Presented By Robert J. Silbaugh

Project Director Report  Mentor:Dr. Donald Astrab  Project Director:Robert Silbaugh  Team Member:Jan Waller  College: Riverland Community College  Address:2200 Riverland Drive  City: Albert LeaState: MinnesotaZip:  Phone: (800) 

Brevard Community College Located along the Florida Space Coast 4 Campuses 15 to 30 miles apart 25,000 students Cisco Academy Virtual Campus

Riverland Community College Located in Southern Minnesota 3 Campuses 18 to 35 miles apart 4,000 students Cisco Academy

Perfect Match  Brevard and Riverland have multiple campuses separated by long distances which would make it difficult, if not impossible, for students to attend classes at more than one campus per semester.  Brevard and Riverland offer repetitive, high-cost, technical programs, on each campus in an effort to accommodate the students.  Brevard and Riverland have non-traditional students comprising a majority of the enrollment in their computer technology programs. This has created some unique scheduling and support challenges.  Brevard and Riverland are experiencing budget difficulties due to cuts in state programs which are forcing us to make difficult choices regarding program offerings.  Brevard and Riverland face historical, political, and competitive issues, between each of their respective campuses.  Brevard and Riverland face competition from neighboring colleges.  Brevard and Riverland are offering more online courses to help alleviate some of the travel and scheduling problems experienced by the students and faculty.

Program Goals Establish an Advisory Board Member Guidebook 2.Develop a restored and revitalized Computer Technology Advisory Board 3.Develop a project plan based on program review and critique in support of a new, articulated program 4.Develop a roster of business mentors for college students, for internships, and for high school students in new articulated programs 5.Develop Level I and Level II program review policies for current and future Computer Technology programs 6.Obtain a comprehensive external critique of current computer technology programs

Accomplishments 2003  A newly formed Academic Advisory Committee.  A major redesign of the Computer Technology Professions program.  A new Cisco Network Associate program.  As a result of advisory committee recommendations, two new programs, Network Security and Wireless Networking, are currently under development and will be offered in the fiscal year.  There is a new, more cooperative atmosphere between the computer technology department educators. We have agreed in principle that there is a need to eliminate redundant programs and establish common standards between campuses.

Accomplishments 2004  Network Security A.A.S. Degree  Fundamentals of Network Security Certificate  Fundamentals of Wireless Networking Certificate  Cisco Academy Web Page Design Courses  Articulation Agreement with University of MN Mankato.

Project Plan Results  Business mentors are currently working with the faculty and staff to find ways to develop internships, work-studies, or other relationships where students may gain valuable on-the-job experience.  Result: Internship Agreements with CRC Corporation, Viracon Corporation, and area high schools.  Riverland has started reviewing how it offers courses and is looking at consolidation, rescheduling, and increased use of online classes in an effort to maximize resources while minimizing the impact on students.  Rescheduled all Computer Technology classes so they are offered either on-line or in the evening to better accommodate student schedules.  New online Cisco-Lab to provide students access to lab equipment from home.

Project Plan Results  Riverland is currently reworking its program review policy to more closely resemble the criteria recommended by Dr. Astrab. This will provide Riverland with more valuable feedback from graduates and employers, which in turn, will help the faculty and staff with curriculum and program development.  Result: 1.Rejuvenated and expanding Academic Advisory Committee. 2.Ethics studies required component of Network Security curriculum. 3.New instructor certifications; Cisco Certified Academy Instructor, Network Security, Wireless Networking, Web Page Design. 4.New Network Security Awareness Program is being developed.

Conclusion I have been very privileged to participate in this program. The MentorLinks program has made a significant difference in the Computer Technology Program, but more than that, all of Riverland Community College has benefited as well. Several concrete objectives have been defined and achieved in the 3 short years that Riverland has been involved in the program. Much of the composition and organization suggested by Dr. Astrab has been adopted by the college and incorporated into the program review process. Many new; doors have been opened, ideas discovered, plans implemented, and goals achieved. Riverland College and the surrounding community will be benefiting from this program for years to come.