EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEES

In order to ensure the relevance of educational programs to local markets and to promote effective communications with members of the community, College of the Redwoods may establish advisory committees
for any program which the Board thinks would profit from such support. The role of advisory committees is to provide advice to the program faculty on the skills and knowledge required in the workplace and on new directions and developments in the field. Advisory committees also function to support programs through assistance in fund-raising, scholarships, job placements and internships.

Advisory committees shall fulfill the following roles:

1. Determine community needs.
Advisory committee members shall advise the program as to its effectiveness in preparing students for successful entrance into that vocation. The input of the committee will assist the faculty in modifying programs to more effectively serve the present and future needs of the community.

2. Review the content of courses and programs.
Advisory committees review the curriculum and provide advice to the program faculty. The committee will make general recommendations for keeping instruction current and focused on the future needs of the business or industry.

3. Review standards of student achievement and help to place students.
Advisory committees provide input on setting standards for the training of students. When students have successfully completed a program, advisory committees help to obtain employment for students.

4. Provide guidance and technical support for faculty.
Advisory committees provide technical assistance to the faculty. The committees provide up-to-date information regarding changing technology and may provide important assistance to new faculty.

5. Enhance public relations.An advisory committee is the College of the Redwoods way of ensuring that the program meets the present and future needs of the community. It emphasizes the natural and historic link between the college and the community. The establishment of advisory committees also recognizes that the greatest asset any educational system can have is an enthusiastic and well-served public.

Advisory committees shall operate under the following guidelines:

1. Any program may have an advisory committee. Programs may establish an advisory committee on the recommendation of the Academic Senate and approval by the Board of Trustees

2. Advisory committee members shall be a. nominated by program faculty, department chairs, or members of the community from the appropriate field.
b. appointed by the dean or associate vice president
c. approved by the President

3. Committee members will be appointed for two year terms. Member reappointment must be supported by a letter from the dean or associate vice president, and must follow the approval process described in #2
above.

4. Committee members may elect one or two chairpersons. In the case of a co-chairperson committee, a faculty member shall serve as one of the chairs. Faculty are resource persons for the committee and shall not serve as voting members.

5. The President/Superintendent of the College of the Redwoods shall serve as ex-officio member of all advisory committees

6. Each advisory committee will submit an annual report of committee activities to the Division Dean or Associate Vice President and Academic Senate. The Academic Senate will submit a summary of the
various advisory committee reports to the Board of Trustees.

7. The Academic Senate shall serve as liaison between the Board and all advisory committees. Notices and minutes of meetings will be submitted to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and maintained in the Dean or Associate Vice President's office for public review.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees: August 15, 1977
Amended: June 3, 1996