Academics

Advisory Committee Handbook

Advisory committees provide several key functions in operation of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs at State College of Florida.  Most importantly, they serve as the college connection to the region, to industry trends, to local workforce needs and to future resource support.

The Advisory Committee Handbook provides guidelines for the operation of advisory committees for use by SCF program leaders when recruiting members for the advisory committees.  The handbook summarizes committee structure, function and roles.  Most importantly, advisory committees exist to provide needs assessment, academic program review, curriculum planning, experiential learning options and resource development.

INTRODUCTION

These guidelines have been developed to assist advisory committees to better understand the purpose, membership and activities of advisory committees.

Advisory committees are essential for the success of the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Certificate, Advanced Technical Certificate and Associate of Science degree programs. These committees, comprised of knowledgeable representatives from the workplace, provide timely advice and consultation regarding curriculum planning, ultimately assisting students with career directions and career decisions.

PURPOSE

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered by SCF are a vital part of SCF’s mission to meet community workforce needs. CTE programs are designed to prepare students for employment in rapidly changing business and industrial environments. Therefore, it is essential that SCF partner with employers and organizations in the local community. The success of SCF’S programs is incumbent upon the activity of advisory committees.

Advisory committees are designed to ensure that the knowledge and skills students receive in our programs are current with those needed in the current workforce.

Advisory committees are important resources in helping SCF make wise decisions, resulting in the best education programs for the residents of our communities.

Advisory committees for CTE programs are mandated by the Educational Amendment of 1976 and the requirement is included in the Florida State Plan for Vocational Education. They are also required for grant administration and SCF reaccreditation.

ROLE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Advisory committees make recommendations to faculty and staff on issues such as curriculum development, student recruitment, assessment, instructional equipment and supplies. Their primary function is to assist SCF in ensuring that ultimately our students when completing programs are meeting the current needs of business and industry.

Advisory Committee Functions May Include:

  • Needs assessment
  • Academic program review/curriculum planning
  • Facilities/Technology equipment/resource upgrading
  • Recruitment of students Identification of trending certifications
  • Experiential learning options

Needs Assessment

  • Conduct labor force surveys
    • Identify entry level salaries related to AS program area
    • Identify job titles related to AS program area Identify job openings in the labor market o Survey the community at regular intervals for job opportunities
    • Coordinate surveys with other workforce related entities such as CareerSource Suncoast o Assist with task inventories to determine job skills needed in the local labor market

Academic Program Review/Curriculum Planning

  • Review and recommend updates in program curriculum
    • Provide input for quality and performance standards
    • Evaluate relevance and effectiveness of program in terms of meeting community needs and suggest revisions if needed
    • Analyze course content and sequence o Suggest program updates and enhancements
  • Research current and future trends affecting the program and then, recommend the knowledge, skills and competencies required for successful career entry or re-entry
  • Contribute to program reviews, accreditations or re-accreditations, curriculum improvement initiatives and quality of learning outcomes
  • Assist in faculty recruitment via recommendations and/or interview participation

Facilities/Technology Upgrading Recommendations

  • Review and recommend facility and/or equipment improvements:
    • Review and evaluate facilities and equipment
    • Evaluate and recommend space, equipment and/or laboratory design o Identify new technology relevant to curriculum
    • Provide advice on technology, software and equipment changes and then, advocate on behalf of the program and college for those resources.
  • Donate resources such as but not limited to equipment, software and other instructional materials when appropriate

Recruitment of Students

  • Serve as a communication link/advocate between SCF and prospective students
    • Serve as an advocate for CTE
    • Communicate information to the SCF communities about advisory committees and their functions as a means of promoting SCF, the programs and encouraging others to become involved
  • Stimulate awareness of CTE needs and contributions to the world of work
    • Serve as guest lecturers in classes and/or host field trips/tours
    • Participate in job fairs and open houses
  • Disseminate program related information to workplace, professional associations, and the SCF communities

Recruitment

  • Assist in marketing the SCF programs and recruiting students through presentations and expos, etc.
  • Sponsor scholarships and recognition awards for outstanding students in CTE

Internships

  • Host internships
  • Provide other on-the-job training opportunities and work-based learning experiences such as shadowing days, career fairs and mentorships

ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE

The membership of an advisory committee will be representative of CTE programs, the faculty and the communities which SCF serves. The membership will provide a bridge between SCF and business, industry and government resources. The advisory committee for each CTE program shall be structured as follows:

  • Recommend a minimum of seven members
  • Representation from both counties in the SCF service area
  • A representative who has completed that CTE program and is currently employed locally in the field
  • Recommended a minimum of two non-voting members serving in an ex-officio capacity including:
    • Representative of CareerSource Suncoast
    • Representative of school district CTE office
  • Representative of regional chambers of commerce or Economic Development Corporations (EDC’s)

Duties of Advisory Committee Officers

Chair

The Chair will be elected by voting members of the committee for one year and may be re-elected for one additional term. The chair shall:

  • Conduct all meetings
  • Coordinate time, place and agenda for meetings with Program Manager/Director
  • Recruit advisory committee members when possible

Vice-Chair

As needed, a Vice-Chair could be elected by voting members of the committee for one year and could be re-elected for one additional term. The Vice-Chair could:

  • Conduct meetings in the absence of the Chair
  • Assist the Chair in supporting and furthering the objectives of the committee
  • Move into the chair role after serving a minimum of one term as vice-chair if needed

Program Manager/Director

The AS Program Manager/Director shall be the designated official representative of SCF for the respective advisory committees. As the SCF representative, each Program Manager/Director will support the work of the advisory committee as follows:

  • Provide for secretarial support needed to record minutes and assure that copies of minutes, agenda and other materials are disseminated to each committee member and appropriate SCF staff in a timely manner
  • Coordinate the selection process for advisory committee membership including soliciting assistance from CTE office to find appropriate members from the community to serve on the committee
  • Work with committee members to plan meetings, solicit agenda items and work towards goals
  • Coordinate meeting rooms; ensuring that they are reserved on the respective campus or offsite location in a timely way
  • Provide statistical data concerning the SCF program including enrollments and completions
  • Work with committee members to develop committee goals
  • Review status on program certifications
  • Solicit feedback on curriculum frameworks
  • Gather information on equipment standards and how they compare to SCF equipment
  • Marketing opportunities to reach new students
  • Maintain files on advisory committee business
  • Maintain updated rosters of advisory committee members and share with the CTE office
  • Ensure that minutes are recorded and distributed to members and a copy is sent to CTE office
  • Act as Recording Secretary

Recording Secretary

The Program Manager/Director will serve as ex-officio recording secretary. The recording secretary will prepare and mail meeting notices, agendas, minutes and other pertinent information. A copy of minutes will be filed with CTE office.

Role of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Office

The CTE office will maintain records supplied by Program Manager/Directors of advisory committee activities and will:

  • Maintain current files of minutes for each committee meeting
  • Send annual reminders to Program Managers/Directors to schedule their annual meeting
  • Assist Program Managers/Directors in recruiting new members
  • Act as a liaison to chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and community agencies

Selection of Members

Individuals who are selected to serve on an advisory committee are chosen because of their interest in SCF’s programs and their proven success in their occupations. The following criteria are used in the selection of advisory committee members:

  • Time: adequate time to devote to the committee
  • Experience: proven success in the field represented by the SCF program
  • Leadership: leadership in the community and awareness of community needs
  • Program Awareness: familiarity with industry standards and the objectives of the specific SCF program

Frequency of Meetings

Advisory committees shall meet at least once annually. 

Meeting Location

Advisory committees will conduct their meetings on campus, at an appropriate combined business, industry, school, government site, or online.

Advisory committee members are SCF’s connection to the community, to industry trends, to job opportunities, and to possible resource support through equipment donations, scholarships, internships, and advocacy for SCF programs.

Page Edit