Most students at Barton Community College still have several weeks before they have to turn in their final papers, but the college has until Nov. 1 to submit its AQIP Portfolio to the Higher Learning Commission. This document, which will be used in the college’s re-accreditation process, was recently completed and the final draft will go to the board of trustees next week for approval.
The document shows Barton awards more degrees than other Kansas Community colleges, and students find their "Barton experience" more satisfying that the average student nationally, Barton Vice President Penny Quinn told trustees last week. AQIP — the Academic Improvement Program of the HLC — requires a document that describes BCC’s processes, results and improvements in nine categories.
After the document is submitted, the college will be scored on each section. The five possible scores, from highest to lowest are:
• SS, Significant strength
• S – Strength
• ? – Neither Strength or Improvement Area (or disagreement exist regarding pro vs con)
• O – Opportunity for Improvement
• OO Outstanding Opportunity for Improvement
Quinn warned the trustees last week not to be alarmed when the college receives some "O" and "OO" scores when the report is returned next spring. "We are going to receive some of those ‘low’ scores," she said. "That is part of the improvement process." Even after improvements are made, some areas will continue to show opportunity for improvement, she added.
The report relies on documented materials that highlight some of the college’s strong points. The "Student Learning" section, for example, notes the following highlights:
• Compared to other Kansas community colleges, Barton awards twice as many degrees.
• Barton students who transfer to one of the state’s six regent universities (with the exception of Emporia State University) are performing at or above those who transfer from other Kansas community colleges. At Emporia State, Barton is .07 lower, Quinn said.
• The Noel Levitz Composite report indicated that Barton students were more satisfied with their Barton experience than students attending community colleges nationally.
• IPEDS Data Feedback Report indicates that Barton’s graduation rate for normal time is equal to other Kansas community colleges. When completion time is extended to 150 percent of normal time Barton is 4 percent above other Kansas schools, and when extended to 200 percent of normal time Barton is 3 percent higher.
• Students in programs with professional license or certification examinations have an overall pass rate of 85 percent on the first exam attempt.
• Barton’s annual survey of graduating students shows 100 percent of those who responded and who used tutoring counseling, cultural activities, advising and workshop services were satisfied with the services.
