Revised2Staying a Step Ahead

Staying a Step Ahead:Higher Education Transforming North Carolina’s Economy: 

Staying a Step Ahead: Higher Education Transforming North Carolina’s Economy Skills Expert Group Northern Ireland October 2006 H. Martin Lancaster President North Carolina Community College System Source: Presentation by Dr. Parker Chesson to State Board of Community Colleges, August 17, 2006

Timeline for Study: 

Timeline for Study 2004 legislation – HB 1264 Joint study – UNC and NCCCS Final Interim Report – Jan. 17, 2006 Preliminary Recommendations – Feb. 1, 2006 Final Report – July 21, 2006

40,000 Foot View: 

40,000 Foot View Look at NC’s current and future economies Project trends Look at programs/services of UNC and NCCCS Educational programs and facilities needed in the future Photo: Bill Birkemeier, US Army Corps of Engineers

Observations: 

Observations Changes in jobs – decline of traditional industries Fundamental demographic trends Global competition NC is a collection of very different regions NC has done enviable job in higher education (UNC and NCCCS)

Recommendation Areas: 

Recommendation Areas Mission Academics K-16 approach HMI signature programs Distance learning and facilities Research, technology transfer, economic structure, etc. Legislative actions

Mission Recommendations: 

Mission Recommendations NCCCS and UNC – consider adding item regarding collaboration UNC – review of mission of each institution, focusing on economic development role

NCCCS MissionSeptember 2006 revisions in green: 

NCCCS Mission September 2006 revisions in green The mission of the North Carolina Community College System is to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals by providing: Education, training and retraining for the workforce, including basic skills and literacy education, occupational and pre-baccalaureate programs. Support for economic development  through services to and in partnership with business and industry and in collaboration with the University of North Carolina System and private colleges and universities. Services to communities and individuals which improve the quality of life.

Academic Recommendations: 

Academic Recommendations Processes – program reviews, approvals Funds for collaboration and start-up costs Soft skills and general education

Academic Recommendations (continued): 

Academic Recommendations (continued) In general, both UNC and NCCCS have been responsive to state needs Major program gaps Focus on emerging industries Advanced manufacturing Advanced materials Biotech and pharmaceuticals Computing/software/internet Design and film Logistics and distribution

Academic Recommendations (continued): 

STATE SHORTAGES – 3 KEY AREAS: Teachers K-12 Community college faculty in some areas (e.g. nursing) Nurses Computing (programmers, software, Internet, etc.) In all these and others – collaborative programs between UNC and NCCCS Academic Recommendations (continued)

Academic Recommendations (continued): 

Key themes for NCCCS among 17 academic recommendations: Program review/approval process Focus on collaboration Focus on providing nurses and teachers Production of community college faculty UNC and NCCCS emphasis on STEM UNC and NCCSS together -- interface with business advisory groups Student tracking – Pre K-16 Academic Recommendations (continued)

K -16 Approach Recommendations: 

K -16 Approach Recommendations Create statewide K-16 Council Priority considerations: Reducing need for remedial education in both NCCCS and UNC Closing achievement gaps between majority and minority students Also some recommendations for UNC’s historically minority institutions (HMIs)

Distance Learning and Facilities Recommendations: 

Distance Learning and Facilities Recommendations Distance learning What is distance learning? Definitions? Lack of system-wide planning in both UNC and NCCCS Infrastructure needs, particularly NCCCS

Distance Learning and Facilities Recommendations (continued): 

Facilities Maximize use of current facilities Additional sites – joint UNC-NCCS study Priority on telecommunications infrastructure – higher than “bricks and mortar” Priority for emerging industries and critical needs (e/g/ nursing) Priority on annual maintenance and repair Consider state-wide endowment fund Distance Learning and Facilities Recommendations (continued)

Research, Tech Transfer, Economic Development Recommendations: 

Research, Tech Transfer, Economic Development Recommendations Research – UNC focus Technology transfer and economic development Economic transformation structures One-stop, UNC/NCCCS economic transformation office (Web-based) BOG/SBCC joint committee – focus on collaborative initiatives, annual report, etc.

Research, Tech Transfer, Economic Development Recommendations (continued): 

Regional economic development partnerships – role for UNC and NCCCS on governing boards ESC – produce employment projections for 7 regional partnership areas Research, Tech Transfer, Economic Development Recommendations (continued)

Research, Tech Transfer, Economic Development Recommendations (continued): 

Rural economic transformation Establish 3 pilot, regional rural enterprise zones with substantial state funding – State, UNC, NCCCS Focus: Rural business cluster Non-agricultural entrepreneurship Redirection of agriculture Research, Tech Transfer, Economic Development Recommendations (continued)

Legislative Action Recommendations: 

Legislative Action Recommendations Funding formulas for NCCCS and UNC should be revised – fund instruction regardless of how or when delivered (distance, summer, etc.) Remove SBCC from rule-making requirements of Administrative Procedures Act

Summary: 

Summary Total of 68 recommendations No magic bullet for “economic transformation” – but, central role of education Major gaps; teachers, nurses, computing Emerging industries Must be nimble, collaborative, more risk-tolerant Greatest asset – willingness to collaborate

Staying a Step Ahead:Higher Education Transforming North Carolina’s Economy: 

Staying a Step Ahead: Higher Education Transforming North Carolina’s Economy H. Martin Lancaster, President North Carolina Community College System www.nccommunitycolleges.edu Source: Presentation by Dr. Parker Chesson to State Board of Community Colleges, August 17, 2006