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5.1.3.p. Procedure: Southeastern Technical College Advisory Committees

Introduction

A program advisory committee provides expert support for each diploma/degree/certificate program. The expertise of the advisory committee will help the instructor of each program to improve program content and operation and to ensure up-to-date and quality instruction.

Advisory committees are required for the establishment and maintenance of up-to-date educational programs. Changes in technology, business, industry, and government have increased the need for effective communication between educational institutions, industry and community partners. Therefore, advisory committees of interested, competent, and concerned citizens are a vital means of involving the community in education.

Membership

Advisory committees must have a minimum of five members who possess specific occupational expertise and knowledge. Program advisory committees should maintain a base of experienced members while acquiring new members. When it becomes necessary to replace existing members or add new members, the advisory committee and program faculty shall submit their recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shall forward the name(s) to the College President. The names of those persons approved by the President shall be submitted to the Southeastern Technical College Board of Directors for approval.

Members who neither attend nor send a representative for two consecutive meetings may be removed from the committee. Former Southeastern Technical College students shall be encouraged to serve on advisory committees but, like all members, they should normally have a minimum of two years work experience in the field the program serves. Full or part-time faculty or staff may serve only as ex-officio, non-voting members of advisory committees.

Annually, the advisory committee shall elect a voting member to serve as chairperson. The chairperson shall preside at meetings, work closely with program faculty and College administration, plan agendas, call meetings, appoint subcommittees, and ensure that assigned committee tasks are completed.

The committee will also elect a secretary from its membership or ask a College representative to serve as secretary. The secretary shall make sure that adequate minutes are kept of each meeting and that the minutes and other important information is distributed to each committee member. The secretary shall also send a copy of the minutes to the Dean of Instruction responsible for the program/s, who will forward it to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The minutes shall be filed and made available for review whenever necessary.

Meetings

Advisory committees shall meet a minimum of two times annually on a scheduled basis.  At least 3 members must be present to conduct business. There may also be meetings of subcommittees, notice of which shall be given to all members of the advisory committee. Subcommittee meetings will not count as regular meetings.

Meeting dates and times for the year are determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A reminder should be sent to each member at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. A follow-up contact should be made to members a day or two before the meeting, if possible.

Election of officers shall be part of the agenda for the last meeting of each academic year (Spring meeting).  Each member should be given a copy of the school calendar at the first meeting each year.

Advisory Committee Guidelines

The advisory committee's role is purely advisory in nature. The committee will not be involved in administrative matters or policy making. An administrative representative, usually program faculty, will serve as liaison between the committee and the administration. Each advisory committee shall advise the College on the development, operations, and evaluation of the program(s) for which it is appointed.  Advisory committee members are charged with the following tasks:

I. General Requirements
  • Attend meetings regularly; participate in committee discussions and subcommittees when requested.
  • Carefully study any problems that come before the advisory committee.
  • Prepare annual programs of work with special emphasis on annual requirements within the responsibilities and functions of the committee.
  • Assist in developing strategic and operational plans with particular attention to the overall responsibilities and functions of the committee.
  • Submit annual recommendations regarding programmatic changes to the appropriate state level technical review committee.
  • Verify the range of remuneration that can reasonably be expected of entry-level employees.
  • Perform annual evaluations of the programs.

II. Determine Community Needs

The advisory committee shall assist in determining the following as needed:
  • The occupation(s) in greatest demand.
  • The jobs within an occupation for which training is needed.
  • The need for supplemental training and upgrading of skills for people already employed.
  • The number of graduates from occupational programs who might be needed for employment in the community.
  • New areas in which training should be developed.
  • Recommendations on the occupational programs to be established, modified, expanded, or discontinued.

III. Evaluate Program Structure/Content/Effectiveness

The advisory committee shall ensure that desirable, relevant, and current practices are being taught by evaluating and making recommendations for the following on at least an annual basis:
  • Mission of the College.
  • Program mission, goals, objectives, and learning outcomes.
  • Admissions requirements.
  • Program length.
  • Occupational, core, and elective courses.
  • Program delivery methods.
  • Occupation-based instruction, where applicable.
  • Instructional materials and tests.
  • Employability skills/Work ethics training.
  • Content of each course as it relates to the total curriculum.
  • Levels of skill development.
  • Emphasis given toward safety/developing respect for tools, equipment, and facilities.
  • Methods of student evaluation.
  • TCSG Warranty Policy.

IV. Evaluate Equipment and Facilities

The advisory committee shall evaluate and make recommendations for the following:
  • Adequacy/relevancy of equipment, materials, supplies, and facilities.
  • Equipment maintenance and/or replacement schedule.
  • Environmental conditions, including requirements for special-needs students.

V. Increase Job Opportunities/Student Placement

The advisory committee shall assist with the following:
  • Notify instructors or the College Placement Office of job openings.
  • Employ graduates.
  • Provide internship/externship/practicum opportunities to students, where applicable.

VI. Enhance Public Relations/Recruitment

The advisory committee shall assist in performing the following as needed:
  • Develop community awareness of the College facility, programs, and equipment.
  • Suggest ways to promote the College, through speaking engagements, newspaper, radio, television and other media.
  • Serve as guest speakers in the classroom.
  • Provide information to special populations in the local community, such as the disadvantaged, handicapped, etc.

Note: For programs with external accrediting agencies, additional advisory committee requirements may apply in order to comply with accreditation standards. STC will comply fully with any program accrediting agency's requirements for advisory committees for that program.

References
Exhibit: Institutional, General Program and Program Specific Standards

Adopted: June 25, 2009
Reviewed: August 15, 2016; August 20, 2018; August 19, 2019; August 10, 2020; August 16, 2021; August 23, 2023;
Revised: August 16, 2017;