Section 2 CORE REQUIREMENTS

Trinity Valley Community College was founded by a group of Athens civic leaders in 1946.  Since that time, TVCC has grown to serve Henderson, Anderson, Kaufman, Rains, and portions of Van Zandt counties as well as the state correctional facilities near Tennessee Colony in Anderson County.  The College’s Board of Trustees, the State of Texas, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board have granted the TVCC Board the authority to grant the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree, and Certificates of Completion.  The degree granting authority is governed by the rules and regulations outlined in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Rules (Chapter 9; Degree Granting Authority (Section 9.181, Section 9.182), which specify the structure of academic degree programs in public community colleges. Section 9.182 describes the authority given to the Coordinating Board to implement regulations and policies and establish rules for postsecondary programs granting associate degrees and certificates in Texas. Texas Education Code 130.151, Subchapter I: Educational Opportunities for Disadvantaged Students describes this specific authority of TVCC to offer educational programs, and Texas Education Code 130.161, Subchapter J: Junior College District Service Areas describes our approved service area.

The College was first accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1952 and was last reaffirmed for accreditation in 1996 to award the Associate of Arts degree, Associate of Science degree, and Associate of Applied Science degree. Currently, TVCC does not award the Associate of Science degree.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.2. The institution has a governing board of at least five members that is the legal body with specific authority over the institution. The board is an active policy-making body for the institution and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the financial resources of the institution are adequate to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from it. Neither the presiding officer of the board nor the majority of other voting members of the board have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution.   A military institution authorized and operated by the federal government to award degrees has a public board in which neither the presiding officer nor a majority of the other members are civilian employees of the military or active/retired military. The board has broad and significant influence upon the institution's programs and operations, plays an active role in policy-making, and ensures that the financial resources of the institution are used to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from the board except as specified by the authorizing legislation. Neither the presiding officer of the board nor the majority of other voting board members have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution. (Governing Board)

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NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees that is elected from single member districts as specified in TVCC Board Policy BBB (Legal) under the topic “Number and Term” in the Board Policy Manual. The current Board of Trustees are listed in the TVCC Catalog (p. 10). TVCC Board Policy BA (Legal) states, "The Board is a body corporate and has the exclusive power to manage and govern the College District.” The Board is an active policy making body as specified in TVCC Board Policies BAA (Legal), BBE (Local), and BE (Local) under the headings “Governance,” “Board Authority,” and “Policy and Bylaw Development,” respectively. Further evidence that the Board adopts policy is contained in the TVCC Board Minutes (June 27, 2005, item 9) and TVCC Board Minutes (July 25, 2005, item 5) that indicate board adoption of the proposed policy changes and proposed new policies.

The Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the financial resources of TVCC are adequate to provide sound educational programs. To accomplish this, the Board has the authority to levy and collect taxes, approve the annual institutional budget, and fix and collect rental, rates, charges, or fees from students and others. This authority is specified in TVCC Board Policy BAA (Legal) under the headings "Assessing and Collecting,” "Annual Budget," and “Rental, Rates, and Charges.” Item 24 of TVCC Board Policy BAA (Legal) also states that the board shall “[a]ct as a fiduciary in the management of funds under the control of the institutions subject to the Board's control and management.”

The Board is not controlled by a minority of Board members or by organizations or separate interests. TVCC Board Policy BBE (Local), under the headings “Transacting Business” and "Individual Authority for Committing the Board" requires that "official Board action shall be taken only in meetings that comply with the Open Meetings Act.  The affirmative vote of a majority of all Board members shall be required to transact business."  The scope of individual authority of Board members is described within the same policy under the heading “Individual Authority for Committing the Board," which states that individual board members "shall not exercise authority over the District, its property, or its employees."  Item 6 of TVCC Board Policy BBF (Local) describes the responsibilities of a Board member and states that members are to “render all decisions based on the available facts and . . . independent judgment, and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals or special interest groups.” 

Neither Board members, including the presiding officer of the Board, nor their family members have contractual, employment, or personal or financial interests in the College. Item 6 (p. 5) of TVCC Board Policy BBFA (Legal) specifically prohibits employment of or contracting with relatives of a Board member related within the third degree by blood and the second degree by marriage.  Furthermore, a TVCC employee may not serve as a member of the Board of the college at which he is employed [TVCC  Board Policy DBD (Legal); Employment Requirements and Restrictions; Holding Public Office].  TVCC is also prohibited from contracting with a Board member for one year following the date the individual ceases to be a member of the Board of Trustees [TVCC  Board Policy DC (Legal); Hiring Practices, "Trustee Employment"].

DOCUMENTATION:

2.3 The institution has a chief executive officer whose primary responsibility is to the institution and who is not the presiding officer of the board. (Chief Executive Officer)  

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NARRATIVE:

The president of Trinity Valley Community College, Ronald C. "Ron" Baugh, serves as the chief executive officer and has primary responsibility to the College as specified in the "Qualification and Duties" enumerated in TVCC Board Policy BFA (Local). He has served as president of TVCC since he was appointed to that position on August 31, 1987.

The Board of Trustees is presided over by the president of the Board, Mr. Bob J. McDonald, as required in TVCC Board Policy BCAB (Legal).  TVCC Board Policy DBD (Legal), under the heading “Holding Public Office," prohibits the college president from serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. The minutes of the Board of Trustees reflect that the president is not the presiding officer of the Board (TVCC Board Meeting Minutes). The TVCC Organizational Chart delineates the reporting relationship between the Board of Trustees and the president.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.4 The institution has a clearly defined and published mission statement specific to the institution and appropriate to an institution of higher education, addressing teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service. (Institutional Mission)

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NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College's mission statement is as follows: 

To assist the public in better understanding our mission, TVCC has developed its Statement of Purpose which aids in demonstrating that teaching and learning are important parts of the College's mission. The mission and purpose statements are published in the TVCC Catalog (p. 11).The mission statement and purpose statement were last reviewed, amended, and approved by the Board of Trustees at the April 25, 2005 meeting as evidenced in Item 10 of the minutes (TVCC Board Minutes, April 25, 2005). The process of this revision is documented on the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Website, Mission Revision.

DOCUMENTATION

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NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College has ongoing, integrated, and institution-wide research-based planning and assessment process which involve faculty, staff and administrators and result in the enhancement of the College’s ability to achieve its mission. Through an annual strategic planning process, the College's human, physical, and fiscal resources are organized to carry out the mission of the College. TVCC's strategic planning activities occur at all levels of the College, providing for participation of faculty, administration, and staff in determining program directions, establishing desired outcomes, and shaping College goals. The planning process links administrative outcomes and learning outcomes with College goals.

Strategic Planning Processes & Accomplishment of the Mission:

TVCC Board Policy BI (Local) describes the planning and institutional effectiveness proccess as "a long-term, future-oriented process of goal-setting, assessment, decision-making, and action that maps an explicit path between the present and a vision of the future that relies on careful consideration of an organization's capabilities and environment and leads to priority-based resource allocation." To facilitate this process, TVCC has developed an integrated system that allows for multiple sources of feedback from College stakeholders. The initial component of this process involves the Strategic Planning Committee, which is charged with advising the administration on the effectiveness of the College. This body recommends a preferred vision for TVCC that has measurable outcomes so that progress can be monitored, provides a formal annual evaluation of progress toward the accomplishment of strategic planning goals, and serves as a liaison with campus stakeholders for the continuous assessment of the strategic plan. As an advisory body, the Committee recommends changes in College goals and/or priorities. At least once every four years the Committee reworks the strategic plan for recommendation to the Committee on College Planning, the president, and the Board of Trustees.

Analysis of progress on the strategic plan was discussed during the College's annual Administrative Retreat for members of the Committee on College Planning (Committee on College Planning Minutes, April 7-8, 2005 and Committee on College Planning Minutes, July 7, 2005 ). See Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 for a detailed description of this process. The Strategic Planning Committee has been active this past year revising the strategic plan. The activities of the Committee are contained in the Strategic Planning Committee minutes and on the Strategic Plan Website. As a result of their work, a draft of the strategic plan will be submitted to the TVCC Board of Trustees later this spring (2007-2010 Strategic Plan Draft). This plan was revised after careful consideration of the College's mission, which was approved in April 2005 [TVCC Board Minutes (April 25, 2005)]. The College's mission as a learning-centered community college is embedded in the revision of the strategic plan, the processes for annual planning and institutional effectiveness, and in the implementation of the College's day-to-day activities.

Implementation of the strategic plan begins with the administration.  Each spring, the Committee on College Planning, which includes 11 deans, three vice presidents, the president, selected directors, and the administrative intern take part in an administrative retreat held at an off-campus location. The group spends two days reviewing current needs of the College and making plans for future activities. In the fall, a one-day retreat is held at one of the four campus locations where current topics are discussed.  During these intensive fall planning sessions, the president, vice presidents, deans, and a cross-section of professional staff members discuss, decide, and make plans for improvement in all areas of campus life.

Administrative and academic planning units establish goals for college-wide planning through the annual institutional effectiveness, planning, and budgeting processes described below. Prior to the 2005-2006 academic year, the annual planning process involved the creation, use, and assessment of goals and objectives by all administrative and academic planning units. These plans include the desired objective, assessment criteria, an assignment of responsibility, timeline, and resources, as well as a link to the appropriate TVCC goal. As an example, view these documents for the Health Science Center, 2004-2005 (administrative planning unit) and Surgical Technology, 2004-2005 (academic planning unit). The Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Website includes a copy of these plans dating back to the 2002-2003 academic year. For further description of these processes and documentation of TVCC's practices, See Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1.

Improvement of the Planning Process

To further highlight TVCC's desire to improve, the College conducted an informal analysis of its needs in order to mature its planning and institutional effectiveness processes. The process was changed to encompass a more complex understanding of student learning as a key component of the annual planning process. The dean of planning and institutional effectiveness facilitated informal campus-wide discussions regarding the administrative and academic planning needs of TVCC. These discussions centered around the need for the College to elevate its level of understanding regarding learning outcomes. Key linkages between the planning process, the budgeting cycles, and instructional cycles led the dean of planning and institutional effectiveness to recommend a system that separated administrative and academic outcome processes formally and through the language used to describe each [Committee on College Planning Minutes (April 2005)]. The formal recognition of student learning outcomes led to the creation of Learning Outcomes Enhancement Annual Plans (LEAPs), a name developed to emphasize learning outcomes and set it apart from administrative outcomes.

Administrative outcomes include, and are very similar to, what was formerly called goals and objectives. Administrative Outcomes were aligned with the budgeting process and linked to overall strategic planning goals in a similar way as goals and objectives had been in prior years. (ex. Administrative Outcome, Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, see item 7).

Linking Planning to the Budget

Administrative outcomes are considered at the time of budget construction through the recommendation of the vice president of fiscal affairs (Budget Letter from Vice President of Fiscal Services, February 20, 2006), and the dean of planning and institutional effectiveness (Budget Letter from Dean of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, March 6, 2006). Initial budget requests are due in April, and budgets are considered throughout the summer [see Comprehensive Standard 2.11(c) for a discussion of budgeting processes]. On June 15th of each year, all administrative planning units submit administrative outcomes, which include formal delineation of operational, equipment, or personnel budget requirements for each outcome (ex. Administrative Outcome, Division of Business, see items 8, 9, & 10 ). Realizing that the budgeting process is a true process, administrative outcomes for the upcoming academic year may be revised through September 15th in the event that the approved budget is greater or less than the requested budget. This process is in line with TVCC Board Policies BI (Local) and BIA (Legal).

Institutional Research and Assessment

The office of planning and institutional effectiveness provides a comprehensive evaluation program that includes the initiation, design, and implementation of assessment activities. Such activities include conducting workshops for learning outcomes enhancement, facilitating the development of administrative outcomes and learning outcomes, designing and administering numerous paper and web-based surveys to faculty, staff, and students (Institutional Research Surveys Website), and coordinating the student evaluation of courses and instructors.  The surveys gather information about perceptions, opinions, and needs of those being surveyed. Additional information regarding the institutional research activities of the College may be viewed on the Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Website and the Instituional Research Website. Further discussion of Institutional Research is included in Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.6 The institution is in operation and has students enrolled in degree programs. (Continuous Operation)

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NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College is currently in operation and has been in continuous operation since 1946.  The College began operation with 256 students enrolled in the summer semester of 1946.  In the fall of 2005, 5,660 students were enrolled. TVCC was first accredited in 1952, with the latest reaffirmation of accreditation occurring in 1996 (SACS Accreditation Status).

In the 2003-2004 academic year, 5,794 students were enrolled in degree programs leading to an Associate of Arts degree,  1,767 students declared a major leading to the Associate of Applied Science degree, and 1,575 students were enrolled in certificate programs (THECB 2005 Academic Data Profile). In the same academic year, 385 graduates received Associate of Arts degrees, 145 graduates received Associate of Applied Science degrees, and 762 students received Certificates of Completion. For information on enrollment and graduates from each of these programs by CIP code, see the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Annual Data Profile and the TVCC Fact Book.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.7.1 The institution offers one or more degree programs based on at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the associate level. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for program equivalency. (Program Length)

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NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College awards the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree, and Certificates of Completion (SACS Accreditation Status).  The requirements for each degree are listed on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Degree and Program Inventory are based on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules (Chapter 4; Rules Applying to All Public Institutions of Higher Education in Texas, Subchapter A; General Provisions). The TVCC Catalog (pp. 64-74) and the TDCJ Guidebook (pp.13-20) provide details of TVCC programs. The TVCC Catalog is the guiding document for policies and procedures that has been approved by the TVCC Board of Trustees.

The university transfer curricula leading to an Associate of Arts degree are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  There are 28 areas of emphasis for the Associate of Arts degree.  These areas of emphasis have a range of 64 to 72 semester hours in each suggested degree plan. The degree plans are only a suggested pathway to assist students in their preparation for some of the most common baccalaureate programs but are not designed for transfer to any particular college or university.  However, the Associate of Arts degree allows flexibility to design a plan for a specific receiving college or university. 

Two Associate of Arts degree plans, the Associate of Arts in Music and the Associate of Arts in Teaching, meet the Field of Study requirements approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  The Fields of Study, as designated by the Coordinating Board, are blocks of courses that transfer in total to a Texas public university [TVCC Catalog (p. 77); AA in Teaching Field of Study and TVCC Catalog (pp. 84-86); AA in Music Field of Study].  The Field of Study block must be accepted by the receiving institution as that institution’s lower division requirements for the particular Field of Study program.

To receive the Associate of Arts degree, the student must complete a minimum of 64 semester hours of credit, including 44 hours of core curriculum courses.  The content of the core curriculum is based upon guidelines established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  TVCC's core curriculum includes courses in the following areas:  communication, mathematics, natural science, humanities and visual and performing arts, social and behavioral sciences, and computer science (a locally designated option) [THECB Core Components and Related Exemplary Education Objectives].

Students seeking an Associate of Arts degree must meet specific degree requirements, including (a) completing a minimum of 18 hours in residence prior to graduation, (b) completing the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements, and (c) having at least a 2.0 grade point average on all courses attempted to graduate.  The TSI is a college-readiness program mandated by Texas legislation that requires all students enrolling in public higher education in Texas to be tested for placement in appropriate college-level course work and to complete a remediation program in cases where deficiencies are identified in reading, writing, or mathematics [TVCC Board Policy EI (Legal), TVCC Catalog (p. 22)].  

There are 13 majors in workforce education in which a student can earn the Associate of Applied Science degree (TVCC Catalog (pp. 92-121). The Associate of Applied Science degree requires the student to complete 64 to 71 semester credit hours (depending upon the program), a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in a major field, and at least 15 semester credit hours in general education from the designated core curriculum (AAS General Education Curriculum). This requirement specifies that the student complete at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities and visual and performing arts, social and behavioral sciences, and mathematics/natural sciences.  In addition, the student must complete the Texas Success Initiative requirements, have at least a 2.0 grade point average in all courses attempted, and complete a minimum of 18 hours in residence prior to graduation.

Trinity Valley Community college provides 40 Certificate of Completion programs including nine at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. [TVCC Catalog (pp. 92-121), TDCJ Guidebook (pp. 21-31)]. To earn the Certificate of Completion, the student must complete a prescribed curriculum between 16 and 58 hours, have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in courses to be applied to the certificate, and in select programs, complete the Texas Success Initiative requirements [TVCC Catalog, (p. 22)]. 

The justification and rationale for program equivalency are included in the TVCC Catalog (pp. 24-27).  A more thorough description of these policies and procedures is available in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.1.  

DOCUMENTATION:

2.7.2 The institution offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education. (Program Content)

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NARRATIVE:

The mission statement for Trinity Valley Community College emphasizes the importance TVCC places on the quality of its educational programs. 

TVCC's mission statement is as follows: 

Trinity Valley Community College is a learning-centered college that provides quality academic, workforce, and community service programs to meet the educational needs of our students and the citizens of our service area [TVCC Catalog (p. 11)]. 

TVCC's Statement of Purpose conveys the College's commitment to prepare students for transfer to upper-level institutions or to prepare students for employment in the workforce [TVCC Catalog (p.11)].  TVCC's Goals 5 and 6 also address this commitment to prepare students for earning advanced degrees or to successfully enter the workforce [TVCC Catalog (pp.11-12)]. The College has a variety of curricular pathways that lead to the intended outcomes of these two goals, with Associate of Arts degrees leading to transfer and Associate of Applied Science degrees leading to employment.  Curricular selections, course development, and program pathways are based on the guidelines published in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual and the Guidelines for Instructional Programs in Workforce Education.  All programs that TVCC has developed are aligned with the College mission as an open-door community college. Each program is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education.

The Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) includes the official list of academic transfer courses that can be offered by public community colleges for state funding.  The Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS), identified in the ACGM, facilitates the transfer of lower-division courses among Texas community colleges and universities.  All courses are assigned a TCCNS number prior to being included in the ACGM. Institutions approved to offer transfer programs are authorized to offer courses and programs that conform to the guidelines without seeking further approval from the Coordinating Board.  Courses are listed alphabetically by discipline within the ACGM.  Further instructions on how to use the ACGM are located in How to Read and Use the ACGM (p. 2).

Courses in the Associate of Arts degree and Associate of Applied Science degree plans are sequentially placed in a continuum to develop skills and a knowledge base to succeed at each level of progression through the degrees' specified curriculum [TVCC Catalog (pp. 75-121);TDCJ Guidebook (pp.13-20)]. Of the 64 hours required to earn the Associate of Arts degree at TVCC, 44 hours must consist of required core curriculum courses [TVCC Catalog (p.64-65);TDCJ Guidebook (pp 13-14)].  Every public institution of higher education in Texas is required by legislative mandate to adopt a core curriculum consisting of a minimum of 42 hours.  Each institution’s undergraduate core curriculum must be approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. If a student completes the approved core curriculum courses at a public Texas institution of higher education, the courses transfer as a block and must be accepted as the core curriculum of the receiving Texas public institution. The courses in TVCC’s core curriculum are designed to provide students with competencies in reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, critical thinking, and computer literacy.  

In addition to the 44-hour core curriculum requirement, each program of emphasis leading to the Associate of Arts degree includes suggested courses that complete the 64 hour requirement for graduation. These recommended courses are selected specifically to give the student a foundation for the area of emphasis the student has chosen. However, the student has the option of selecting alternative credit courses instead of the designated courses. Optional courses can be applied toward the completion of the Associate of Arts degree. An example of a recommended Associate of Arts degree with suggested courses and six hours of electives is the history and government program of study in the TVCC Catalog (p. 83; Example of Electives).

Developmental courses are available for students who are required to participate in remedial reading, writing, or math, based on their scores on a Texas Success Initiative approved test [TVCC Catalog (p. 22)].  These students are not permitted to enroll in designated courses until they have completed the prescribed remediation [TVCC Catalog (pp. 29-30); TDCJ Guidebook (p. 9)].  Developmental courses prepare students to progress to college-level courses.

Course sequence in the recommended areas of emphasis for the Associate of Arts degree follows a progression that prepares the student to proceed from one semester to the next.  Courses that require prerequisites are included in the semesters following the required courses.  The recommended liberal arts emphasis is an example of a coherent course of study.   English 1301 and Math 1314 are courses suggested in the first semester of the liberal arts degree.  These courses are prerequisites for English 1302 and Math 1342, respectively, which are listed in the second semester's requirements.  This curriculum also suggests History 1301 in the first semester of study, while English 1302 is suggested for the second semester. Courses recommended for the third and fourth semesters often require students to have sophomore standing or to have completed prerequisite courses prior to enrolling [TVCC Catalog (p.75)].

Statutory requirements authorize Texas public institutions to offer Fields of Study curricula. TVCC offers two Fields of Study, including teaching and music.  If a student completes the Field of Study curriculum approved by the Coordinating Board, a receiving public institution in Texas must accept the block of courses.  The receiving institution must substitute the block of courses for its lower-division requirements toward the Field of Study degree program into which the student transfers [Academic Course Guide Manual (4.22; 4.23; 4.24; 4.25); TVCC Catalog (p. 77); TVCC Catalog (pp. 84-86)].

TVCC has a Graduate Guarantee Policy that assures Associate of Arts graduates that courses and degrees successfully completed with a grade acceptable to the receiving institution will transfer to a public Texas institution in fulfillment of the lower-division requirements for the Bachelor’s degree.  Graduates must meet all conditions of the Graduate Guarantee Policy as described in the TVCC Catalog (pp. 67-69) to be eligible for benefits under this policy. 

Public universities in the state of Texas must accept course credit from another Texas institution based upon the guidelines established in the ACGM (p. 197-201) and the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS Website). The Resolution of Transfer Disputes for Lower-Division Courses provides an appeal procedure if a Texas public institution of higher education refuses to accept course credit from another Texas public institution of higher education [TVCC Catalog (p.73)].

Workforce Education Programs

Workforce education programs offered at public higher education institutions in Texas must follow the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Guidelines for Programs in Workforce Education (GIPWE) Manual. The GIPWE (Chapter 3, p. 2), includes guidelines for developing credit and non-credit courses and programs and specifically charges institutions to ensure that each workforce education program “consists of a coherent sequence of courses designed to prepare students for employment in a career field.”

The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded upon the completion of the prescribed curriculum as outlined in the TVCC Catalog. Substitutions may be made for the prescribed major courses, but the student is required to take a minimum of 15 hours of general education courses and 12 hours of courses in a major field. Some AAS degrees include an optional elective of the student’s choice. Certificate programs have designated clusters of approved electives from which the student must choose. The Certificate in Legal Assistant Technology [TVCC Catalog (p. 98)] is an example of a program that has designated electives.

Each degree program in workforce education leading to the Associate of Applied Science degree is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board prior to program implementation [THECB Rules (Chapter 4, p. 3)]. To obtain approval, the institution must document regional workforce demand and provide an enrollment management plan. Additionally, the institution must ensure the curriculum includes basic workforce competencies and that all applicable SACS requirements are incorporated.  The approval process requires verification of adequate funding and an institutional effectiveness plan for any programs that are not meeting Coordinating Board standards. 

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and the Vocational Nursing program incorporate curriculum topics and experiences required by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas. The ADN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and adheres to the principles of the NLNAC Standards.  The Surgical Technology program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology, incorporates requirements specified by this Commission.  The Emergency Medical Services curriculum follows guidelines set forth by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Certified Nurse Aide training curriculum follows the guidelines of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. 

Associate of Applied Science degree and Certificate graduates are guaranteed they will achieve the competencies identified for their specific workforce education program. Graduates must meet all conditions of the Graduate Guarantee Policy as described in the TVCC Catalog (pp. 67-69) to be eligible for benefits under this policy. 

Distance Learning

TVCC utilizes a variety of distance learning options for students, including distance learning instruction provided by TVCC instructors via the Internet, interactive television, or telecourses. Additionally, students may take core courses, required courses, or electives through the Virtual College of Texas (VCT).  The Virtual College of Texas, using the provider-host model, provides access to a variety of courses if local institutions are unable to offer specific courses to their students (VCT Website, VCT Memorandum of Understanding, VCT Form). Access to VCT resources allows students to enroll in courses that are not otherwise available at a distance. VCT is further explained in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.4.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.7.3 The institution requires in each undergraduate degree program the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency. (General Education)

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NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College offers the Associate of Arts (AA) degree, which is designed for the student planning to transfer to a senior college or university, and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, which is awarded for the successful completion of a two-year prescribed occupational program.  General education is a major component of both degrees. 

For the AA degree, the state of Texas mandates a core curriculum of 42 to 48 semester hours, and TVCC complies with this requirement with a core curriculum of 44 semester hours.  The core curriculum provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills which will assist them throughout life.  The core is based upon developing competencies in oral and written communication, reading comprehension and analysis, computer literacy, critical thinking, and mathematics.  The core encompasses a breadth of content in courses in humanities and liberal arts, social and natural sciences, visual and performing arts, mathematics, and computer science. The specific core requirements for the AA degree include the following: nine hours of communication courses (six hours of English and three hours of either speech or Spanish), three hours of mathematics, eight hours of natural sciences, three hours of humanities, three hours of visual and performing arts, 15 hours of social and behavioral sciences, and three hours of computer science.  Specific courses in each component area are outlined in the TVCC Catalog (pp. 65-66) and TDCJ Guidebook (pp. 13-14).

The AAS degree requires a minimum of 15 semester hours of general studies courses.  At least one three-semester-hour course must be taken from each of the following areas:  humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics.  In addition, the AAS degrees have a computer science requirement.  Specific requirements for the AAS degree can be found in the TVCC Catalog (p. 66).

The philosophy and rationale for the core curriculum at TVCC can be found in the TVCC Catalog (p. 64). The general education core was developed based on guidelines and requirements outlined in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Core Curriculum: Assumptions and Defining Characteristics (April, 1998). This document outlines the basic intellectual competencies of the core, perspectives which should be covered in core courses, the component areas of the core, and exemplary educational objectives for each component area.  For example, writing is one of the core competencies and is defined as "the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience." The other core competencies of reading, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy are also defined in the THEBC Core Curriculum: Assumptions and Defining Characteristics (April, 1999). An October 2004 TVCC Core Curriculum Evaluation Report, submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,  documents that core courses at TVCC incorporate these competencies, perspectives, and objectives.

Core courses at TVCC are broadly focused and are not specifically related to a particular occupation or profession.  One of the core curriculum mandates from the THECB states that “a core curriculum should contain courses that provide multiple perspectives about the individual and the world in which he or she lives; that stimulate a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual, political, and social aspects of life so students understand ways in which to exercise responsible citizenship; and that enable students to integrate knowledge and understand the interrelationships of the disciplines.”  The core curriculum at TVCC clearly fulfills this mandate as shown in a TVCC Core Curriculum Evaluation Report presented to the THECB in October of 2004. 

Core courses at TVCC are offered through a variety of delivery systems including traditional classroom instruction, telecourses, Internet courses, and interactive video courses.  TVCC also participates in the Virtual College of Texas (VCT) which is a collaborative of Texas community colleges designed to allow member institutions to share distance education courses.  VCT-hosted courses provide TVCC students greater access to courses for the completion of the general education component of the AA and AAS degrees. 

To establish course equivalency, TVCC uses the THECB Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual.  Core courses must also be included in the Texas Common Course Numbering System Matrix (Course Equivalency Comparison Example).  This ensures that these courses are recognized as collegiate level and are fully transferable toward baccalaureate degree completion at state colleges and universities [THECB Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (Rule 4.24, p. 198)]. These documents also assist in establishing course equivalencies at both state and private institutions.

In addition, TVCC has a standard formula which is used to establish course equivalency for institutions on the quarter hour system. This formula converts quarter hours into semester hours for transcript evaluation and transfer.

Credit for some core courses can be earned based on achieving required scores on the ACT, SAT, CEEB, and CLEP examinations.  The required scores as well as other requirements which must be met to receive credit for specific courses are outlined in the TVCC Catalog (pp. 24-27). This is more fully discussed in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.4.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.7.4 The institution provides instruction for all course work required for at least one degree program at each level at which it awards degrees. If the institution makes arrangements for some instruction to be provided by other accredited institutions or entities through contracts or consortia, or uses some other alternative approach to meeting this requirement, the alternative approach must be approved by the Commission on Colleges. In all cases, the institution demonstrates that it controls all aspects of its educational program. (Contractual Agreements for Instruction)

R Compliance          
€  Partial Compliance         
€  Non-Compliance

NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College provides instruction for the course work required for all the degree programs for which it awards degrees. The TVCC Catalog (pp. 75-121) lists the courses required for each degree program offered at TVCC.

Contractual and consortial agreements for instruction comply with current guidelines of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges and are approved through the established procedures of the THECB (Chapter 9, Subchapter G; Contractual Agreements).  Furthermore, TVCC Board Policy ECF (Legal), requires TVCC to ensure the quality of educational programs/courses offered through consortia relationships or contractual agreements by adhering to SACS Principles of Good Practice for Distance Learning.  TVCC Board Policy GH (Legal) delineates the details of contractual relationships with public schools. 

TVCC Currently does not have instruction provided by other accredited institutions or entities through contracts. Instruction is provided through two consortial relationships: Advanced Technical Credit and the Virtual College of Texas.

TVCC is a participating member of the Advanced Technical Credit (ATC) program to provide statewide articulation for high school workforce education courses.  A set of common statewide standards for the award of college credit for selected high school courses has been established and approved by the THECB and Texas Education Agency. Students that successfully complete state-wide articulated secondary courses and meet the requirements outlined in the Standard Articulation Agreement are eligible to receive a maximum of 15 semester credit hours of articulated credit for corresponding college courses offered by TVCC.  The College maintains control of approved TVCC degree programs. TVCC faculty participate in annual ATC workshops with corresponding high school faculty to approve and ensure the integrity of the course articulation agreements. In addition, ATC conducts state-wide workshops to evaluate the high school articulated courses. Please see Comprehensive Standard 3.4.4 for additional information regarding ATC.

TVCC is a participating member of the Virtual College of Texas (VCT). VCT is a consortium of all accredited public Texas community and technical colleges. The Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) is the governing authority for VCT. TVCC has agreed to the VCT Memorandum of Understanding and follows the VCT Operations Manual. As a provider, the College ensures that qualified faculty teach and supervise courses, that students are provided with a course syllabus, and that instructors provide support comparable to support available to the College’s own distance learning and campus students. In all cases where contractual arrangements are made with other entities, the College maintains control of approved TVCC degree programs.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.8 The number of full-time faculty members is adequate to support the mission of the institution. The institution has adequate faculty resources to ensure the quality and integrity of its academic programs. In addition, upon application for candidacy, an applicant institution demonstrates that it meets Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1 for faculty qualifications. (Faculty)

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€  Non-Compliance

NARRATIVE:

The number of full-time faculty is adequate to support the mission of Trinity Valley Community College as clearly shown by data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Data for the fall 2004 semester reported in the THECB Texas Higher Education Accountability System indicates the average class size at TVCC was 18.39 and that 80.10% of semester hour credit courses were taught by full-time faculty.  Of the 75 community college campuses included in the average class size survey, only 11 had a lower class size ratio than TVCC.  Data from the 2004 College Profiles of Public Community and Technical Colleges of Texas published by the THECB show the full-time faculty ratio compared to total faculty for the fall 2003 semester at TVCC was 57.1% which was significantly higher than the state wide average of 38.3%.   This ratio for fall 2004 was 54.2%, and the ratio for fall 2005 was 54.5%. 

TVCC has experienced significant growth during the last three years. To accommodate the growth in student enrollment, seven additional full-time faculty positions have been added since fall 2003. The chart below outlines the number of full-time and part-time faculty for the last three fall semesters.

Total Full- and Part-Time Faculty, fall 2003 to fall 2005

Total Full- and Part-Time Faculty by Campus, fall 2003-fall 2005

Total Full- and Part-Time Faculty by Academic Area, fall 2005

*Listings for the TDCJ units include workforce education faculty only. See Comprehensive Standard 3.4.7 for a description of faculty teaching university-transfer courses at TDCJ.

Faculty assignments are outlined in TVCC Board Policy DJ (Legal); however, the policy does not preclude exceptions to the guidelines. Faculty loads vary according to discipline, and instructors whose student load is less than 150 may be given additional teaching assignments.

Extra teaching assignments are added to an instructor’s workload only at the request and/or with the permission of the instructor. Instructors who assume additional assignments are paid according to the overload salary schedule, which includes stipends based on discipline, number of students, methods of delivery, and location. TVCC Board Policy DEA (Legal) requires supervisors to give “full-time faculty priority in the assignment of extra classes for extra pay within the areas of their competency” before a commitment is made to adjunct faculty.  TVCC Board Policy DBF (Local) is explicit in requiring full-time faculty to notify the president of outside employment, and it further states that “[f]aculty members shall give full-time service to the District.” 

TVCC is dedicated to hiring competent and qualified faculty members.  All faculty members meet the requirements established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  Faculty teaching in academic transfer programs have a minimum of a Master's degree and 18 graduate hours in the teaching discipline.  Faculty teaching in occupational programs have the required educational qualifications, work experience, and/or licensure.  Faculty qualifications and competencies are outlined in the Roster of Instructional Staff (password required). Faculty qualifications are also discussed more fully in Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.9 The institution, through ownership or formal arrangements of agreements, provides and supports student and faculty access and user privileges to adequate library collections as well as to other learning/information resources consistent with the degrees offered. These collections and resources are sufficient to support all its educational, research, and public service programs. (Learning Resources and Services) 

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NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College provides and supports students and faculty access to adequate learning and information resources consistent with the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree, and the Certificate of Completion programs that the College offers.  In line with its mission "to provide materials and facilities which will further the philosophy, mission, and goals of the College," the learning resource center (LRC) provides library collections on TVCC's four campuses. 

Students who attend classes at any location, or via distance education, have full access to all materials from the LRC on any campus.  TVCC learning resource centers are open from 47.5 to 61 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters.  This allows users access to circulation, reference, microfilm, periodicals, videos, and computers.  In addition, users can log on to the LRC Website at any time and search the collection through the online catalog or do research through the online databases by logging on through a proxy server.  This is especially useful for students enrolled in distance education classes, giving them access to the same materials as students who are on campus.  Surveys conducted during the spring 2004 semester revealed that 89% of students and 74% of faculty indicated that the LRC hours of operation were adequate (LRC Faculty Survey, LRC Student Survey).

Materials which may not be available in the library or through online databases are obtained for users through interlibrary loan.  TVCC is a member of TexShare, the statewide library consortium which provides patrons with interlibrary loan services, reciprocal borrowing agreements with libraries across the state, and access to 19 online databases which provide access to more than 37,000 full text journals and 27,500 electronic book titles.  

As of fall 2005, TVCC libraries held the following materials:

An overview of the titles in the collections reveals that the learning resource centers have materials to support the various disciplines of study offered at TVCC. Titles in the table below include books, professional print journals, and online journals. To ensure that the materials in the LRC meet the needs of programs, each campus collection is developed using the selection criteria outlined in the LRC Policy Manual (available in the office of the director of learning resources).

Learning Resource Center Collection by Discipline, fall 2005. 

*Note:  Duplications occur in cases where titles may have applications in multiple disciplines; therefore, the totals will not match the totals in the TVCC Learning Resources Collection by Campus, 2004-2005 table in Comprehensive Standard 3.8.1. 

For more details of the availability of library and learning resources, see Comprehensive Standard 3.8.1.

In addition to the resources available in the learning resource centers, several computer labs are available for subject area instruction (microcomputer applications, drafting, journalism, and developmental classes), tutoring, word processing, adult education, searching the Internet, typing papers, or working on projects.  The Athens campus has 12 additional computer labs with a total of 248 computers, the Terrell campus has five labs with 125 computers, the Palestine campus has 124 computers available in five labs, and the Kaufman campus has 30 computers with two labs. Students enrolled in select programs at TDCJ can access technology using one of 187 computers across the units. In the case of TDCJ, access to the Internet is limited for security reasons. For more details about computer labs, see Comprehensive Standard 3.4.14.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.10 The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. (Student Support Services)

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NARRATIVE:

Trinity Valley Community College provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. TVCC assures that all students have access to these services and resources.

Programs and services include school relations, admissions and records [TVCC Catalog (pp.13-16)], academic advisement, student activities, intramural sports, career planning and placement, counseling, disability services, housing and food service, international student services, testing, financial aid and veterans affairs [TVCC Catalog (pp. 19-20)], orientation, registration, and campus safety and security [TVCC Catalog (pp. 21-53; Student Services)].

The school relations office is the cornerstone of the admissions program at TVCC. This office provides a number of programs and services for prospective students in accordance with the mission of the College. The school relations office provides information and assistance to prospective students, families, and secondary school counselors on the co-curricular offerings at TVCC. This office also assists in the development, implementation and coordination of the College’s strategic marketing and recruitment plans. School relations staff work with the College faculty and administration to develop, implement, and evaluate enrollment policies and goals for TVCC. The school relations office establishes cooperative relationships with secondary school counselors and other relevant constituencies. This office works in concert with other campus offices to ensure that students are recruited, retained, and eventually graduate.

Housing, food service, student activities, and intramural sports contribute to the students’ educational experiences outside of formal classroom settings. These services individually and collectively expose students to leadership development, effective communication skills, intellectual growth, social responsibility, appreciation of diversity, and meaningful interpersonal relationships to name a few. Housing provides a residential community that encourages individual and community development. Food service provides high quality, nutritious, and reasonably priced meals and supports the programmatic and educational mission of the college. Student activities provide opportunities for students to participate in co-curricular events and campus governance as well as the development of leadership skills. Intramural and recreational sports provide a vehicle whereby students may enhance personal fitness and wellness in addition to participation in cooperative and competitive play activity.

Additional information regarding student services is contained in Comprehensive Standard 3.9.3.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.11 The institution has a sound financial base, demonstrated financial stability, and adequate physical resources to support the mission of the institution and the scope of its programs and services. The member institution provides the following financial statements: (a) an institutional audit (or Standard Review Report issued in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the AICPA for those institutions audited as part of a systemwide or statewide audit) and written institutional management letter for the most recent fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant and/or an appropriate governmental auditing agency employing the appropriate audit (or Standard Review Report) guide; (b) a statement of financial position of unrestricted net assets, exclusive of plant assets and plant-related debt, which represents the change in unrestricted net assets attributable to operations for the most recent year; and, (c) an annual budget that is preceded by sound planning, is subject to sound fiscal procedures, and is approved by the governing board. (Resources)

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NARRATIVE:

2.11(a) Trinity Valley Community College’s annual audits, financial statements and management letters attest to its sound financial base and financial stability. The College consistently receives unqualified audit opinions on its annual financial statements.  The audits are conducted by the independent public accounting firm of Smith, Lambright & Associates, P.C. Audits are conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; Office of Management and Budgets Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations and the related compliance supplement; and State of Texas Single Audit Circular.

The statements focus on the financial condition of TVCC, the results of operations, and cash flows of the College.  They are prepared in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 33 "Accounting and Financial Reporting for Nonexchange Transactions," Statement 34 "Basic Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for State and Local Governments," and Statement 35 "Basic Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for Public Colleges and Universities."   The audit reports and financial statements along with other related material for the previous three years are in the TVCC Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended August 31, 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively.

TVCC’s net assets, revenue, and cash flow show continuous growth year after year and are summarized below (in thousands of dollars).  This information is taken from the Statement of Net Assets for Year Ended August 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005; the Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Assets for the Year Ended August 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and the Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended August 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Net Assets for the year ended August 31, 2004, have been restated to include accumulated depreciation on library books to accommodate a recent decision by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that library books shall be depreciated beginning with the 2005 fiscal year. 

TVCC Net Assets, Revenue, and Cash Flow, FY03-FY05

Recent GASB Statements 33, 34, and 35 regarding accounting requirements significantly impact the determination and classification of operating and non-operating revenues for public colleges.  Implementation of these accounting changes has a negative effect on operating income when compared to pre-GASB 33, 34 and 35 financial statements.  One of these changes is the reclassification of ad valorem taxes from operating revenue to non-operating revenue.  Similarly, effective with fiscal year 2005, Texas community and junior colleges are required to classify state appropriations as non-operating revenue. Since ad valorem taxes and state appropriations are two of the three primary sources of revenue (state appropriations, tuition and fees, and ad valorem taxes), it is and will continue to be typical to show an operating loss on the Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Assets.  If ad valorem taxes and state appropriations are added to operating revenues, operating income becomes positive. 

To further substantiate the College’s financial stability, an institutional management letter for the year ended August 31, 2005, is provided. The letter indicates that the audit disclosed no findings required to be reported, noted continued improvement in accounting records, and commended TVCC for having a good accounting staff.

2.11(b) The change in unrestricted net assets attributable to operations for the year ended August 31, 2005, was ($2,461,782) and is shown on Schedule D of the Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended August 31, 2005, Schedule of Net Assets by Source and Availability. The decrease is a result of cash used in construction of campus facilities and acquisitions of capital assets.

2.11(c)  A detailed annual budget is prepared each year beginning in March.  This budget is a collaborative effort by faculty, division chairpersons, directors, deans, vice presidents, and the president.  At each management level the budgets are subject to review and adjustments as necessary to insure congruence with the goals and objectives of the various programs and the College as a whole.  Expenditure budgets are developed such that they do not exceed projected revenues.  After final review and revisions, the president submits the budget to the Board of Trustees for approval.  The approved budget may be viewed in TVCC Approved 2004-2005 Budget.

Once approved, the budget is entered into the accounting system.  Expenditures are controlled against the budget through a system of encumbrances throughout the year.  The Board of Trustees reviews monthly the Income and Expenditure Statement which reflects year-to-date expenditures as compared to the budget.  Revisions to the budget require the president's approval; the Board reviews the revisions at a summary level.  Budget policy is located at the bottom of page 1 and the top of page 2 in TVCC Board Policies CC (Legal) and CC (Local), and procedures are located in the  Budget Procedures section of the TVCC Cash Control Manual.

Adequate Physical Resources

In addition to a strong and stable financial base, TVCC possesses adequate physical resources to support its mission of being a learning-centered college and to maintain the integrity of offered programs. 

The College is composed of a main campus in Athens and three satellite locations in Palestine, Terrell, and Kaufman. The Kaufman facility is leased; all others are owned by TVCC.  TVCC also maintains a 265-acre working ranch to support TVCC agricultural and ranch management programs.  The College owns a 353 acre ranch that is not used for instructional purposes. TVCC also conducts classes at four Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) units in Anderson County. All four campuses, the ranches, and TDCJ units are located in East Texas. The main campus in Athens is approximately 75 miles southeast of Dallas.  Additionally, TVCC has invested in WebCT and the requisite technology infrastructure to provide distance learning opportunities to students.

The Athens campus is on 75 acres, and the Palestine and Terrell campuses are on 96 and 40 acres, respectively.  The physical facilities include 22 academic and vocational instruction buildings, two athletic facilities, seven administration and support buildings, and four dormitories. Additional facilities are provided at the four TDCJ locations in Anderson County. The dormitories are located on the Athens campus, have a capacity of 348 students, and had an average occupancy rate of 85.3% over the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 school years. The average age of the College’s buildings is 26.8 years with seven new buildings being constructed between 1994 and 2005.  These capital improvements were made with no debt incurred and included a new cafeteria, a new bookstore, two new learning resource centers, a new athletic field house, a new maintenance building, a new dormitory, and a major renovation of the administration building. The TVCC Building and Contents Schedule contains a compete delineation of the age and contents of TVCC facilities.

Additionally, TVCC has invested in the necessary technology to provide distance learning opportunities for those students who are unable to physically attend class.  Distance learning is also an effective and efficient way to accommodate those students who have registered for a course that did not make on one of the satellite campuses as it enables them to take the course remotely.

TVCC’s financial and physical classroom resources enabled TVCC to achieve a healthy 18.39:1 overall student/teacher ratio for the 2004 fall semester.

TVCC has a library at each of the four campuses and provides a collection of over  60,000 volumes of books, microfilm and periodicals, and 26 online databases with access to more than 37,000 full text periodical journals.  In addition to these collections, the library has access to 27,500 titles of electronic books through TexShare, which is a statewide consortium of libraries administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission that allows resource sharing among participating libraries and their patrons.  The LRC Website provides access to the on-line catalog and electronic resources.  For further detail, see the response provided to Comprehensive Standard 3.8.1.

DOCUMENTATION:

2.12 The institution has developed an acceptable Quality Enhancement Plan and demonstrates that the plan is part of an ongoing planning and evaluation process. (Quality Enhancement Plan) 

(Not applicable for the Compliance Certification submitted by institutions.)

€ Compliance           
€  Partial Compliance         
€  Non-Compliance
(*Determined by On-Site Committee)

NARRATIVE:

Development of the Quality Enhancement Plan is ongoing at Trinity Valley Community College. The focus of the Learning Initiative (QEP) is the improvement of reading comprehension among TVCC students through the enhancement of student engagement. The QEP is continuing to evolve as faculty and administration learn from their research of best practices. TVCC expects to continue to learn even more as patterns emerge from pilot projects that began spring 2006. A full report will be submitted prior to the on-site visit in accordance to the protocol delineated by SACS, but TVCC's progress on the QEP is available on the Learning Initiative Website.

DOCUMENTATION: