Page 1 of 2
NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE (NVC)
OFFICE EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, April 22, 2009
3:30-4:30 p.m.
1. INTRODUCTIONS
The meeting was called to order by Debbie Saunders at 3:40 p.m. and introductions were made. Those present included:
Phyllis DeRosans Napa County Human Resources Dept.
Julie Hall Napa Valley College
Pamela Hansen Napa County Human Resources Dept.
Minnette Nugent Alkar Human Resources
Debbie Saunders Napa Valley College
2. ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP, 2008-2010
Debbie Saunders outlined the duties and responsibilities of an advisory committee member. She also verified the names of the persons on the committee and asked them to serve for another two years. No objections were made. She also handed out updated flyers and brochures outlining our Business Skills Center course offerings, our Office Administration Certificate Program, and the Business and Computer Studies Online course offerings.
3. OFFICE ADMINISTRATION CURRICULUM UPDATE
A. Modification of Certificate and Degree
1. Debbie explained that our Office Administration A.S. degree will be modified effective Fall Semester 2009 to meet the “Title 5 Minimum Requirements for the Associate Degree” as outlined by the state Academic Senate.
2. She also explained that our Napa Valley College’s (NVC) English 120 and Business 105, Business Communications meet the newly mandated Title 5 English graduation requirements.
3. Finally, she explained that NVC’s Economics 100 and 101 courses will now require a prerequisite of Algebra 2 effective Fall Semester 2009.
4. COMMUNITY OFFICE SKILLS NEEDS
A. Office 2007- The committee was advised that we are currently using Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista. Members were individually polled as to what their respective offices were using in the way of software and other needs. Minnette Nugent stated that Alkar and its clients are currently using Office 2007 and Windows Vista. Pamela Hansen stated that Napa Human Resources Dept. is using Office 2003 and Windows XP.
B. WordPerfect- None of the advisory committee members’ businesses were using WordPerfect.
C. Special Topics Classes- Minnette Nugent confirmed that employers are seeking workers with skills in Adobe InDesign.
D. Voice Recognition- No demand for this skill at this time.
E. Virtual Assistants- No demand for this skill at this time.
F. Machine Transcription- Very little demand for this skill at this time.
5. EMPLOYMENT POSSIBILITIES/OUTLOOK
Pamela Hansen stated that there were currently no layoffs planned at the County. All committee members indicated that they were seeing numerous overly qualified applicants applying for open positions. Phyllis DeRosans stated that the county now requires entry-level exams as part of the application process. Actual work samples are conducted. For example, applicants are given tasks that may include reading composition, proofreading, in-box exercises, and solving math problems without calculators. She also indicated that the county has its own in-house training coordinator for MS Office programs.
6. OTHER ITEMS- None
7. ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further discussion or business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.