WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

Pre- and post-tests have been used in developmental writing courses and in all reading courses for
several years. Staff members at the Writing Center have developed writing exercises in order to
ascertain value-added learning and exit competency by comparing an entry and exit writing.
Indirect indications of how the institution values instructor preparation, the institutional focus on
learning, and the recognition of teaching excellence can be seen in places like faculty and student
surveys, salary systems, educational benefits, job descriptions, and recognition/reward
opportunities. Through these methods, instructors realize that teaching and learning is their
primary job function at WNCC.
Teaching and Learning Surveys
During the 2008 fall semester, a Value and Support of Effective Teaching (VSET) survey
developed by the Criterion 3B committee of the self-study project team, including representatives
from faculty and staff across all three campuses, was made available to 72 full-time faculty and 85
part-time faculty members. The VSET committee members were responsible for identifying key
areas of concern to investigate, administering the survey, conducting the data analysis, interpreting
the results, and making them publicly available. (RR 72)
Even though the response rate was low, the College’s support for excellence in teaching is
recognized by faculty responses to the VSET when 85% of the full-time faculty members (22 of the
26 responding) and 78% of part-time faculty members (14 of 18 responding) believe WNCC values
and supports effective teaching. Other results of the VSET survey are as follows:
1. 65% of the full-time faculty members report being encouraged to explore methods to
enrich student learning, such as internships, educational partnerships, and other activities
2. 33% of the part-time faculty members report being encouraged to explore methods to
enrich student learning such, as internships, educational partnerships, and other activities
3. 58% full-time faculty report being evaluated in the last two years
4. 61% of the part-time faculty report being evaluated in the last two years
5. 85% of the full-time faculty members (22 of 26) report that they believe that they have the
opportunity to participate in program development
Salary and Opportunities for Continuing Education
WNCC’s valuing of faculty is evidenced by the negotiated agreement and faculty salary schedule.
The WNCC faculty negotiates with the WCCA Board for employment conditions and salary
schedules through the Nebraska Western College Education Association (NWCEA). The salary
level remains commensurate with Nebraska community colleges.
Faculty members have a better insurance plan than other employees, and they are eligible for
additional incentives like driving-time compensation when they travel to another campus to deliver
instruction, and they have access to designated professional development funds. In addition, fullfaculty
members can take advantage of the per-credit-hour salary advancement available (six
hours of transcripted credit from an accredited institution earns a $750 increase to the base salary).
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Western Nebraska Community College