Return to VIII, Curriculum Return to IX, Long-Range Goals A. Engaging the Completion Agenda A1. Increase student completion of degrees, certificates, and college transfer requirements A1a. A1b. A1c. A1d. A1e. Increase student completion of associate degrees and Certificates of Achievement Increase the number of students who complete transfer requirements for the state universities and University of California Increase the number of Transfer Model Curricula (TMCs) in disciplines offered by the college by 2015 Approve Transfer Model Curriculum in areas of emphasis by 2016 Develop and implement a completion marketing campaign to focus on the importance of obtaining a degree, a certificate, or transfer preparation A2. Increase number of entering students who complete the matriculation process during the first semester A2a. A2b. A2c. A2d. Increase the number of new students completing assessment Increase the number of new students completing orientation Increase the number of new students completing an educational plan Increase the percent of new students who persist to the end of their first year and successfully complete 15 units A3. Increase the long-term persistence rate of students A3a. A3b. A3c. A3d. Increase the percentage of students who complete 30 units in three years Increase the percentage of students who complete 60 units in three years Increase the percentage of students who complete English 101 and Math 125 within three years Increase the percentage of students who complete English 101 and Math 125 within six years A4. Ensure equitable access to education—increase the percentage of eligible students receiving financial aid B. Demonstrating Accountability The first six goals in this category relate to Administrative Services functions and are not necessarily within the purview of Academic Affairs B7. Continue to meet FTES base and attempt to grow the college’s student FTES enrollment to 2006 levels and then 5% per year B7a. B7b. B7c. B7d. B7e Continue to analyze enrollment trends and effective scheduling models Ensure access to essential courses Maintain/increase efficiency Increase the number and the type of evening sessions offered (currently 24% below Fall 2008) Restore an active college marketing campaign to attract students who may have been lost 13 C. Cultivating Partnerships C1. Develop and enhance revenues generated through grants, entrepreneurial ventures, and community partnerships C1a. Expand educational partnerships that bring community events and community members to the campus for educational, cultural, social, and recreational activities C1b. Create an enterprise task force that will consider ways to expand revenue-generating opportunities within future and existing operations including bookstore, facilities rentals, and food services C1c. Develop a self-funding grants program that will increase college revenue C2. Expand productive sustainable community alliances C2a. Create a database of financial and equipment needs that can be shared with potential donors C2b. Pursue financial, material, and collaborative resources through enterprise activities and fundraising to create a sustainable stable source of income C3. Foster partnerships with business and industry C3a. Increase advisory committee participation of local business and industry C3b. Increase number of employers to participate in job fairs C3c. Develop internship programs with business and industry partners to foster community relations D. Ensuring Student Success D1. Address the basic skills needs of underprepared students in developmental and introductory courses D1a. Gather student input about the challenges faced in introductory courses and use this information to inform the development of strategies and solutions D1b. Increase the number of new students successfully completing at least one English class and one math class during their first year D1c. Increase the number of new students who successfully complete their developmental sequence within two years (English 20, 21, 28) (Math 105, 110, 115) D2. Enhance customer service interfaces considering timely responses and quality of experience D3 Maintain a robust and reliable information technology infrastructure with current computing equipment for the entire college population D3a. Establish a wireless network on the campus in areas that are used regularly by faculty, staff, and students D3b. Ensure that existing infrastructure, systems, equipment, and software are maintained to accomplish daily operations in all functional areas of the college D3c. Provide comprehensive training programs for faculty and staff for smart classrooms and conference rooms D3d. Improve customer service responsiveness and satisfaction rates for faculty and staff using the College Maintenance Management System (CMMS) D3e Standardize audio visual equipment in all classrooms to provide uniform experience and training 14 D4 Support faculty and staff by maximizing the effective use of technology, enabling academic innovation in instructional delivery D4a Develop plans to improve course effectiveness by fully integrating innovative tools and delivery methods D4b Increase online class offerings D5 Provide a learner-centered environment that promotes active learning and student engagement D5a D5b D5c D5d Review and revise Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and assessment mechanisms Ensure active learning and applied knowledge and skills are examined through authentic assessment Create a professional development focus that emphasizes student active learning and engagement Create programs that promote student and faculty contact outside the classroom D6 Increase student awareness and use of student support services and programs D7 Increase student participation in Associated Student Organization (ASO) activities and shared-governance committees D8 Enhance opportunities for student involvement in cocurricular and extracurricular activities that will enrich campus life