World Wide Web Edition December 2002 Volume 3, Number 9 Print LeagueConnections Laura Derrick/League for Innovation Welcome to the December 2002 edition of LeagueConnections, one of the best ways to stay connected with ongoing League for Innovation in the Community College projects, activities, and events. LeagueConnections is published monthly, alternating with new editions of LeagueTLC, Leadership Abstracts, and Learning Abstracts. All of these League publications are electronic for the convenience and easy accessibility of our readers. That means more up-to-date information more often! You'll find lots of interesting new features in the segments that follow and in each month to come. Feel free to forward this message to your all-college listservs. To join the list of innovative educators receiving LeagueConnections directly via e-mail, subscribe today.

	Keynoters Confirmed for Innovations 2003
	Low Cost and High Expectations Make a Match in Community Colleges
	High Schools Get High-Tech Training Boost: $728,000 for Academies, Scholarships
	Students Get College Credit for Microsoft Certification
	Announcing Maricopa Learning Exchange
	Clearly Quotable: Some Musings on Diversity
	Earn Graduate Credit at 2003 Innovations Conference
	Conference on Information Technology: Gone Today, Here Tomorrow
	Lulu Press Announces Winner in CIT Drawing
	Quick Stats: A New Survey Looks at Student Engagement
	The League Can Help You Develop a Strategic Technology Plan
	Sinclair’s Grants Director Honored with Lifetime Service Award

 

KEYNOTERS CONFIRMED FOR INNOVATIONS 2003

March 16-19, community college professionals will gather in Phoenix for Innovations 2003, the League’s sixth annual conference on student and organizational learning. Keynote speakers for 2003 conference, innovators all, have been confirmed and include

Join innovative community college professionals as they come together to improve student and organizational learning through innovation, experimentation, and institutional transformation at Innovations 2003. To register for Innovations 2003, visit the League or contact Gerardo de los Santos at 480 705-8200, ext. 222.

LOW COST AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS MAKE A MATCH IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES

The stature of the community college is experiencing a sea change, as noted in a recent New York Times article. More students are opting to save money by attending a community college before transferring to a prestigious four-year institution. And more community colleges are responding by offering honors programs barely discernible from the types of curricula offered at those universities. Everybody, it would seem, stands to win.

The article by Greg Winter, “Junior Colleges Try Niche as Path to Top Universities,” appeared in the December 15 New York Times. Thanks to permission from the Times, however, you can access it through LeagueConnections. You’ll need to log in when you get to the site, but if you capture the link by December 22 there will be no charge even after the article goes to the archives.

Visit the Times site to read about this trend in higher education today.

HIGH SCHOOLS GET HIGH-TECH TRAINING BOOST

US Department of Labor Grant Adds $728,000 for IT Career Academies, Scholarship Funds

In the next two years, Kirkwood Community College (IA) and many high schools in the Cedar Rapids area will launch and expand their efforts to make eastern Iowa teens aware of promising careers in computer networking and information technologies. Hundreds of those students could then get a big chunk of Kirkwood college scholarship money.

The education and scholarships are the result of a recently announced grant from the US Department of Labor. The Kirkwood Grants office has announced the awarding of $728,060 in funds to support Kirkwood’s Information Systems Management and Local Area Networking Academy programs. The Department of Labor grant will fund 61 percent of the total costs of the IT-Career Edge Academy proposal.

Kirkwood career academy programs are active in 16 eastern Iowa high schools and involve 294 students. College officials plan to expand the career programs to include two alternative high schools in the area and involve about 550 students by the 2004-2005 school year.

“This training will provide more young Iowans a career ladder into high-paying, high-demand, and high-technology jobs,” said Senator Tom Harkin. “These are the types of jobs that we need more of in Iowa.”

Kirkwood’s Business and Information Technologies department will administer the program linking high schools and the college to career education. Kirkwood Business and IT Dean John Henik calls the new grant “a wonderful, comprehensive boost” to the college’s efforts to make career knowledge available to high school students. “We are already seeing the results of our cooperative efforts in the career academies and are grateful to the Department of Labor and our Congressional leadership for making this grant possible. This will mean more training for our high school teachers and many more opportunities for the next generation of college students and skilled employees.”

Grant funds will support training programs for both Kirkwood and area high school faculty in information technology and computer hardware applications. Other funds will expand job-shadowing and other onsite career explorations for high school students. An additional $100,000 per year will be available for Kirkwood scholarships to students graduating from the area career academies.
Henik sees the new grant as crucial in building workforce skills via the IT career academy efforts. “Computer literacy skills in today’s world are simply a must,” he said. “Information and communications technology are vital knowledge for nearly everyone in today’s economy. These academies and scholarships for the students are key to building those technical literacy levels in Iowa.”

Kirkwood officials indicate that grant funds are available to support a total of 16 to 18 high schools in the college’s seven-county service area.

More information on the Career Edge Information and Communications Technology Academy programs at Kirkwood is available by calling (319) 398-5416.

STUDENTS GET COLLEGE CREDIT FOR MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION

Holders of Microsoft Office Specialist certifications can now apply for college credit through participating American Council on Education (ACE) member institutions. Visit this site for more details.

ANNOUNCING

THE GREAT MLX PACKAGE RACE!

The Maricopa Learning eXchange (MLX) was built to meet faculty and staff requests for an easy-to-use library of innovations, projects, and resources created at Maricopa to support learning—a virtual warehouse of who's doing what.

Items in this searchable online database are represented as packages, each one described by information in its packing slip. Packages may include lesson activities, media objects, project reports, descriptions of effective student service implementations, PowerPoint files, workshops, websites—anything developed at Maricopa that supports teaching, learning, and professional development. It is quite open, and Maricopa encourages participation by all faculty, staff, and administrators. Visit their site for information about how Maricopa is promoting the MLX project.

CLEARLY QUOTABLE:
Some Musings on Diversity

Sources: Josephson Institute of Ethics; Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations

EARN GRADUATE CREDIT WHILE ATTENDING 2003 INNOVATIONS

Antioch University McGregor offers graduate courses that incorporate 2003 Innovations Conference activities into the course requirements. Attend conference sessions that are relevant to you and use this information as a basis for further study and reflection once you return to your community college. Study individually or in groups. Courses apply to the community college management track of our master of arts in management degree.

For 2003 Innovations, you can register for the following courses:

EDH 590 Current Issues in Community College Management
EDH 591 Current Issues in Community College Leadership
EDH 592 Current Issues in Student Development
EDH 593 Current Issues in Community College Teaching and Learning
EDH 594 Current Issues in Developmental Education
EDH 595 Current Issues in Workforce Development
EDH 596 Current Issues in Faculty and Professional Development
EDH 597 Current Issues in Assessment
EDH 598 Current Issues in Resource Development

Register early online for the above courses.

As a 2003 Innovations Conference Attendee, you qualify for a McGregor Professional Development Scholarship. Submit your conference registration receipt and receive a $50 credit on your tuition.

Antioch University McGregor offers Learning Summit attendees the opportunity to learn hands-on about the principles and practices of the Learning College with Terry O’Banion, the foremost expert on this paradigm. Review the fundamental concepts of the Learning College and critique how colleges are applying these concepts. Participants can earn doctoral, master’s, or continuing education credits. Course dates are March 13-16 (credit courses continue online through May 1.) Go online for course and registration information. Students must also register for the Learning Summit through the League.

Register for the following courses online. A maximum of 25 students will be enrolled.

CEDH 585 The Learning College (continuing education)
EDH 585 The Learning College (master’s course)
EDH 785 The Learning College (doctoral course)

The master’s course applies to the community college management track of our master of arts in management degree.

Learn more about graduate education opportunities and view the course syllabi online.

Go online or additional information about graduate professional development courses and the community college management track of our master of arts in management program, or contact an enrollment services officer.

To learn more about Antioch University McGregor’s educational services to community college faculty and staff, visit us at the 2003 Innovations Conference in Phoenix.

 CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: GONE TODAY, HERE TOMORROW

By all accounts, the 2002 Conference on Information Technology was a spectacular success. The over 3,200 conference participants were treated to hands-on computer labs, breakout sessions, and an exhibition of resources and services from over 110 corporate partners and Friends of the League. Outstanding keynote presentations were provided by Zane Terance, CEO, Reveal Technologies; Brian L. Hawkins, President, EDUCAUSE; Howard Charney, Senior Vice President, Cisco Systems; and Jennifer James; Urban Cultural Anthropologist; as well as Mark Milliron, who led a panel discussion that included Walter Bumphus, Chancellor, Louisiana Community and Technical College System; Leo Chavez, Chancellor, Foothill-De Anza Community College District; Henry D. Shannon, Chancellor, St. Louis Community College; and Mary Spilde, President, Lane Community College.

Other conference highlights included a very popular new conference track, Math, Science, Allied Health, and Technology, that examined the role of computers in mathematics, physical science, chemical science, biological science, materials science, and economic and financial science; futuristic 3D HoloProjection demonstrations that introduced more immersive and realistic learning experiences; cutting-edge sessions on biotechnology and its role in education for the new millennium; the innovative Community College Call Center Consortium (C5) workshop that provided the latest information about starting a call center, finding curriculum, identifying funding, sourcing technology, and identifying and developing new training opportunities; and the timely Cyber Security Summit, where participants discussed the development of a nationally recognized curriculum of certifications and associate degrees in the field of Cyber Security and Information Assurance.

Archived Special Sessions presented at the 2002 CIT are available online, as is a recording of an interactive online discussion with Mark Milliron that focuses on the role of community colleges in a Digital Democracy.

Preparations are already under way for the 2003 CIT to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Midwest Express Center, October 19-22. The Wisconsin Technical College System is serving as host for the 19th annual conference. The 2003 CIT will once again provide a wealth of learning options including hands-on labs, breakout sessions, Learning Center courses, an exhibition of resources and services from corporate partners, and prominent national spokespersons. Confirmed to be a keynote speaker at the 2003 CIT is Diana G. Oblinger, Director, Higher Education, Microsoft Corporation. Diana provides strategic direction for higher education programs at Microsoft on a variety of instructional technology issues.

The League is currently accepting proposals for the 2003 CIT. These can be submitted online. The special focus for Track 1 for the 2003 conference is Nanotechnology and Possible Directions for Educators. Proposals targeted toward this focus area should encourage an exchange of ideas regarding how community colleges can anticipate and meet future educational and training needs in this emerging field. Also sought for the 2003 CIT are presentations that explore innovative approaches to improving career and technical education leading to improved student achievement in vocational areas. Deadline for submitting proposals to present is March 24, 2003, but you are strongly encouraged to submit proposals as soon as possible, as early submissions receive priority scheduling.

For additional information regarding the Conference on Information Technology, contact Ed Leach at (480) 705-8200, x233.

LULU PRESS ANNOUNCES WINNER IN CIT DRAWING

Lulu Press and the League for Innovation congratulate Belinda Fisher of San Jacinto Community College. Fisher won a year’s subscription for San Jacinto College South to the Digital Publications Library through the 2002 Conference on Information Technology (CIT) drawing held in Long Beach last month.

The Digital Publications Library (DPL), created by the League for Innovation and Lulu Press, is also proud to announce its newest partnership with LearningTimes Network.

Through the DPL, faculty and staff at subscribing institutions already have online access to all League publications. Now, thanks to the LearningTimes Network, DPL users can also access audio interviews with League members and presenters at the 2002 CIT.

The League’s most innovative faculty development tool to date, the Digital Publications Library DPL offers books, articles, and multimedia resources to educators. To learn more about the League’s Digital Publications Library, please visit the DPL information page or contact David Spain at (919) 678-9900 ext 114.

QUICK STATS:
A New Survey Looks at Student Engagement

If you think words like “typical” and “traditional” still have a relevant ring in today’s community college environment, consider this: Only one in six undergraduate students in the U.S. is 18 to 24 years old, attends school full time, and lives on campus.

That’s only one of the eye-openers that resulted from a new study, “Engaging Community Colleges: A First Look.” The study was based on a project of the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin. The project, directed by Kay M. McClenny, involved a survey of more than 30,000 students at 48 two-year colleges in 22 states. An extensive follow-up to this Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) will take place in 2003.

The CCSSE is modeled on the National Survey of Student Engagement, which studies conditions and experiences at four-year institutions. But in a departure from those surveys, CCSSE will release data and identify individual institutions that took part in the study, the better to provide examples for success.

Among the CCSSE 2002 findings were these:

	More than 80% of the CCSSE students do not participate in college-sponsored extracurricular activities
	32% work more than 30 hours per week
	51% work more than 20 hours per week
	21% of respondents have children living at home
	29% spend 11 or more per week caring for dependents; more than 17% spend more than 30 hours per week caring for dependents
	93% commute
	23% spend six to 20 hours per week commuting to and from class
	15% of part-time students never worked with other students on projects during class
	45% of part-time students never worked with classmates outside of class to prepare assignments
	51% of part-time students never discussed ideas from readings or classes with an instructor outside of class

Detailed information about student engagement and other findings for the full CCSSE population, subgroups, and individual colleges are provided free online, or by sending an e-mail inquiry.

THE LEAGUE CAN HELP YOU DEVELOP A STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PLAN

The League's Service Division is prepared to help community colleges develop strategic technology plans for a campus, college, or district. The most useful plan sets a vision for the institution’s selection, application, integration, and funding for technology. It is considerably more than a list of everyone’s requests!

The League is positioned to help in several ways:

One
Provide consultants to perform a technology audit that usually takes one or two onsite visits. This audit includes a review of the planning readiness and technology use for the institution. A report is written advising leadership on next steps for the planning initiative.

Two
The League can work closely with the institution to jumpstart the planning process by spending time onsite to prepare and train college constituents on methods to complete the plan. This service usually takes two to three days onsite with follow-up as needed.

Three
The League has access to experienced consultants to serve as long-term guides and partners in the planning process. This service combines Number Two above with a retainer for regular visits and offsite work to help the institution create the plan.

The League's Service Division consultants are able to assist with:

• Formation of principles of operation for the planning process
• Selection and assignment of team members, leaders, and tasks
• Business process re-engineering for technology
• External environment scans
• Internal environment scans
• Project formation and development, including budget
• Funding sources identification
• Policy review and development
• Recommendations and next steps
• Organizational structure review and recommendations for technology

We know that institutions vary in their needs for consulting services. What is important to note is the League’s ability to access experienced technology planning leaders who may be helpful short-term, long-term, onsite, and through telephone or e-mail. Our consultants will save your institution hours of time by providing proven models that result in vision, direction, and funding for technology. You can be confident that the result will make a real difference in clarifying the best directions for technology integration, academically and administratively, for many years. We will send you seasoned planners, many of whom are frequent presenters at the League's Conference on Information Technology.

For additional information about employing League Services to assist your college in developing a strategic technology plan, contact Ed Leach at (480) 705-8200, x233.

SINCLAIR'S GRANTS DIRECTOR HONORED WITH LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD

Neil Herbkersman, Director of the Grants Development and Governmental Information office at Sinclair Community College (OH), has received the Lifetime Service Award from the Council for Resource Development (CRD). The award was presented November 20 at CRD’s annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions through service to CRD at the national, regional, and state levels. It is designed to encourage two-year college development officers to work at all levels to strengthen the professional organization, and carries with it a lifetime membership in CRD.

Herbkersman was nominated by Marilyn Appleson of Oakton Community College (IL) and David Canine of Richland College (TX). He was cited for pioneering use of Web pages, frequent informal mentoring with CRD members on a variety of topics, and his help in providing information and support. Herbkersman has been a CRD board member for seven years, past regional director and past state coordinator, and a frequent CRD conference presenter.

“A large degree of Sinclair Community College’s success in attracting state, regional, and national grants can be credited to Neil Herbkersman’s leadership,” said Sinclair President Ned J. Sifferlen. “It is fitting that he be honored by his development peers throughout the nation.”

Herbkersman has led Sinclair’s Grants Development and Governmental Information office since 1986. The office currently generates $7 million in annual revenue for Sinclair.

 

LeagueConnections is published monthly by the League for Innovation in the Community College. For information, contact Laura Derrick, Technology Assistant.

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