RVCC 2019 NECHE Self-Study

student learning at the course level, program level, and institutional level and utilize the
data gathered to improve the student experience. Graduate Satisfaction Surveys and
graduate placement data are used by the institution to gain a better understanding of
student success. At the program level, Program Directors use a variety of methods and
tools to assure that a high level of educational quality is maintained.
Currently, RVCC relies on Veera Bridge for data relative to retention rates, enrollment
rates, and other demographic data. While this is somewhat useful, we are in the beginning
stages of using this tool. It should also be noted that Rapid Insights, the provider, is still
developing the resource using CCSNH as their test site. The implementation of Degree
Works for Academic Advisors should also serve to provide additional data collection tools
related to student retention.
One of the areas of concern at RVCC was the declining completion rate over the past three
Academic Years (Figure 8.1). This, in conjunction with the data provided in Chart 8.1
shows that the majority of students enroll in the College as “General Studies: Exploratory”
majors. This is attributed to the large number of competitive Allied Health programs at
the College. When students do not meet admission requirements of their major of choice;
or if they enter the College during a semester when their program doesn’t start; or if they
would like to complete their General Education requirements prior to applying to their
program of choice, they enter into the General Studies: Exploratory option while they
continue to pursue acceptance into their program of choice. Ninety percent of students in
General Studies: Exploratory are interested in matriculating into an Allied Health program.
Many of these students do not complete as the General Education program is only to be
utilized for the first 24 credits of college.
The College recognized this as a concern and in Fall of 2018, under the leadership of the
General Studies Academic Advisor, and with the support of VPAA Jahn, began to develop a
solution to this situation. Recognizing the draw of the Allied Health programs at the
College, the Academic Advisor and the Department Chair of Health Science began
developing a certificate that will take the place of the General Studies: Exploratory option.
This Certificate in Health Applications will prepare students for entry level health care
positions such as Home Health Aids, Rehabilitation Aids, Dietetic Aids, and Health &
Wellness Coaches while simultaneously allowing students to complete their General
Education requirements for the Allied Health, Health Science, or Nursing programs.
Students who do not transfer out of the certificate into their Allied Health program of
choice will now be able to complete a certificate in two semesters. As of the writing of this
report, this new certificate is before the Curriculum Team.
Another area of concern from the assessment data was the relatively low Exam Pass Rate
percentage in the Radiographic Technology program in Fall of 2017. This low pass rate
caused students to place a complaint with the accrediting body, JCERT, who came for a
surprise site visit. At the time, a new Program Director had just been hired and the
Clinical Coordinator had left unexpectedly. The low pass rate, in conjunction with not
having a dedicated Clinical Coordinator, caused the program to be placed on probation
with their national accrediting body. In response to this, the new Program Director
updated the curriculum, completed a new self-study (2017), and in December of 2018 a
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