Advisory Committees

Purpose:

Advisory committees exist to serve the college, its students, and the business community in the continuing effort to keep instructional standards, curricular content, and instructional resources current and functional with respect to the local job market and industry needs.

Definitions:

Advisory committee member: Local professionals who are advisors to the academic staff responsible for the administration of the program selected by the college for their expertise in a particular program area.

Program advisory committee: A committee composed of professional individuals who are interested in and have expertise in the various aspects of the program to include, but not limited to, curriculum, program assessment, job market supply and demand relative to the program’s occupational objectives, equipment, and work-based learning opportunities.

Policy:

The college shall establish and maintain advisory committees to involve local professionals with the design and delivery of academic programs, particularly occupational-technical programs, and educational services, and to serve as a source for various forms of support.

Career and technical education programs are required to establish and maintain advisory committees. Programs designed for transfer may also have advisory committees, but are not required to do so.

1. Functions of the advisory committee

   The advisory committee conducts the following activities related to the college’s academic programs:

   1. Review the curriculum and all changes to any related programs (degrees, certificates, career studies certificates) and provide recommendations to the college regarding the proposed changes.

   2. Identify present and future occupational needs within the college region, and the skills and knowledge required by prospective employees.

   3. Advise the college concerning employment practices, specific certification and licensure requirements, job entry educational levels required by business, industry and the professions, standards and regulations relating to student employment, and occupational placement of graduates.

   4. Review and submit recommendations regarding program-specific specialized equipment and facility requirements for new or existing programs.

   5. Assist with studies and surveys commissioned by the college and participate in the evaluation of the college programs as they relate to the educational and occupational needs of the region.

   6. Participate in a review of the program advisory committee practices and outcomes on an annual basis.

   7. Meet at least twice per academic year, with additional meetings scheduled as needed.

2. Membership

   1. The minimum number of people serving on an advisory committee shall be five (5), not including ex officio members. The maximum number may vary with the nature of the program served. The members must be currently employed industry representatives in a field related to the program or have been separated from the industry within the past five years or as required by accreditation.

   2. The officers of the committee include the chairperson and vice chairperson. These positions must be held by a member of business/industry unless otherwise defined by a program’s accreditation.

   3. Members shall be selected for their expertise in a particular program area, their commitment to community college education, and their expressed willingness to devote sufficient time to the required tasks of the advisory committee.

   4. The school dean, who is administratively responsible for the program, and the department chair of the program, shall serve as ex officio, non-voting members of the advisory committee.

   5. Adjunct faculty may serve as voting members of the advisory committee if they are currently employed full-time in the business/industry represented by the committee. If they are not currently employed full-time in the business/industry, they can serve as an ex officio, non-voting member.

   6. The committee members shall be appointed by the college president with approval of the College Board.

Procedures:

Procedure for Reynolds Policy 2-11, Advisory Committees

Other Information:

JSRCC Form 05-0017, Template for Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

JSRCC Form 05-0019, Template for Advisory Committee Member Appointment Letter

JSRCC Form 05-0030, Concept for New Program

JSRCC Form 60-0004, Advisory Committee Member Appointment Proposal Form