Program Review Presentation 2011 Gerontology Program Review Presentation 2011

multi-disciplinary study of the aging process. Program Description Gerontology is the multi-disciplinary study of the aging process. Brief Description of your program. Who are you? One Slide, 2 minutes

There are many paths within the discipline AA Degree/ Certificate Business Case Management/Social Services Environmental Design Health care Recreation Social Policy/Advocacy

Vocational Certificates Activity Coordinator Social Services Designee Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Administrator Mini-Certificates on Special Topics Leadership in Assisted Living Dementia Care Elder Care Ethnic Diversity and Aging

The gerontology program provides students with knowledge and experiences required for employment in business and agencies providing services for seniors and/or preparation for upper-division work in gerontology at a four-year institution.

Program -- Strengths The ARC Gerontology program is nationally recognized as one of the top eight programs in the nation by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). It is the only community college recognized. The ARC Gerontology program has been used as a model for other colleges and universities throughout the country.

Strong positive relationships within the local and surrounding communities leading to opportunities for community partnerships and field work placements for students. This status is a reflection of the strong academic integrity of the program and commitment of the faculty and administration to assist every student in achieving success. Strong supportive influence among current and former students through the student club, the Wisdom Keepers.

Program -- Challenges The greatest challenge is to provide an academically rigorous program accessible to students in light of decreases in FTE and the changing student population. Restructuring the continuing education portion of the program into Community Education to comply with new State restrictions on credit courses which reduced access to new students.

Program Challenges Cont. Continue to educate the public, particularly employers, on the financial and quality-of-life benefits of employing those who have a gerontology degree or certificate.

Planning Implications Continue to develop partnerships within the community to provide continuing education and life-long learning opportunities for professionals and seniors in the community. Advocate at the State level for certification/ licensure of the discipline. Maintain integrity and availability of core classes and advocate for basic skills classes for those students not prepared for college- level work.

Planning Implications Cont: Mentor younger faculty to prepare to lead the program when current faculty retire. Establish additional funds for endowed scholarships for gerontology students now and in the future. Support the Wisdom Keepers’ mentoring, outreach, and fundraising program.