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

As an indication of CSM’s commitment in this area, the college was honored with the 2008
Equity Award for the Northeast region by the Association of Community College Trustees for its
leadership in fostering an inclusive environment on campus and in the community for people of
color. The award cites CSM for its work in creating an environment where students and
employees of color have a strong sense of inclusion and feel valued.
Economic Growth and Vitality, Workforce Development
Developing and administering workforce preparation programs and courses that meet the
employment needs of the Southern Maryland/Washington Metropolitan area is a part of CSM’s
strategic plan. Workforce development and retention are, and most likely will continue to be, a
major challenge for the college and the communities it serves as the country navigates the
uncharted waters of economic turmoil and associated change. A Weekend College program was
launched a year ago to address the demands of working adults, and the number of online courses
and programs has steadily increased over the past three years to offer convenient opportunities
for learning. Recruiting efforts also include special open houses for non-traditional aged
students in the evenings and on weekends. Degrees in Data Processing, Engineering
Technology, and Health Sciences continue their upward trend, and are below benchmark. CSM
awarded more associate degrees in occupational program areas (Indicator 19) in 2008 than in
each of the preceding three years. Degrees awarded in both Business and Public Service exceed
the benchmark. One measure of CSM students’ learning at the program level is the standardized
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for licensure/certification in the nursing field
(Indicator 23). The CSM pass rate for LPN candidates of 100% is unchanged and meets the
benchmark. The pass rate for RN candidates rebounded from the 2007 rate and is within two
percentage points of meeting the 91% benchmark for this indicator.
Enrollment in non-credit workforce development courses (Indicator 24) has varied in the last
four years with an overall negative trend. In FY 2008 CSM saw a decline to 8,869 enrollments
from a four year high of 10,560 in FY 2005. Enrollment in Continuing Professional Education
leading to government or industry-related certification or licensure (Indicator 25) also increased
with enrollments increasing slightly in each of the years reported. CSM saw an increase of 1,686
enrollments over the period FY 2005 to FY 2008 and an increase of 855 unduplicated
headcounts, whereas actual enrollments declined by 44. Some of the increase in unduplicated
headcount could be credited to new partnerships CSM formed. The college is partnering with the
Southern Maryland Resource Center to offer Pre-Service Family child care modules. These
modules are now required for all new licensed home child care providers in the state of
Maryland. CSM has also developed a new partnership with The National Restaurant Association
Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to deliver courses related to restaurant management.
Recognizing the emerging crisis for the energy industry, CSM with its industry, education and
economic development partners created a comprehensive solution to address demands for
workers with operations, maintenance, and/or construction skills in three sectors: energy
generation (oil, gas, coal, nuclear, solar, wind); energy transmission/distribution; and energy
facility/utility construction. The College of Southern Maryland applied for and was awarded a
$1-million High Growth Job Training Initiative grant through the U.S. Department of Labor’s
Employment and Training Administration (ETA) in 2008. CSM was one of only 11 projects
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