A Community College/University Educational Program In Technology – Maximizing Participation Through Varied Modes Of Delivery

To obtain a 4-year degree in a technical field, students typically choose from two options; attend either a 4-year university, or a 2-year community college, followed by transfer to the 4year school. The community college transfer process is gaining a wide acceptance, especially when the one examines cost and accessibility issues associated with higher education. While the route to transfer is difficult in any major, it is very difficult in a vertically structured curriculum like Engineering and Technology. In these areas, the entry point and course prerequisites are of great concern. Within the State of Illinois, there are many community colleges that offer a multitude of programs. The transfer process is further complicated by the fact that the transfer student population is comprised of a wide variance in age demographics. While many of the students in the 18-22 year old population can “move” to the university, older students are place bound with families and/or full-time employment. To satisfy the needs of adult learners, the community college districts are requesting assistance from universities in the development of educational programs at off-campus sites. Within the State of Illinois, as well as in many other states, there is a strong community college presence and there is a great need to provide affordable, quality education to these students. However, in these days of budgetary constraints, the question arises how does one support on-campus and off-campus programs offered at several external sites. Over the past ten years, the Northern Illinois University Department of Technology has developed a unique partnership with Rock Valley College, which has resulted in the development of a technology 3+1 program. With a current enrollment of over 100 students, the program is offered off campus through live and distance video formats. The Department is now looking to develop two additional programs utilizing clusters of community colleges as program feeders. This program places much emphasis on the infrastructure needs, namely articulation, advising, marketing, scheduling, and Inter-college program development. This paper will discuss the modes used to develop this complex program and to provide the needed communication between the partners and students.