College Council Summary of Evaluation Results
The College Council provided the college community an opportunity to evaluate its purpose and effectiveness according to the newly developed charter. Using the online service, Survey Monkey, the evaluation was made available February 19 to March 2, 2009. Thirty-Five of approximately 384 college constituents responded. Overall, the majority of the respondents agree that the College Council serves its purpose. Because this is the first year the Council is operating under a newly developed charter, there where isolated comments in regard to the council role and representation.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF SURVEY QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Question #1 indicated the number or respondents for each of the different units at the College: CTE (1), Liberal Arts (9), OCET (3), Academic Support (7), Admin Affairs (3), Student Services (5), UH West Hawaii (2), Ex-officio (2). There were at least one response for each category listed with the highest representation in Liberal Arts 25%, Academic Support 20% and Student Services 14%.
Question #2 indicated the respondent’s years of service. The highest number of respondents was 31% for 16+ years, 25% with 2 years or less and 20% of those in the 6 to 10 year category.
Question #3 asked about timely information. Survey results indicate that information is timely with 5.7% strongly agree, 62.9 % agree, and 25% somewhat agree.
Question #4 asked if the Council serves its purpose as stated in the Council’s Charter to facilitate college wide dialog and advise the Chancellor on issues that affect the College. Of the 32 out of 35 who responded to this question, 15.6% strongly agreed, 53.1% agreed, 21% somewhat agreed, 6.3 percent disagreed and 3.1% strongly disagree. Majority of the respondents agree that the council serves its purpose. Out of the six comments received, respondents indicated limited knowledge of the Council’s purpose and limited representation for large units.
Question #5 asked if the Council’s focus items are relevant. Of the 31 out of the 35 respondents to question five, the majority of the respondents felt that the items were relevant.
Question #6 asked if there is adequate representation at Council meetings. Of the 35 out of 30 respondents, 83.3 % answering “yes” with 16.7% answering no. There were five comments which included uncertainty and one respondent indicated “not enough representation.”
Question #7 asked what the perceived strengths of the Council are. Respondents felt that the strength of the College Council is diverse representation of all facets of the College. And, representatives are able to provide input and the sharing of information.
Question #8 asked what are perceived weaknesses of the Council. Comments indicated there needs to be more clarification of the purpose of the Council. There is limited information regarding the Council and the need for more input in aspects of the college such as budget and facilities improvement.
ACTION ITEMS:
The following activities can increase the College’s level of awareness in regards to the Council’s role and representation.
- In August, at the beginning of the school year, the Chair will publicize through e-mail and the Chancellor’s newsletter the Council’s Charter, list of representatives, and the form to request items be put on the agenda.
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Ask representatives to make contact with their perspective units and answer questions they may have regarding Council activities.
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Ask representatives to provide brief Council updates as part of the department/unit meetings aside from providing the approved minutes which is available a month later.
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Develop the Council’s website to increase information availability.
Passed by Council 4/3/09