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Student
Profile | Finances | Access
to Comprehensive Education | Focus on Student
Learning | Relevant Education | Respect
for Differences | Broad-Based Partnerships
| Personal Development and Cultural Enrichment
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During the 2001-2002 academic year, Clark College provided credit and non-credit classes to 24,969 students. Areas of Study:
Full-time and Part-time*:
Age:
Gender:
Race/Ethnicity:
Clark College provides opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their educational goals. The College offers accessible, comprehensive education; provides services to support student success; and fosters community partnerships that enhance student learning. The College focuses on professional/technical training, academic transfer, pre-college and basic skills, personal development, and cultural enrichment.
Students at Clark College develop knowledge and skills in six critical areas that reflect expectations of employers and transfer institutions alike. Students are given continuous opportunities to practice and improve their skills in these college-wide abilities:
Providing quality education that meets the specific needs of Southwest Washington has been the primary focus of Clark College for 70 years. Through this 2002 Report to the Community, we are pleased to share a number of the institutional and student accomplishments achieved during the past year. Personal profiles and statistical information offer a glimpse of the people who make up the college community—students, faculty and staff. Preparing students for entry-level employment, retraining workers for new jobs, and providing a bridge to four-year college experiences are the core elements of our mission. These programs are developed in partnership with other community educators, employers, and community agencies, ensuring they meet the standards and expectations of our public. Clark College also offers a second chance at success for adults who need basic education or a high school diploma, for immigrants learning English as a Second Language, and for displaced workers who must learn new skills to re-enter the job market. A close relationship with the Washington State University Vancouver branch campus now enables local high school graduates to acquire advanced degrees without moving away. Training for technical professions has kept pace with advancing industry technologies—thanks to critical funding for equipment provided by community donors through the Clark College Foundation. Even in times of economic uncertainty and transition, a common spirit of purpose embraced by all segments of the campus community has carried Clark College forward. The academic records and professional accomplishments of our students document this success. We are continuously examining new opportunities to expand and improve our educational services to residents throughout the region and welcome your suggestions as you review this document. Thank you for your interest and continued support.
Dr. David N. Beyer, Interim President Kim Perry, Chair, Board of Trustees Finances
177 Clark College students received 2002 "Promise Scholarships" funded by the Washington State Legislature. Promise Scholars are high school students who graduate in the top 15% of their class and achieve high scores on national tests. The awards to Clark students totaled over $160,000.
The State of Washington contributes to the cost of higher education through support of basic instructional costs and through state-funded financial aid. State contributions for instructional costs are based on the number of full-time equivalent students (FTE) taking 15 credits per quarter for 3 quarters. Distribution of costs for Washington residents in 2002-03 is:
A second form of state contributions is state-supported financial aid, including that provided from the local institutional aid fund. The total amount of financial aid from the state in 2002-03 averages $481 per student.
The Clark College Foundation, the largest community college organization of its kind in the country, with assets of $51.7 million, provides enhanced financial support for College programs and scholarships for students essential in helping Clark College sustain its mission. Access to Comprehensive Education
Clark College offers comprehensive programs including options for students to prepare for transfer to a four-year college, acquire knowledge and skills for employment, improve basic skills, and enrich their personal and cultural lives. Many students cross-enroll in more than one area of college offerings. As depicted below, a vocational student may also be enrolled in an academic course; a transfer student may also be completing a class in community education; or a student enrolled in an ESL program may also be taking a vocational class.
Community Education and training is accessible to Southwest Washington residents of all ages, attracting local high school graduates, mid career residents and seniors. Clark College is currently the second largest community college in the state, serving a total of 24,969 students of all ages in credit and non-credit classes during 2001-02.
Tuition and fees at state colleges and universities increased substantially last year, but Clark College remains a regional “best bargain” for the first two years of higher education.
Web access was expanded this year to enable students to not only access the catalog and course schedule, but also register and submit credit card payments entirely on the web. Students may also use the new e-Recruiting software to post resumes and look for jobs on line. 38% of students registered on-line or by touch-tone during Fall Quarter. Focus on Student Learning
Students know professor Wayne Colony as a Geology instructor who cares about students. Colony arrives early and stays late. He structures his courses so every student takes part in a field study with hands-on learning. Colony brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. During his tenure at Clark he worked with the U.S. Geological Service on a mapping project of the Mt. St. Helen’s dome and signed on for three oceanographic cruise missions to study the floor of the Pacific Ocean. He took the lead in creating a higher education component for the Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center and in establishing a Clark presence at the WSU Vancouver branch campus. His effective teaching in the field of Geology and contributions to the College were recognized when he was selected as the first recipient of the Clark College Exceptional Faculty Award.
Clark College's transfer program continues to attract capable students from throughout the district. In 2001-02:
Although most transfer students earn the traditional Associate in Arts degree, a number of students now opt for one of two new degrees:
The College completed a study of transfer students enrolled during 2001. Findings showed that Clark College students transfer successfully at an excellent rate to the college of their choice. Specifically, 71% of students contacted, who were enrolled in Spring 2001, had transferred by the Fall; another 18% had plans to do so.
Clark College and Eastern Washington University have teamed up to offer a Bachelor of Science in Technology degree that can be earned on the Clark campus in Vancouver. The eight-quarter B.S. degree program is open to Clark graduates with an Associate in Applied Science degree in a technology-related major. A second degree completion program available on-site at Clark in conjunction with Eastern Washington University provides a pathway to a bachelor’s degree for licensed dental hygienists with an associate’s degree.
Students can earn a baccalaureate degree in one of 13 areas by attending Clark College and WSU Vancouver.
Relevant Education
Preparing students for entry-level employment and retraining workers for new jobs are core elements of our mission. Local workers who have lost jobs due to a downturn in the economy often choose Clark College to upgrade their skills. In 2001-02, 632 students earned degrees and certificates.
The 2000-2001 Vocational Student Follow-up Survey once again showed the high level of success for students who received workforce education and training at Clark. Information reported by students who completed programs in 1999-2000 showed:
Resources provided by the Clark College Career and Employment Services Center help students arrange workplace experiences while attending the College and obtain jobs when they complete their programs.
Respect for Differences Faculty and staff at Clark College value multiple perspectives and respect individual differences. Students encounter a diverse student body—in educational levels, ethnicity, and physical ability.
The number of students receiving services to accommodate disabilities increased 118% over the last 4 years.
A close relationship between Clark and the Washington State School for the Deaf and the School for the Blind, both located in Vancouver, has brought increased numbers of their graduates to Clark College. During the last year, the College hired two additional, full-time interpreters to accommodate the needs of deaf and hearing impaired students.
Broad-Based Partnerships
Clark College’s strongest partner in higher education is Washington State University Vancouver—the primary transfer institution for Clark College students. The rate of transfer from Clark College to WSU Vancouver increased 34% in the last two years.
A new Co-Apply program improves the process for students transferring to Washington State University Vancouver. The process provides early access to services from both institutions, including advising and assistance to evaluate career options and to design an educational plan. Clark College and WSU Vancouver have jointly developed new Program of Study Guides to acquaint potential students with the 13 baccalaureate degree options available through the college partnership.
Participation in Running Start, a partnership with the public school system that allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses, continues to increase. The Running Start program allows students to earn credits towards both high school and college graduations.
Clark College and local high schools collaborate through the Tech-Prep program to ease the transition for vocational students from high school to Clark College. A series of articulation agreements anchor this program that allows high school students to receive college credit for eligible high school courses. Over 17 high schools have signed articulation agreements with Clark College.
Clark College was designated a regional recruiting site for Walt Disney World, Florida for students interested in their College Internship Program. During their two recruiting trips in 2001-02, Disney recruiters hired a total of 53 students from Clark College to participate in their much sought-after College Internship Program.
The Clark College-Washington State University Vancouver Center for Continuing Education combines the resources of both institutions to serve the life-long learning needs of local residents. Enrollment
Summary
Personal Development and Cultural Enrichment Learning outside the traditional classroom, through the arts, athletics, and activities, such as student government and clubs, is an important component of the Clark College experience. During the summer, seven French students joined advisor Doug Mrazek in a month-long study tour of Paris and Lausanne, Switzerland. The students attended a university in a French-speaking region of Switzerland and practiced their language skills daily by living with host families.
The award-winning Clark College Theatre program offers four productions each year, including a musical dinner theater and 20-30 performances of its Touring Children’s Theater. The Archer Art Gallery annually sponsors six gallery shows attended by over 5,000 viewers. Exhibits feature contemporary Northwest artists as well as a Faculty Biennial and the ever-popular end-of-year Art Student Annual.
The Phoenix, Clark’s literary and arts magazine, was named one of the best community college publications in Washington. The magazine was awarded one of the three Honorable Mention awards bestowed by the Washington Community and Technical College Humanities Association at its annual conference in October 2002.
Nearly 6,000 local residents enrolled in classes offered through Community Education. Classes ranging from Web Technology to Argentine Tango to Tax Law Changes to Fly Casting Basics allow district residents the opportunity to continue learning in areas that enrich their personal lives.
Intercollegiate and intramural athletic programs provided nearly 1,500 students the chance to develop skills in their respective sports along with teamwork and leadership. The College sponsors competitive teams in Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track, and Women’s Volleyball through the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.
Clark College is playing an active role in plans for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. The College sponsored two impressive speakers: Ken Karzmisky—an archaeologist working with NASA to use satellite imagery to locate Lewis and Clark campsites; and Hasan Davis—an African-American attorney who performs a living history portrayal of York.
Michael David Sorenson’s watercolor appears on the cover of the 2002 Report to the Community. Sorenson began watercolor painting at age 13 and took every art class he could fit into his schedule while attending Clark College. He also was a contributor to Clark’s award-winning literary and art magazine, The Phoenix. Sorenson graduated in 2001 and credits Clark College Art faculty with helping him develop his talents. His work can be viewed at his web site at www.art@michaeldavidsorenson.com Positive Campus Environment
Each fall the College announces the recipients of Awards for Excellence to exceptional faculty and staff members. Awardees can be nominated by students, faculty colleagues and college staff. Established nine years ago, the Exceptional Faculty Awards recognize exemplary work performance, positive impact on students, professional commitment and other contributions to the College. In 1997, a matching award was created for Classified Staff with funds provided by the Clark College Foundation Funds Allocation Committee. Faculty
and Staff:
Clark College qualified for a grant of almost $1.5 million in federal and state funds to seismically retrofit seven buildings on campus. The structural improvements to the buildings, which were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, will lessen the risk of damage if an earthquake should occur. The project also benefits the Southwest Washington community because two of the facilities, Gaiser Hall and O’Connell Sports Complex, have been designated as refuge sites for the public in the event of a significant emergency.
Traffic safety improvements for pedestrians crossing Ft. Vancouver Way to enter or leave the campus were completed in Fall 2002. The two specialized crosswalks have flashing lights both overhead and imbedded in the asphalt to alert drivers. A recorded message from a speaker box also cautions pedestrians to be cautious. Speed limits on the arterial were also lowered to 25 m.p.h. and crosswalk locations were modified to create a safer environment.
The Child and Family Studies Program, serving over 375 families last year, was recognized for its innovative approaches to early learning through a major federal grant to develop a family-focused, neighborhood-based satellite system to support the delivery of quality care in Clark County.
The culture of Clark College has been enriched by Lori Jimerson’s enthusiasm for her job, efforts to improve the campus environment, and her caring, compassionate nature. Lori has been a member of the Clark College community for nearly a decade as a student worker and a classified support staff member. In each position she has reached beyond daily tasks to make Clark a better place for students and her coworkers. She has served as president of the classified staff organization; co-chaired the Native American Student Club, organized events commemorating 9-11, and serves as co-chair of the Education Committee for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. In Summer 2002, Lori received the Exemplary Staff Award for this region from the state-wide community college staff-training organization for her active role in assisting coworkers and generating a spirit of service. Clark College Students Transfer Successfully Findings in the recently completed Clark College Transfer Study reveal that Clark College students successfully transfer to senior institutions. The Transfer Study identified transfer patterns, provided demographics of transfer students, and gathered student suggestions to help improve the transfer process.
Where did our students transfer?
What percentage of our students transferred?
What were the majors of transfer students? How smooth was the transfer process?
What’s
the Good News? Overall, students LOVE Clark College! Prepared by the:
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2002 Clark College
Report to the Community |
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