Policy: Program Advisory Committees

Document Number: 9.002
Title: Program Advisory Committees
Effective Date: 03/04/2024
Revised Dated: N/A

POLICY

The purpose of a program advisory committee is to assure excellence in academic and workforce preparation programs offered by River Parishes Community College (RPCC). To achieve this purpose, program advisory committees:

• review program curriculum, instructional & assessment strategies, and student success data; recommend improvements that better prepare graduates and completers to meet their career goals and the workforce needs of employers;
• evaluate educational facilities and instructional equipment;
• provide continual updated information and feedback on industry trends, standards and direction to include guidance on equipment, software, tooling, processes, and other such standards aligned with the industry(s) served;
• assist in the identification of employment opportunities for graduates and provide paid and/or supervised apprenticeships/internship or clinical experiences for student

Program advisory committees will:

• will work collaboratively to establish and maintain program advisory committees with membership reflective of the industry represented.
• strive to be comprised of no less than five (5) active high-level committed members external to the college. (Note: Members should be able to make decisions and allocate resources on behalf of the organization they represent. Resources include expertise to advise as needed in various subject matter areas.)
• be formed around industry sectors which may include single or multiple programs of study. The structure and creation of advisory committees will be identified and approved by the Executive Cabinet.
• meet two times each academic year, once in the fall and once in the spring semester.
• maintain a published agenda and meeting minutes for each scheduled meeting.
• be led by a Committee Chair is a member of the advisory committee and is expected to work closely with the RPCC designated “co-chair” to provide leadership and direction for the committee.

The RPCC Executive Cabinet must approve formation of program advisory committees and membership.