Strategic Planning Focus Groups Community Representatives February 4 and 5, 2010 Region XVI Service Center

Snapshot of Amarillo College Enrollment (Unduplicated Headcount) FALL 2009 Enrollment (CREDIT): 11,100 FALL 2009 Enrollment (CE): 10,324

Snapshot of Amarillo College

What should be AC’s priorities during the next 5 years?

Strategic Planning Steps to Date ed Surveys to: –Community Representatives (only 13 replied - focus groups added to survey) – Current Credit Students (173 replied) – Current Continuing Education (CE) Students – (60 replied) – Employees (141 replied) – Board of Regents

Summary from Strategic Planning Surveys Students value: AC’s affordability & low-costs Convenience Employees, Board & Comm. Reps. value: Quality Opportunity for all AC’s affordability & low-costs

Summary from Strategic Planning Surveys Students DESIRE that AC: Remain people-focused Maintain small student-to-faculty class size Offer more online courses More and improved technology –Provide more computers, more labs, more access –Improve classroom technology –Provide larger accounts –Provide wireless access Keep up-to-date programs & courses Add programs: –Credit – CIS within Biotechnology & Nanotechnology; Solar –CE – Cooking classes; Nuclear Medicine & Phys. Asst. professional development courses

Summary from Strategic Planning Surveys Employees, Board of Regents & Community Reps, DESIRE that AC: Expand – locations & programs Keep tuition and fees affordable & remain financially strong Increased technology including online courses; wireless & WiFi access; classroom technology Add & update equipment and buildings for degree programs Increase parking or provide transportation

Summary from Strategic Planning Surveys Employees, Board of Regents & Community Reps, DESIRE that AC: Increase access for student services especially advising Expand diversity Add sports Continue to make AC accessible to all Become more focused on training for workforce/jobs Accelerate those programs that are already successful Provide seamless transition from high school to college Raise more money through donations

7 Questions for the Focus Group Session: 1.Which perceptions come to your mind when you think of Amarillo College? 2.If AC did not exist, how would your company or organization be different? 3. What is AC doing well? 4. How can AC improve?

7 Questions for the Focus Group Session: 5. If AC had unlimited resources, what would you recommend AC do within the next five years? 6. Given the economic downturn and budget constraints, how can AC remain financially strong while meeting the needs of our community? 7. What have we left out?

Focus Group Assignments Thursday Rooms & Facilitators for Focus Groups: Red Name Tag Focus Group – remain in this room - right side Facilitator: LuLu Cowan Notetaker/Assistant: Bob Austin Blue Name Tag Focus Group – remain in this room - left side Facilitator: Ellen Green Notetaker/Assistant: Jerry Moller Purple Name Tag Focus Group –move to Mezzanine – outside room Facilitator: Damaris Schlong Notetaker/Assistant: Danita McAnally

Focus Group Assignments Friday Rooms & Facilitators for Focus Groups: Orange Name Tag Focus Group – remain in this room – left side room Facilitator: LuLu Cowan Notetaker/Assistant: Bob Austin Green Name Tag Focus Group – remain in this room – right side room Facilitator: Damaris Schlong Notetaker/Assistant: Danita McAnally

What happens as a result of today’s discussion? All information gathered will be used by AC in developing the new strategic plan for the next 5 years.

Strategic Plan Development May or June: Strategic Plan recommended to Amarillo College Board August to September: Distribution of AC’s new Strategic Plan to our community and college

Questions Thank you for assisting Amarillo College with determining its future directions. Copyright 2010