2009 Accountability Report - Aiken Technical College

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The Planning and Research Office produces quantitative and qualitative data to support fact-based decision
making and disseminates data to end users on an ongoing basis. Student enrollment, grade distribution, degree
completion, graduation rates, pass rates on licensure/certification examinations, student engagement, student
evaluation of course and instruction, retention and persistence, transfer, and job placement represent the type of
data available on a regular basis.
The College conducts the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) on an annual basis to
provide useful information on student engagement and satisfaction. In the Fall of 2008, the College
administered the Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE) for the first time gauge the level of student
satisfaction and engagement within the first six weeks of the semester. Results from the 2009 surveys
regarding students’ evaluation of their overall educational experience at ATC are found in Category 7. Senior
leaders also regularly review MAPP results which are used to measure general education courses for student
proficiencies.
III.1.9. How does your organization address and anticipate any adverse impacts of its programs, offerings,
services, and operations What are the key compliance related processes, goals, and measures
Risk management, privacy and internal auditing procedures are routinely used to identify adverse risks. The
Vice President of Administrative Services and the Risk Management manager annually determine a short list of
critical College functional areas that will be subject to review by the internal audit team during the fiscal year.
The results of the internal audits, including any recommendations for corrective action, are presented to the
President in a report document. Legal counsel is regularly sought as part of due diligence practices in areas such
as personnel and contracts. An annual financial audit is conducted by an independent auditing firm. The College
has received “unqualified opinions” from its independent auditors since inception. In addition, the State
conducts annual audits for the awarding of continuing education credits and inventory finding few, if any,
exceptions. The College participates annually in the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission audit of hiring
practices and has scored in the top group of state agencies for the past several years.
In addition, within the past five years the College has participated in a federal Program Review of its Financial
Aid programs, a SBTCE Management audit, annual state FTE and Residency audits and annual state Financial
Aid and Veteran Affairs audits. The College routinely has minimal findings in these regular reviews.
Lastly, through the College’s annual program review process, academic programs are evaluated and
enhancements are made to strengthen viable programs and to delete non-viable programs. Where appropriate,
the College seeks individual program accreditation and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate Degrees. These latter processes involve an indepth
review of the College’s programs, offerings, services and operations.
III.1.10. How do senior leaders actively support and strengthen the communities in which your organization
operates
Senior leadership is actively involved in community organizations, such as Rotary International, Chamber of
Commerce, Workforce Investment, Regional Education Center, Heart Walk and United Way boards. Student