Advisory Committee Name

PRE-COLLEGE EDUCATION DIVISION

Date

Friday, March 7, 2008

Time Convened

8:40 a.m.

Time Terminated

10:04 a.m.

Location

MATC-Downtown                Room S120

Recorder

Carlie Deahl, Technician

Advisors Present

(include only dean and curriculum chair)

Dawn Lauber, Milwaukee Public Library

Tonya Gorst, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce

Reuben Harpole, Helen Bader Foundation

Luis Gonzales, Milwaukee Police Department (Chair)

James Nelson, Career Youth Development, Inc.

Advisors Absent

Yolanda Collier, Elmer Winter Career Center, Inc. (Co-Chair)

Caroline Williams, Milwaukee Public Schools

Sherrie Tessler, Hunger Task Force

Maria Castillo-Uribe, Vieau School

Gloria Pitchford-Trice, Milwaukee Area Technical College

Guests
(including all GTC staff except dean and curriculum chair)

Patricia Leong Kappel, Milwaukee Area Technical College-Associate Dean

Wes Holmes, Milwaukee Area Technical College-IC GED/HSED

Susan Nemetz, Milwaukee Area Technical College-IC CBO Network

Kevin Mulvenna, Milwaukee Area Technical College-IC AHS/Online

Dr. James Campbell, Milwaukee Area Technical College-Associate Dean

Art Martinez, Milwaukee Area Technical College-Associate Dean

Rita Simons-Santiago, Milwaukee Area Technical College Oak Creek/Basic Skills-ESL

Andrea Sullivan Jurek, Milwaukee Area Technical College-IC/College Prep

Rubye Macon-Stepter, Milwaukee Area Technical College

                     

          Topics

 

                   Information/discussion with advisors

Advisors’ recommendations/

Items for college follow-up

Call to Order

Introductions

The meeting was called to order at 8:40 a.m. by Associated Dean Patricia Leong Kappel.  Introductions were made by each Member and Representative.

 

New Business

 

Wisconsin Army National
Guard Partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College

Mr. Wes Holmes gave details about the new partnership between Milwaukee Area Technical College and the Wisconsin Army National Guard.  Milwaukee Area Technical College was chosen to be the national model for this new program, becoming the Country’s premier educational institution to enter into an educational relationship with the Army National Guard.  Enlistees will be able to obtain their GED/HSD, allowing them to continue on to Boot Camp and other service levels within the National Guard.

This program entails an accelerated program involving GED preparation, and 10 weeks of online instruction.  On-site visitations will be held once per month, (maximum twice per 10-week program).  Initial start of the program is scheduled for Monday, March 31, 2008.  Enlistees will be housed at local hotels and intermixed within the general population of Milwaukee Area Technical College. 

Committee Chair, Mr. Gonzales, posed the question as to how many enlistees will be in the program.  Mr. Holmes response was that initially, 25 enlistees will be involved in the pilot program but as many as 100+ are anticipated for future programs.

Madison Area Technical College will also be participating at the end of May but with smaller enrollment.  This is dependent on the outcome of this pilot program at Milwaukee Area Technical College.

 

New Business (Cont.)

 

Wisconsin Army National
Guard Partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College (Cont.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATC GED Graduation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W223 Act

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Business (Cont.)

 

W223 Act (Cont.)

Rita Simmons-Santiago inquired about any commitment of the Guard to the student and the student to the Army National Guard.  Mr. Holmes stated that the Guard’s commitment includes mentors, assistance in transitioning into higher educational levels (with the assistance of Ron Fancher).  The enlistee must agree to a 3 year enlistment commitment following their receiving a GED. 

A question was posed as to whether this program will become available to enlistees in other military branches. Mr. Holmes responded by stating he was unaware but he would inquire as to the potential of including all branches of the Armed Forces in the future.

Mr. Holmes discussed the growth of the Pre-College Education Division GED graduation ceremony wherein attendance has grown from approximately 850 to 1200 graduates per year (all campuses).  Thirty-seven Community Based Organizations, through MATC, are involved in this event.  Combining this growth with the CBO’s involved has resulted in the decision to move the ceremony to the Milwaukee Theater.  This event will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.  Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.  Those interested should contact Dean Pitchford Trice or Associate Dean Kappel.

Initiated in the State of Wisconsin in 1994, this Act is unique to our state allowing incarcerated youths to pursue their GED/HSED, receiving the credentials that will assist them obtaining their GED/HSED upon their release.  The only requirement is that the inmate must pass a minimum of one test while they are incarcerated. The State requires that a contract be signed by three parties: the Institution where the individual is incarcerated, the School District in which they reside and Milwaukee Area Technical College.  The contract states the confirmation that all parties (including parole officer[s], parents, guardians, etc.), agree that inmate’s best interest (upon release) would be for him/her to complete their GED/HSED with MATC.  MATC then divests itself to provide the individual with the education needed to complete program.  If reasonable cause occurs that this agreement cannot be completed, a written statement from all interested parties must be submitted within 30 days, stating reason(s) why the partnership cannot continue and must be severed.  This has only occurred once during Mr. Holmes’ involvement with the Program. 

Susan Nemetz inquired of any financial obligation involved, i.e., 118.15 Act (Attachment 1).  Mr. Holmes’ response was that the laws are “elastic”; they allow institutions to charge. 

Ms. Simons-Santiago inquired if mentors available that can provide counseling; a place they are allowed to relax and speak openly.  Mr. Holmes response was affirmative and that he is, in fact the conduit for that need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inquiry into the potential of including all branches of the military into a similar program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justice 2000 Program

Susan Nemetz distributed a handout (Attachment 2) detailing the specifics of this Program with the primary goal of providing individuals recently released from incarceration, support and intervention assistance allowing them an easier transition back into society.  Dr. Campbell added that both bilingual and special need services are provided through this program, including interpretation.

 

MATC-Produced Videos/Bilingual Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Business (Cont.)

 

MATC-Produced Videos/Bilingual Videos (Cont.)

Kevin Mulvenna distributed a handout (Attachment 3) listing internet links to in-house produced recruitment/retention videos. Mr. Mulvenna addressed items from the December 2007 Advisory Committee meeting including the production of videos in a multi-language capacity.  He has since met with Marketing and they agreed that the production of bilingual videos is a viable request.  Marketing made suggestions on how to improve in the overall production of future videos such as actual students narrating pieces.

Ms. Simons-Santiago related her experience with a current student from South Campus who saw the “You Can Do This” video and the strong impression it made on her.  So strong that she told all of her friends.  The video now has a permanent place in the Orientation at South Campus.  Mr. Mulvenna reflected that he had a similar experience with a graduate of MATC recruited friends to enroll.

Dr. Campbell suggested that a representative from the MATC Marketing Department and/or Mr. Robert Hartung, the Vice-President of Marketing, be invited to attend the next (or future) Advisory Committee Meeting.  This will allow them to consider increasing the overall exposure of the Pre-College Education Division focusing on the recruitment (and retention) of our Basic Skills, GED, HSED Programs.

It was suggested that Dr. Cole also be invited to attend a future meeting, allowing him to gain insight on the Pre-College Education Division and the great diversity of programs our Division offers the community, and encouraging the need for more media exposure.

Mr. Mulvenna spoke on the new initiative to deliver high school education to incarcerated youths and who have no internet access.  Suggestions included “canned” video or a correspondence, text-based content.  This could ultimately become a nation-wide program. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extend invitations to Dr. Cole, Mr. Hartung and the MATC Marketing Department to attend the May 5th, or future Advisory Committee meeting.

 

 
 

Continue discussion on various types of media that would be accessible to inmates.

Analysis and explanation of FTE generation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Business (Cont.)

 

Analysis and explanation of FTE generation (Cont.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RISE INITIATIVE

Dr. James Campbell presented an overview, with handout (Attachment 4) explaining how the production of FTEs result into actual credits.  The analogy of how profit is the pre-eminent goal of any corporation, the same holds true for colleges.  Funding from federal government entities for technical colleges is based upon equivalences that are generated.  There are 2 tiers of FTE generation:  Post Secondary and Non-Post Secondary.  Most pre-college programs are classified as Non-Post Secondary; those students not enrolled in a particular diploma, degree or certificate program.

College-level FTEs are solely generated through enrollment.  High School, GED, ELL (non-post secondary), are based on the number of hours the student attends a class, e.g., three hours or less of instruction a semester = no credit. 30 credits will generate 1 FTE.  This is based on enrollment, grades and attendance, all of which is electronically reported to the State.  The State then determines what funding allowance will be allowed to the school.  Funding can range from $1200 - $1900 per credit.  High enrollment periods average around 2300 credits. Low enrollment periods generate approximately 1800 credits.  Pre-College Education is the third largest credit generator in the College.  A significant point regarding credit generation is not primarily how much the College is reimbursed.  The most significant point is how many hours the student spends in the classroom.  Federal government studies revealed that students need to attend a minimum of 100 hours of instruction to move up one functioning grade level.  This is difficult to achieve due to conflicts and other barriers the students face.  A “bell curve” given on statistics of actual student time spent in the classroom indicates that the highest attendance points are at the start of the semester and drop significantly during mid-semester.  At the end of the semester year, the curve moves up towards the midline range.   

Mr. Art Martinez, Associated Dean in the Pre-College Education Division/Bilingual, gave a brief presentation regarding R.I.S.E. (Regional Industrial Skills Education) which is a collaborative effort of educational, workforce development/economic development institutions and employers in assisting adults in obtaining education and training which will allow career advancement. This will mutually benefit employers by providing them a reliable workforce available to them that are educated and trained to meet the demands of the employer.

Educational programs and training will not only provide hands-on experience in the field, but will also emphasize on the “soft skills” required in today’s workplace, including career planning, and mentoring, to name a few.  A handout was made available.  (Attachment 5)

 

 

 

 

New Business (Cont.)

 

City of Milwaukee Police and Fire Department Recruiting

Luis Gonzales announced the City of Milwaukee’s aggressive plan to recruit individuals for the Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments.  This recruitment could be mutually beneficial in promoting MATC’s Police Science and Fire Protection Technician Programs.  Combining these two programs with our GED/Associate Degree Programs, with the need to fill the available positions, would result in a mutually beneficial relationship between MPD/MPF and MATC.  Ms. Simons-Santiago offered the support of MATC’s Oak Creek Campus where the Police Science Program is offered.  MATC’s Downtown Campus adds the added benefit of the close proximity of the Campus to the Milwaukee Police Department. 

Further discussion regarding the creation of a recruitment campaign between the Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments and Milwaukee Area Technical College’s GED, Certificate and Associate Degree Programs.

Multi-Media Utilization with

Career Youth Development

 

 

 

 

CD/DVD Duplicator Purchase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATC/CBO Signage

 

New Business (Cont.)

 

Milwaukee Public Library

 

 

Accessibility to MATC videos, brochures and flyers

James Nelson volunteered the services of his agency, CYD, wherein both radio and televised broadcasts could be made available for Public Service Announcements and televised broadcasts on Channels, 19 and 46.  The broadcasts could feature MATC faculty and staff and aid in the recruitment and promotion of MATC College and Pre-College programs available to the community. 

Dr. Campbell suggested acquiring a DVD duplicator which would replicate a mass quantity of videos/DVDs that would be duplicated and sent throughout the community, including CBOs, media outlets and other public facilities.  The distribution of these DVDs/Videos would promote MATC’s role in providing pre-college and other areas of learning.

Dr. Campbell also suggested using MATC’s file server to announce upcoming events and aid in promotion of programs.

Rubye Macon-Stepter recommended outdoor signage be increased at CBOs and all agencies which MATC has an active relationship with.

Dawn Lauber offered the Milwaukee Public Library as another outlet to reach individuals seeking educational programs available in the Pre-College Education Division.  Paula Kylie, Library Director, is the contact person.

 The suggestion was made to provide all Advisory Committee Members with copies of promotional materials regarding the Pre-College Education Division and the wide variety of programs offered.

Continue discussion about possible programs and/or other venues available that would allow the greatest exposure for MATC Programs.

 

 

 

Inquire on the purchasing of a CD/DVD duplicator.

 

 

 

Inquire as to possibility of providing link on file server that will include Pre-College Calendar of Events and the promoting of programs.

 

Contact vendors regarding pricing/sizing options; Discuss sign content and design; Visit agencies for optimum placement.

Arrange meeting between Paula Kylie, Dawn Lauber, and MATC to explore recruitment ideas where both facilities will be utilized.

Procure promotional materials for present and future recruitment drives, programs, and other pertinent information.

Items for next meeting’s Agenda

 

Next meeting to be held at Discovery World, Friday, May 5, 2008, 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Contact Mr. Busalacchi/Shelly Conroy, regarding confirmation of meeting location.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 10:06 a.m.