Standard I.C. Institutional Integrity
Evidence for Standard I.C.1
The college maintains a public-facing website with information about educational programs, student services, and the institution, including learning outcomes, the mission, and accreditation information. There is also a link to a portal that is accessible by students and staff. Each department ensures the accuracy, clarity and integrity of information of the web pages it manages. Periodic reminders are sent to all staff to verify the information on their pages (I.C-3).
The Gavilan College Public Information Office, staffed by a Director of Public Information and a full-time Marketing Communications Specialist, works with college programs, departments, and administration to ensure the clarity, accuracy, and integrity of information provided by the institution to students, staff, and the public. A member of the Public Information Office sits on all event and planning committees, and consults with all departments on their production of printed materials and marketing collateral. The Director of Public Information also chairs the college subcommittee on the Website.
There are a number of print and electronic publications that are produced on a regular basis, and where students, prospective students, personnel and others can find information on the mission statement, learning outcomes, educational programs, and student support services. All are linked to the website as well as distributed as described:
- Catalog - The College provides an electronic catalog and the option to download or purchase a hard copy. The Catalog contains all general information, requirements, and major policies affecting students (I.C-1)
- Semester Guide - Published every semester with the dates, deadlines, and specific information students need to enroll, seek support services, and plan their semester. It is distributed on campus, at the instructional sites, and online (I.C-2)
- Community Education Catalog - Published three times per year, this catalog details fee-based, not-for-credit classes, upcoming events of interest to the general public, and Career Education and noncredit listings. It is mailed to residences within the district and distributed at community events.
- Report to the Community - Published annually, the Report to the Community includes financial information, a letter from the President, and stories about notable happenings on campus. It is mailed to a select mailing list and distributed at community events.
Accuracy of publications is ensured through a systematic proofing process. Key staff provide the content and review proofs prior to publication distribution. If any errors are found, they are sent to the PIO for correction.
TABLE 1: Location of Key College Information
|
Mission Statement |
Website (I.C-4) Catalog (I.C-5) |
|
Learning Outcomes |
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Website: (I.C-6) Course-level Learning Outcomes: Course Syllabi (I.C-7) Website: (I.C-8) |
|
Educational Programs |
Catalog (I.C-1) Website (I.C-9) Report to the Community (I.C-10) Rack Cards (I.C-11) Community Education Catalog: (I.C-12) |
|
Student Support Services |
Catalog (I.C-13) Semester Guide (I.C-14) |
|
Accreditation Status |
Catalog (I.C-5) Website (I.C-15) Semester Guide (I.C-16) Certificate of Accreditation (I.C-17) |
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the institution and information for all academic programs are published in the College Catalog (I.C-18) and posted on the website. Course level SLOs are published in the course syllabi (I.C-7), which are posted to the Banner course registration system and available to students as they choose their classes. Over the 2018/19 academic year, the SLOs and SLO assessment process will be moving over to the curriQunet platform, making this information more searchable and accessible.
In preparation for this change, work was done over the summer of 2018 to ensure the accuracy of information in curriQunet. This initiative was led by the Director of Public Information, with support from the Dean of Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness and the Director of Institutional Technology. An outside consultant was hired to go through the curriQunet database, the DegreeWorks platform, and the Chancellor’s Office Program Inventory, compare them, and identify any discrepancies in the information contained in the three systems. This information was then shared with the Vice President of Academic Affairs who took the lead on making the corrections necessary to ensure accuracy and compliance across the three systems. The data clean-up occurred over Fall 2018.
Student support services are listed, described, and publicized in numerous formats. Each service has one or more pages on the college website, maintained by that department. Accuracy is monitored through a process of verification (I.C-3). Charts of student support services can be found in the Semester Guide (I.C-14), published during the fall and spring semesters, and in the Student Planner, published in the spring (I.C-19).
A link to the Accreditation webpage (I.C-20), as well as a link to Student Learning Outcomes and other vital pages, is located at the bottom of every page of the Gavilan College website, one click away from the homepage.
Analysis and Evaluation for Standard I.C.1
Gavilan College assures the clarity, accuracy, and integrity of information provided to students and prospective students, personnel, and all persons or organizations related to its mission statement, learning outcomes, educational programs, and student support services, and has policies and procedures in place to ensure accuracy. The information in the College Catalog meets the guidelines of ER 20.
Over the 2018/19 academic year, the SLOs and SLO assessment process will be moving over to the curriQunet platform, making this information more searchable and accessible.
The institution provides a print or online catalog for students and prospective students with precise, accurate, and current information on all facts, requirements, policies, and procedures listed in the “Catalog Requirements” (see endnote). (ER 20)
Evidence for Standard I.C.2
Gavilan College publishes a catalog every two years. These catalogs can be accessed through the Gavilan College website (I.C-1) and can be viewed online via a look book format, broken down by section, downloaded (in .pdf form) or purchased (I.C-21). Corrections and additions to the catalog can be easily identified and are posted near the top of the Catalog web page (I.C-22).
The catalog includes current information on facts, requirements, policies, and procedures as listed in the “Catalog Requirements.” Links for general education requirements in addition to requirements for transfer are located in the top section of the catalog main page (I.C-1).
Links on the catalog page on the website include information about Gavilan College, a directory of key people within the college, Gavilan policies and procedures, the academic honesty policy, admissions information, student success and support services, the academic freedom policy, general education requirements, and transfer program information.
Links to catalogs dating back to 2005-2007 academic years are located at the bottom of the web page and can be easily accessed. Earlier editions of the catalog can be found in the Gavilan College library on the Gilroy campus.
The catalog review process is initiated in the Public Information Office, which is responsible for gathering of data, preparation, and proofing of the catalog, with design, and editorial assistance by identified departments throughout the college.Over the 2018-2019 academic year, the College will be implementing the catalog module of curriQunet, which will change the look and feel of the catalog page. Instead of manually creating proofs at the beginning of a catalog cycle, and posting changes as they occur, the catalog will automatically update in real time from curriQunet. A print version of the complete catalog will be created at the start of each catalog cycle and used for “catalog rights” as well as to create a hard copy publication that can be purchased from an online retailer. The College will also transition to an annual catalog effective AY 2019-2020.
Analysis and Evaluation for Standard I.C.2
Gavilan College provides an accurate, precise, and updated catalog for all students and prospective students and it includes all the facts, requirements, policies, and procedures listed in the “Catalog Requirements.”
Over the 2018-2019 academic year, the College will be implementing the catalog module of curriQunet, increasing accuracy of both production and updates. In 2019-2020 the College will move to an annual catalog for improved currency.
The institution uses documented assessment of student learning and evaluation of student achievement to communicate matters of academic quality to appropriate constituencies, including current and prospective students and the public. (ER 19)
Evidence for Standard I.C.3
Gavilan College documents assessment of student learning and achievement, and uses this data to track student success. This data is made available to internal and external constituencies via the Gavilan College website. An interactive database of student achievement data is available to staff, students, and the public through the GavDATA tool on the homepage (I.C-23).
Student learning outcomes for each course are listed on the SLO web page (I.C-24). In the drop-down menu under each main area of study, each course is listed along with its learning outcomes (for example, Child Development (I.C-25, I.C-26). Course-level SLO assessment results are posted on Gavilan College’s intranet (I.C-27), listed by course. Using ACCT 105 as an example (I.C-28), viewers can select a year, see the program outcomes, ascertain what assessment/measurement has been identified, and find the assessment result with the use of that result explained.
Finally, downloadable reports on the RPIE website (I.C-29) include such information as trend analysis, degrees and certificates awarded, program comprehensive effectiveness evaluation reports, flow success rates, etc. The Gavilan College Student Success Scorecard (I.C-30), created by the Chancellor's Office and listing general demographic and success information, is also linked on the RPIE page.
Analysis and Evaluation Standard I.C.3
Gavilan College uses documented assessment of student learning and evaluation of student achievement to communicate matters of academic quality to appropriate constituencies, including current and prospective students and the public. Student and program learning outcomes are searchable and available to the public via the Gavilan College homepage.
The institution describes its certificates and degrees in terms of their purpose, content, course requirements, and expected learning outcomes.
Evidence for Standard I.C.4
Board Policy (BP) 4100 (I.C-31) describes in detail what a student must do to be eligible for graduation and the process in which a degree or certificate is awarded. This includes Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees, Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs), and Certificates. The Policy was initially board-approved in June 2002 and amended in May 2008.
Approved curriculum information is accessed through curriQunet, a curriculum management system used to streamline and improve integrated planning of the curriculum process. Course and certificate descriptions as well as degree and certificate requirements are maintained and extracted from this system and reviewed and updated by the department chairs or program members for accuracy. All information is then forwarded to the appropriate college dean for approval, forwarded to the Curriculum Committee for approval, and finally passed forward to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Once all information is reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor’s Office, the program is added to the catalog.
Degree and certificate program descriptions include student learning outcomes, program goals, courses required for the degree or certificate, and expected unit totals for the program. General education outcomes are explained in detail beginning on page 49 of the 2017-2019 course catalog (I.C-1). Instructors include student learning outcomes on their course syllabi (I.C-7).
The Counseling Department provides students with guidance and direction regarding program requirements. The Counseling Department web page (I.C-32) offers a link to DegreeWorks (I.C-33), a web-based tool to help students monitor progress toward degree or certificate completion. This page also serves as a FAQ area for best practices and general information. There is also a tab in the Quick Links section which leads to a FAQ page (I.C-34). Information near the end of the page specifically addresses Degree and Program questions.
Analysis and Evaluation for Standard I.C.4
Gavilan College describes its certificates and degrees in terms of their purpose, content, course requirements, and expected learning outcomes and makes the information available to students and prospective students on many different platforms.
The institution regularly reviews institutional policies, procedures, and publications to assure integrity in all representations of its mission, programs, and services.
Evidence for Standard I.C.5
Gavilan College regularly reviews and revises its policies, procedures and publications for all areas of the institution (I.C-35). Copies of all procedures are readily available to the public through the website (I.C-36).
The Policy Review process begins with updates from the Community College League of California (CCLC). This review happens twice a year due to legislative changes and legal reviews. CCLC provides templates for updates as well as ongoing feedback on policies and procedures which are legally required or advised. The Board of Trustees also undertakes a separate chapter-by-chapter policy review of all policies over the course of a several years cycle.
In March 2018 the President’s Council Policy Subcommittee held its first meeting. All constituent groups are represented on this subcommittee, which focuses on reviewing Gavilan College policies to identify where the college may have “gaps” that need to be addressed and to ensure a robust dialog including all constituency groups.
A policy review may also begin at the Academic Senate or other college committee, which may discuss the policy and create a revised draft to send to the President’s Council. If approved there, it is then moved to a Board subcommittee for review before being sent to the full Board of Trustees. At any point in this process, the draft can be sent back for revision (I.C-35).
Changes to policies and procedures require Board of Trustees approval through a two-part process: an informational submission for a first reading and as an action item on the second reading. A majority vote of the whole board is required for approval.
The College Catalog, the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (I.C-37), and the College website are the primary methods used to communicate policies and procedures to prospective and current students, personnel and the community.
The catalog is reviewed bi-annually. This process is overseen by the Public Information Office in collaboration with the departments, committees, the deans, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
The website is the primary site of information distribution. It is reviewed, updated and improved upon in an ongoing basis by the District Technology Committee subcommittee on the website, known in the college community as “Webheads” (I.C-38). Over a two year period from 2014-2016 the Webheads undertook a complete redesign of the website, changing from the page-by-page system to a Content Management System (CMS) called Cascade. New templates were designed and navigation was improved based upon user feedback.
Over the 2018-2019 the Policies and Procedures manual will be converted from the current “pdf” format to the BoardDocs platform, making policies and procedures more searchable and accessible to the public.
Analysis and Evaluation for Standard I.C.5
Gavilan College reviews institutional policies, procedures, and publications on a regular schedule to assure integrity in all representations of its mission, programs, and services. These policies and procedures are communicated to students and the public in multiple locations and formats. Major publications and the website are reviewed cyclically for accuracy of content.
The institution accurately informs current and prospective students regarding the total cost of education, including tuition, fees, and other required expenses, including textbooks, and other instructional materials.
Evidence for Standard I.C.6
Gavilan College accurately informs current and prospective students regarding total cost of their education. The financial aid section of the Gavilan College website includes tables that let both California residents (living with parents and living away from parents) and non-resident students project costs for attending Gavilan College (I.C-39). These projections are based on a 12-unit course load and calculate expenses such as tuition, books and supplies, housing and food, transportation and personal costs. Calculations are for both nine-month and eleven-month enrollments.
Each semester, Gavilan produces a semester guide, an informational booklet with helpful information including steps for new students, payment deadlines, fees, financial aid, counseling services, FAQs, student services, instructional supports, tools for success and more. The accuracy of this information is reviewed and approved by the Director of Admissions and Records. Booklets are distributed to local high schools, all Gavilan College locations, and off site locations such as grocery stores, libraries and other high traffic areas. Included in this guide is information that details costs and fees for the semester, including the costs for any classes with additional fees for materials or supplies (I.C-40).
Gavilan also includes a page regarding gainful employment in the catalog (I.C-41). Student are able to find cost and completion information by discipline and certificate.
Once a student is enrolled in courses, he or she can look on Gavilan’s bookstore website (I.C-42) to determine cost of books and supplies in each course. Gavilan supplies free or reduced cost textbooks to students in specific groups or those that indicate financial need. In addition, some introductory Math classes provide loaner books for all students in the class. These books were purchased through the Basic Skills Student Outcomes Transformation grant (I.C-43).
The Financial aid department also sends an email to students no less than two weeks before the beginning of classes reminding them that tuition and fees are due and gives them a total amount of what they owe (I.C-44).
In anticipation of the following academic year needs, every spring semester the Office of Academic Affairs reminds Deans, Administrators, and Department Chairs to update the Instructional Materials List for any courses that require them (I.C-45). Once all the updates are received, they are compiled and sent to the Board of Trustees for approval (I.C-46).
Analysis and Evaluation for Standard I.C.6
Gavilan College accurately informs all students regarding the total cost of an education at Gavilan College including tuition, fees, supplies, books, and living expenses, through a variety of communication strategies, most notably the College’s Total Cost of Education calculator available through the website. The information is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy.
In order to assure institutional and academic integrity, the institution uses and publishes governing board policies on academic freedom and responsibility. These policies make clear the institution’s commitment to the free pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, and its support for an atmosphere in which intellectual freedom exists for all constituencies, including faculty and students. (ER 13)
Evidence for Standard I.C.7
Gavilan’s Faculty Academic Freedom policy, BP 4030 (I.C-47) clearly defines the extent of academic freedom faculty have in their classrooms. All faculty may discuss their area of competence in the classroom along with other relevant matters, so long as they distinguish between personal opinion and factual information. Faculty are also free from harassment, inference, or restrictions based on political views, and can assign relevant readings and assignments. This policy was approved in June, 2002 and amended in May of 2008. Academic freedom is also addressed in the Policies and Procedures section, page 8 of the college catalog (I.C-48).
The Academic Freedom policy is communicated to students via the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook on Gavilan’s Website (I.C-49). If students have concerns about faculty academic freedom issues, they are advised to follow the Problem Resolution Process provided.
For faculty, Article 7 of the GCFA Collective Bargaining Agreement (I.C-50) addresses academic freedom. This is a mirror document of the board policy.
Analysis and Evaluation for Standard I.C.7
Gavilan College’s Academic Freedom policy clearly states the Board’s commitment to maintaining institutional and academic integrity. The policy makes clear to both students and faculty what their rights and responsibilities are in order to maintain academic integrity. The policy also includes a resolution process for students; Academic freedom is included as a separate article in the faculty contract.
The institution establishes and publishes clear policies and procedures that promote honesty, responsibility and academic integrity. These policies apply to all constituencies and include specifics relative to each, including student behavior, academic honesty and the consequences for dishonesty.
Evidence for Standard I.C.8
The Principles of Community provide a foundation on which to build an environment of dignity, truth, and excellence. It states that there is an expectation of the highest ethical standards in order to establish and atmosphere of civility, honesty, cooperation, professionalism, and fairness (I.C-51).
Board Policy 5500 (I.C-52) and corresponding Administrative Procedure AP 5500 (I.C-53) address Standards of Conduct and clearly define student conduct that is subject to discipline, potential disciplinary actions, including up to student expulsion. This involves behavior on and off campus, and academic issues including cheating, plagiarism and academic dishonesty are discussed.
In the Gavilan College catalog 2017-2019, the section on Academic Honesty (I.C-54) clearly defines academic honesty, what constitutes academic honesty, and procedures regarding honesty in the classroom. Faculty members inform students of the ethical standards required in their courses along with a statement referring to honesty on the syllabi. Students may be directed to the current catalog or the Student Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities (I.C-37) to learn about the honesty policy, their rights as a student, and the consequences of dishonesty.
Although academic honesty depends on the integrity of the student, it is the responsibility of the instructor to take appropriate action based on procedures. Faculty may initiate procedural action for academic dishonesty, cheating and/or plagiarism as each is defined in the academic honesty policy.
In order for faculty to begin reporting procedures, they must believe and have evidence that substantiates the wrongdoing. The faculty member then follows a set of detailed steps, beginning with a student/ faculty conference where the student is informed of the allegation, evidence, and probable cause of the infraction. The instructor may then use discretion to determine if further action must be taken, informing the student of sanctions to be recommended or assessed in accordance with the policy. A student has a right to appeal at any time.
There are two major sanction classifications: academic and administrative. Academic sanctions are related to coursework and grades. Faculty are responsible for this type of sanction. Administrative sanctions concern a student’s status on campus and are delivered by the Vice President of Student Services.
Standards of Student Conduct is published in the 2017-2019 College Catalog (I.C-55) and in the Student Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities, updated in Spring 2018. The standards detail conduct that constitutes cause for discipline, disciplinary procedures, administrative corrective measures for misconduct, the disciplinary appeal hearing process, and the appeal process after a hearing panel decision. Included in the Student Conduct standards are conduct such as #15: “Academic dishonesty, such as but not limited to: cheating plagiarism, (including plagiarism in a student publication)”, and #21: “Unauthorized preparation, giving, selling, transfer, distribution, or publication, for any commercial purpose, of any contemporaneous recording of an academic presentation in a classroom or equivalent site of instruction, including but not limited to handwritten or typewritten class notes…”. Consequences for such activity can be as slight as an admonition to as severe as expulsion.
Students can request a hearing and can represent themselves or by someone of their choice. Hearings are closed and confidential, with testimony being taken under oath. A decision as to the student outcome is delivered to the President’s office within 10 days of the hearing.
In addition to the Standards of Student Conduct, student athletes additionally follow the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct (I.C-56). Revised in Spring 2018, the code of conduct addresses topics including class preparation, respect of coaches and facilities, dress code, and on and off campus behavior. Students sign this document, acknowledging their responsibility to adhere to the terms of the contract and the resulting consequences if they do not follow such guidelines.
The Faculty handbook published in Spring 2017 (I.C-57), details the faculty role in student issues related to behavior, standards of conduct, or academic integrity and honesty. Faculty may get support from the Vice President of Academic Affairs for issues of academic honesty and integrity, and faculty academic freedom, and from the Vice President of Student Services regarding Standards of Student Conduct.
Analysis and Evaluation for Standard I.C.8
Gavilan College has clear, well-established, and well-publicized policies regarding academic honesty and integrity. These apply to all constituencies and promote honesty, responsibility, and academic integrity throughout the college.
Faculty distinguish between personal conviction and professionally accepted views in a discipline. They present data and information fairly and objectively.
Evidence for Standard I.C.9
Article 7 in the GCFA Collective Bargaining Agreement (I.C-50) focuses on academic freedom and states that “In the exercise of this freedom the faculty member may, as provided in the U.S. and California Constitutions and other applicable laws, discuss his/her own subject or area of competence in the classroom, as well as any other relevant matters, including controversial matters, so long as he/she distinguishes between personal opinions and factual information.”
Faculty follow this standard in the classroom, in syllabi, and in other academic situations with students. Should there be a disagreement by a student, the student Academic Freedom policy clearly details the steps and responsibilities of both student and faculty member to resolve the situation (I.C-49).
Analysis and Evaluation for Standard I.C.9
Gavilan College policies and procedures clearly state faculty rights and responsibilities and the student dispute resolution policy enables students to resolve any academic freedom issues they might perceive in the classroom.
Institutions that require conformity to specific codes of conduct of staff, faculty, administrators, or students, or that seek to instill specific beliefs or world views, give clear prior notice of such policies, including statements in the catalog and/or appropriate faculty and student handbooks.
This standard does not apply to Gavilan College.
Institutions operating in foreign locations operate in conformity with the Standards and applicable Commission policies for all students. Institutions must have authorization from the Commission to operate in a foreign location.
This standard does not apply as Gavilan does not operate in foreign locations.
The institution agrees to comply with Eligibility Requirements, Accreditation Standards, Commission policies, guidelines, and requirements for public disclosure, institutional reporting, team visits, and prior approval of substantive changes. When directed to act by the Commission, the institution responds to meet requirements within a time period set by the Commission. It discloses information required by the Commission to carry out its accrediting responsibilities. (ER 21)
Evidence for Standard I.C.12
Gavilan College has filed timely reports, forms, midterm reports, and other information requested or required by the Commission over many cycles. This include the Institutional Self-Evaluations every six years, the midterm reports three years hence, and any other information or reports requested by the Commission based upon recommendations from the visiting teams. In addition, Substantive Change Forms have also been filed in a timely manner.
As can be seen on the Gavilan College Accreditation web page (I.C-15), the voluntary participation of this self-regulation system is developed to evaluate overall educational quality and institutional effectiveness. Publication of accreditation self-assessments and follow-up reports show compliance with Commission guidelines.
Analysis and Evaluation Standard I.C.12
Gavilan College complies with all the eligibility requirements, standards, policies, and guidelines of the Commission. The College has provided all requested information in a timely manner and discloses to the Commission any requested information or material necessary for the Commission to make its recommendations and carry out its accrediting responsibilities.
The institution advocates and demonstrates honesty and integrity in its relationships with external agencies, including compliance with regulations and statutes. It describes itself in consistent terms to all of its accrediting agencies and communicates any changes in its accredited status to the Commission, students, and the public. (ER 21)
Evidence for Standard I.C.13
Gavilan College demonstrates honesty and integrity with external agencies, as exemplified by a number of recent examples
● Obtained from the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency Participating Special Entity status for the required environmental impact mitigation at the Coyote Valley Education Center. This occurred after the agency initially declined the PSE status. After working closely with Agency staff, the district prepared the requested amendments to the previously approved Environmental Impact Report for the site (I.C-58). This approval allowed for the construction to proceed on the first phase of facilities at the center.
● Due to construction delays and after working closely with regional Federal Aviation Agency staff, Aviation Maintenance Technician School Certification was successfully transferred to the new facility at the San Martin Airport to begin instruction in Fall 2016 (I.C-59).
● Worked with ACCJC staff and visiting team, Aviation Maintenance Technology program and South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium to achieve a substantive change approval for new instructional sites at the Coyote Valley Educational Center (I.C-60) and San Martin Airport (I.C-61).
Gavilan College describes itself in consistent terms to all accrediting agencies, which include COSMO: the Department of Consumer Affairs (Cosmetology), the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (LVN), Board of Registered Nursing (RN), California Department of Public Health (CNA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (AMT) and communicates changes via the Gavilan College Accreditation website (I.C-15). Communication follows standard formats and is directed by administrative staff.
Analysis and Evaluation Standard I.C.13
The College addresses issues with honesty and uses consistent procedures in its communication with external agencies.
The institution ensures that its commitments to high quality education, student achievement and student learning are paramount to other objectives such as generating financial returns for investors, contributing to a related or parent organization, or supporting external interests.
Evidence for Standard I.C.14
Gavilan College has no investors, parent organizations, or external interests. Its purpose is to support the community with high quality education for all students. Board policy and procedure such as AP 6300 Fiscal Management (I.C-62) and the safeguarding of Districts assets is maintained by sustaining effective internal controls and an organizational structure that incorporates clear delineation of fiscal responsibilities and staff accountability (I.C-63). Gavilan College funds are invested by Santa Clara County Treasurer in compliance with the county’s investment policy (I.C-64) as specified by AP 6320 Investments (I.C-65) and no Board members, administrators, faculty, staff, or students have any financial investment in the college.
Analysis and Evaluation Standard I.C.14
Since the college has no investors, parent organization, or supporting external interest, the sole purpose of the college is to provide the highest possible quality education for all students and to support the growth and prosperity of the local communities. The District’s policies and organizational structure ensure careful stewardship of all available resources. The safeguarding of Districts assets is maintained by sustaining effective internal controls and is verified by annual audits by outside auditors.
Gavilan College assures the clarity, accuracy, and integrity of information provided to all stakeholders regarding its mission statement, learning outcomes, educational programs, and student support services as well as its accreditation status with all of its accreditors.
The College produces both print and online versions of the catalog with precise, accurate, and current information on all programs and services, requirements, policies and procedures. Documented assessment of student learning and achievement is used to communicate matters of academic quality to internal and external audiences. Certificates and degrees are described in terms of their purpose, content, course requirements, and expected learning outcomes.
The institution regularly reviews institutional policies, procedures, and publications to assure that they are accurate and up to date. Information regarding the total cost of education, including tuition, fees, and other required expenses, including textbooks, and other instructional materials is readily available to all current and prospective students.
Gavilan College has a commitment to the free pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, and in its policies and procedures and Principles of Community, cultivates an atmosphere in which intellectual freedom exists for all constituencies. Additionally, the College maintains and widely publishes policies and procedures that promote honesty, responsibility and academic integrity. Faculty distinguish between personal conviction and professionally accepted views in their teaching. They present data and information fairly and objectively.
Gavilan College agrees to comply with all accreditation Eligibility Requirements, Accreditation Standards, Commission policies, guidelines, and requirements for public disclosure, institutional reporting, team visits, and prior approval of substantive changes. The College advocates and demonstrates honesty and integrity in its relationships with external agencies, the Commission, students, and the public.
Standard I.C Improvement Plans
- SLO module in curriQunet: Over the 2018/19 academic year, the SLOs and SLO assessment process will be moving over to the curriQunet platform, making this information more searchable and accessible.
- Catalog module curriQunet: Over the 2018-2019 academic year, the College will be implementing the catalog module of curriQunet, which will change the look and feel of the catalog page.
- Policies and Procedures in BoardDocs: Over the 2018-2019 the Policies and Procedures manual will be converted from the current “pdf” format to the BoardDocs platform, making policies and procedures more searchable and accessible to the public.
