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

Vice President of Educational Services
Vice President of Outreach Education
Dean of Educational Services
Dean of Administrative Services
Executive Director of Information Technology
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
WNCC Foundation Director
Dr. Ely’s plan for the College’s organizational governance and administrative structure is
highlighted in the organizational chart, which is presented in Appendix D of this document (RR 21).
Communication Survey
In January of 2009, a 32-question survey intended to gauge the current communication processes
and strategies, as well as to gather information regarding alternative communication methods, was
sent to members of the President’s Cabinet (RR 22). The administrative structure and organization
of the President’s Cabinet had been in place for three semesters before the survey was
administered.
Results from the survey indicate that the new structures are perceived as working and are
supportive of collaborative processes and effective leadership. Members of the President’s
Cabinet have confidence in the restructured administrative and governance system at Western
Nebraska Community College. The equitable administration of policy at all sites surfaced as a
challenge. Also, Cabinet members expressed a need to establish a balance between how much
they work independently within their own department versus how much they share with others.
Teamwork figured as a priority to those who answered the survey, and their commitment to the
College is evident in their answers. As can be expected, the survey points out that teamwork and
trust are sometimes not achieved perfectly, but given that members have worked together for a
relatively short time under this new structure, there is opportunity for improved collaboration.
Core Component 1e: The organization upholds and protects its integrity.
Western Nebraska Community College has been in existence since 1926, but it officially became a
public two-year institution in1932. Throughout those years, there have been challenges—the
shrinking of the rural student population pool, issues of funding, and the task of trying to maintain
integrity and community service. Because the College is relatively isolated from a large population,
its faculty and leadership must be assertive and creative in promoting the College and instilling the
belief among those served that the College is an excellent institution.
The office of Human Resources, with direction from the Board of Governors Policy Manual, sets
standards for hiring all faculty and staff. The College assures a comfortable workplace
environment through a grievance policy, which is made available in the Faculty and Staff
Handbook and on the WNCC website (RR 23).
The mission outlines the need for students to become knowledgeable, responsible and active
citizens of the educational community. They are provided with a Student Handbook, and they
participate in New Student Orientation and are encouraged to connect with student organizations
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Western Nebraska Community College