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)
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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
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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.)
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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.)
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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
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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.
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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.)
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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:
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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
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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
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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