Vision
Central Lakes College inspires learning, advances innovation, and transforms lives.
Mission
We Build Futures
Values
Excellence, Innovation, Inclusion, Community
Four Main Goals that Support Our Mission
Goal 1: Achieve consistent enrollment growth and improved retention rates.
Goal 2: Offer flexible, accessible programs and services that are responsive to the region’s changing employment and educational needs and that foster successful transition to academic and career advancement.
Goal 3: Serve as a recognized leader in the region for innovation in community and economic vitality.
Goal 4: Achieve institutional effectiveness through improved planning and resource allocation linkages, assessment and continuous improvement, and enhanced communication.
PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
Advisory groups are essential to strengthen Central Lakes College’s academic and non-academic programs. Typically meeting twice per year, they serve to keep the College’s work connected to the communities we serve, as well as to guide and strengthen existing programs and influence the development of new initiatives. All such groups are considered to be advisory rather than governing. As such, these committees make recommendations regarding many topics via interaction with a responsible employee and administration. In all cases, final decisions lie with the College. Topics that advisory committees may consider include but are not limited to:
Program structure: The committee provides valuable input to ensure the program structure meets community and workforce needs, is connected to other relevant programs, builds key relationships to support the College, and leverages resources to support the College’s mission.
Curriculum Review: With rapidly changing technologies and workforce demand, the committee will be asked to review and recommend curriculum revisions so that the program remains relevant, responsive, and focused on student success.
Equipment, Facilities, and Resources Review: Adequate equipment and facilities are critical to an effective program. Advisory committees recommend the equipment and facilities to provide students with an optimal learning environment. Committees should also assist instructional personnel in locating donated or low-cost supplies and equipment sources.
Student Success: Ensuring equitable access and success in all programs is critical to the College’s mission and Minnesota State’s Equity 2030 strategic framework. Committees will be asked to reflect upon data and contribute to strategies to strengthen programs by improving access and success for all student groups.
Student Recruitment and Placement: Committees are important links in the recruitment and placement processes. Committee members help establish critical partnerships and assist in placing students in internships and post-completion positions.
Faculty and Staff Development: Faculty and staff development is critical to promote growth, ensure currency in the program, and ensure the program has the intended impact. Therefore, the committee is asked to keep the responsible employees and administration informed of seminars and training programs that would benefit the program and the College.
RESPONSIBLE COLLEGE EMPLOYEE
Advisory committees are established by a responsible CLC employee whom the College appoints. For academic programs, this will be a member of the faculty. In a non-academic program or initiative, an employee of any classification can fill this role. This employee will work with the appropriate administrator to seek counsel on specific topics, work directly with the committee chair, and ensure that committee recommendations are fully considered and, as applicable, executed.
SIZE AND STRUCTURE OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Committee size may vary, but five to 15 members are generally sufficient for most programs. Membership should be large enough to represent the diversity of the industry and communities. The program faculty and supervising administrator will work with the committee to determine who should be invited to join the committee; the administrator will consider all proposed changes in membership. The selection of its members should be based on specialized expertise, knowledge, and broad representation of the communities served by the College.
Members shall be selected and appointed to represent a cross-section of the program’s community, business, industry, and faculty. Considerations for selecting program advisory members include but are not limited to:
- Employers of graduates
- Key community partners and supporters
- Program graduates
- Industry representatives and potential employers
- High school instructors or counselors
- Faculty from related programs
- Current students from related programs
TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP
The terms should be long enough for members to become familiar with the committee’s purposes and potential. Still, they should be limited enough to allow the introduction of new members to the program and the College. The most common organization is a three-year service staggered so that one-third of the members are replaced each year. Sometimes, a member may be asked to serve longer due to unique knowledge and expertise.
THE CHAIRPERSON
At the first meeting each year, the committee will elect a chairperson from its membership. This person should not be a CLC employee. The chairperson will then work with the responsible employee to schedule and preside over meetings and ensure that minutes are taken and archived with the responsible faculty or staff member.