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Planning
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Standard Five: Student Support and Development
The institution recruits and admits students appropriate to its programs. It identifies and serves the diverse needs of its students with educational programs and learning support services, and it fosters a supportive learning environment. The entire student pathway through the institutional experience is characterized by a concern for student access, progress, and success.
5.1 The institution publishes admissions policies consistent with its mission and appropriate to its programs and follows practices that are consistent with those policies.
Descriptive Summary Located in the Student Services Building, the Admissions Office follows practices that are consistent with the admissions policies approved by the Board of Trustees and/or the Chancellor’s Office. The admissions policies and procedures are published in the Victor Valley College Catalog1, the Schedule of Classes4 and the Student Handbook.5 The mission of the Admissions Office is to admit all eligible students to a level of higher learning at Victor Valley College. Eligible students are California residents and non-residents, 18 years old or older non-high school graduates, and concurrently enrolled K-12 students. The Admissions Office currently uses two scanners to efficiently process student applications for admissions.
Self-Evaluation According to the 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey2 56.60% of students rated the service delivered through Admissions and Records, excellent or good. Victor Valley College accepts admissions applications on a regular basis as published in the college schedule and catalog. The Admissions Office strives to develop new methods of scheduling staff during peak admissions periods to help expedite the process in a more efficient manner (for example during late registration). Extended hours of operations (Mondays 8:30 am - 7:00 pm) allows the Admissions Office to better serve the needs of working students. Although the Admissions Office has received some new computer equipment, it is important to keep abreast of the rapidly changing technology. Even though information about the College is published in various publications, students are often seeking more personalized attention and service. The Admissions Office has a caring staff who provide personal service to all students. Adequate facilities are needed to accommodate the large number of students currently being admitted to Victor Valley College especially during peak admissions periods. The registration process has been improved with the implementation of Ram Talk. This electronic registration program allows the student to register, add and drop classes on or after their appointment date.
Planning Agenda 1. The Dean of Students and the Matriculation Steering Committee will design a comprehensive, consistent process that provides clear, accurate and consistent information through many different delivery methods including translation and bilingual staff.
2. The Admissions Office needs up-to-date computer hardware and software to meet the needs of current admission standards. The Admissions Office will work with MIS (Management Information Systems) to develop an electronic admissions application. 3. The Admissions Office will work in collaboration with the MIS Office to enhance inter-departmental communication, cooperation, and team work to facilitate the requirements necessary in processing the admissions application of a new or returning student.
5.2 The institution provides to all prospective and currently enrolled students current and accurate information about its programs, admissions policies, graduation requirements, social and academic policies, refund policies, student conduct standards, and complaint and grievance procedures.
Descriptive Summary The majority of students are introduced to the College through the catalog, schedule, student handbook; admissions; new student orientation; and the counseling department where they receive a variety of information, updated annually, on educational planning, registration, student support services, special programs and activities. Students also receive information through individual program brochures and promotional materials. Graduation information and requirements may be found in the schedule of classes, the catalog and the student handbook. Programs of study for degrees and certificates are addressed in the College catalog. Social and academic policies are also addressed in the College catalog, schedule and handbook. Information on student conduct and student grievances is located in the schedule of classes, handbook and the College catalog. The Dean of Students Office also has a copy of the grievance and discipline policy available. The Victor Valley College Catalog,1 published and updated yearly, includes information on admissions policies, degrees and certificates programs, graduation requirements, transfer policies, refund policies, social and academic policies, student conduct standards, an academic calendar, and complaint and grievance procedures. The catalog is available for purchase at the College bookstore. The class schedule, published each semester, provides information regarding admissions and registration policies and procedures, matriculation information, and refund policies. The schedule is mailed to all postal customers in the Victor Valley and is available in nearly all offices on campus. A student handbook and schedule are given to all students who participate in an orientation session; catalogs are available at the bookstore. The registration process is outlined in the class schedule. Ram Talk, the electronic registration program, allows the students to register, add and drop classes. Each year the Office of Student Learning provides faculty and staff with a calendar of significant dates which is also included in the catalog. In 1997, a Sexual Harassment Committee met extensively to review and revise the policy. Suggestions were made to the President and legal counsel who presented it to the Board. Changes were made and the policy was revised; it was adopted by the Board 1-13-98 (Board Policy #540912). This policy defines sexual harassment and sets forth a procedure for the investigation and resolution of complaints of sexual harassment by or against any faculty member, staff member, or student within the community college district.
Self-Evaluation According to the 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey,2 84% of the respondents were pleased with the overall experience at Victor Valley College. However, the Student Satisfaction Survey did not address the students’ evaluation of current and accurate program information, student services policies and college services. College catalogs and class schedules go through a formal draft process to check for accuracy. This is not the case for all college documents. Appropriate departments are involved in the preparation of the material they use. Because the many changes in the college catalog and class schedule through the year, students are often referred to Student Services staff for the most current information. To ensure open entry classes to students on a first-come, first-serve basis the priority information is included in the college catalog. However, there is a concern that information regarding priority registration should be clearly outlined in the class schedule. There is concern about the status and currency of articulation agreements with four-year institutions. The articulation officer communicates with the four-year institutions and articulation officers to accomplish the revisions. The connection with ASSIST through the Internet helps with articulation; however, some colleges do not participate with ASSIST. The student sexual harassment and grievance policies were revised in 1997.
Planning Agenda 1. Students will be surveyed to determine whether the institution is providing current and accurate information. 2. Priority registration will be outlined in the class schedule. The refund policy in the schedule will be reworded to clearly outline the policy. 3. Brochures on specialized programs will be updated annually and distributed to various key locations such as Student Services Building, Student Activities Building, Library and the Learning Center.
5.3 The institution identifies the educational support needs of its student population and provides appropriate services and programs to address those needs.
Descriptive Summary Services and programs to meet the need of students are provided through Student Services. The Vice President of Student Learning provides overall leadership for student services and instruction. The Vice President of Student Learning is assisted by the Dean of Student Services and other staff. The comprehensive services and programs that provide educational support to students are identified as follows: The Matriculation Program: The Matriculation program operates according to the Matriculation Plan9 and is coordinated through a steering committee of administrators, faculty, staff and students. Admissions, Registration and Records: The Admissions Office assists prospective students in completing the College application process throughout the year. During the application program the Admissions Office collects pertinent information regarding the educational background and goals of students in order to begin to identify student needs and to facilitate referrals to other programs and services on campus. Counseling: The Counseling Office faculty can help students strengthen their academic performance, select a major, and develop career plans. Confidential help is also available for students who wish to solve situational problems or to improve their personal and social relationships. Career and Transfer Center: Located in the Student Services Building, Victor Valley College offers computerized career guidance programs and trained staff to aid students to identify and research career interests, and develop effective job search skills and transfer to four-year colleges. Disabled Student Program: Support services are offered to students who have a documented disability whether temporary or permanent. The Disabled Student Program provides vocational and academic counseling. The campus has a continuous barrier removal program to provide better accessibility to all campus activities. The Learning Disabilities Program helps individuals identify their learning disabilities and develop strategies to maximize success in college. EOPS and CARE: Extended Opportunities Program and Services, a state funded program, offers services to educationally or financially disadvantaged students. Peer advising, book services, tutoring, and counseling services are available to students. The program is designed to help strengthen academic performance and develop a career plan for students. Cooperative Agencies, Resources for Education (CARE) is a program designed specifically for single parents on welfare. Services include assistance with child care, transportation, books, and supplies. English-as-a-Second Language: Located in the Liberal Arts Building, over 900 students annually are serviced by ESL and the non-credit matriculation grant. The ESL program has grown in proportion to the increasingly diverse student population. Many of the ESL students have limited abilities to communicate in English which has necessitated the ESL department chair/instructor to provide a wide range of services to these students, especially in the area of initial academic and career advisement plus testing. The entire non-credit matriculation grant has now been committed to this effort. Cooperative Education: Cooperative Education is the joint effort of community employers and Victor Valley College that offers students the opportunity to combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience. Students are offered an educational program of supervised work experience in their major field while earning college credit. Cooperative Education was awarded the Two-year School Program of the Year in 1988 and 1998 by the California Cooperative Education Association. Financial Aid and Veterans: The Financial Aid Service assists students seeking degrees/certificates who are in need of financial help. Federal student aid programs include Board of Governors Fee Waiver, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, and Direct Loan. State grants are also available. In addition, a number of private/sponsored scholarships and awards are given each year to students in varying amounts. The Veterans Office assists students in securing their veterans’ educational benefits. Learning Center/Basic Skills: The Learning Center offers alternative delivery methods in three areas: tutoring, basic skills, and computer/CD-ROM support. Tutors meet one-on-one with students to find the best individualized study methods. Basic skills courses offer personalized and media-based instructions in reading, writing and math. Student Health Center: Located at the Student Activities Center, it is open for currently enrolled Victor Valley College students, faculty and staff. New Horizons: Our New Horizons Program, a federally funded educational assistance program, is designed to help single parents, displaced homemakers and single, pregnant women. The program helps the student make a successful transition to a vocational education program in college. In addition to career, academic, and personal counseling, weekly educational support groups and a nine-week Leadership Academy transition course are offered. Student Development Center: The Student Development Center consists of the Career Center and Transfer Center. Students interested in obtaining career information or transfer options should visit this unique, multifaceted center. One Stop Career Center: The One Stop Career Center brings together a wide variety of employment, education and training agencies designed to fill job seekers needs without requiring them to physically visit a number of different locations.
In addition to the above services, Victor Valley College offers an ultramodern Library/Learning Resource Center. Professional librarians are on duty day and evening hours to assist students in reference and research. Also, for student convenience, a writing center, food services, bookstore, and child care facility are located on campus. The Victor Valley College Student Employment Office assists students in finding employment at no cost to them or the employer as does the One Stop Career Center.
Self-Evaluation The Vice President of Student Learning provides the overall leadership for Student Services and Instruction. There is an Interim Dean of Student Services for the 1998-99 school year. Prior to this time, the administrative duties for Student Services were handled by the Vice President of Student Learning and the Dean, Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success who retired in June, 1998. The College will be advertising for a higher level position, Vice President of Student Services, to give Student Services the same administrative line position status as Instruction. One of Victor Valley College’s main assets is committed, caring and effective staff members in student services, special services and programs that provide educational support to students. The results of the 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey2 indicated that of 505 who responded, 123 students were pleased with some aspect of educational support in response to the statement "One thing you are most pleased/satisfied with at Victor Valley College." By contrast, of 636 responses to the statement, "One thing you think is most in need of improvement at Victor Valley College," only 65 students indicated that an educational support department or service needed improvement. As indicated by the 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey,2 one area that merits attention is the fact that 64% of students who responded indicated that "I don’t know where to go or whom to speak in order to get my concerns known or acted upon." Also, as indicated by a wide variance of percentages (from 9 to 82%), students responded that they "Have Not Used" many of the services and programs that support the educational needs of students. In response to this need, a new student services poster has been posted on campus, mailed to new students and listed on the VVC web page. Various follow-up letters are also send to probation, dismissal, basic skills, undeclared and early alert students. However, it should also be noted that the highest number of "yes" responses were given for the following statements: "I would recommend VVC to a friend," "I like the campus environment and feel comfortable here," and "I am pleased with my overall experience at VVC." There has been a growing demand by students to make individual appointments with counselors in order to formulate educational and career plans. The results of 1997 Student Survey2 indicated 52% of students stated they have an Educational Program Plan that was developed by a counselor. Three counselors were hired in the 1997-98 school year - one generalist counselor, one EOPS counselor, one ESL counselor. Also, regular part-time counselors have been employed during busy periods in order to better meet these demands. The EOPS program recently completed a successful site review.3 Over 700 VVC students receive services from this program and it is worth noting that EOPS received a number of positive comments on the 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey.2 The Matriculation Committee met extensively during the Fall semester to revise the Matriculation Plan.9 The Matriculation Committee will meet on a regular basis during the remaining of the school year. The Matriculation Plan has been completed and goals have been identified for 1998/99. The College is scheduled for a matriculation program review in March, 1999. Access to the Internet and Victor Valley College web site, with information about Student Support Services and programs, is available at the Academic Commons, Library, Student Activity Center and One Stop Career Center. Departments and programs that provide educational support services for students are now housed in a number of locations on campus. Students may find it challenging to readily locate needed programs and sometimes do not persist in utilizing recommended services although the new posters should help. At present, efforts are being made to improve and update technology in all areas on campus. Once implementation has been completed, Student Service departments, Special Services, and programs should be able to provide services by utilizing technology to reduce time intensive tasks.
Planning Agenda The Dean of Student Services, in collaboration with Student Services staff, will develop a plan to: 1. Increase publicity on services and policies for students and increase satisfaction with usage of services and survey students to determine their degree of satisfaction and use of these services. 2. Review all aspects of the Matriculation Program and revise the Plans accordingly. 3. Reorganize Admissions/Records/ Registrar’s Office and improve procedures to service students. 4. Increase outreach to VVC students interested in transfer to four-year colleges. The Dean of Students and Director of Outreach will implement a High School Outreach program. 5. Improve access to needed records by counselors (entry credit, degree audit, repeat course grades). 6. Solidify DSPS staffing and improve access to adaptive equipment. 7. Improve Athletic funding, counseling, and fund raising. 8. Improve research capabilities for students services. 9. Hire an additional ESL instructor to help meet the demands of a growing ethnically diverse student population. 10. See that all departments and programs that provide student educational support services are centrally located, preferably in nearby buildings or in one facility.
5.4 The institution involves students, as appropriate, in planning and evaluating student support and development services.
Descriptive Summary Students participate on many of the standing committees that deal with planning and evaluation of student services and all other programs at Victor Valley College. Student representatives have served on the various Matriculation Committees since 1991 and will continue to participate in reviews. The matriculation components include: Admissions; Assessment; Orientation; Counseling/Advisement; Follow-up; and Research and Evaluation. The Associated Student Body President has been invited to attend counseling meetings to discuss student needs and suggestions for improving services. The Counseling Department will continue to invite Associated Student Body members to department meetings to facilitate communication and improve student support services. The Student Body Representatives have expressed the need to be more actively involved in planning and evaluating student support and development services. The Associated Student Body President is a voting member of the College’s Board of Trustees and is in a position to evaluate student support and development services and make recommendations to meet student needs. ASB members are also involved in numerous other college-wide committees such as Commencement, Foundation, College Assembly, Affirmative Action, Curriculum, Accreditation, Faculty Senate, Board of Trustees, Library, Ram’s Day, and CalSACC.
Self-Evaluation In the 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey,2 students were asked to give their impressions of Victor Valley College concerning thirty services and programs. The survey offered "Excellent," "Good," "So-So," "Poor," and "Have not used" to a list of services and programs. Of those responding, the strongest positive perception about the College concerned instructional quality. The analysis is consistent with the Spring 1996 Student Satisfaction Survey.6 Many students have not used a variety of services provided by Victor Valley College. However, the Student Satisfaction Survey does not address the involvement of students in planning and evaluating student support and development services.
Planning Agenda 1. The student services staff and Associated Student Body will collaborate to develop a survey to assess the involvement of students in planning and evaluating student support and development services. 2. The Academic Senate, the administration, and Associated Students will increase and allow student participation in shared governance, and joint committees, by broadening the recruitment efforts for committee and task force participants from the student population.
5.5 Admissions and assessment instruments and placement practices are designed to minimize test and other biases and are regularly evaluated to assure effectiveness.
Descriptive Summary Victor Valley College offers free assessment testing throughout the semester. The student is recommended to complete the assessment test prior to registration. Once the assessment tests are completed the student is encouraged to meet with a counselor to determine the most suitable courses for the students’ success. Victor Valley College offers computerized assessment test in reading composition, sentence skills, and three levels of math: arithmetic, elementary math and college level math. If the student scores below an established cut off score the student will be referred by a counselor to the Learning Center or the Basic Skills program. For students whose primary language is not English, the English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers CELSA Assessment instruments to help ensure success. The Student Support Services Program (Title IV) also assist students needing to strengthen English and Math skills.
Self-Evaluation Victor Valley College’s Computerized Placement Test (CPT) assessment instrument was validated and is regularly checked for "disparate impact" and "cut scores" by the assessment coordinator, Dean of Students Services, Mathematics, and English chairs. The assessment instruments were designed in a combined effort by the English department, Mathematics department, Counseling department, College Board and the Educational Testing Service. According to the 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey,2 54% of students indicated the assessment services were excellent or good. Based on the assessment test results research project7 of 4,005 students during the period April 7, 1997, through April 3, 1998, showed the following:
One of the College’s goals according to VVC 1998/99 Matriculation Plan9 is that by the end of Spring 1999, the CPT results will be analyzed by ethnicity, disability, gender, and age to determine "disparate impact" and general course impact; CPT "cut scores" and results will be reviewed by the faculty; and a faculty/student placement "opinion" survey will be conducted in selected classes. The CPT scores will be added to the computer automatically.
Planning Agenda 1. The results of the CPT survey about the disparate impact, general course impact, CPT cut scores, and the faculty/student placement opinion survey will be analyzed and distributed campus wide. 2. The assessment services and exemptions procedure will be more widely publicized.
5.6 The institution provides appropriate, comprehensive, reliable, and accessible services to its students regardless of service location or delivery method.
Descriptive Summary Victor Valley College offers a full range of comprehensive student services that reflects the diversity of its student population. In an effort to provide services that are accessible to our students, most services are provided four days per week from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and one day until 7:00 pm. Extended hours are offered during peak times to accommodate student needs. During registration, additional temporary staff are hired in admissions to facilitate the admissions process. Most services are fully accessible and well-marked for easy identification. Some are centrally located in one building to better serve students, such as: Admissions, Registration and Records, Counseling, Career and Transfer Center, Disabled Students, New Horizons and the Bursar’s Office.
Self-Evaluation The College provides a comprehensive array of services that are appropriate to the student population. The 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey2 evaluating satisfaction with student services indicated that 85% would recommend Victor Valley College to a friend, and like the campus environment and feel comfortable here. Although the College has been expanding the weekend courses, no additional student services are offered to students.
Planning Agenda 1. To continue Victor Valley College’s commitment to quality services it is recommended that several facilities be expanded to accommodate the increasing student population. 2. Student Services needs to upgrade its computer hardware and software to better serve the students through rapidly changing technology. (i.e Electronic Admissions Application, on line registration, Financial Aid Application) 3. To better serve our increasing non- English speaking population, Victor Valley College will need to implement a cultural and language training program for appropriate staff. Additionally, more staff will be needed to continue our commitment to quality service. 4. The College will assess the need for expanded services during evenings and weekends.
5.7 The institution in keeping with its mission, creates and maintains a campus climate which serves and supports its diverse student population.
Descriptive Summary In February 1998, 825 (10.3%) of the 8,004 Victor Valley College (VVC) students were administered the Student Assessment of the College Environment (SACE) survey.14 Of these 825 students, 650 (78.8%) correctly completed the instrument. The purpose of the survey was to obtain the perceptions of students concerning the institutional climate and to promote more open and constructive communication among faculty, staff, and administrators. Researchers at the National Initiative for Leadership and Institutional Effectiveness (NILIE) and representatives of the College collaborated to create a survey that would reflect opinions of all students throughout the institution. Throughout the year, the Office of Student Activities, Student Government, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) encourage and sponsor student events celebrating diversity, such as Cinco de Mayo, Black History Month, Disabilities Awareness Day, and Women’s History Month. Each event is a carefully planned activity to provide information aimed at increasing sensitivity and awareness.
Self-Evaluation At Victor Valley College, the overall results from the SACE instrument indicate a healthy campus climate, yielding a 3.71 mean score of high consultative system. Both full-time and part-time students held similarly positive perception, yielding mean scores 3.70 and 3.74 respectively. Victor Valley College has been successful in attracting multicultural students to the campus. Although the Hispanic population of Victorville is 12.1%, Hispanic students comprise 22.9% of the total VVC student body. Student satisfaction is regularly assessed by the Dean of Students. A recent 1997 Student Survey2 indicated an excellent or good rating by 69.95% of students in the Extended Opportunity Program and Services Office. The EOPS program has the highest multicultural population on campus. This rating is the highest percentage for any student affairs division at Victor Valley College. A positive climate is further evidenced by a strong multicultural influence in student clubs. An important function of student government is the promotion of personal and civic responsibility. The Associated Student Body (ASB) has been very successful in encouraging volunteerism and infusing a multicultural influence in student clubs. Currently, there are 14 student clubs active on campus including: the Black Student Union, MEChA, Los Amigos, Asian Pacific Association, EOPS, and ESL. Minority students hold several key offices within student government including ASB President, ICC President, and presidencies of several student clubs. The clubs sponsor many activities that feature ethnic dance, food, music, and art. Every year, Black History Month and Cinco de Mayo are observed and celebrated. Diversity is a goal that is address in the Strategic Plan8 The six objectives focus on the following: increasing retention and persistence rates; increasing percentage of students reaching goals; improving employment in job categories to conform to AB1725; assuring that the student population, curriculum and college activities reflect diverse need of the community; increasing awareness of staff and student regarding legal and ethical responsibilities and discrimination issues.
Planning Agenda The diversity component of the Strategic Plan8 will be revised to incorporate the following recommendations: 1. To ensure the success of minority recruitment, the College needs to make portions of college publications such as registration, matriculation, financial aid, selected parts of the catalog, course and teacher evaluation forms, and student satisfaction surveys available in both English and Spanish. 2. The College will review the need for a Spanish-language extension that callers can be connected to when phoning Victor Valley College. 3. The College will promote diversity by infusing multiculturalism into the educational curriculum. Toward this goal, the college could create a multicultural certificate and/or degree. 4. The College will provide cross cultural training in existing classes (i.e. Sociology, Foreign Languages, Psychology) to expose students to cultural and ethnic differences. Such efforts would promote multicultural understanding and sensitivity. As an example, students in a business communication course might get together with students from an ESL course to discuss ethnic/national stereotypes. 5. The College will infuse multiculturalism into alternate delivery systems. Alternate styles of delivery might include diversity awareness training for faculty and staff at Flex Day. Workshops could be provided for students through outreach to student clubs and organizations. 6. The College will expand Cooperative Education to include sites that provide opportunities for multicultural training. Additional site locations (i.e. welfare, public schools, disabled services) could be developed that expose students to different cultures. 7. The College will continue the hiring of minority faculty, especially faculty in key academic/student affairs areas such as Child Development, Assessment, Financial Aid, Counseling, and Enrollment Services and individuals to translate (catalog, class schedules, etc.) into Spanish and other languages. 8. The College will provide easily accessible bilingual speaking personnel in technical assistance areas such as computer labs and learning services, as well as in Student Services.
9. The College will revise and implement the action plans and time lines in the diversity section of the Strategic Plan.8 10. The College will conduct the student assessment of the college environment annually and utilize the results for planning and improvement.
5.8 The institution supports a co-curricular environment that fosters intellectual, ethical, and personal development for all of its students, and encourages personal and civic responsibility.
Descriptive Summary Co-curricular activities on campus provide a platform for students to interact with others who have similar interests. Involvement in such activities provides the student with an environment that can be relaxing, socially responsible or academically challenging. Additionally, these activities provide opportunities to learn teamwork and civic responsibility. Campus activities include student government and politics, clubs, local and national academic support groups, and a student newspaper. Nearly all the groups are involved in fund-raising activities to support various academic and social goals. Most groups have a faculty advisor to oversee moneys and provide direction for selected activities.
Self-Evaluation The Associated Student Body/Student Government (ASB) and its elected Executive Committee, working under the direction of the Director of Auxiliary Services, is the driving force behind many campus activities. The ASB sponsors Candidate Forums and oversees elections. This past year it sponsored a Club Day, and a canned food drive for needy students. It also sponsored a club picnic and a trip to Raging Waters. There are eleven (11) ASB chartered clubs on campus. In addition, there are several academic and technical clubs which support student co-curricular activities in their selected fields. There are several clubs which bring students with common interests together; i.e. religious clubs and language clubs which obtain most of their funding through bake and candy sales, plant sales and dances. The campus has several active clubs representing minority students. The Black Student Union (BSU) commemorates Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month with speakers, lectures and discussions. This past year the BSU took part in a two-county Mini-Conference on Leadership for Black high school students. The Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano Azatlan (MEChA) celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Mexican dance groups, food and other entertainment. A new club, the Asian-Pacific Club has just been chartered and is ready to begin activities very soon. Phi Theta Kappa, a national science honors club has brought many speakers to the campus. Its members have become involved in community affairs as sponsors for Toys for Tots, AIDS Awareness and Family Values panels. The Association of Respiratory Therapy Students and the California Student Nurse Association are active student support clubs. Both groups work toward sending their members to state and national conventions. Additionally, the nursing club supports its members through Partners in Nursing, where a second-year nursing student is assigned to a beginning student. Christmas baskets are provided for needy nursing students. The Horticulture club from the Agriculture Department cultivates and sells plants to obtain money for trips to trade shows. Trade shows provide the students with social connections and opportunities at obtaining jobs. The Horticulture Club also provides volunteers for work with the Mojave Conservation District. The Trade/Technical students hold a Technical Fair and two Home Improvement Days, where they show projects and give mini-classes in their specialty for anyone who is interested. The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America13 (VICA) is a nationwide student association designed to provide quality education experiences for students in a career management, leadership, and teamwork. Victor Valley College will be hosting the 1999 VICA regional skills competition on February 6, 1999. Campus news is circulated through the student newspaper The RamPage.15 It is produced under direction of the Journalism faculty. The new Student Activities Center opened in August, 1997. It has rapidly become the hub of student activities on campus. Included in the Center are the new offices of the ASB/Student Government and a large food court with several commercial food establishments. Meeting rooms are available for student groups. Well-lit, comfortable tables are available for eating, talking or studying.
Planning Agenda 1. The College will conduct a survey to measure students’ satisfaction during 1998/99 school year and annually thereafter.
5.9 Student records are maintained permanently, securely, and confidentially, with provision for secure backup of all files, regardless of the form in which those files are maintained.
Descriptive Summary The office of admissions and records is responsible for the formal admission of all students. The clerks review and process applications, maintain all student records, provide residency, veteran, and transcript services; administer probation and dismissal policies; process graduation requests; disseminate diplomas and certificates. The storage, security, and confidentiality of student records is considered a paramount task in the admissions and records office. The student record database is backed up each night by computing services staff. Other offices, such as EOPS, Health Services, Financial Aid, and DSPS also store records as required by law.
Self-Evaluation Student records are kept in two ways: 1) paper files, and 2) computer files. In both cases, transcripts are kept forever while any other paperwork in the file is shredded after five years. Files are secured in two ways: 1) all paper files are kept in a fireproof vault, and 2) all computer files are secured by codes that can be accessed only by classified staff who work in the Admissions and Records Department. The "students records" policy is stated in the class schedule4 and student handbook;5 in addition, no confidential information is given out over the phone and requests for transcripts are only honored by letter. There is limited drawer space in the vault so more room is needed. Imaging scanning equipment for input into the system of all incoming transcripts, student educational plans and historical files has been purchased.
Planning Agenda 1. The appropriate staff will be trained to operate and use the image scanning equipment for the efficient and effective management of students records.
5.10 The institution systematically evaluates the appropriateness, adequacy, and effectiveness of its student services and uses the results of the evaluation as a basis for improvement.
Descriptive Summary In the Spring of 1997, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness conducted a Student Satisfaction Survey2 to acquire a better understanding of our students and their needs, and to monitor trends in student opinion. The Dean of Students also surveys all new students on "transition" services each semester. In addition a Program Development and Review10,11 process was conducted in 1996/97. One of the main purposes of program review is to examine all programs and services offered by Victor Valley College in order to access how well they are meeting the need of students and the overall mission of the college. For example, the Student Development Center was selected for program review. The goals, the criteria, and the measures and methods were identified.
Self-Evaluation It appears that there was an adequate sampling of students to the survey; however, it is not evident that the results of the survey were used as a basis for improvement in student support and development programs. The Student Satisfaction Survey needs to be revised to fully incorporate all data needed to accurately measure the degrees of student satisfaction in all areas.
Planning Agenda 1. Results of the current Student Satisfaction Survey2 need to be coupled with surveys from previous years to assist in addressing trends and developing plans to improve Student Services. 2. The college will systematically evaluate the appropriateness, adequacy, and effectiveness of its student services and will use the results of the evaluation as basis for the improvement.
Standard Five Documents Cited: 1. Victor Valley College Catalog 1989-99 2. 1997 Student Satisfaction Survey 3. EOPS Program Site Review 4. Victor Valley College Class Schedule 5. Victor Valley College Student Handbook 6. 1996 Student Satisfaction Survey 7. Assessment Test Research Project 8. Strategic Plan 9. 1998/99 Matriculation Plan 10. Program Development and Review 11. Board Minutes for Program Development and Review 12. Board Policy 5409, Sexual Harassment 13. :Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) 14. Student Assessment of the College Environment (SACE) 15. RamPage
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