College of the Sequoias Master Plan 2015 – 2025
Chapter 4 Programs and Services, Draft 2, April 21, 2014
Cosmetology, Fire Technology, Police Science and Work Experience
The purpose of the Cosmetology program is to offer students an opportunity to earn college credit for courses completed at the Estes Institute of Cosmetology in Visalia. Courses are taught off campus at cosmetology school’s facilities by instructors are hired and evaluated by the cosmetology school. Students who complete the required courses are awarded xxx? (There is no certificate included in the catalog…is there a certificate? Or does the course completion allow the students to apply for licensure as a cosmetologist?)
The purpose of the Fire Technology program is to provide a cost-effective, professional and technical education and training program to prepare students for entry-level or higher employment opportunities in the fire service field. The program includes three components: Firefighter 1 and 2 academies, six core courses, and nine fire officer courses. Students who successfully complete (which courses?) are eligible to take certification tests in firefighting. Students who complete the fire academy and the six core courses along with general degree requirements are awarded an associate degree in fire science.
The program complies with the regulations of and is accredited by California State Fire Training, a division of the State Fire Marshall’s Office. The Fire Technology program offers one associate degree, one certificate of achievement and one skills certificate.
The purpose of the Police Science program is to provide the highest quality possible in basic and in-service training courses for law enforcement and corrections personnel who protect and serve local communities. The course content and required instructional hours meet or exceed the California Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training and the Standards and Training for Corrections mandates.
The purpose of the Work Experience program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience. Three primary benefits of this program are:
· Expose students to situations beyond classroom activities by offering learning in a real world setting;
· Validate or revise students’ career choice; and
· Offer the opportunity for students to build a network of mentors and/or potential employers.
These courses document students’ experiences related to their careers outside of the classroom and earn units that transfer as elective credit. Courses may be linked to specific occupations or may be occupational work experience. Students may enroll in a total of four semesters, earning a maximum of four units each semester. Work experience courses are offered in most of the District’s disciplines.
EfficiencyWSCH/FTEF / Successful Course Completion Rate / Statewide Successful Course Completion Rate
Average:
Fall 2009-Fall 2013 / 2025 Target / Average:
Fall 2009-Fall 2013 / 2025 Target / Average:
Fall 2009-Fall 2013
COSM / NA / 95% / 84%
FIRE / 344 / 79% / 87%
PS* / 220 / 90% / 66%
WEXP* / 347 / 78% / 73%
*Fewer than five terms of data
Analysis: Fire Technology, Police Science and Work Experience programs are all below the state benchmark of 525 in efficiency. This is to be expected in Fire Technology and Police Science courses because the mandated student-to-instructor ratio limits enrollment in both applied and lecture courses in these disciplines. Although the student successful course completion rate for Fire Technology is below the statewide average for this discipline, fall data are not a fair representation of student success in this program because the basic fire academies are offered only in spring semesters. The student successful course completion rates for Cosmetology, Police Science and Work Experience courses are significantly above the statewide averages for similar programs.
Growth Projections
Cosmetology: Projected to grow slower than the District growth rate (Does this partnership offer significant benefit to students and/or the District?)
Fire Technology: Projected to grow at the same rate as the District contingent on local workforce demands
Police Science: Projected to grow at the same rate as the District contingent on local workforce demands
Work Experience: Projected to grow at the same rate as the District
Challenges: The primary challenges of the Fire Technology and Police Science programs are to make students aware of the career opportunities in these fields and to maintain the currency of the curriculum given changes in state regulations. The primary challenge of the Work Experience program is to increase both student and employers’ awareness of the benefits offered by this program.