Fire Technology Program Program Review Presentation April 13, 2011

Program Description The Fire Technology degree program is one of three programs within the Fire Technology Division. In addition to the degree program, there are the fire marshal certification and contract programs. The degree program provides training and educational opportunities for non firefighters to become eligible for employment as a firefighter, with a fire agency. The degree program provides current firefighters with the opportunity to not only attain specialized training and education in their field, but to receive a compensated incentive package for attaining a certificate and degree in Fire Technology from their agency. The Fire Technology Department offers degree courses of instruction with one full time faculty member and 20 to 30 adjunct faculty members . Brief Description of your program. Who are you? One Slide, 2 minutes

Program -- Strengths While several strengths exist, standouts include: Having strong partnerships with local, state, and federal fire protection agencies. Bring forward ideas and concerns on professional and educational issues to our Fire Advisory Committee. Being recognized statewide, as having a quality, transferable, and accountable Fire Technology program. Being one of the few community colleges in the state who have been accredited by the State of California Fire Marshal’s Office. Having our FT core courses aligned with other community colleges in California, other states, and the National Fire Academy. Working to ensure that our curriculum is kept current, with respect to the changes that occur in the FT field.

Program -- Challenges Important decisions need to be made in a timely manner; however with only one full-time individual in the FT program to cover various issues that develop, there exists a gap in providing these decisions and providing support, especially when the one Fire Technology person is not accessible. The program faces the challenge of completing the development of its totally online course and then to began implementation. The program faces the challenge of reducing the number of course offerings per semester, due to the state’s current economic situation. The program faces challenges in the number of students enrolled in our courses, which are underprepared for college level course work.

Planning Implications To increase FT personnel by one permanent individual, which would provide the needed backup assistance to the assignments, responsibilities, and various projects of the department. To complete the development of our totally online course and begin offering it to the FT students, when there is adequate FTE available for the course to be offered. To maintain our FT required core and elective courses in the degree program, by prioritizing the courses that must be offered. Increase the success of students who are underprepared for college level math and English, by the addition in the curriculum of an advisory to take English reading and writing, and math prior to taking a particular FT course.