Two programs cut at Three Rivers College

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Of 14 Three Rivers College programs questioned in a statewide review of academic programs, two were eliminated.

One associate of applied science degree for agricultural systems will face further review in three years, according to a report released last week by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and Missouri Department of Higher Education.

An associate degree in occupational education and a certificate program for advanced health care technician existed in name only, Three Rivers Vice President for Learning Dr. Wesley Payne said of the programs identified for deletion.

There were no students in the programs and staff was not affected, Payne said.

"They were both replaced by other programs years ago and were simply left on the books long past their time with no purpose," Payne said.

Some 46 programs were identified for deletion at two-year institutions, as well as 73 at four-year institutions as a result of the statewide review. The review was conducted between October and January. Programs were evaluated based on a variety of criteria, including enrollment and graduation rates.

Three Rivers' associate of applied science degree for agricultural systems was one of only 17 selected at two-year schools to undergo a follow-up review in three years.

Payne believes it is an important program, although it has only averaged three graduates annually in the past three years.

"Many of the courses offered in that program are shared with a two-year transfer program for an associate's of arts degree in agriculture," Payne explained. "(Agricultural systems) is not a stand alone program with costs associated only with it. Many students are in the parallel program who have not been picking up both degrees."

The parallel program typically averages about 30 students at any one time, Payne said.

Three Rivers plans to take a multitier approach to resolving any concerns state officials may have with the program.

The college will make sure to accurately collect and report data relating to students in agricultural systems classes and properly advise students of how to declare and achieve a multi-degree track, Payne said.

The number of programs reviewed, deleted or selected for further review at Three Rivers was relatively low compared to other two-year schools.

Crowder College had 28 programs reviewed and nine chosen for follow-up evaluations. At Metropolitan Community College, 11 programs were deleted.

The report also indicated a policy for review of programs in the two-year sector should be developed through collaboration with school representatives and the MDHE.

"This policy must account for the unique mission of the community and technical colleges, and the crucial role the sector plays in workforce development, among other issues and concerns," the report states.

The programs reviewed at Three Rivers and justifications provided include:

•Associate degree/certificate for EMS-paramedic -- average annual graduates, two; program has been inactive but will be reactivated in summer 2011

• Associate's degree in applied technology -- average annual graduates, one; shared courses/faculty

The following certificate programs were justified as having shared courses/faculty.

• Accounting -- average annual graduates .7

• Automated office certificate -- average annual graduates 3

• Electrical technician -- average annual graduates 3.3

• Hospitality and tourism -- average annual graduates 1.3

• Information publishing -- average annual graduates 1

• Management and supervision -- average annual graduates 1.7

• Microcomputer support technology -- average annual graduates 2

• Quality control technician -- average annual graduates 1.7

• Surveying -- average annual graduates 4.3