Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 5 of The Illinois Commitment
Assessment and Curricular Involvement
Coyne American Institute
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
Coyne American Institute’s success depends on the independent assessment of the quality of its programs and
the constant, thoughtful improvement of the curricula.
Description of the effective practice:
To assure the quality of these programs, Coyne American Institute utilizes “Program Advisory Committees”
(PAC). A Program Advisory Committee is a group of individuals with experience and expertise representing a
cross-section of a particular occupational field. The primary purpose of the PAC is to help the Institute ensure
that its training and equipment are current and relevant to occupational practices and requirements. The
Committee is used to communicate the occupational needs of the community in which the school is located in
order to ensure that the school’s students are taught the skills required by employers.
Under the direction of the Director and Director of Education, and with input from the Program Advisory
Committee, and the instructional staff, these programs are required to undergo a curriculum review annually
conducted by faculty and Program Advisory Committee members. The program’s curriculum, objectives,
learning outcomes, textbooks, course outlines, prerequisite structure, etc. are examined and recommendations
for changes are submitted to the Director and Director of Education for review, approval, and implementation.
The Director of Education has the responsibility of overseeing the programs at all campuses, assisted by the site
Director. There are monthly departmental meetings which faculty attend and matters of concern or questions
are discussed. One of the important topics at these meetings is the formal plan of assessment which is required
of all academic departments and programs. Assessment activities, results, and subsequent changes are overseen
by the Director of Education and School Director who establishes deadlines for reports and review plans.
The Institute’s Program Advisory Committee will participate with the School Director, Director of Education
and faculty at formal semi-annual meetings at the Institute and meetings periodically throughout the year as
needed. Advisory Committee members advise on matters of curriculum, industry changes and needs, and
employment trends. Through Advisory Committee participation, the Institute utilizes the expertise and
independent input from professionals in the field. This enhances the school’s ability to meet the needs of
students and employers by addressing technological and occupational changes as they occur.
How does this practice achieve sustainability?
Coyne American Institute conducts program reviews in order to maintain its good standing with the accrediting
commission. The changes in the professions and increased responsibilities to the employers and the community
require constant internal and external curricular review and improvement.
What are the results/measurable outcomes?
Successful completion of our re-accreditation review is a direct measurement of this practice. Furthermore,
increased student population, placement rates, certification pass rates, and ultimately, the employment success
of graduates will measure the long-term effect of the internal and external curricular reviews.
Contact Information
Name: John Mueller
Email: lmueller@coyneamerican.edu
Phone: (773) 577-8100
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