Self-Study Report 2009Two Thousand Nine Washtenaw Community College Self-Study Report 2009
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Self-Study Report 2009two thousand nine Washtenaw Community College Self-Study Report 2009 For continued accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools President Larry L. Whitworth Board of Trustees Dr. Stephen J. Gill, Chair Ms. Pamela J. Horiszny, Vice Chair Ms. Anne M. Williams, Secretary Mr. David E. Rutledge, Treasurer Mark Freeman, Trustee Ms. Diana McKnight-Morton, Trustee Dr. Richard J. Landau, Trustee 1 Blank 2 Table Of Contents 3 Blank 4 List Of Tables & Figures 5 Blank 6 Washtenaw Community College Chapter one Introduction1 7 Washtenaw Community College CHAPTER ONE Introduction Washtenaw Community College submits this self-study report as part of the formal process for requesting continued accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association. The primary purpose of the report is to provide the team represent- ing the Commission with evidence documenting the college’s capacity to meet the five criteria for accreditation. The report is also designed to offer a reflection of both the achievements and the potential of the institution for the entire college community, including its internal and external constituencies. Moreover, the self-study report will serve as a guiding document for continued improvement across the college into the future. This study presents a comprehensive self-analysis of WCC’s strengths, an honest recognition of areas needing improve- ment, and thoughtful recommendations for potential directions that will allow the college to sustain and build upon its success in fulfilling its mission as it faces future challenges and opportunities. A Profile of Washtenaw Community College Washtenaw Community College serves the population of Washtenaw and Livingston Counties and is located in southeastern Michigan approximately 40 miles west of Detroit and 60 miles southeast of Lansing. The college district is composed of all of Washtenaw County, with the exception of the Northville, Plymouth-Canton, and Plymouth- Northville portions of Salem Township, as well as the Plymouth- Canton portion of Superior Township, all of which are part of the Schoolcraft Community College district; and the South Lyon portions of Northfield and Salem Townships, which are part of the Oakland Community College district. WCC also serves primarily the Brighton and Pinckney areas in Livingston County. 8 Washtenaw Community College CHAPTER ONE Introduction Service Area Demographics With 322,895 residents as of 2000, Washtenaw County is the sixth largest county in the state of Michigan. According to statistics pub- lished by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), population in the county is expected to increase through the year 2020 by 15.6%, or more than 50,000 persons. The college’s service area is distinguished by the urban centers of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, home to the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, re- spectively. Ann Arbor is the center of population in the county, with 114,024 residents as of 2000, or approximately 35% of the county’s population. The city of Ypsilanti has 22,362 residents as of 2000, with the surrounding area of Ypsilanti Township having 49,182 residents. Population growth in Ann Arbor has slowed in the last decade as ex- pansion has occurred in surrounding communities, such as Pittsfield Township, Scio Township, Saline, Superior Township, and Ypsilanti Township. Livingston County is also forecast to experience population growth over the next 30 years at an approximate 18%-26% change per decade, with much of the growth occurring in the southeast quadrant served by WCC. The greater Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti community is distinguished by mul- tiple cultural, educational, and technological resources and opportuni- ties. The local community, like the state of Michigan, has experienced challenges in the current economy. As of April 2009, Michigan had the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 12.9%; while the unem- ployment rate in the county of 7.9% (March 2009) remained below the national rate, it was still far higher than the local 4.6% rate of a year earlier (United States Bureau of Labor Statistics). Nonetheless, the community continues to support a wide variety of businesses, particu- larly in the life science and high-tech fields, and the college is a part- ner in training a highly skilled, educated workforce to support those industries. According to 2007 estimated United States Census data, the area served by the college is economically, socially, and ethnically diverse (Washtenaw County Quick Facts Census Data): • Over half of adults (50.8%) in Washtenaw County over age 25 have a bachelor’s degree, compared with 24.7% statewide. • The median household income for county residents is $61,049, compared to $47,950 statewide. • Median home value in the county is $230,800, compared to $115,600 statewide. • According to Census data, 76.7% of county residents are white, 12.3% are Black/African American, 0.4% are American Indian and Alaskan Native, 8.2% are Asian, 0.1% are Native Hawaiian 9 Washtenaw Community College CHAPTER ONE Introduction or other Pacific Islander, 3.4% are Hispanic or Latino, and 2.3% claim two or more races. • According to 2000 Census statistics, 10.3% of country residents are foreign born, and 13.2% speak a language other than English at home as their primary language. Student Demographics During the 2007-08 academic year, 20,796 students enrolled in at least one credit course at WCC, while 7,832 students enrolled through the non-credit LifeLong Learning registration system. Enrollment in credit courses during that time was 76, 581, while non-credit enroll- ment was 18,649. As described in Core Component 1c, the student body of Washtenaw Community College reflects and exceeds the diver- sity of the local community (Annual Student Profile 2007-08). • In 2007-08, 28% of WCC students reporting ethnicity were minori- ties, exceeding the 24% minority population reported in the county as part of 2000 Census statistics. Of enrolled students providing ethnic information, 16% were African American, 5% were Asian, 3% were Hispanic, and 1% were Native American. • The majority (70%) of credit and contact hours in 2007-08 were generated by in-district students. Out-of-district (within the state of Michigan but outside of Washtenaw County) generated 25% of the contact hours and 24% of credit hours, while students who are U.S. citizens but reside outside of Michigan generated 3% of credit and contact hours (primarily United Association [UA] members enrolled in the summer training program). Students with out-of- country resident status in the United States on a visa generated 2% of credit and contact hours. • Students enrolled in credit courses in 2007-08 had an average age of 29.1 years, while students taking non-credit courses had an av- erage age of 44.7 years. Students taking both credit and non-credit courses had an average age of 33.1 years. In 2007-08, 44% of all students at WCC were under the age of 25 years, and over half (51%) enrolled in credit courses were under age 25. • Many new students arrive at WCC with prior college experience. Of the 7,561 new credit students enrolled at the college in 2007-08, 15% were college graduates, and an additional 24% had previously attended another college or university prior to enrolling at WCC. Five percent of new students were currently enrolled high school students. • Credit courses are provided through five instructional divisions. Over one-third (36%)of credit enrollments in 2007-08 were in the 10 Humanities and Social Sciences division, followed by the Math, Washtenaw Community College CHAPTER ONE Introduction Natural, and Behavioral sciences division (31%); Business and Computer Technology division (16%); Health and Applied Technol- ogy division (10%); and Vocational Technologies division (7%). • In 2007-08, the college awarded 1,151 certificates and 1,107 associ- ate degrees; both the number of degrees (by 25%) and certificates (by 58%) have increased over the last five years. Background of the College Emerging as an idea from a preliminary community survey conducted in 1959 by the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce’s Education Commit- tee, which revealed the need for a community college in Washtenaw County, Washtenaw Community College has been linked to the com- munity it serves since its founding in 1965. Additional studies by the Washtenaw County School Officers Association funded by the Cham- ber of Commerce and a citizens’ committee formed in 1962-63 verified the demand for a community college to meet the local training and educational needs of local employers and school districts. A county- wide vote established the college in January 1965 with 1.25 mills fi- nancial support, and elected WCC’s first Board of Trustees. Later that year, Dr. David Ponitz was appointed the college’s first president, and a 235-acre agricultural tract known as Huron Farms was purchased for the permanent campus. In 1966, the college moved into temporary facilities (including a va- cant elementary school, a former fire station, and a bowling alley) in the Willow Run Village area of Ypsilanti Township. By September of that year, 58 full-time and 41 part-time faculty had been hired and 1,200 students had enrolled in programs and courses that included more than 30 occupational areas and a general transfer curriculum. By the following year, enrollment had doubled. In 1970, the first building on the permanent campus, the Technical Industrial Building, opened to house occupational programs. The Liberal Arts and Sci- ences Building (now the Crane Liberal Arts and Science Building) fol- lowed, also in 1970, and all operations were moved to the permanent campus. Other additions to campus were the Student Center Building (1976), the Family Education Building (1980), and the Occupational Education Building (1982).