Assessment Programs (Community Colleges)
Athletics and Intramurals Program Review, Clinton Community College
Program Effectiveness
The Program Review of the Athletic and Intramural Department provided assessment of several key components: Program Mission and Philosophy, Funding, Administration, Personnel, Safety, Title IX (Equity in Athletics), Facilities, Student-Athletes, and Goals. Although not forwarded to SUNY as is required of Academic Program Review, the design and implementation of this pioneer program in Student Services was and continues to be an effective model for the Department to measure, evaluate, and employ. The Program Review was crafted at a minimal cost, the only financial costs were funds allocated to be paid to the External Review Team (ERT). Each member of the ERT received full reimbursement for all travel expenses to and from the College, and a $150.00 honorarium. The Chairperson of the ERT received an additional $100.00 honorarium. They also received lunch paid for by the College. A significant impact was derived from this program for the entire campus and for off-campus users of our facilities, all in a very cost-effective manner.
The participation level was outstanding. This long process was most successful as a result of participation by students. As part of the formal process, students contributed relevant, requested items. A group of students also met with the ERT. Informally, students were frequently recruited to provide input to the Director of Athletics. As a public facility, the Healthy, Physical Education, and Health Facility is frequently used by the community, by students, by staff, and by Foundation (donors) Members. Each of these constituent groups has a positive impact regarding the implementation, and were noteworthy contributors.
Program Collaboration
The following people were part of this collaborative approach:
- CCC Institutional Research Coordinator
- Vice President for Student Services (VPSS)
- Internal Review
- Business Faculty Member
- Director, Network Information Systems (NIS)
- External Review Team
- Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Member at CCC
- Head Men's Baseball Coach at SUNY Plattsburgh (graduate of CCC)
- SUNY Canton Director of Athletics/Assistant Dean (At the time, SUNY Canton was a 2 year school)
- CCC College President
In order to complete a document that would have value, it was necessary to involve other departments and divisions on our campus. The Building & Grounds Department was often asked to collaborate, specifically when related to the indoor and outdoor venues used for athletic, physical education, intramurals, and community recreation. The Health and Physical Education (HPE) Division (Athletics and HPE are two separate entities at CCC) were intimately involved throughout. One HPE member is paid a stipend to serve as the Athletic Trainer, the other HPE faculty member receives a stipend separate from his salary, to coach Men's Soccer.
Also collaborating with this program were: The Admissions Office, Faculty Student Association, Student Senate (Government), Vice President of Administration, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Purchasing, and the Foundation and Alumni Affairs Office.
Program Outcomes
The purpose of assessment is to be able to establish the effectiveness of a program and eventually be able to use the evidence to analyze and improve teaching, learning and programming. This formal review process document had been utilized at Clinton Community College for these purposes, not only by the Athletic and Intramural Department, but by the entire institution. Additionally, the final product has been used as model by other departments within the Student Services Department. (ie Financial Aid). The CCC Director of Athletics presented his program review at Columbia-Greene Community College during a day of consultation.
On the Clinton Community College campus, the following outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the Program Review:
- Safety concerns regarding transportation - The institution has provided funds to allow teams to travel on rented buses with professional drivers on longer trips. This reduces the number of trips requiring 15 passenger vans.
- Safety Concerns regarding outdoor athletic venues - As a direct result of the Program Review, the re-construction of the soccer field was moved to Phase 1 of the College's Master Facility Plan.
- Title IX - A new Athletic Department policy regarding the distribution of meal money for athletic teams was developed,
- Student Recruitment - The College Recruitment Advisor/Coach had her responsibilities for recruiting re-assigned to the Director of Athletics. She now concentrates a significant amount of her time and resources traveling to counties in New York which we have not been able to target in the past.
- Intramurals - One-day tournaments were added to makes it easier for commuter students to become involved.
- Funding - Additional funds were appropriated to support the athletic teams for recruiting and transportation.