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

Findings for Criterion 3
Strengths
1. The College’s role and mission remains centered upon teaching and learning.
2. The assessment initiative is widely known throughout the WNCC community, and
expectations are set for faculty utilization of measures, as well as analysis of results and
implementation of indicated changes.
3. The assessment initiative is supported by the administration, and a full-time faculty
member serves as Coordinator.
4. The Director of Online Learning and Services employs a “best practices” model that is
available to faculty members.
5. Professional development funds are available for continuing education, and faculty
members receive incentive pay for educational attainment.
6. For the most part, the College has adequate facilities for instructional areas and is
technologically sophisticated, and instructors are encouraged to improve the curriculum in
a variety of ways, including the granting of innovation awards and stipends.
7. Students have access to extensive support services such as counseling, tutoring, and
advising, and courses are offered in a variety of formats and through a variety of media.
8. The College supports innovation in instructional methodology by individual stipends for
curricular additions or improvements and through technological support.
9. The College offers and adequately supports unique vocational opportunities in the
Panhandle of Nebraska and the region in general.
10. Students leave WNCC prepared for success in the workforce and also at transfer
institutions, based upon effective learning environments and high learning expectations.
Challenges/Opportunities for Improvement
1. Not all faculty members participate fully in the assessment of student learning process
through all the stages of the cycle, including learning from feedback.
2. A comprehensive system to compile and analyze data on student learning and
performance tracking needs to be created and maintained so that data-informed decisions
can be made about programming, instructional effectiveness, and student competencies.
3. Access to all student services online is still difficult in a few instances, such as the ability to
register for classes the first time, although the process is improving continuously.
4. WNCC must continue to find ways to support technological proficiency to support student
success and College growth.
5. A complete student tracking system for developmental-level students such as one
recommended by “Achieving the Dream” coaches needs to be established.
6. Facilities availability limits the athletic, music, and theatre departments when competition
for available practice and performance space control the number of events and activities
which can be produced, so more creative solutions for space allocation are needed.
7. The equipment used in vocational programs like Automotive Technology, Powerline,
Aviation Maintenance, Welding, and Auto Body is expensive to maintain and even more
expensive to replace in order to remain current in instruction. Replacement and equipment
updates will present an increasing concern in shrinking budget cycles.
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Western Nebraska Community College