Program Analysis and Viability – February 3, 2009

Office of the President ~ M E M O R A N D U M
TO: College Community
FROM: Mildred W. Ollée, President
RE: Program Analysis and Viability – February 3, 2009

Three years ago, this college conducted its first-ever comprehensive analysis of all our programs and services. It was called the Program Analysis and Viability Study (PAVS) and it has served the college in many important ways. We learned that we needed considerable work on defining learning outcomes for each of our programs. Since 2006, we have made great strides in this area. We also have used PAVS data for curricula development and review, budget planning, and accreditation.

On President’s Day, I asked that you set aside one day during the quarter that would allow us to come together as a community of learners for professional development services. We will observe that day on Tuesday, Feb. 3. On that day, we will review and update our PAVS data. SVI will conduct its PAVS review on Feb. 2.

All college programs – instruction, student services, administration, and the President’s office, will be part of the analysis. All employees will have the opportunity to participate in the PAVS review. Moreover, the revision and update will be based on qualitative and quantitative data.

Some of you have expressed concerns about how this information may be utilized. The purpose of this PAVS review is to provide a compendium of information about the college – our own “Encyclopedia Britannica.” PAVS data is not intended as a tool to prioritize programs or services.

I urge each of you to participate fully in this PAVS review. Your voice in this revision is critical. I am encouraging faculty to give students an alternate assignment on Feb. 3 that does not include use of the computer labs so that we can have full participation of classified staff, faculty, and administration.
In summary:
• Faculty may opt to cancel their classes on Feb 3
• Offices should designate one person to answer the phone; all others may attend the in-service day.
• Library will remain open with minimal services.
• Computer labs will be closed until 3 p.m.
• Childcare service will have limited coverage for staff only.
• Food services – schedule TBA.

Part-time faculty who have a teaching assignment during the day are also encouraged and expected to attend. Our regular class schedule will resume after 4 p.m.

I want to thank Dr. Cherisa Yarkin, our executive director of strategic initiatives and institutional research, and her committee for its stellar work in bringing us to this juncture. They have given great consideration to the PAVS review and have made important improvements to the process, along with template revisions that you suggested.

Members of the PAVS committee are: Maria Azpitarte, Ona Canfield, Jaime Cardenas, Lexie Evans, Al Griswold, Ron Hamberg, Rebecca Hartzler, Betty L’Esperance, Wai-Fong Lee, Noël McBride, Bruce McKenna, Karen Michaelson, Crystina Mostad, Joan Ray, and Audrey Wright.

More information on PAVS, including a complete agenda for Feb. 3, will come to you shortly. I personally read each PAVS report that was submitted three years ago and found then to be insightful and thoughtfully prepared. I am looking forward to the new information that will be gleaned from this year’s review.