Human Services Associate in Science Degree Program Program Review Summit April 22, 2008

OVERVIEW The Human Services Program includes 3 certificate programs as well as the associate degree program. It is intended to function as a career ladder for students who may not be able to commit at the outset to a two-year associate degree program. Many of our associate degree students have completed a certificate and been able to transfer those credits directly into the associate program.

This program integrates experiential learning with academic coursework giving graduates the opportunity to directly pursue a broad range of careers in the field or to pursue further study at a four-year college. It is a competency based program based upon national skill standards.

It has been accredited since 1985, cited as “exemplary” at the conclusion of its most recent accreditation process by the Council for Standards in Human Service Organization and noted for its emphasis on personal and professional growth. It is currently under review for re-accreditation.

The program is recognized by licensing and credentialing agencies: The Associate Degree in Human Services graduate is eligible to apply for licensing as a licensed social work associate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (LSWA). The graduate is also eligible to apply for the credential of Certified Human Service Professional offered by the National Organization for Human Services.

STRENGTHS Overall growth in admissions and enrollment Increasing numbers of graduates Excellent employment prospects for graduates as documented by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massachusetts Job Outlook through 2010, Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance and the New Hampshire Employment Projections, New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Bureau.

STRENGTHS (continued) Highly professional, interdisciplinary faculty with both clinical experience & academic credentials. High percentages of program student retention and positive college outcome. Overall program retention of 65%, 63% and 75% for fall , fall and fall Positive college outcomes of 85%, 76% and 92% for those same years. Student retention and positive college outcome rates are significantly higher than those for NECC overall.

STRENGTHS (continued) Effective, intensive academic advising contributing to student retention and student success. The guidance and support offered by program faculty to students was cited as one of the two most valued aspects of the program in a recent survey of graduates from Active and ongoing collaboration and communication with community agencies Active, well established advisory committee. Diverse and numerous practicum sites.

STRENGTHS (continued) Off campus site visits with students to community agencies, guest presentations in class by agency staff. Increasing accessibility of program with additional course offerings since 2005 on the Lawrence campus and in the evening. The Human Services Program Manual. The manual is reviewed and revised annually. It provides extensive information about the program’s policies and procedures to applicants, current students and faculty, practicum supervisors and any other interested individuals. It is available for purchase at the NECC bookstore and is also available online through the NECC homepage.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT Inadequate system for addressing Human Services student and applicant needs during semester breaks. Given that faculty have limited availability, if any, over the breaks between the spring and fall semesters, there is not sufficient availability of faculty to address the needs of applicants and/or students for interviews (as required by our transfer agreement with Salem State), questions, information sessions, for registration, academic advising and practicum (clinical internship) placement. A staff associate could provide a consistent presence during these times.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT (continued) Low percentage of minority enrollment. The sample sizes are small, but the percentages are roughly comparable to the overall percentage of minority enrollment at the college. Lack of lab space and technical staff assistance to enable students to practice interviewing skills.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT (continued) Insufficient accessibility of human service program courses. There are no online human service courses. The complete program is available on the Haverhill campus during the day. There are only partial program offerings on the Lawrence campus, primarily in the evening. Inadequate follow up to program drop outs. No information is available that would allow us to understand how these students needs are not being met and in what ways we might alter the college or program policies or curriculum to increase student success.