October 11, 2012
Higher Learning Commission team gives preliminary findings
Columbus State is serious and committed to quality improvement. That's the verdict of the Higher Learning Commission review team after their visit to campus September 18-20. Their Quality Checkup Report, a twenty-page preliminary finding, is an important step as the college seeks reaffirmation of accreditation.
The college was complimented in several areas. The 121-page document of responses to the opportunities in our Systems Portfolio was identified as a significant piece of evidence that the college took process seriously. Special thanks go to the work of the Core Team of Ingrid Emch, Tom Lyons, Bruce Massis, and Antoinette Perkins.
The use of game design and technology to engage students was recognized as a promising practice by the HLC. The development of an Instructional Cost Modeling System was also seen as a “best practice” and was recommended to be shared. The review team commented that they saw strong evidence of commitment to AQIP principles and that employees are truly colleagues for whom “failing is not an option.”
The reviewers offered suggestions for the next Systems Portfolio including recommendations for specific items to report in student assessment. It was noted that the college has made progress on data and benchmarking and that how these data are used in decision making should be emphasized in the next portfolio.
While this visit was important to our accreditation, the process is not over. This report will be added to the college's body of work that includes the 2009 Systems Portfolio, 2010 Systems Appraisal Feedback Report, and Action Projects. This documentation will be reviewed by the AQIP Review Panel of Reaffirmation, and a recommendation will be given to the Institutional Actions Council (IAC). The IAC's final decision on the college's reaffirmation of accreditation is due in December, 2012.
Talking about what the best teachers do
As President Harrison looks on, Merideth Sellars makes a point in the faculty on-boarding and renewal seminar “What the Best College Teachers Do,” held September 21. Joining Sellars, instructor in Biological Sciences, were the other three Distinguished Teaching Award recipients for the current year, (from left) Christine Evenson, professor in Interpreter Education, Jennifer Dragoo, instructor in Developmental Education, and Reuel Barksdale, associate professor in Business Management. You can view a recording of the discussion on the faculty web page.
Register today for the next two sessions. Designed to orient new faculty, these sessions are open to all new and veteran employees. Contact Rich James , ext. 2175 for more information.
Next up: Build a Student Success Story - October 19, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., CT 107. Register
Conflict and Power in the Classroom – November 15, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., Room TBA. Register
Channel 4 meteorologist to speak Oct. 22
NBC 4 Meteorologist Ben Gelber is heading to Columbus State this month. He'll bring his expertise to Jeff Bates' Environmental Hydrology class where he plans to lecture and talk with students about the fascinating job of forecasting the weather. The campus is invited to attend. However, seating is limited. Gelber will talk on Monday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. in Nestor Hall 013. Bring the questions you've always wanted to ask!
Smart Policing uses data to predict crime
Data is driving "Targeted Patrol," a new pilot safety program on campus. Based on the Smart Policing Initiative (SPI), 'targeted and visible' patrol deters crime better than traditional random patrol.
Sean Asbury"Our aim is to focus on potential crime opportunities," says Sean Asbury, Columbus State Chief of Police. "It is a visible deterrent, targeting patrol resources according to the ebb and flow of campus activity, anticipating where crime could happen, and deterring it with timely, targeted patrol."
The Smart Policing Initiative, a U.S. Department of Justice program, is based on a three-prong approach: data, analysis and solutions. "We would add one other attribute," says Asbury, "real-time response to the data."
Targeted patrol objectives are part of the department’s strategic plan and supervisors’ PERFORMs goals. Over 50 shift tasks have been identified for supervisors to implement and quantify. "Emergency and assistance calls remain our first priority," says Asbury, “but between calls, we conduct targeted patrol as calls permit."
The pilot program was one of more than forty CQI efforts submitted at the last In-Service Day in April.
Flu shots to be given at In-Service Day
The Columbus State Wellness Initiative will offer seasonal flu shots to all full-time employees on In-Service Day, October 17. Employees who have UHC coverage should bring their Health Card. Other employees will need to bring a signed consent form. Flu shots will be given in Union Hall Rooms 137-138-139. You can register for flu shots here: http://web.cscc.edu/is/EmployeeTraining/register.asp?C=&D=New
Mental Health students help with screening
Angela Fry, instructor in Mental Health/Addiction Studies/ Developmental Disabilities, trained a group of her students to provide mental health screenings October 3 in partnership with Student Engagement and Leadership (SEaL). The Mental Health students were able to apply the skills they are learning in class to screen and refer other students who attended the event. Pictured at the screening are, from left: Tara Vancleef, Angela Fry, Jessica Engle, Amanda Hammonds, Nicki Miller and Deidre Black.
Eco Summit sharing
Tracy Lamar-Nickoli, Community Education and Workforce Development coordinator, and David Scott, a lawyer and vice-chairman of the Central Ohio Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, talk with an attendee at EcoSummit, held September 30 – October 5 at the Convention Center. Lamar-Nickoli serves as chairperson for the Green Building Council’s Programs and Education Committee. The two shared information about green careers and programs at EcoSummit, which is a gathering of the world's most respected minds in ecological science to discuss restoring the planet's ecosystems. More than 1,500 scientists from 75 countries attended the Summit, which featured symposia, general sessions, posters, and workshops covering a wide variety of ecological topics.