College Name: Arkansas State University – Jonesboro
1. Describe the Local Recipient
Institution/Consortium Name
Arkansas State University – Jonesboro
President/Chancellor Name
Chancellor Dr. Robert L. Potts
Email of Fiscal Agent Institution
rpotts@astate.edu
Chief Financial Officer Name
Jennus L. Burton
Email of Fiscal Agent Institution
jburton@astate.edu
Perkins Coordinator Name
Linda Wood Sharp
Perkins Coordinator Email
lwsharp@dtimt.org
Phone of Fiscal Agent Institution
870-932-2176
2. Describe the Consortium
Institution Name:
n/a
President/Chancellor Name:
n/a
President/Chancellor Email:
n/a
Chief Financial Officer Name:
n/a
Chief Financial Officer Email:
n/a
Perkins Coordinator Name:
n/a
Perkins Coordinator Email:
n/a
Perkins Coordinator Phone:
n/a
3. Describe the process used to develop the local transition plan.
Contributing to this transition plan have been: Jill Simon, Director, Advisement Services; Paula Lynn, Advisor/Instructor, Wilson Advising Center; Chris Hutchinson, Health Professions Academic Advisor, College of Nursing and Health Professions; Dr. Greg Phillips, Dean, Colleges of Agriculture; Engineering; Sciences & Math; Dr. Lynita Cooksey, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Verlene Ringgenberg, Associate Dean of Schools Center for Regional Programs; Linda Wood Sharp, Director, ASU Technical Center, Jonesboro; Keith Steele, Assistant Vice Chancellor – Administration, ASU Technical Center; Vicki Frans, Assistant Registrar, ASU Technical Center; Jan Osment, Financial Aid Advisor, ASU Technical Center; Marcia Elder, Internship Coordinator, Jonesboro Area Technical Center; Carmack Sanders, Director, Jonesboro Area Technical Center
4. Describe how career and technical education programs will be carried out using activities designated as required and permissive use of funds.
Required Use of Funds
All educational programs at Arkansas State University are monitored by committees of the academic faculty or advisory councils to assure compatibility with the university’s mission and professional accrediting units. The university requires all students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree to complete a general education core that provides a common background of knowledge on which students build when concentrating on a selected field of study. In the major disciplines and fields of study, the university expects students to extend their abilities and skills to think critically, to communicate logically and effectively, and to locate and use in a responsible manner current technology and other resources that will help them expand and utilize their knowledge. Most programs are accredited by appropriate professional accrediting agencies. All certificate programs (with the exception of Cosmetology which has a state mandated curriculum for licensure) have been revised to include a general education component in the areas of mathematics and composition effective spring 2002.
Arkansas State University is a current partner in the Arkansas Early College High School program administrated through SEARK in Monticello, AR. The AECHS provides high school students access to higher education state core. At present, eleven area schools are partnering with the university with about 450 students participating.
Curriculum linkage and alignment with secondary programs are in existence with the Jonesboro Area Technical Center for the following courses.
47.0603 Automotive Body Repair--6
47.0604 Automotive Service Technology--10
The agreements require two years of study and all require a B average. The hours listed represent the maximum credit that can be attained. The agreements are in effect but have not been updated since 1996.
The transition from certificate to associate degree to bachelor’s degree has been available for many years within the Nursing program. Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degrees is available on the campus of ASU-Jonesboro, ASU-Mountain Home and Mid South Community College in West Memphis. With an AAS degree, qualified applicants can continue to the bachelor’s level and on to the master’s level if they so choose.
A new 2+2 program will be offered in the fall of 2007 in the Colleges of Agriculture; Engineering; Sciences & Math. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Technology will allow students who have completed technical career training via an Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts in Teaching, or other similar associate degrees to apply their entire associate degree (excluding remedial/developmental courses) toward the requirements of a bachelor’s degree.
Technical training more than any other type of education requires experience and an understanding of the industry. All health fields from the short-term certificate Phlebotomy program to the AS in Radiology Technology have at least one clinical course. These courses are conducted in clinical affiliates such as hospitals, health labs, Doctor’s offices, clinics, medical centers, etc. The courses provide supervised experience for students in performing common procedures learned in basic and advanced course work. The College of Agriculture has a specific handbook available for students interested in internships. All other technical programs have courses entitled lab, troubleshooting, or practicum which require students to practice and perform integrated academic and technical skills.
The University has the Center of Learning Technologies. The center is dedicated to assisting faculty in gaining competency and comfort in the use of new technologies in teaching and learning. They offer scheduled classes (announced in AccessPoint) and are happy to work one-on-one with faculty. To the extent possible, they will perform certain tasks such as scanning (including slides), video editing, design work, creation of Flash animations, and whatever other skills they possess (these vary by semester according to the particular skills of student workers).
In addition the University has Information and Technology Services. A completely wireless campus, 45th "Most Wired" University in the US, first 10GB Ethernet Backbone installation in the US, new 20,000 square foot IT facility, two computing labs on the main campus open to all faculty, staff, and students, online courses, and a Microsoft Campus Agreement are some of the highlights available. Training is provided via the internet through The Center for Learning Technology.
Each college or department purchasing specific program enhancement equipment would be responsible for training through the vendor for that purchase.
The University has established a Faculty Center for Learning and Teaching. Their mission is to help faculty members use and enhance their learning experiences for students. Toward that end, the Center will endeavor to provide information to faculty campus-wide on how they may best use their talents, the technology available to them, or to benefit from the expertise of nationally-known scholars in the field of educational research.
The Faculty Center for Learning and Teaching supports excellence in teaching through a collaborative interaction among faculty, encourages student/faculty retention through a scholarship of teaching, and makes possible the resources necessary to achieve these goals.
Besides inviting these scholars to campus, the Center provides an extensive list of materials available to teachers on how to improve the classroom experience, both for students and themselves. In addition, they offer peer review for faculty who wish to make use of classroom critiques (always valuable for the awareness of what the student sees, as well as for advancement through the promotion and tenure process).
In sum, the purpose of the Faculty Center remains to advance the educational, learning environment at all levels at Arkansas State University. They hope to define and to provide a communication between the Center and faculty as to what constitutes "good," effective teaching. In years to come, they hope that the Center will provide the campus resource for those who contribute to, or wish to learn from, new, innovative teaching and proven methods of conveying the best of our knowledge to our students.
The University has established a Faculty Center for Learning and Teaching. Their mission is to help faculty members use and enhance their learning experiences for students. Toward that end, the Center will endeavor to provide information to faculty campus-wide on how they may best use their talents, the technology available to them, or to benefit from the expertise of nationally-known scholars in the field of educational research.
The Faculty Center for Learning and Teaching supports excellence in teaching through a collaborative interaction among faculty, encourages student/faculty retention through a scholarship of teaching, and makes possible the resources necessary to achieve these goals.
Besides inviting these scholars to campus, the Center provides an extensive list of materials available to teachers on how to improve the classroom experience, both for students and themselves. In addition, they offer peer review for faculty who wish to make use of classroom critiques (always valuable for the awareness of what the student sees, as well as for advancement through the promotion and tenure process).
In sum, the purpose of the Faculty Center remains to advance the educational, learning environment at all levels at Arkansas State University. They hope to define and to provide a communication between the Center and faculty as to what constitutes "good," effective teaching. In years to come, they hope that the Center will provide the campus resource for those who contribute to, or wish to learn from, new, innovative teaching and proven methods of conveying the best of our knowledge to our students.
Each college or department is responsible for professional development to increase instructors understanding of industry standards and certifications.
Arkansas State University’s commitment to excellence in higher education is demonstrated by its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, as well as 18 specialized accrediting organizations. In addition, the university holds membership in several national organizations which support the highest educational standards.
The University has a system in place to facilitate program or course action through the office of Research and Academic Affairs. Procedures are available for; (a) Bulletin change that may consist of a change in wording of the description, course sequence, semester offered, etc. (b) New program proposal to be used when a new program is added to the bulletin. These are also approved by the ASU Board of Trustees and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (c) New course or special course proposal to be used when a new course or a course that will be offered one time only is being added. And (d) Program and/or Course deletion proposal to be used when a program and/or course is being deleted. All of these actions are approved by the Department Curriculum Committee, College Curriculum Committee, and Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.
Arkansas State University has had a fund for several years entitled Academic Capital. The account has been budgeted as funds permit. Beginning in the 2007-08 school year, the University plans to rotate the total budget of 100k by colleges beginning with the Colleges of Agriculture; Engineering; Sciences & Math. These funds will be used for renovations to equip classrooms for compressed video and the necessary infrastructure to support future technology.
Each college or department is responsible for setting priorities and upgrading as funds permit.
The principal educational programs are based on recognized fields of study at the post-secondary level Arkansas State University’s commitment to excellence in higher education is demonstrated by its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, as well as 18 specialized accrediting organizations. In addition, the university holds membership in several national organizations which support the highest educational standards. Scope and quality of programs are assured by these accrediting standards. The continued voluntary enrollment of students in programs assures size and interest. At present, Food Technology is a new program gaining enrollment while Law Enforcement is being phased out at the associate degree level.
The University offers First Year Experience structured to give new students opportunities and prepare them for life on a university campus. Each course section varies in content and can be specialized by topic or interest or general information. Some sections of the seminar target specific disciplines or interests such as agriculture, business, health professions or science, while others may focus on current issues such as politics, trends in technology or diversity. However, each has a common core that includes academic performance skills, self-management skills and understanding how a university works.
Academic performance skills discussed in the course include how to study, take notes, tests and think critically. Students are also taught how to better utilize the library and other technical resources on campus.
Time management, priority setting, economic management, emotional maturity and transitioning are issues covered under the self-management skills section of the course.
Understanding university policy is an essential section of the core content, because students can better utilize the services available to them. This section of the course covers organization, faculty expectations, resources, policies, degree requirements and advising.
Students participating in the First Year Experience may also take part in Learning Communities, two courses which are linked together and share a common enrollment of students. The communities allow students enrolled in the same courses to get to know one another, form natural study groups, earn better grades and develop a greater sense of belonging and community within the university.
In addition, the University offers the office of Non-Traditional Student Services which helps in providing a comfortable, supportive, and relevant environment where students can address their unique and special needs by serving as a central resource for information and support as they make the transition into academic life. Their goal is to enrich non-traditional students’ educational experience by connecting students to academic and social services while providing the support needed to ensure success for all non-traditional students.
Permissive Use of Funds
Provide Nursing students a licensure review course.
Provide Licensure Review Guides for Physical Therapist Assistant
Purchase a Continuous Passive Motion and Wound simulator for Physical Therapist Assistant
Purchase Gast Lubricated Rotary Vane-type Vacuum Pumps for Clinical Lab Sciences
Purchase Phase Microscope Nikon 200 for Clinical Lab Sciences
Purchase Polaroid Microscopes, Nikon 200 for Clinical Lab Science
Purchase NI Multisim – Interactive SPICE-Based Simulator for Education for Digital Electronics Technology
Purchase Pocket Notes guide for Physical Therapist Assistant.
Purchase charts, and educational CD for Clinical Lab Sciences
5. Describe how CTE activities will be carried out in order to meet state and local levels of performance. (See Appendix B for description of accountability measures.)
a) 1P1-Technical Skill Attainment (pending state decision on measurement)
Pending State approved measuring. Overall the State target was been met in this area based on GPA. Funds will be used to enhance programs falling at or below the State target.
51.0806 Purchase a Continuous Passive Motion and Wound simulator for Physical Therapist Assistant.
51.0806 Purchase Pocket Notes guide for Physical Therapist Assistant.
51.1005 Purchase Gast Lubricated Rotary Vane-type Vacuum Pumps for Clinical Lab Sciences
51.1005 Purchase Phase Microscope Nikon 200 for Clinical Lab Sciences
51.1005 Purchase Polaroid Microscopes, Nikon 200 for Clinical Lab Science
51.1005 Purchase charts, and educational CD for Clinical Lab Sciences
15.0303 Purchase NI Multisim – Interactive SPICE-Based Simulator for Education for Digital Electronics Technology
15.0303 Professional development will be provided for Microsoft, Cisco, Web Development, A+, N+ and Security+ for faculty to become certified for Digital Electronics Technology
51.1601 The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers two courses on-line for faculty – Test Development and Item Writing and Assessment of Critical Thinking for ASN Nursing
47.0604 Link with a major auto manufacturer via satellite for training for Automotive Service Technology.
b) 2P1-Credential Attainment (Certificates and Degrees)
Overall the State target has been met in this area. Funds will be used to enhance programs falling at or below the State target.
51.1601 Provide Nursing students a licensure review course.
51.0806 Provide Licensure Review Guides for Physical Therapist Assistant
c) 3P1-Student Retention and Transfer
Overall the State target has been met in this area. Funds will be used for a Career Links Coordinator to review the current articulation agreements and explore the possible expansion for agreements with 52.0401 Business, 15.0303 Digital Electronics, and 47.0201 Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology)
4P1-Student Placement
Overall the State target has been met in this area.
e) 5P1-Nontraditional Participation
Continue to encourage nontraditional enrollment through positive role models and outside speakers.
f) 5P2-Nontraditional Credential Attainment
Overall the State target has been met in this area.
6. Describe how the institution will offer the appropriate courses of not less than one of the CTE programs of study. Identify and describe any existing secondary to postsecondary linkages and how Perkins funds will be used to improve or expand such programs.
Curriculum linkage and alignment with secondary programs are in existence with the Jonesboro Area Technical Center for the following courses.
47.0603 Automotive Body Repair--6
47.0604 Automotive Service Technology--10
The agreements require two years of study and all require a B average. The hours listed represent the maximum credit that can be attained. The agreements are in effect but have not been updated since 1996.
Funds will be used for a Career Links Coordinator to review the current articulation agreements and explore the possible expansion for agreements with 52.0401 Business, 15.0303 Digital Electronics, and 47.0201 Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology.
7. Describe how the academic and technical skills of students participating in CTE programs will be improved and how CTE students will be taught to the same standards as are all other students.
The university requires all students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree to complete a general education core that provides a common background of knowledge on which students build when concentrating on a selected field of study. In the major disciplines and fields of study, the university expects students to extend their abilities and skills to think critically, to communicate logically and effectively, and to locate and use in a responsible manner current technology and other resources that will help them expand and utilize their knowledge. All certificate programs (with the exception of Cosmetology which has a state mandated curriculum for licensure) include a general education component in the areas of mathematics and composition.
Most Career Technical programs are accredited by appropriate professional accrediting agencies. Each program that is not currently accredited will be analyzed for program deficiencies. A check list will be developed identifying those deficiencies, than a resource plan will be developed funds will be directed toward professional development, curriculum development, equipment, or instructional enhancement materials as identified. The goal will be for all technical programs to have professional accreditation.
8. Describe how activities will provide students with strong experience in and an understanding of all aspects of an industry.
Staying up to date and in step with industry standards in technical education is a constant challenge for the institution and the faculty. Clinical affiliates such as hospitals, health labs, Doctor’s offices, clinics, medical centers, etc. provide the health student with work-based learning experiences that make them “work ready” upon successful graduation and licensure. These clinical experiences also provide the faculty an opportunity to interact with peers and become familiar with procedures and policies of the facility.
9. Describe how comprehensive professional development for CTE, academic, guidance and administrative personnel will be provided.
Professional development will be provided for Microsoft, Cisco, Web Development, A+, N+ and Security+ for faculty to become certified.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers two courses on-line for faculty – Test Development and Item Writing and Assessment of Critical Thinking.
Link with a major auto manufacturer via satellite for training.
Upon completion of the program accreditation check list, other professional development training may be identified in preparation towards accreditation.
10. Describe how a wide variety of stakeholders are involved in the development, implementation and evaluation of CTE programs, and how such individuals and entities are informed about, and assisted in understanding the requirements of Perkins, including CTE programs of study.
Educational programs at Arkansas State University are monitored by committees of the academic faculty or advisory councils to assure compatibility with the university’s mission and professional accrediting units. Carl Perkins eligible programs for the most part receive information through the Coordinator via email and meetings. Because each program has requirements specific to their individual departments, it is left to the individual program or department to evaluate their stakeholder’s level of involvement.
11. Provide assurances that the recipient will provide CTE programs that are of such size, scope and quality as to bring about improvement in the quality of CTE programs.
The majority of funding and activities will be directed toward Health Occupation programs which comprise 74% of the total CTE enrollment.
12. Describe the process that will be used to evaluate and continuously improve performance of CTE programs.
All educational programs at Arkansas State University are monitored by committees of the academic faculty or advisory councils annually to assure compatibility with the university’s mission and professional accrediting units.
Accrediting agencies have regulations for monitoring program performance. Those along with student course evaluations provide the faculty and administration another opportunity for review. In addition, many of the programs have licensure requirement upon graduation. The results of those exams provide the programs an invaluable tool for program improvement.
13. Describe how the institution will address the needs of special populations enrolled in CTE programs.
The University offers instructional programs ranging from Adult Education, remedial courses, short-term certificate programs, one and two year certificate programs, associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorial degrees. Potential students are able to ladder their education based on their training needs and abilities.
Financial aid and scholarship programs are available and listed on the University application to encourage participation. Financial aid advisors are available to assist students in the process of applying for aid. In addition, students are referred to and are encouraged to contact other agencies for financial assistance.
The University has a student advising and learning assistance department which offers the faculty among many services the opportunity to refer students for additional guidance in their First Alert Program.
ASU admits all qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other unlawful factors.
14. Describe how funds will be used to promote preparation for nontraditional fields. (See Appendix D for nontraditional fields.)
The university will continue to encourage students to pursue and persist in programs of study that interest them including nontraditional fields.
15. Describe how career guidance and academic counseling will be provided to CTE students, including linkages to baccalaureate and above education or other training opportunities.
For those students expressing interest in continuing their education the transition from certificate to associate degree to bachelor’s degree has been available for many years within the Nursing program. Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degrees is available on the campus of ASU-Jonesboro, ASU-Beebe, ASU-Mountain Home and Mid South Community College in West Memphis. With an AAS degree, qualified applicants can continue to the bachelor’s level and on to the master’s level if they so choose.
A new 2+2 program will be offered in the fall of 2007 in the Colleges of Agriculture; Engineering; Sciences & Math. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Technology will allow students who have completed technical career training via an Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts in Teaching, or other similar associate degrees to apply their entire associate degree (excluding remedial/developmental courses) toward the requirements of a bachelor’s degree.
The University has a student advising and learning assistance department offering training to faculty advisors. An Advisor handbook is available online. Some of the suggestions for the College are to work with individual departments to develop advising plans. Send "Dean’s Welcome" letter to new students with basic survival information to assist students in navigating the system. Provide resources to help ensure that adequate advising is received by all students within the college. This could include: Interdepartmental reassignment of academic advisors to provide assistance to departments with especially heavy advising loads. Make resources available as appropriate to provide advising through graduate students. Provide a professional advisor to funnel general questions and concerns.
16. Describe efforts to improve the recruitment and retention of CTE teachers, faculty, and guidance and academic counselors, including under-represented groups, and the transition to teaching from business and industry.
ASU is committed to achieving excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. The university remains firm in its commitment to hire the best applicant in each applicant pool. In furtherance of this commitment, a procedure is in effect to ensure all resources have been exhausted to secure a diverse applicant pool by following the steps outlined in the Affirmative Action Manual. In addition applicant’s resumes must be reviewed and approved by the Vice Chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs before a job offer can be made.
Professional Development funds will be used to provide the faculty of Digital Electronic Technology (including a female instructor) an opportunity for further certification.
17. Describe how funds will be distributed among consortium members, if appropriate.
N/A
18. Describe how the local recipient will report data that is complete, accurate, and reliable.
This transition year will be used to determine the most reliable method for reporting required data especially the special population category of single parents and/or displaced homemaker.
