B1004 Professional Programming

Policy

Policy Type: Board- Strategic Outcomes
Responsible: President
Related Policies: B1002
Linked Operating Standards: Axxx Professional Programming Monitoring Report Development
Related Laws: None
Related External Standards: ICCB Admin Rules; Student Clearinghouse
HLC Criterion: 3A3A The institution maintains learning goals and outcomes that reflect a level of rigor commensurate with college-level work, including by program level and the content of each of its educational programs. , 3B3B The institution’s educational programs engage students in collecting, analyzing and communicating information; in practicing modes of intellectual inquiry or creative work; and in developing skills adaptable to changing environments., 3C3C The institution has the faculty and staff needed for effective, high-quality programs and student services. , 3D3D The institution provides student support services that address the needs of its student populations, as well as the teaching resources and infrastructure necessary for student success. , 4A4A The institution’s administrative structures are effective and facilitate collaborative processes such as shared governance; data-informed decision making; and engagement with internal and external constituencies as appropriate. , 4B4B The institution’s financial and personnel resources effectively support its current operations. The institution’s financial management balances short-term needs with long-term commitments and ensures its ongoing sustainability. , 4C4C The institution engages in systematic strategic planning for quality improvement. It relies on data, integrating its insights from enrollment forecasts, financial capacity, student learning assessment, institutional operations and the external environment.
Monitoring Reports

B1004 Professional Programming PDF

Policy Statement

Professional programming is central to the College’s mission of preparing students for entry-level employment, industry-recognized apprenticeships, and sustained career advancement through credit-bearing career and technical education pathways. These programs provide students with applied learning opportunities that lead to credentials, licensure, and workforce entry aligned with regional labor market needs.

The Board recognizes that:

  • Students value professional programs that lead to recognized credentials, licensure, and meaningful employment aligned with their field of study.
  • The community values career pathways that support economic mobility, workforce participation, and regional economic vitality.
  • Employers value graduates who possess relevant technical skills, professional competencies, and readiness to contribute in evolving work environments.
  • Education partners value alignment of professional credentials and pathways that support continued education, stackable credentials, and long-term career flexibility.

 

The Board further affirms that professional programs should be aligned to high-wage, high-demand employment opportunities within the College’s regional labor market that support the ability to earn a life-sustaining wage.

To honor these values, the Board expects professional programming to:

  1. Ensure Credential Attainment – Students completing professional programs are expected to earn credentials, certifications, or licensure aligned with industry-recognized standards.
  2. Support Employment Placement – Professional programs shall prepare students for employment in occupations related to their field of study.
  3. Demonstrate Employer Satisfaction – Professional programs shall reflect employer engagement and satisfaction with graduate preparedness.
  4. Sustain Licensure and Certification Success – Programs requiring licensure or certification shall demonstrate acceptable pass rates consistent with accreditation and regulatory expectations.
  5. Demonstrate Results Through Evidence – Annual Monitoring Reports shall provide evidence of performance using SCCES Key Performance Measures and Indicators, including:
    • Credential attainment rates.
    • Employment placement in field of study.
    • Employer satisfaction.
    • Licensure and certification pass rates.

 

Assessment & Monitoring

The Board will assess institutional performance relative to this policy through annual Monitoring Reports that provide clear and sufficient evidence of results. These Monitoring Reports shall serve as the primary evidence base for evaluating presidential effectiveness related to Student Services within the President Evaluation Instrument.

 

Change Log Governance Unit: Board of Trustees 
Date Description of Change
03-07-22 Initial Adoption
03-16-23 Added Deployment Measures
03-21-24 Board Reviewed, No Changes
03-20-25 Board Reviewed, No Changes
08-21-25 Board Reviewed, Minor Grammatical/Punctuation Changes; HLC Criterion Updated
04-16-26 Major revision. Aligned w/ Monitoring Report Expectations and Admin OS