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Program Review for General Studies

Program Review Framework & Criteria

I. Connection: From interest to application (Qualitative, program head and dean)

1) Please provide a description of any changes to the program since the last cycle and the appropriate updates to the catalog (general education changes, program requirement changes, ancillary program costs for students, hours/credits of credentials, etc.).

    From a curricular standpoint, there have been no significant changes to the general studies program.  However, major curricular changes are anticipated in the near future and will be discussed in Part VI. of the program review.  While relatively minor, some curricular changes have been implemented.  Math courses throughout the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) were redesigned with new courses created and the program curriculum reflects those changes.  In addition, other changes related to the general studies program have occurred.  With the arrival of the guided pathways initiative in the VCCS, obsolete electives have been culled and the presentation of electives within EAB Navigate for students has been prioritized.  Finally, as a result of the PHCC Quality Enhancement Plan, the content of the SDV 108 - College Survival Skills was amended to include substantial professionalism content.  



2) How do students find out about the program? Please provide examples of advising activities, marketing materials, or other outreach and engagement events designed to recruit students to the program.

    The general studies program (no specialization) is the highest enrolled program at PHCC by a significant margin.  Division brochures feature general studies information and information for all of the general studies specializations.  These brochures are distributed at all high school events (field trips, senior nights, SEED events) at the college.  Tables are set up to field curriculum inquiries and questions.  Information about some programs such as visual arts and performing arts is also conveyed through events and activities connected to those specializations.



II. Entry: From application to pathway entry (Qualitative, program head and dean)

1) Please provide a description of your program credentials and how they stack into one another.

    The general studies program and all of its accompanying specializations lead to an associate of arts & science (AA&S) degree.  In addition, some of the specializations also include embedded career studies certificates (CSC).  The associate degree specializations with associated CSCs (in parenthesis) are as follows: Media Design and Production AA&S (Media Design and Production CSC), Performing Arts (Theatre Arts CSC), and Visual Arts (Art Studies CSC).  All of the CSCs are fully "stackable," meaning all courses within the CSC curriculum can be utilized to meet requirements of the parent AA&S.  Although there are certificate and CSC programs with related subject matter, the AA&S specializations in Criminal Justice and Teacher Ed Prep are separate programs and intended for transfer, with the teacher ed prep specialization creating a transfer pathway to Longwood University's Liberal Studies Elementary Education Licensure program.



Questions for consideration:
1.a. What is the employability (or transferability) of each credential?

    All of the CSCs within the general studies specializations purport to lead to employment.  However, there is insufficient data to wholly resolve this question.  Overwhelmingly, students who are in the parent programs enroll with the intent to transfer, not to seek employment in the field following attainment of the CSC.



1.b. Do all credits from a sub-credential transfer into the parent credential?

    As indicated in section II-1, all credits from the sub-credentials transfer to the parent credential.



1.c. What is the timeframe of completion for all credentials within the program (i.e. is the program setup to award sub-credentials prior to the parent credential)?

All of the CSCs in general studies are structured so a student who is full-time will be awarded the sub-credential in the academic year prior to the parent credential.  However, the student’s specific course-load or required developmental courses could impact the timeframe.



2) Program enrollment, if applicable, disaggregated by specialization (Quantitative, IE)

    In reviewing program enrollment for general studies and its attendant specializations, it should be noted that while SCHEV productivity numbers do not apply to individual specializations, the productivity and cost-benefits of the specializations should be considered.  The parent general studies program continues to be the highest enrolled program at PHCC by far.  The enrollment in the specializations varies considerably.  Human services and teacher ed prep are both among the top 10-enrolled programs at PHCC.  Furthermore, there are limited personnel costs for these specializations.  That is also the case for the visual arts, criminal justice, and information technology specializations as the courses in each of these specializations are generally taught by full-time faculty who would be employed by PHCC in the absence of these specializations.

    There are also specializations that have extremely limited enrollment.  These specializations include media design and production, music, and recreation, parks, and leisure.  The most problematic aspect of the enrollment in these specializations is that enrollment is so low that courses in the programs do not have sufficient enrollment to be offered.  As a result, we are currently offering programs in which students are highly unlikely to be able to complete as students here.  It is not a cost issue, but arguably it is misleading to prospective students. 


Total Headcount and FTE for Associate of Arts General Studies Including Specializations:

AY2018-2019

AY 2019-2020

AY 2020-2021

AY 2021-2022

HC

FTE

HC

FTE

HC

FTE

HC

FTE

767

480.5

735

474.6

704

451

656

429

Disaggregation by Specialization

2021-2022

2020-2021

Plan

Description

HC

FTE

HC

FTE

697-01

General  Studies

506

338.4

527

334.43

697-02

Performing Arts

6

3.67

1

0.4

697-03

Visual Arts

6

2.97

10

5.57

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

47

28.53

52

34.7

697-06

Human Services

54

30.13

53

30.27

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies

0

0

1

0.5

697-08

 Information Technology

18

11.43

31

24.07

697-12

Criminal Justice

19

14.37

27

20.53

697-13

Media Design & Production

0

0

1

0.17

697-14

Music

0

0

1

0.3

Total

656

429.5

704

450.93


2019-2020

2018-2019

Plan

Description

HC

FTE

HC

FTE

697-01

General  Studies

566

370.37

561

362.9

697-02

Performing Arts

3

1.83

6

2.5

697-03

Visual Arts

11

6.67

13

8

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

45

28.93

58

35.13

697-06

Human Services

58

31.43

77

42.33

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies

2

0.97

1

0.1

697-08

 Information Technology

26

16.83

17

10.5

697-12

Criminal Justice

22

15.97

31

17.07

697-13

Media Design & Production

1

0.9

2

1.47

697-14

Music

1

0.73

1

0.53

Total

735

474.63

767

480.53


Data from previous report below

General Studies (697-01)






a. Annual program FTE and HC over the last review cycle (To include SCHEV program ratios and SCHEV class ratios)

Continuation of program enrollments with FTE and HC:

 

2021-2022

2020-2021

Plan

Description

HC

FTE

HC

FTE

697-01

General  Studies

506

338.4

527

334.43

697-02

Performing Arts

6

3.67

1

0.4

697-03

Visual Arts

6

2.97

10

5.57

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

47

28.53

52

34.7

697-06

Human Services

54

30.13

53

30.27

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies

0

0

1

0.5

697-08

 Information Technology

18

11.43

31

24.07

697-12

Criminal Justice

19

14.37

27

20.53

697-13

Media Design & Production

0

0

1

0.17

697-14

Music

0

0

1

0.3

Total

656

429.5

704

450.93

2019-2020

2018-2019

Plan

Description

HC

FTE

HC

FTE

697-01

General  Studies

566

370.37

561

362.9

697-02

Performing Arts

3

1.83

6

2.5

697-03

Visual Arts

11

6.67

13

8

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

45

28.93

58

35.13

697-06

Human Services

58

31.43

77

42.33

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies

2

0.97

1

0.1

697-08

 Information Technology

26

16.83

17

10.5

697-12

Criminal Justice

22

15.97

31

17.07

697-13

Media Design & Production

1

0.9

2

1.47

697-14

Music

1

0.73

1

0.53

Total

735

474.63

767

480.53



Information Technology (697-08)

AcadYear
2014-2015
AcadYear
2015-2016
AcadYear
 2016-2017
AcadYear
 2017-2018
HCFTEHCFTEHCFTEHCFTE
2316.632417.072215.972413.50

Criminal Justice (697-12)

AcadYear
2014-2015
AcadYear
2015-2016
AcadYear
 2016-2017
AcadYear
 2017-2018
HCFTEHCFTEHCFTEHCFTE
3419.103120.732615.801913.37

Media Design (697-13)

AcadYear
2014-2015
AcadYear
2015-2016
AcadYear
 2016-2017
AcadYear
 2017-2018
HCFTEHCFTEHCFTEHCFTE
00.0021.3343.2331.10

Music (697-14)

AcadYear
2014-2015
AcadYear
2015-2016
AcadYear
 2016-2017
AcadYear
 2017-2018
HCFTEHCFTEHCFTEHCFTE
00.0010.8011.0010.43


*******

See above tables for head count.



III. Progress: Pathway advancement (Quantitative, IE)

1) Student learning outcomes data

General Studies Outcomes

Student learning outcome performance by students in general studies has been inconsistent.  The results in critical thinking, information literacy, and quantitative reasoning are especially alarming.  Any suggestions about the reasons for the poor performance would be speculative.  It is noteworthy that information literacy will not be tested as a core competency in the future, but is considered an important outcome across the curriculum at PHCC.  There has also been some discussion about moving the quantitative reasoning to math courses so those competencies would be tested in a more timely fashion.  General studies students performed at an exemplary level in oral communication and written communication, and at a decent level (with room for improvement) in scientific literacy.





2) Program credit attainment (15/12 in one semester, 30/24 for those who enrolled in two consecutive semesters)

2021-2022

N

One
 Term

Two Consecutive
Terms

Plan

Description

 

12

15

24

30

697-01

General Studies

506

94

39

112

102

697-02

Performing Arts

6

2

2

1

0

697-03

Visual Arts

6

2

0

0

1

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

47

6

0

8

8

697-06

Human Services

54

9

4

6

6

697-08

Information Technology

18

5

1

3

3

697-12

Criminal Justice

19

1

2

3

8

Total

656

119

48

133

128


2020-2021

N

One
 Term

Two Consecutive
Terms

Plan

Description

 

12

15

24

30

697-01

General Studies

527

42

24

109

104

697-02

Performing Arts

1

0

0

0

0

697-03

Visual Arts

10

1

2

1

1

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

52

3

6

10

8

697-06

Human Services

53

3

2

14

5

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

1

0

1

0

0

697-08

 Information Technology

31

2

2

3

12

697-12

Criminal Justice

27

1

1

6

9

697-12

Media Design & Production

1

0

0

0

0

397-14

Music

1

0

0

0

0

Total

704

52

38

143

139


2019-2020

N

One
 Term

Two Consecutive
Terms

Plan

Description

 

12

15

24

30

697-01

General Studies

566

54

33

121

95

697-02

Performing  Arts

3

 

 

 

1

697-03

Visual Arts

11

 

 

4

2

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

45

3

3

6

10

697-06

Human Services

58

6

3

8

4

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

2

 

 

1

 

697-08

Information Tech

26

3

3

4

6

697-12

Criminal Justice

22

3

 

6

6

697-13

Media Design & Production

1

 

 

1

 

697-14

Music

1

 

 

 

 

Total

735

69

42

151

124


2018-2019

N

One
 Term

Two Consecutive
Terms

Plan

Description

 

12

15

24

30

697-01

General Studies

561

49

23

142

95

697-02

Performing Arts

6

1

1

1

 

697-03

Visual Arts

13

2

2

3

1

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

58

6

4

12

7

697-06

Specialization in Human Services

77

6

1

18

4

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies

1

 

 

 

 

697-08

Information Technology

17

3

 

5

1

697-12

Criminal Justice

31

5

5

1

4

697-13

Media Design & Production

2

 

 

 

 

697-14

 Music

1

 

1

 

 

Total

767

72

37

182

112


Previous data below

General Studies Credit Attainment

The credit attainment refers to credits in which students are enrolled, and does not refer to credits earned by the students.  The numbers are surprising considering the high credit-per-student average at PHCC.  We must consider that a significant percentage of our students will be considered part-time in any given semester.  That being said, the SEED program will likely increase the percentage of students taking 30 or more credits in consecutive semesters.




3) Program retention and persistence relative to the start date of the program (subsequent term calculation)


2021-2022

N

Persistence
(F2S)

Retention
(F2F)

Plan

Description

n

%

n

%

697-01

General Studies

155

113

72.90%

85

54.84%

697-02

Performance Arts

3

2

66.67%

1

33.33%

397-03

Visual Arts

2

2

100.00%

2

100.00%

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

7

7

100.00%

6

85.71%

697-06

Human Services

4

1

25.00%

1

25.00%

697-08

Information Tech

2

1

50.00%

1

50.00%

697-12

Criminal Justice

8

7

87.50%

6

75.00%

Total

181

133

73.48%

102

56.35%

2020-2021

N

Persistence
(F2S)

Retention
(F2F)

Plan

Description

n

%

n

%

697-01

General Studies

193

144

74.61%

70

36.27%

697-03

Visual Arts

3

2

66.67%

0

0.00%

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

14

9

64.29%

5

35.71%

697-06

Human Services

14

9

64.29%

4

28.57%

697-08

Information Tech

12

10

83.33%

5

41.67%

697-12

Criminal Justice

12

10

83.33%

7

58.33%

Total

248

184

74.19%

91

36.69%


2019-2020

N

Persistence
(F2S)

Retention
(F2F)

Plan

Description

n

%

n

%

697-01

General Studies

196

159

81.12%

93

47.45%

697-02

Perform. Arts

1

1

100.00%

0

0.00%

697-03

Visual Arts

3

2

66.67%

2

66.67%

697-05

Teacher Education Prep

10

8

80.00%

7

70.00%

697-06

Human Services

5

3

60.00%

2

40.00%

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

2

1

50.00%

1

50.00%

697-08

Information Tech

11

8

72.73%

6

54.55%

697-12

Criminal Justice

10

8

80.00%

5

50.00%

697-13

Media Design & Production

1

1

100.00%

1

100.00%

697-14

Music

1

1

100.00%

0

0.00%

Total

240

32

13.33%

117

48.75%

2018-2019

N

Persistence
(F2S)

Retention
(F2F)

Plan

Description

 

n

%

n

%

697-01

General Studies

163

131

80.37%

89

54.60%

697-02

Performing Arts

4

3

75.00%

 

0.00%

697-03

Visual Arts

8

8

100.00%

6

75.00%

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

9

5

55.56%

2

22.22%

697-06

 Human Services

6

4

66.67%

2

33.33%

697-08

Information Technology

4

3

75.00%

3

75.00%

697-12

Criminal Justice

12

9

75.00%

6

50.00%

697-13

Media Design & Production

2

2

100.00%

1

50.00%

697-14

Music

1

 

0.00%

 

0.00%

Total

209

165

78.95%

109

52.15%

 

Preview review data below:

General Studies Persistence & Retention

The persistence rate (from one semester to the next) ranges from 76.76% to 78.63%.  

*******

The retention rate (fall to fall) in general studies ranges from 45.77% to 53.64%.



IV. Completion: Credential attainment (Quantitative, IE)

1) Sub-credential attainment and timeframe (are students completing sub-credential prior to or at the same time as parent credential?)


 

 

N

Grads

150%

 

2018-2019

n

%

n

%

695

Certificate in General Education

4

 

 

 

 

N

Grads

150%

 

2019-2020

n

%

n

%

695

Certificate in General Education

1

0

-

0

-

Previous review data below:


General Studies Sub-credentials

These numbers are more relevant in the career and technical programs. The numbers are so low as to have little significance for the general studies program.



2) Parent credential attainment and timeframe, if applicable, disaggregated by specialization


Plan

N

Acad Year
 2021-22

Grads

150

Transfer

n

%

n

%

n

%

697-01 - General Studies

506

86

17.00%

76

88.37%

10

1.98%

697-02 - General Studies-Perform. Arts

6

0

--

0

--

0

--

697-03 - General Studies - Visual Arts

6

1

16.67%

0

--

0

--

697-05 - Gen Stu Teacher Education Prep

47

4

8.51%

3

75.00%

3

6.38%

697-06 - Gen Studies - Human Services

54

12

22.22%

8

66.67%

2

3.70%

697-08 - Gen Studies - Information Tech

18

6

33.33%

6

100.00%

0

--

697-12 - Criminal Justice

19

7

36.84%

7

100.00%

3

15.79%




 

2020-2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grads

150%

Plan

Description

N

n

%

n

%

697-01

General Studies

527

84

15.94%

70

83.33%

697-02

Performing Arts

1

0

0

0

0

697-03

Visual Arts

10

2

20.00%

1

50.00%

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

52

5

9.62%

5

100.00%

697-06

Human Services

53

11

20.75%

9

81.82%

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

1

0

0

0

0

697-08

Information Technology

31

8

25.81%

7

87.50%

697-12

Criminal Justice

27

4

14.81%

4

100.00%

697-13

Media Design & Production

1

0

0

0

0

697-14

Music

1

0

0

0

0

Total

704

114

16.19%

96

84.21%


 

 2019-2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grads

150%

Plan

Description

N

n

%

n

%

697-01

General Studies

566

82

14.49%

67

81.71%

697-02

Performing Arts

3

0

0

0

0

697-03

Visual Arts

11

1

9.09%

1

100.00%

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

45

4

8.89%

3

75.00%

697-06

Human Services

58

16

27.59%

11

68.75%

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

2

0

0

0

0

697-08

Information Technology

26

5

19.23%

4

80.00%

697-12

Criminal Justice

22

3

13.64%

3

100.00%

697-13

Media Design & Production

1

0

0

0

0

697-14

Music

1

0

0

0

0

Total

735

111

15.10%

89

80.18%


 

2018-2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grads

150%

Plan

Description

N

n

%

n

%

697-01

 General Studies

561

68

12.12%

63

92.65%

697--02

 Performing Arts

6

1

16.67%

1

100.00%

697-03

Visual Arts

13

0

0

0

0

697--05

Teacher Education Preparation

58

6

10.34%

6

100.00%

697--06

 Human Services

77

11

14.29%

8

72.73%

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

1

0

0

0

0

697--08

 Information Technology

17

1

5.88%

1

100.00%

697-12

 Criminal Justice

31

0

0

0

0

697-13

Specialization in Media Design & Production

2

0

0

0

0

697-14

Music

1

0

0

0

0

Total

767

87

11.34%

79

90.80%


General Studies Parent Credentials 

The general studies cohorts have had credential attainment rates ranging from 27.03% to 32.73% (the 2017-2018 numbers are incomplete).  In 2016, according to the American Association of Community Colleges, at 2-year public institutions (cohort year 2010), the official graduation rate nationally for two-year public institutions was 21.8%.  The previous year was 21.2%.  https://www.aacc.nche.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/TrendsCCEnrollment_Final2016.pdf

However, the AACC graduation numbers above are based on the measure of the cohort by starting semester.  Our data is based on the students who graduate in the particular year with the rate based on those who began in the program and graduate in the program.  The 150% rate indicates the percentage of the graduates who complete within three years.  Students who move into another program are counted as non-completers within the indicated program of studies.

According to IPEDS, the 150% rate for first-time full-time PHCC students who entered in fall of 2014 was 38%.



a. Are students completing within 6 semesters (150% of graduation time)?

The 150% rate of those who graduated in general studies ranged from 48.45% to 58.65% (the 2017-2018 numbers are incomplete).  This compares favorably with the IPEDS data indicated above for college-wide first-time, full-time students.

*******


V. Transition: Employment or transfer post-credential (Quantitative, IE)

1) Transfer outcomes (students who transfer with associate degree, students who transfer without)

Plan

N

Acad Year
 2021-22

Grads

150

Transfer

n

%

n

%

n

%

697-01 - General Studies

506

86

17.00%

76

88.37%

10

1.98%

697-02 - General Studies-Perform. Arts

6

0

--

0

--

0

--

697-03 - General Studies - Visual Arts

6

1

16.67%

0

--

0

--

697-05 - Gen Stu Teacher Education Prep

47

4

8.51%

3

75.00%

3

6.38%

697-06 - Gen Studies - Human Services

54

12

22.22%

8

66.67%

2

3.70%

697-08 - Gen Studies - Information Tech

18

6

33.33%

6

100.00%

0

--

697-12 - Criminal Justice

19

7

36.84%

7

100.00%

3

15.79%

2020-2021

N

Associate

Non -Associate

Plan

Description

n

%

n

%

697-01

General Studies

527

84

15.94%

70

83.33%

697-02

Performing Arts

1

0

-

0

-

697-03

Visual Arts

10

2

20.00%

1

50.00%

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

52

5

9.62%

5

100.00%

697-06

Human Services

53

11

20.75%

9

81.82%

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

1

0

-

0

-

697-08

Information Tech

31

8

25.81%

7

87.50%

697-12

Criminal Justice

27

4

14.81%

4

100.00%

697-13

Media Design & Production

1

0

-

0

-

697-14

Music

1

0

-

0

-

2019-2020

N

Associate

Non -Associate

Plan

Description

n

%

n

%

697-01

 General Studies

566

11

24.44%

34

75.56%

697-02

Performing Arts

3

 

 

 

 

697-03

Visual Arts

11

 

 

 

 

697-05

 Teacher Education Preparation

45

1

14.29%

6

85.71%

697-06

Human Services

58

3

42.86%

4

57.14%

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

2

 

0.00%

1

100.00%

697-08

Information Technology

26

1

33.33%

2

66.67%

697-12

Criminal Justice

22

 

0.00%

1

100.00%

697-13

Media Design & Production

1

 

 

 

 

697-14

Music

1

 

 

 

 

2018-2019

N

Associate

Non -Associate

Plan

Description

n

%

n

%

697-01

 General Studies

561

5

10.20%

44

89.80%

697-02

Performing Arts

6

 

 

1

100.00%

697-03

 Visual Arts

13

 

 

1

100.00%

697-05

Teacher Education Preparation

58

 

 

5

100.00%

697-06

Human Services

77

2

16.67%

10

83.33%

697-07

Recreation, Parks & Leisure

1

 

 

 

 

697-08

Information Technology

17

 

 

3

100.00%

697-12

Criminal Justice

31

 

 

5

100.00%

697-13

Media Design & Production

2

 

 

1

100.00%

697-14

Music

1

 

 

 

 

Previous review information below:

General Studies Transfer Data

PHCC’s transfer rate compares favorably to other VCCS institutions.



2) Student perspective/satisfaction

Collegewide survey, not disaggregated by program.

IN1: The courses I took at PHCC prepared me for my educational goals.

Responses:

47

Average:

82.81

Rating

# of Responses

% of Total

<60

9

19.15%

60-69

2

4.26%

70-79

4

8.51%

80-89

4

8.51%

>90

28

59.57%

IN2:The faculty at PHCC are fair and supportive of students.

Responses:

47

Average:

82.17

Rating

# of Responses

% of Total

<60

9

19.15%

60-69

3

6.38%

70-79

1

2.13%

80-89

2

4.26%

>90

32

68.09%

IN3: The faculty at PHCC demonstrate thorough knowledge of the subject matter.

Responses:

48

Average:

80.4

Rating

# of Responses

% of Total

<60

11

22.92%

60-69

1

2.08%

70-79

3

6.25%

80-89

3

6.25%

>90

30

62.50%

IN4: In the courses I took at PHCC, classroom activities and outside assignments were appropriate and meaningful.

Responses:

47

Average:

79.87

Rating

# of Responses

% of Total

<60

9

19.15%

60-69

5

10.64%

70-79

3

6.38%

80-89

1

2.13%

>90

29

61.70%

IN5: I would recommend the faculty at PHCC. 

Responses:

48

Average:

82.23

Rating

# of Responses

% of Total

<60

8

16.67%

60-69

2

4.17%

70-79

4

8.33%

80-89

5

10.42%

>90

29

60.42%


Previous review data below:


PlanInstruction in your majorFaculty expertise in your majorProgram materials in your majorLabs and equipment in your major
697-01 - General Studies3.253.413.393.55
697-03 - Visual Arts3.333.333.333.00
697-05 - Teacher Ed3.633.753.753.88
697-06 - Human Services3.504.004.004.00
697-08 - Information Technology2.502.252.252.75

Interpret as "Graduating student satisfaction with..." for each column, on a scale of 1-5, 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree.




VI. Sustainability: Future Program Outlook (Mixed methods, IE, program head and dean)


1) Program forecast (major expenditures, changes, personnel needs, etc.); any future costs should be explained in this section)

The general studies program will continue to be the highest-enrolled program at PHCC in large part to its unofficial, but pragmatic designation as the default program for students who aspire to transfer to a four-year institution.  At the current time, there are no anticipated major new expenditures for general studies.  However, there are some imminent curricular changes.  SDV 108 - College Survival Skills will be replaced as the "intro to college" course by SDV 100 - College Success Skills.  SDV 100 is currently offered by 20 of the 23 VCCS members and, by course description, is a better fit for the intended purpose of the course.  In addition, PHCC will abolish the distinction between "humanities" and "fine arts" courses as categories for designated electives and instead combine the two categories.  This modification will align PHCC's categorization with that of the VCCS in table 5-1 for curricular development.  The human services specialization will also undergo some curricular changes.  Credits currently designated as human services electives will likely be replaced with prescriptive courses that augment career preparation related to the burgeoning opioid crisis.   





a. Any other pertinent information relevant to the review process should be provided here (e.g. community need, state/federal requirements, external accreditation, SCHEV low enrollment warning, etc.)

As indicated previously, a number of specializations are currently experiencing very light enrollment.  The specializations are not subject to SCHEV enrollment requirements.  However, in light of the inability to offer required courses in some of the programs and with the implementation of guided pathways within the VCCS, those low-enrolled specializations may warrant scrutiny.



b. Employment forecast for program (Analyst data)

Due to the transfer nature of the general studies degrees, no employment data is available.