Occupational Program Advisory Committee

Rio Salado Culture

Today’s rapidly changing society requires community colleges and the communities they serve to work closely together, particularly in the area of occupational education. Occupational education includes programs and courses that directly relate to career or technical education preparation or professional development.

An Occupational Program Advisory Committee is a committee designed to link the college’s occupational programs to the community and is a vital component of Rio Salado’s program review process.

Advisory committees are an efficient and effective way for occupational education programs to meet the needs of local employers. The committees enable businesses to directly influence the educational process to ensure that the programs reflect the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed in the workforce.

Purpose/Functions of an Occupational Program Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Occupational Program Advisory Committee is to promote continuous improvement within an occupational program and to ensure that instruction is consistent with the skills practiced by successful employees of local businesses and industries.

Some specific functions of an Occupational Program Advisory Committee are:

• Serves as a communication channel between the college and the specific occupational community
• Keeps the college informed of changes in the labor market, specific needs, etc.
• Assists in developing/evaluating the program through goals, objectives, and competencies
• Provides means for college to inform the community of occupational programs
• Identify and support goals established by the advisory committee

Selection of Members

Committee members are chosen for their ability to give expert advice to faculty and staff members. Members are volunteers drawn primarily from the occupational community. They have a working knowledge of an industry that pertains to one or more of Rio Salado’s occupational programs.

Common characteristics of Occupational Program Advisory Committee members include:

• Demonstrates competence in an area or specialty
• Expresses an interest in program area and/or educational outcomes
• Volunteers from industry, business and government agencies

Requirements for Members

Advisory communities meet in person or virtually at least once per year and communicate informally as needs arise. More meetings may be necessary if major course and program revisions are under consideration.

Advisory committee members provide advice based on their occupational expertise. It is the role of the faculty and staff of the college to interpret that advice in a way that best promotes learning and meets student needs in the program.

Committee members may be asked to:

• Establish work requirements and competencies
• Recommend equipment purchases/donations
• Identify new technologies
• Assist with internships and job placements
• Project labor market demand
• Identify potential faculty
• Advocate the program
• Recommend additional advisory committee members

Duties of the Advisory Committee Chair

Critical to the success of an advisory committee, an effective chair will:

• Prepare an agenda and preside over the meeting
• Guide development of goals and work program of the advisory committee as indicated or deemed necessary
• Update member roster annually
• Identify a member responsible for taking, posting and communicating meeting minutes
• Celebrate student, faculty, and staff accomplishments
• Work closely with division chair or manager on initiatives