The+New+Accounting+Program




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** Mission: Establish an associate degree accounting program within the business department at Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) in order to increase enrollment, enhance the number of business students pursuing accounting degrees, and enhance the academic reputation of FSCC.**




** __DISCERNING THE CONTEXT__ **
Our "mission" is to establish an associate degree accounting program within the business department of the school.

A new, female Dean of Instruction has been hired in response to declining enrollment. Enrollment has declined 10% over 3 semesters. Our team has been created by the Dean of Instruction, who has just come to the College from another community college farther west in the state. She is known for innovative programming and wants to make an impact in her first year in the position. She has already spoken to members of the business advisory board and has determined that this program is the right place for her to start “turning the College around”.

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Ft Scott Community Colege (FSCC) is a public, two-year institution and serves a rural community area about 2 hours south of Kansas City, 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh, KS and has a long heritage (oldest Community College in Kansas) and a reputation for excellent trade producing degrees including Harley Davidson motorcycle, John Deere Ag, nursing, and cosmetolgy. Two thirds of current enrollment comes from Kansas and 1/3 from out of state (mainly Missouri which closely borders the community college oto the east).

Contrary to many other colleges, the vast majority of FSCC students are ―traditional in age and other demographics. Full-time students tend to enroll on the main campus or in occupational programs at outreach locations. Part-time students tend to enroll either at the Pittsburg Education Center or the Miami County Campus. From census data reported by the Registrar’s Office for fall 2008, the overwhelming majority of students indicated that they are seeking a degree. About half of this subset seeks only a two-year degree while the remainder of this subset seeks a four-year degree. The short-term requirement/expectation for both groups is to receive quality instruction resulting in an Associate’s Degree from FSCC. Students seeking the two-year degree also expect the education they receive from FSCC to assist them in securing employment. Students continuing their formal education toward a four-year degree expect to be properly prepared for the rigors of a four-year college or university and to have their FSCC credit hours properly transfer.



Student gender ratio is currently 52% female/48% male at the main campus. Return to top

The Dean of Instruction wants to re-orient FSCC into a academic prep program (much like Johnson County Comm College) but our community college serves a much different community in terms of rural dispersion and monetary means/resource availability. FSCC does have a relationship with Pittsburg State University and funnels students in the academic programs to it and other 4-yr degree and master's programs. The new dean would like to increase the academic prep side of our school and sees it as the growth area for FSCC. She would also like to incorporate and take advantage of on-line and "virtual" opportunities for distance learning and VTC to enhance the program as well as reach a larger audience in our largely rural service area.

The current status of Education Systems and Technology includes hybrid and online classes and provides a popular option to the traditional delivery system. These classes are offered through Blackboard and provide the student flexibility in their education process. Hybrid and online classes can be found in most disciplines at FSCC, and have been extremely popular in the sciences and should be for an accounting program as well. Technology has played a more prominent role in the classroom. Eight smart classrooms are installed throughout the various campuses with numerous semi-smart rooms also available for instruction. Seven computer labs have been established on campus, at extension sites, and in the dormitories to provide student access to the latest technology and software. Numerous classes are taught in the computer labs to enhance the traditional lectures. IDL labs have been established in Burris Hall, at the Burke Street campus and the Miami County campus to transmit courses to various locations in service area. FSCC outreach sites are located in Bourbon, Linn, Crawford, and Miami counties. FSCC and other institutions cooperate to provide general education courses over a fully interactive video network serving schools throughout Kansas. FSCC operates an outreach campus complete with an office training center in Pittsburg for prospective employees and businesses.  The local business consortium/advisory board is supportive of the new program but Ft Scott only has approximately 8000 people, one high school and population is slowly declining. The FSCC business department currently only offers a 'Bank teller certificate" and supports building the new program.

All programs require Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) approval. This program will additionally be coordinated to "fit" with Kansas 4 year degree programs and will likely mirror other community college accounting programs. FSCC already has obtained such approval for an Associates in Accounting degree. Approved Programs for FSCC may be found at the KBOR website.

An application for Program Inventory would be required to gain approval for a certificate in bookkeeping program despite the fact all courses may be contained within the Associates degree program and involve the process as noted per the KBOR Program Inventory for Community Colleges/Technical Colleges/Technical Schools.

The program participants, should they follow on to obtain certifications would need to meet Kansas Board of Accountancy (or similar - depending on the accounting specialty) requirements and the business department intent is to assure students courses are sufficiently transferable not only for KS BS & MS programs but also to meet national/international accountancy program requirements. The ensure this occurs to the greatest extent possible, application for accreditation will be made to ACBSP - Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. KCKCC and JCCC are members using this model as its use allows for integrated/follow on programs for bookkeeping and associates in accounting.

Fort Scott Community College provides basic employment and post-employment skills training for business and industry groups in Bourbon, Crawford, Linn and Miami counties. Such training may be general or job-specific, and can be customized to meet the needs of your business. Classes can be offered on our campus, at one of our extension centers (in Uniontown, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, Mound City, LaCygne, Louisburg, Osawatomie and Paola), or at your business.

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FSCC has a suceccessful Miami County extension program that has a lot of high school seniors enrolled. This could be used as a model for the other principal couties and high schools we serve in Crawford and Linn counties. Working with high school as an extension of their faculty in Advance Placement (AP) programs, etc. would also serve to provide a bridge to students from high school into FSCC in both our "traditional" trades/vo-tech type programs as well as academic preparation and advanced classes for associate degrees enroute to 4-year college and university programs/post graduate work.

FSCC has a Business and Computer Studies Department. Its business programs prepare students to enter the job market in a variety of general and specialized professional areas: business communications, sales management, personnel management, small business management. Programs are flexible enough to allow students to finish associate degree programs with entry-level skills, or to transfer to a four-year college or university particularly Pittsburgh State College which it integrates its programs with.

As is our FSCC’s philosophy, classroom instruction and actual work experience blends the academic and the practical to prepare students for challenging work opportunities. Currently, there are several Business Certificate Programs offered including:  Administrative Specialist Certificate, [|Bank Teller Certificate], [|Business Computers,][|Medical Office Assistant Certificate] , Insurance, Data Processing, and Administrative Specialist Degree. The business department currently also offers two Associate Degrees:

 Students interested in seeking an Associate's Degree in accounting should coordinate with the business department. 
 * Associate of Science Degree
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Associate of General Studies Degree

Given the above context, below is a conceptual depiction of areas we believe need to be developed and integrated as part of the program and who will lead efforts in those areas for FSCC.

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** __BUILDING A SOLID BASE OF SUPPORT__ **
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">“The Financial Aid office plays a critical role in building and maintaining relationships within the community and other “stakeholders”. In addition to the traditional assistance available, the Financial Aid staff conducts financial aid seminars at surrounding high schools. These events are planned jointly by high school counselors and the FSCC Admissions staff. The schools issue invitations to FSCC to come and present to students, parents, and counselors. Application guidelines for financial aid are provided along with handouts and website information. Answers to frequently asked questions are shared as well as responses to other questions from the audience. The seminars are scheduled for December, January, and February of each year and FSCC has been returning to some of the schools, by invitation only, for over 15 years. During 2008-2009, 252 individuals attended these seminars” (FSCC AQIP, 2009) and we intend to increase this number by reaching out to additional regional county high schools.

“In addition to the regular recruiting efforts of the Admissions office, various campus organizations and/or clubs participate in activities which build and maintain relationships with area schools. The Dance/Cheer teams annually travels to area schools to perform clinics on Dance and Cheer techniques and to discuss scholarship opportunities in these performance areas at FSCC. The teams are invited by area schools to serve as judges for their high school tryouts. Both clinics and judging serve as an important way to solidify relationships with area schools. Music, History, and Agriculture Departments also host competitions that bring students, parents, and school personnel to the College.” (FSCC AQIP, 2009)

The business department will investigate interest in area high schools for establishing “business and investment” clubs including Junior Achievement clubs. This should spark an interest in our business department offerings in general and the new accounting program in particular.

“Student groups (e.g. athletic programs, President’s Ambassadors, Phi Theta Kappa members, etc.) visit local elementary schools and participate in reading programs for the elementary students. This program has been on-going for more than five years and each year the participating schools request that the College continue to send students to their schools to participate in this reading program.” (FSCC AQIP, 2009) The business department will initiate the same type of program using our students for mathematics and arithmetic.

“In addition to these established on-going reading programs, FSCC students have helped two local elementary schools prepare for their all-school year-end celebrations. FSCC students assist in setting up and tearing down for these events, receiving high praise from the administrators, faculty, and parents of the respective schools. The good will generated by this type of community service, though difficult to quantify, has clearly had a positive impact on the community and resulted in solidifying the relationship of FSCC with the K-12 community.

Another annual event that impacts the school districts is the award ceremony at area high schools. High schools host the award ceremony to recognize outstanding academic and/or athletic achievement of their students. FSCC chooses to support this effort by sending representatives of the College to each ceremony where prospective FSCC students are receiving an award from the College. FSCC continues to receive positive feedback from the high schools expressing their appreciation for having a representative in attendance to offer the scholarship award to their student(s). Although this practice has been discontinued by many colleges and universities, FSCC considers this a valuable way to build relationships with area high schools and continues to include this practice as part of the overall effort to build and maintain strong relationships with the area high schools.

Two other important practices that strengthen relationships with area high schools are concurrent credit class offerings and articulation agreements. Faculty that teach concurrent credit classes have professional credentials that qualify them to teach the college-level curriculum required by FSCC. Students, parents, and high school officials value this opportunity to ―jump start‖ the student’s college career. FSCC and area high schools have also agreed to formal articulation agreements. These agreements are designed for high school students to request college credit for successfully completing a sequence of high school courses. These agreements offer another means by which high school students can earn college credit. FSCC continues to use both of these delivery methods as a way to build and maintain relationships with area high schools.

Each year, the city of Fort Scott conducts a city-wide three-day celebration (Good Ol’ Days). This celebration attracts several thousands of attendees. The magnitude of this event requires a massive number of volunteer hours for preparation, to coordinate, and to carry out. Various groups of student athletes have annually assisted in setting up equipment, operating booths, and cleaning up afterwards. The work of these student groups contributes significantly to the success of the celebration and receives positive feedback from the organizers of the event and from the community. As a result, FSCC is recognized as a dependable partner in hosting this annual community celebration.

FSCC has a strong and active Endowment Association as well as an Alumni and Friends organization. Together, these two organizations build and maintain an effective network of individuals committed to the mission of the College. Each year, over $200,000 in endowed scholarships is available to FSCC students. These scholarships are made possible by generous contributions to the FSCC Endowment Association. To celebrate the recipients of these scholarships and to recognize the generosity of the donors, FSCC hosts an annual Endowment Banquet. This event allows the College to celebrate student excellence and to show appreciation to those stakeholders who have chosen to invest in the College and in the students by contributing toward endowed scholarships. Over 250 students and donors attend this event each year.(FSCC AQIP, 2009) Return to top

**__IDENTIFYING PROGRAM IDEAS__**
As the major program idea was provided to the team by the Dean of Instruction, this component of the Interactive Model is largely disposable. Deep consideration was given to this decision by the team to ensure no critical pieces may be left from the process. Additional consideration was given relating to the identification of program ideas internal to the greater concept. Similar processes for generating primary program components may be used to develop these smaller internal pieces, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and various assessments. However, as the context was ever more developed, it became clear that specific drivers would make these determinations. Many internal program ideas could not be used at this time.

This component of the Interactive Model was determined to be unneeded as the Program Idea component was unnecessary as mentioned above.
 * __SORTING AND PRIORITIZING PROGRAM IDEAS__**

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** __DEVELOPING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES__ **
**Educational Program Objectives:** The following program outcomes reflect the relationship of this program to the necessary elements of professional knowledge and their basic application to the field of accounting. Upon successful completion of this program participants will: At completion of this program’s development and its establishment the team will:
 * 1) ** Have developed **** a practical and usable knowledge of basic accounting and bookkeeping principles. **
 * 2) ** Demonstrate the ability to successfully apply accounting methods to business and industry. **
 * 3) ** Have acquired a the Certificate in Bookkeeping and/or an Associates Degree in Accounting for the purpose of employment or for transfer to a four year degree granting institution. **
 * Operational Program Objectives: **
 * 1) ** Have developed a curriculum meeting student, accreditation, and most transfer needs. **
 * 2) ** Have established/obtained sufficient faculty and facilities (online & traditional) for delivery of the educational objectives. **
 * 3) ** See new enrollment in the accounting/business programs at FSCC (minimally drawing down other programs) to generate sufficient profits for program sustainment (and excesses within two years of establishment). **

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** __DESIGNING INSTRUCTIONAL PLANS__ **
data flows, and financial documentation. ||
 * ** Instructional Session ** || ** Learning Objectives ** || ** Learning Outcomes ** ||
 * ** Core Courses ** || **// “Student will be able to…” //** || ||
 * Survey of Accounting || Define and describe accounting theory, record keeping, and the accounting cycle. || Demonstrate knowledge of accounting for assets and related revenues and expenses reported on financial statements using problem based learning. ||
 * Financial Accounting || Prepare and analyze financial statements. || Demonstrate knowledge of product costing using job orders and process costing systems using problem based learning. ||
 * Accounting Ethics || Recognize distinctive sets of problems which may be encountered in an accounting environment. || Compare and contrast current ethical theories being used to make decisions and critically apply these theories through case studies. ||
 * Introduction to Finance || Demonstrate basic understanding of management of business finances in terms of financial planning, control and decision making. || Perform basic accounting techniques to ensure funds are available during a business cycle using computer based simulations. ||
 * Financial Reporting || Define and provide a basic understanding of financial reporting in business. || Define and describe various business financial reporting instruments in order to assess financial performance. ||
 * Accounting Information Systems || An introduction to general accounting computer applications and concepts. || Demonstrate understanding of accounting systems modeling and data models,

data flows, and financial documentation. ||
 * ** Instructional Session ** || ** Instructional Resources ** || ** Learning Outcomes ** ||
 * ** Core Courses ** || || ||
 * Survey of Accounting || || Demonstrate knowledge of accounting for assets and related revenues and expenses reported on financial statements using problem based learning. ||
 * Financial Accounting || Instructor, Students, Handouts, Text Book, Outside Articles, Worksheets, Graphs, Charts, PowerPoint, White Boards, Flip Charts, Video Clips, WWW, Web-based tools || Demonstrate knowledge of product costing using job orders and process costing systems using problem based learning. ||
 * Accounting Ethics || Instructor, Students, Handouts, Text Book, Outside Articles, Worksheets, Graphs, Charts, PowerPoint, White Boards, Flip Charts, Video Clips, WWW, Web-based tools || Compare and contrast current ethical theories being used to make decisions and critically apply these theories through case studies. ||
 * Introduction to Finance || Instructor, Students, Handouts, Text Book, Outside Articles, Worksheets, Graphs, Charts, PowerPoint, White Boards, Flip Charts, Video Clips, WWW, Web-based tools || Perform basic accounting techniques to ensure funds are available during a business cycle using computer based simulations. ||
 * Financial Reporting || Instructor, Students, Handouts, Text Book, Outside Articles, Worksheets, Graphs, Charts, PowerPoint, White Boards, Flip Charts, Video Clips, WWW, Web-based tools || Define and describe various business financial reporting instruments in order to assess financial performance. ||
 * Accounting Information Systems || Instructor, Students, Handouts, Text Book, Outside Articles, Worksheets, Graphs, Charts, PowerPoint, White Boards, Flip Charts, Video Clips, WWW, Web-based tools || Demonstrate understanding of accounting systems modeling and data models,

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 * ** Instructional Session ** || ** Assessment Components ** ||
 * ** Core Courses ** || ||
 * Survey of Accounting || Reflective Journals, Observations, Closed Answer Tests ||
 * Financial Accounting || Documented Problem Solutions, Observations, Closed Answer Tests ||
 * Accounting Ethics || Role Playing, Close-Ended Tests, Reflective Journals, Free Form Writing ||
 * Introduction to Finance || Documented Problem Solutions, Observations, Closed Answer Tests, Performance Tests ||
 * Financial Reporting || Observations, Closed Answer Tests, Performance Tests ||
 * Accounting Information Systems || Documented Problem Solutions, Observations, Closed Answer Tests, Performance Tests ||

__** TRANSFER-OF-LEARNING PLANS **__
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Transfer of learning for the AA Degree in Accounting will be accomplished in the following ways. 1. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ensure instructors and lesson plans ensure what students learn can be used after the class or program is complete. Students should be able to integrate back into their personal and professional lives what they have learned in the classroom. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Transfer of learning strategies should be employed before, during and after most programs by: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">

a. Identify clearly what is to be transferred: knowledge and skills: i. Example: Basic book keeping abilities b. Involve people who are key to learning transfer: i. Example: The instructor and learners c. Follow up surveys to graduates one year after graduation

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Key Players: Instructors, students, program planners, organizational context (campus, classrooms, administration) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Strategies that should be most useful: Student journaling and Individual Learning Plans. Coaching and Mentoring. Job Aids. Student work and support groups and Follow Up Sessions.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> ** __FORMULATING EVALUATION PLANS__ **
"FSCC uses it administrative computer system, POISE to collect and store data which is administered by the IT department. Various sources provide input used to determine what data and information needs to be collected and how it should be distributed. The IT staff, assisted by other designated employees, evaluates the suggested measures and makes recommendations regarding the best methods of collecting and distributing the information. Individuals, departments, the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) Team, and the strategic budgeting process are examples of some of the sources from which data collection/distribution needs and priorities are established. In addition to the internal sources, outside influences also affect decisions on data collection/distribution. Reporting requirements from agencies within state and federal government, and others, dictate what some data collection will be.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The POISE system is the primary resource for managing data collected by the institution. This system, with updated revisions, has been in use since 1989. Designed specifically for institutions of higher learning, the system provides for integrated data sharing among various departments and includes the necessary flexibility for institutional variances regarding data collection. POISE has proven to be a stable and reliable platform for data collection and continues to be responsive to the needs of FSCC." (AQIP, 2009)

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__** MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS AND COMMUNICATING RESULTS **__
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Recommend that the program successes, opportunities, and outcomes be included in the already published FSCC Annual Report along with our other programs. It certainly should be included in the curriculum development and programming section as other new programs have in the past years. Additionally, it can be highlighted or show-cased in the main, extension campus sections of the annual report as well as the on-line program sections.

The business department, faculty, as well as business students can put together special reports or conduct meetings with local business supporters, banks, CPAs, and tax preparers to facilitate good community relations, support of the program, and possibly build internship/project relationships for potential future job placement opportunities. Faculty and students may also prepare outreach products/testimonials and products for local high schools especially those offering business mathematics and education programs.

Should the program prove unsuccessful in its pilot trial period it can be discontinued quickly with little loss to FSCC's budget or changes to faculty.

Classes for the AA Degree in Accounting at FSCC will be face-to-face large groups (large group defined as no more than 25 learners). Courses will generally be scheduled for two hour meetings, M-W-F. Format will be //__Courses on Cla__// //__sses__//, utilizing  seminar, workshop and networks – building towards a true //__Learning Community__// which, in the future, ope  ra  te  s and  interacts online in order to share ideas and best practices within the accounting  community. This comm u  nity will be  grown by encouraging students to join the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) [|http://www.]  [|ima]  [|ne]  [|t.org/] and in due course opening a Fort Scott Chapter. For the programs first year it will be assumed, based on enrollment, that current demand can be met by using current available and qualified instructors. In anticipation of steady growth of the AA Degree program, qualified instructors will be sought, interviewed and hired. Potential instructors should have the following qualifications: 1. Minimum of 5 years of practical employment as an accountant. a. Competence, Credibility, Enterprise Knowledge (Caffarella, 2002, 300). 2. Minimum of 2 years teaching experience at the junior college or higher level. __ Interview process should reveal: __ 1. Belief that caring for learners matters, demonstrate enthusiasm for the field, and enterprise knowledge (Caffarella, 2002, 300). __ Letters of Reference should indicate __ : 1. Competence in the process of instruction, personal effectiveness, and the ability to teach from the heart, spirit and mind (Caffarella, 2002, 300).
 * __ Staff Requirements __**

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The main goal of this marketing plan is to stop the decline in enrollment and to increase enrollment in Fort Scott Community College (FSCC). The key to executing this marketing plan it to have the Accounting Program coordinated, affiliated, and approved. In order to increase enrollment, we must reach the maximum number of potential students and influencers. It is vital to present the opportunity the Accounting Program presents in order to attain a degree in accounting. Due to low population density and high unemployment trends, there is a need for education that offers career opportunities in the market area as well as the state of Kansas. The marketing must provide a clear end state and illuminate the path to the end state for potential students and influencers. It is also vital to create awareness with high school counselors and state and county career counselors in Eastern Kansas. Due to low population density, the program must appeal to high school counselors, traditional students nearing the completion of high school, traditional students just finishing high school and adults seeking change or advancement. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 120%;"> ** Business Overview ** The situation in the market is that enrollment has declined by 10% over the last 3 semesters. It is unclear why enrollment is dropping because data is unavailable. There are opportunities to grow the market in the area of Bourbon County students aged 18-39, Kansas high school students, and students in other states. It is imperative to expose the maximum number of potential students to the career opportunities the accounting program provides. Reaching the 17% of unemployed, and particularly the recently unemployed has the potential to reap huge rewards in terms of enrollment. In order to reach this market, it is important to reach these individuals and to create a clear vision in their minds as to where the Accounting Program can take them. Strengths- The Accounting Program can provide Bourbon County students as well as Kansas Students with an opportunity to have a career in accounting. Accounting is a vital business function that has applications in every facet of business and government. Weaknesses- When students start on the Accounting Program curriculum, it is important that they understand that they are entering into a program that is fairly inflexible and will require commitment. Additionally, students have numerous options in the form of other universities. Opportunities- Students are looking for career opportunities and ways to mitigate the cost of college and to reduce college debt. Threats- Competing programs and the declining economy have created competition for students as well as their dollars.

Potential exists in all of our markets. Initially, the Accounting Program should appeal to existing full time students and the potential exists to positively influence enrollment in this segment immediately upon approval of the curriculum in conjunction with another institution to create an opportunity for a baccalaureate and/or masters degree. Upon program approval, marketing will reach all segments of the existing student body as well as potential students and influencers. Changes in market focus and marketing will be based on data gathered at the end of the first semester. During the second and third semester, marketing plans and strategies will measure success against enrollment in terms of full time, part time, on and off campus enrollment and the data trends related to positive and negative changes in these areas.
 * Target Market **

Over the next six semesters, the goal is to have the Accounting Program approved, to stop enrollment decline and to make steady gains in enrollment. Schedule of approval and gains: Spring 2010- Approval of Accounting Program. Fall 2010- Stop the trend of enrollment decline. Spring 2011- Increase overall enrollment by 5% from Spring 2010 enrollment. Fall 2011- Increase overall enrollment by 5%. Spring 2012- Increase overall enrollment by 7%. Fall 2012- Increase overall enrollment by 7%.
 * Goals **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">

Approval of the Accounting Program triggers an information campaign that is designed to put the information about the Accounting Program in front of potential students in five ways: 1. FSCC website updated and the Accounting Program highlighted on the first page. 2. High school counselors in eastern Kansas informed and educated about the program. 3. Integration of Accounting Program specifics integrated into existing radio and newspaper advertisements. 4. City and County career counselors informed about the educational opportunity and literature is available / posted in their offices. 5. Educate FSCC counselors about the program.
 * Marketing Strategies **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">

Return to top 1. Stop the decline in students in the Fall 2010 Semester. Task || Description || Person Responsible || Completion Date || TBD || TBD || TBD || TBD || L.S. || TBD ||
 * Implementation Tasks **
 * a) || Meet with FSCC counselors to create an understanding of the program and to start selling it to prospective students as soon as the program is approved. ||
 * b) || Design new newspaper and radio ads to integrate the accounting program. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * c) || Meet with High School Counselors in eastern Kansas in order to create awareness of the program. ||
 * d) || Meet with partner school to implement training with counseling staff to place students on the path that will lead to a funnel being developed for the accounting program. ||
 * e) || Survey current freshmen to find interested students. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * f) || Upon approval, start enrolling current students in accounting program. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * g) || Contact state and county career counselors in order to generate awareness of the accounting program and other FSCC opportunities. Seek wall space on bill boards. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * h) || Launch customized news delivery to groups. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * i) || Review on quarterly basis. || L.S. || TBD ||

1. Increase the number of students by reviewing enrollment data at the end of each add/drop date for the fall and spring semesters. Task || Description || Person Responsible || Completion Date || L.S. || TBD || L.S || TBD || The marketing budget is extremely limited. Due to cost constraints, there will be four focus areas in the marketing plan; providing information on the FSCC website, providing information packets to high school counselors as well as state and county career counselors in Kansas, and local radio and newspaper announcements in conjunction with existing marketing strategies. By using existing programs and personnel to implement this marketing strategy, these low cost alternatives serve to put the information in the hands of potential students as well as persons who are influential to potential students. In addition to these measures, FSCC counselors must be thoroughly trained in the specifics of the program. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ** Evaluation of Results **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> The success of this plan will be measured in terms of enrollment. In order to understand why students are integrating into the program and why they are leaving, it is important to follow up with new students on why they chose FSCC and to understand why students are leaving the FSCC program. The initial goal is to stop the decline in enrollment and to increase enrollment at a rate of 5% for the two subsequent semesters and 7% for the next two semesters. Reviewing enrollment in the accounting program and the university at the end of the add/drop period for each semester modifying efforts in order to stimulate enrollment accordingly is how success will be created. This iterative process is dependent upon ample marketing time prior to the initial semester as well as making the information available to students currently attending FSCC. By looking at the sources that new students came from during each semester will be the key to bolstering overall enrollment.
 * a) || Review gains and investigate in order to determine effective methods and to cease ineffective measures. ||
 * b) || Review losses and investigate individually in order to determine effective methods and to cease ineffective measures. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * c) || Modify marketing plan according to trends determined by the surveys with gaining / loss of students ||
 * d) || Check in with eastern Kansas high school counselors at the beginning of each semester. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * e) || Execute modifications to marketing plan. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * f) || Look at the marketing plans of schools that are gaining market shares and compare these plans to the FSCC marketing plan. || L.S. || TBD ||
 * Budget **

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**__COORDINATING FACILITIES AND ON-SITE EVENTS__**
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> The map and pictures above show the general FSCC regional presence. Pictured are the "brick & mortar" physical locations of the main campus in Ft. Scott and the Miami County extension office. Other physical locations include the Frontenac, KS locations in north Pittsburg where students currently study trades with Harley Davidson, John Deere, cosmetology, and dental hygenist program. FSCC has truck driving extensions in North Kansas City and Topeka that may also offer opportunities for online class instruction. There may be opportunity as well as part of our affiliation and on-going relationship with Pittsburg State University and their program facilities and on-line capability.

FSCC main campus and Miami County office have the needed facility and on-line infrastructure to support an accounting program now to include compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and classroom time/space can be scheduled immediately if student demand supports the program. On-line extension capability should be available in major towns and cities and so offer potential at other FSCC locations. On-line programs can be incorporated for rural or off-campus students assuming that students have their compatible computer equipment, software, and Internet Service Provider access.

Direct oversight and provision for a positive climate would best be suited for the two main physical locations and by the business department faculty. Likewise they can best monitor programs, gather data for program evaluations, conduct assessments, recognize students and staff/faculty and respond to student needs from these central locations.

On-line: The FSCC IT has available over 237 new Dell computers on main campus for student labs and faculty including some laptops. The IT infrastructure is sufficient for on-campus locations and an on-line VTC capability or "conference call" capability could be developed for satellite/extension campus locations or even for stay at home students that could dial in. Blackboard is used in all academic programs and has sufficient capabilities and access for all on-line work.

Should the accounting program not meet FSCC needs and need to be closed down, little if any infrastructure will need to be closed down or eliminated. Classroom/facility space can be rescheduled for other uses and the on-line VTC capabilities can also be freed up and used for other courses.

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__References__ Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. (2009). //Association of collegiate business schools and programs guidlines and accreditation.// Retrieved November 15, 2009 from []. Overland Park, Kansas

Caffarella, R.S. (2002). //Planning programs for adult learners: A practical guide for educators, trainers, and staff developers.// San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Fort Scott Community College. (2009). //2009 Systems Portfolio Submitted to the Academic Quality Improvement Program of the Higher Learning Commission (AQIP).// Retrieved November 15, 2009 from []. Fort Scott Community College: Fort Scott, KS.

Fort Scott Community College. (2007). //2007 Annual Report.// Retrieved November 15, 2009 from []. Fort Scott Community College: Fort Scott, KS.

Kansas Board of Regents. (2009). //KBOR Community Colleges Enrollment and Financial Statistics 2009.// Retrieved November 15, 2009 from [|[[http://www.kspsd.org/IR/common/documents/databook/Kansas%20Community%20Colleges%20Enrollment%20and%20Financial%20Statistics%202009%20Edition%20Revised.pdf.Kansas|http://www.kspsd.org/IR/common/documents/databook/Kansas%20Community%20Colleges%20Enrollment%20and%20Financial%20Statistics%202009%20Edition%20Revised.pdf.] Kansas.

Kansas City Kansas Community College. (2009). //Accounting Degree Program.// Retrieved November 15, 2009 from []. Kansas City Kansas Community College: Kansas City, KS.

Johnson County Community College. (2009). //Accounting Degree Program.// Retrieved November 15, 2009 from []. Johnson County Community College: Kansas City, KS.



**Original Requirement**
Your team has been created by the Dean of Instruction, who has just come to the College from another community college farther west in the state. She is known for innovative programming and wants to make an impact in her first year in the position. She has already spoken to members of the business advisory board and has determined that this program is the right place for her to start “turning the College around”. One of your group members will be the curriculum developer for the business division of the College, another will be the online media specialist, a third will be a member of the marketing division of the College, and the last member will be the content expert appointed by the division chairperson. The two of you from the business division know each other, but the representative from the marketing office is new to the school and previously served with the new Dean of Instruction at another community college. The representative from the technology division of the school has a good reputation and is known to work well with faculty in the development of programs. He’s not sure that this program lends itself to online presentation, but has been made a part of the team to see what might become of the idea. Your final product, due to the Dean of Instruction no later than November 17th, is a collaborative Wiki detailing the program you recommend with all of the academic and administrative issues worked out and any problems identified. The new Dean is a fan of Caffarella’s work and has asked that you utilize her model to guide your deliberations and the organization of your Wiki. You have time to research this organization and the specific program you must plan. Many resources exist for your use; research is part of program planning. Any additional information you believe you need may be gained from Dr. Martin. **
 * Your requirement is to plan an associate degree program in accounting in Ft. Scott, KS as part of the Ft. Scott Community College’s staff/faculty and explore the possibility of working with another college to get the bachelor’s portion of the degree. Ft. Scott is a public, two-year institution in the Kansas Board of Regents System. The enrollment of the College is just under 2000 and they are located almost two hours south of the Kansas City Metropolitan area.
 * Your requirement is to plan an associate degree program in accounting in Ft. Scott, KS as part of the Ft. Scott Community College’s staff/faculty and explore the possibility of working with another college to get the bachelor’s portion of the degree. Ft. Scott is a public, two-year institution in the Kansas Board of Regents System. The enrollment of the College is just under 2000 and they are located almost two hours south of the Kansas City Metropolitan area.