Industrial Maintenance

Mission/Purpose

The Mission/Purpose of this department is to offer accessible, relevant, and high-quality education by providing a comprehensive program of systematic, competency-based instruction in the areas of Industrial Electricity/Electronics, Industrial Mechanics, and Welding.

Expected Results/Outcomes

A student database will be created through which students will be monitored in the areas of program enrollment, program entry date, financial aid status, employment information, previous education/experience, preparatory high-school courses, etc. This information will be evaluated to determine reasons/causes of retention/successful completion in the above programs. In addition, this information should provide insight which should aid in increasing enrollment in the above programs as well.

Means of Assessment

Using Microsoft Access, the database will be queried and evaluated by department personnel at the end of the Spring (2000-2) semester. These files will be electronically archived for future reference. Should the data indicate, successful students will be identified. The data that has been compiled on these successful students will be evaluated to try to determine the reasons for the student’s success.

Use of Assessment Results in Planning

This process will be used to improve retention of the students enrolled in the above programs as of Fall (2001-1) Semester. Through the analysis of the data, reasons and contributing factors of student success will be identified and appropriate campus entities informed. Through this process, the needs and preparation of future students will be identified and utilized so that these students may have an improved chance of successful program completion.

REVIEW OF RESULTS

The Industrial Maintenance Department studied students who began in Fall semester and were still enrolled in Summer semester. The study involved a review of entrance scores and a student query regarding motivating factors. Detailed data in these areas are available in the Industrial Maintenance Department Office.

Looking at this study data, one might draw some conclusions as to what contributed to the success of the students. Beginning with t he student comments, one can see a sense of direction that these students possessed. The responses with the highest frequency (monetary incentive and good job) would indicate that the students are aware of the opportunities before them and recognize what must be done to achieve them. However, this sense of direction is not enough. Parental pressure, support of friends, neighbors, and/or family, and job satisfaction are all motivators that help to insure success. Unfortunately, these elements are beyond the control of York Technical College.

One other element must be considered. That is preparation. Apparently, these students enjoyed very good preparation prior to their enrollment at York Technical College. Looking at their placement test scores, one sees a group of students that placed at the diploma level and very often at the degree level and above.

Perhaps York Technical College should consider a “Pre-Tech” program that would be offered during the summer term prior to the fall semester start. If students could be identified as “at risk” prior to the normal term of entry inot the program, they could enroll in a “Pre-Tech” curriculum that summer. This should better prepare the student for the courses he/she will encounter in their program of study. This would mean that the admissions process must be accelerated. Prospective students would need to enroll, test, and be accepted prior to graduation from high school. This would allow students to be identified as needing the “Pr-Tech” program in time to enroll in the courses during the summer term, before they begin their fall semester.