The Program Evaluation Committee met on Thursday, Sept. 16 to review three templates in order for members to grasp the philosophy of program assessing.

The committee examines the program reviews given to educational programs or administrative units, and reports to the College Planning Council. These are used to determine whether they need to create, amend, or discontinue a program. It is an essential component of City College’s accreditation and its integrated planning.

Accreditation is vital for schools to acquire financial aid, as well as allow transferable credits to UC and CSU schools.

In the last College Planning Council meeting on Sept. 7, superintendent-president Dr. Kindred Murillo said the college is expecting an accreditation visit on Oct. 12 and 13.

During the start of the meeting, Program Evaluation Committee (PEC) co-chair Raeanne Napoleon asked if committee members had any concerns about recording it for the public.

“Everything we talk about should be public, but I don’t think they’re gonna care about what we will talk about today” science division representative Sean Kelly said.

Although all three templates are listed in the “discussion” section, only the ”Student Services Program Review” template is available for public viewing. It was stated in the meeting that committee members were to review each of the three templates and add comments and questions to them.

The Student Services Program Review template outlines general program description questions, such as connection to diversity, equity, and inclusion professional development and guided pathways. Other significant sections included service area outcomes, goals and objectives, and resources needed to achieve program goals.

“For years our program has been what it’s been. Only last year, we went and shook things up. It’s the templates that will change” said Napoleon.

There was perplexity on assigning “pods,” which are group review teams.

“The pods and pod leaders are supporting each of these programs and departments?” student-ready coordinator Adrienne Arguijo-Morgan said.

The clarification was to assign these groups and have other veteran members assist newer members who may still feel uncomfortable with the process.

“These are the folks that are going to be the point of contact,” dean co-chair Alan Price said. “It is fair to say that is the group that will be evaluating.”

The next PEC meeting will convene at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30 through Zoom.