2009 Performance Accountability Report Vol. 2 - Maryland Higher ...

Explanation Required
Response to Commission Questions
Occupational Program Associate Degrees and Credit Certificates Awarded – Data Processing
(Indicator 19b)
MHEC expressed concern that in FY 06, 49 data processing awards were granted, but
that dropped in FY 07 to 36. This is well below the college’s benchmark of 50 awards in this
area by FY 2010. It should be noted that in FY 08 the number of degrees and certificates in
information system technology (data processing) increased by 13 to 49, an increase of 36%.
As an institutional priority for FY 10, the College will study low enrollment programs
that have high marketplace demand, but few students. The goal is to increase enrollments in
under-subscribed programs. This initiative will develop an action plan to create a more effective
integration of enrollment management and academic advising to better match students to
programs that more closely correspond to their interests and academic capabilities.
Enrollment in noncredit basic skills and literacy courses (Indicator 30a)
MHEC expressed concern that in FY 2007 the unduplicated annual headcount enrollment
in basic skills and literacy courses was 769, down from 852 in FY 2006. The college’s
benchmark is 1,000.
An important component of the College’s mission to provide adult learners with basic
skills (Indicator 30), including reading, writing and mathematics to increase their literacy rates
and/or to prepare them further educational/vocational training (State Plan: Goals 1 and 5).
Though this number decreased to 737 in FY 08, the number of annual course enrollments
increased by 9% over FY 08, indicating that enrollees are taking more courses, with significant
gains in this area. The College will continue to study reasons for the decline in unduplicated
headcount and take actions accordingly. In FY 10, the College will begin to shape and expand its
programs that integrate literacy education with job training to serve a large and growing segment
of the local population who cannot succeed without HCC’s assistance.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND IMPACT
As a partner in economic development of the region, HCC educates and trains a
significant portion of the regional workforce. Strong partnerships with business and industry
support the College’s ability to offer degrees and certificates to meet specific needs of
employers.
In the implementation of its mission and in support of Goal 5 of the State Plan,
Hagerstown Community College partners with government, business and industry in a variety of
ways to develop flexible credit and continuing education programs that are responsive to the
educational and training needs of the College’s service area. Though the area is largely service
industry based and is a major transportation hub in the mid-Atlantic region, the county and city
economic development commissions are pursuing technology-oriented companies with highskill,
high-wage jobs to locate in Washington County. The addition last year of 11 wet labs to the
Technical Innovation Center (TIC) greatly enhanced Washington County’s ability to attract and
grow the life science industry in Western Maryland. This provides synergy between the
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