Title

Policy 3.13

Subtitle

Program Advisory Committees

Body

Part 1. Purpose

Minnesota State Board Policy 3.30 Program Advisory Committee requires each Minnesota State college to establish, manage, and operate Program Advisory Committees for credit-based academic programs determined by the college to be preparation for initial or continued employment. The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent practices for creating, operating, and evaluating the work of Minneapolis College Program Advisory Committees. 

Part 2. Definitions

Career Program: Programs that offer the Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree whose subjects or disciplines prepare students for employment in a specific occupation or career field or are tightly aligned to a specific occupation or career field. This includes all A.S. degrees that are eligible for Perkins funds.

Department: Defined in Minneapolis College Policy 3.22.

Program: Defined in Minneapolis College Policy 3.22.

Program Advisory Committee: a formally organized committee that provides expert advice and assistance to Minneapolis College on Career and Technical Programs.

Technical Program: Programs that offer any one of the following academic awards:

  1. Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.);
  2. Diploma; or
  3. Certificate, if the Certificate prepares students for immediate employment or is tightly aligned to a specific occupation or career field.

Part 3. Applicability and Responsibilities

All Career and Technical Programs shall establish, manage, operate, and evaluate the work of a Program Advisory Committee in compliance with this Policy and Minneapolis College Procedure 3.13.1.

Programs with advisory committees are expected to utilize and reflect on the input and information gathered from their advisory committee for continuous improvement of their program. These programs are expected to use their advisory committee for regular review of their program curriculum and its currency. 

Part 4. Membership

A Program Advisory Committee’s membership shall include, but not be limited to, employers, industry professionals, instructors, and students who possess the knowledge, skill, and experience in the field served by the Program that is necessary to provide sound advice to the College. A Program’s instructors and the Academic Dean responsible for the Program or Department shall be members of the Program’s Advisory Committee. 

A Program Advisory Committee’s membership should represent:

  • The breadth of the industries that its Program serves;
  • The diversity of the students who are enrolled in the Program’s courses;
  • The Program’s K-12 education partners if applicable; and
  • The Program’s alumni

Part 5. Organization and Structure

A Program Advisory Committee may establish subcommittees as necessary to organize and complete Committee work. 

Part 6. Program Advisory Committee Duties and Responsibilities

A Program Advisory Committee:

  • Ensures the Program’s quality and relevance by confirming that the curriculum, instructional equipment, and career guidance provided to students are aligned with industry’s expectations and needs;
  • Informs instructors, staff, and the Academic Dean of the current state of the industry or occupation;
  • Supports the Program’s operations and strategic growth by providing information, perspective, and constructive criticism to instructors, staff, and the Academic Dean;
  • Collaborates with the Program’s instructors, staff, and Academic Dean to bring resources to the Program through in-kind gifts of instructional equipment, financial support for student scholarships, or connecting students to industry professionals through internships, guest lectures, or employer site tours;
  • Supports the Program’s growth by assisting instructors and staff with student recruitment as requested;
  • Increases opportunities for students to obtain internships, part-time employment, and post-graduation employment in the industry by promoting the Program to other employers and increasing its visibility; and
  • Assists instructors and staff in establishing, cultivating, and maintaining career pathway partnerships with K-12 education partners.

Owner(s) Title: Vice President of Academic Affairs

Date of Adoption: 7/1/1999

Date of Implementation (if different from adoption date): N/A

Date Last Amended: 1/11/2023

History and Subject of Revisions: 1/11/2023 (aligned the policy more so with Minnesota State Board Policy 3.30 and Procedure 3.30.1, expanded expectations, and created a corresponding procedure providing details on advisory board operations.), 7/1/1999(Adopted)

Regulatory Authority (e.g. Minnesota State policy, federal or state law): Minnesota State Board Policy 3.30 Program Advisory Committees

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