Complete the Academic Master Plan, Lab Summit Survey by Dec. 1

The vice president of academic affairs and the campus provosts hosted a series of sessions this fall on crafting an academic master plan. If you attended one of these sessions, thank you! If you did not have a chance to attend or would like to give additional feedback, please complete this survey by Friday, Dec. 1. We are in the process of summarizing the nuances and details and will have a more robust draft to share in the new year.

Here is a brief summary: At each session, we heard concerns about student readiness for entry-level coursework and recommendations for how to support students impacted by pandemic learning loss. Attendees expressed a desire for more professional learning opportunities on working with students with increasing socio-emotional and academic needs, as well as on developing technologies (such as AI). Other hot topics included the impact of technology on learning and academic integrity, particularly in online and remote classes; ideas for innovative or emerging programs; ways of keeping our courses current, rigorous and relevant; suggestions for how to recruit and retain more adult learners (such as more credit for prior learning opportunities, competency-based courses, and integration of workforce and credit programming); and the need for sustainable growth in dual enrollment classes while increasing our dual enrollment conversion rates. Each campus saw specific opportunities for growth in their service areas.

As noted in the planning sessions, the vice presidents of academic affairs and finance and administration are co-hosting a summit on Friday, December 1, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., to assess the needs and opportunities for our classroom laboratories and studios. (Note: This does not include the computer labs used primarily for word processing/internet access.) Representatives from the sciences, arts, trades and medical education fields, along with those from facilities, budget and campuses, have been invited. If you would like to attend, please talk with your dean/supervisor or reach out to Interim AVP of Academic Affairs Jen Daniels (JDaniels@nvcc.edu).

Submitted by:
Jen Daniels, AVP of Academic Affairs, JDaniels@nvcc.edu