Program of Study: Computer Information Systems- Networking

[Type text] Page 0 Grand Rapids Community College

Program of Study:

Computer Information

Systems-Networking

CIP 11.0901

Program of Study Team:

Luann Keizer, Project Lead, GRCC CAD faculty

Sesime Adanu, GRCC Institutional Research

Linda Spoelman, GRCC English faculty

Katie Vandemeer GRCC CAD Faculty

Table of Contents

Introduction ... 3

Background ... 4

Program of Study – Goals ... 6

Academic and Occupational Program Curriculum Standards ... 6

Adult Student Standards ... 9

Crosswalk ... 10

Opportunity for Articulated Credit ... 13

Opportunity for Dual Enrollment ... 15

External Certification ... 15

Course Sequence... 16

Conclusion ... 18

Introduction

In 2010-2011, Grand Rapids Community College conducted a Program of Study for the Computer Information Systems- Network Administration program. A program of study is defined as a “sequence of instruction, based on recommended standards and knowledge and skills, consisting of the

coursework, co-curricular activities, work site learning, service learning and other learning experiences that provides preparation for a career.” (www.careerclusters.org). This document presents the results of the study to comply with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG), Community College Service Unit’s 2010 Program of Study grant

The primary outcomes of this work are to:

1. meet and exceed the requirement within the Perkins Act;

2. align technical and academic competencies and assessments for secondary career and technical courses to community college POS;

3. identify prerequisite knowledge, skills and/or courses, and assessments for youth and adults required to be successful upon entering a college occupational program.

The focus of this study is CIP Code 11.0901, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. The IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System defines the classification as : ”A program that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and productivity, and that prepares individuals to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. Includes instruction in operating systems and applications; systems design and analysis; networking theory and solutions; types of networks; network management and control; network and flow optimization; security; configuring; and troubleshooting.

Those completing the program may be employed as a network administrator, network

specialist,network technician, webmaster, client services analyst (end user) or network operator.

The state of Michigan has forecast jobs in the Computer Systems Networking and Communications career pathway to be among the top 10 jobs projected through 2014. It is projected as the top job for those with a Baccalaureate degree and seventh for those with an Associates degree or certification. (http://hubpages.com/hub/Michigan-College-Graduates)

Grand Rapids Community College’s Computer Information Systems- Network Administration (curriculum code 147) catalog description closely parallels the CIP US Department of Education definition: This degree provides students with the courses needed to seek employment in the following areas: local area network(LAN) support, network administrator, telecommunications analyst. The student may seek an Associate in Arts (AA) or an Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences (AAAS). The AA degree is a transfer degree, requiring English classes taken from the English Department (EN) rather than

from the Business Department (BA). GRCC participates in a Three Plus One baccalaureate program with some universities.Under this program, students take their first three years at

GRCC and the fourth year at the participating university. Students with advanced degrees may be employed as network engineers or systems/applications security managers.

The project team researched the following components to insure that students enrolled in the degree program have an effective program of study:

o The prerequisite knowledge required to enter the program

o A logical sequence of instruction in the technical courses

o A sequence of courses for those continuing to a baccalaureate degree program

o An analysis of the need for professional certifications and a review of gaps between certifications and program outcomes

Background

The Computer Information Systems- Network Administration program at GRCC currently grounds students in the Microsoft networking framework

First Year

First Semester Credits Hours

EN 100 College Writing* OR 3 4

EN 101 English Composition 1* OR (3) 3 BA 101 Business and Technical English 1* (3) 3 CO 101 Introduction to Computer

Applications 2 2

CO 105 Windows Operating System OR 2 2 CO 205 Advanced Windows (2) 2

CO 110 Introduction to Computer Information Systems 3 3

CO 116 Introduction to Programming 3 3 — — Natural Science Elective:

Intermediate Algebra (MA 107) suggested to transfer 4

17

First year Second Semester

EN 102 English Composition 2* OR 3 3

BA 102 Business and Technical English 2* (3) 3 CO 132 UNIX Operating System 2 2

CO 224 Intro. to Systems Analysis 3 3

CO 230 Introduction to Telecommunications 2 2 EC 251 Principles of Economics 1 (If you

lack business experience, first take BA 103 Introduction to Business.) 3 3

COM 131 Fundamentals of Public Speaking** 3 3 16

Second Year Third Semester

CO 142 UNIX Shell Programming 2 2 CO 231 Wide Area Networking (WAN) Theory 3 3

CO 233 Local Area Networking 2 2 PL 202 Introduction to Logic** 3 3 EC 252 Principles of Economics 2 3 3 WE — Wellness 1 2

14

Second year Fourth Semester

CO 212 Principles of Information Security 3 3 CO 232 UNIX System Administration 2 2 CO 235 Advanced LAN for Window Services 2 2 EN 249 Technical Writing** 3 3

PS 110 Survey of American Government 3 3 — — Natural Science Electives

(including lab) 4 17

Total Credits 64

* EN courses are required for the Associate in Arts degree and for transfer students.

** Fulfills three hours of the Group 1 – Humanities requirement.

An incoming student with no prior post-secondary or technical education would ideally follow the curriculum as displayed to achieve an AAAS degree in Computer Systems-Networking or to transfer to a four year institution to pursue a baccalaureate degree:

Prerequisites Year 1 First semester Year1 second semester Year 2 First semester Year 2 Second semester N e tw o rk A d m in co u rs e s CO 224 Intro. to Systems Analysis CO 230 Introduction to Telecommunications CO 231 Wide Area Networking (WAN) Theory CO 233 Local Area Networking CO 212 Principles of Information Security CO 235 Advanced LAN for Window Services Pr o gr am mi n g/ O S CO 105 Windows Operating System OR CO 205 Advanced OS CO 116 Introduction to Programming CO 132 UNIX Operating System 2 2 CO 142 UNIX Shell Programming CO 232 UNIX System Administration 2 2

Da ta man ag e me nt CO 101 Introduction to Computer Applications CO 110 Introduction to Computer Information Systems G en er al Ed u ca ti o n EN 100 College Writing* OR EN 101 English Composition 1* Intermediate Algebra (MA 107) EN 102 English Composition EC 251 Principles of Economics COM 131 Fundamentals of Public Speaking PL 202 Introduction to Logic EC 252 Principles of Economics WE — Wellness EN 249 Technical Writing PS 110 Survey of American Government— — Natural Science Electives

Program of Study- Goals

The outcomes for this program of study include:

1 For high school students, specify Michigan academic and occupational program curriculum standards to enter program.

2 For adult students, specify learning standards, and assessment exam levels that match academic foundation skill standards to enter program.

3 Based on crosswalks, identify community college entry level course competencies that align content gaps.

4 Identify the opportunity for articulated credit if there is sufficient duplication. Develop regional agreements.

5 Identify the opportunity for dual enrollment content courses.

6 Specify external certification and assessments appropriate for occupations within the program area.

7 Publish Programs of Study (POS) course sequence including program entry assessment levels that lead to certificate, associate and baccalaureate degrees.

The remainder of the study will address these outcomes in the order listed.

Academic and Occupational Program Curriculum Standards

The Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education (MCCTE) in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education has determined foundation skills for those completing a secondary degree in the 11.0901 program. The foundation standards include skills in both academic and pathway categories:

I. Academic Foundations

a. Demonstrate Language Arts knowledge and skills required to pursue the full-range of career and post-secondary education opportunities within the IT career cluster.

b. Demonstrate Mathematics knowledge and skills required to pursue the full-range of career and post-secondary education opportunities within the IT career cluster.

c. Demonstrate Science knowledge and skills required to pursue the full-range of career and post-secondary education opportunities within the IT career cluster.

II. Communications

a. Reading b. Writing c. Listening

III. Problem solving and critical thinking

a. Guide progress in assigned areas of responsibility/accountability. b. Conduct technical research.

c. Produce a quality product/service.

d. Demonstrate knowledge of the process required to evaluate and verify the nature of a problem.

e. Demonstrate knowledge of the process required to solve a problem.

f. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and verify the appropriateness of a solution to a problem.

g. Demonstrate knowledge of information organization principles. h. Demonstrate knowledge of design principles.

IV. Information Technology

a. Demonstrate skill in the use of computer equipment for standard business purposes including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email, Internet use.

V. Systems

a. Characterize the nature of business.

b. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of IT in business.

c. Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of cross-functional teams in achieving project goals.

d. Explain/discuss general strategies for maximizing organizational learning and productivity in a high tech environment.

VI. Safety, health and environment

a. Maintain a safe working environment.

VII. Leadership and teamwork

b. Build interpersonal skills with individuals and other team members.

VIII. Ethics and legal responsibility

a. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and behaviors of legal responsibilities and of positive cyber-citizenry.

b. Demonstrate knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of IT workers.

c. Demonstrate knowledge of social, ethical, and legal issues in the information technology field.

IX. Employability and work related practices

a. Explain written organizational policies, rules and procedures to help employees perform their jobs.

b. Identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors and personal qualities. c. Identify and explore career opportunities in one or more career pathways. d. Develop a personal career plan to meet career goals and objectives. e. Demonstrate ability to seek and apply for employment.

f. Demonstrate ability to evaluate and compare employment opportunities and accept employment.

g. Provide examples of how IT is transforming business in various industries.

h. Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between lifelong learning and IT career development.

i. Demonstrate knowledge of career development/progression patterns in the IT industry

X. Technical skills

a. Demonstrate knowledge of the hardware components associated with information systems.

b. Demonstrate knowledge of the classes of software associated with information systems. c. Explore the future of information technologies.

d. Demonstrate knowledge of basic data communications components and trends. e. Demonstrate technical knowledge of the Internet.

f. Access the Internet. g. Internet services.

h. Install and configure software programs. i. Demonstrate knowledge of web page basics. j. Operate system.

k. Perform standard computer backup procedures. l. Describe system components.

m. Maintain security requirements. n. Employ computer system interfaces. o. Maintain system.

p. Provide support and training.

Students matriculating from the primary area technical school, Kent Career/Technical Center (KCTC) adhere to these guidelines for skills.

A primary concern for achievement of academic skills is course order. There is no crossover of prerequisites by department so in many cases, students can and do take advanced technical courses before taking the English, math and science courses that would help them be more successful in the technical courses.

A future step in this Program of Study will be to work with a cross section of faculty to develop a stipulated program order so that pre-requisite courses and foundation courses are taken prior to enrollment in technical courses that presume the skills of the lower level courses.

Adult student standards

The Accuplacer test administered by the GRCC Admissions Department staff is the assessment exam used to determine placement in foundations skills courses at GRCC. The tests are not required for adult or transfer students. Accuplacer scores are used to determine placement in English and Math courses. It is highly recommended that a computer literacy course be utilized to assess foundation skills entering any computer degree program at GRCC.

It is interesting to note that from 2006-2009, the age of students enrolled in the seven courses comprising the network degree core (CO 132, 142, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235) was 29.3 years. 100% of students enrolled in these courses were over the age of 20. This indicates a high rate of adult entry.

Accuplacer scores for the 23.6% of students who took the Accuplacer test in 2006-2009 enrolled in the seven core courses indicate the success rates by score:

Avg. Accuplacer Score for 2006-2009 Enrolled Students in CO 132,142, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235)

Grade Accuplacer Reading Score Accuplacer Writing Score Accuplacer Algebra Score Accuplacer Arithmetic score A 100.6 9 75.8 45.2 B 100.3 8 72.1 44.4 C 76.8 7 53 44.3 D 72 6 52 44.5 E/WP/W/WF 52 6 46 41

-Reading is critical to success

-Math scores, particularly in this technical area, are indicative of achievement.

Most students entering the Networking degree program are adults changing careers, enrolled in a state funded re-training program or updating skills. Reading skills are a required component of success however many incoming students are not tested, therefore the reading levels are not known.

For both high school graduates and adult learners, the importance of reading skills cannot be exaggerated. To that end, textbooks were reviewed and analyzed for grade level placement and vocabulary level:

CO-230: White, C.A., PhD. Data Communications & Computer Networks . 6th ed Course Technology, 2011. ISBN 0538452617.

CO 231: Vachon, R. Accessing the WAN. Cisco Press; Har/Cdr edition, 2008. ISBN-10: 1587132052

CO 233: Dean, T. Network+ Guide to Networks . 5th ed Course Technology, 2008. ISBN-10: 061921743x

CO 235: Dinicolo, D. MCSE Guide to Managing MSW Server 2003 Env (w/70-290 CD ,Course Technology, 2008 ISBN: 1423902890

Using the Fleisch-Kincaid grade level test, all four of the textbooks tested between 10th grade and college level texts. This emphasizes the need for college level reading abilities. Coupled with that is the comprehension level required to understand the technical concepts, theories and applications contained in the texts.

Crosswalks

For the purpose of identifying the community college entry level course competencies that align content gaps for the academic foundation skills including English (reading/writing/language), Math and Science, the curriculum alignment documents completed by GRCC English, Math and Science departments will be used. These documents can be sourced at http://www.grcc.edu/programsofstudyCurriculum.

Current technical/occupational standards are self-determined or assessed by an Admissions Counselor. There is no description of required skills to enter the Networking program in the catalog or on the web site which is an oversight to be corrected

Specific computer literacy skills are not explicitly identified by GRCC or the department. It is assumed, though frequently incorrect, that students have met the MCCTE pathway Information Technology foundation skills of “Demonstrate skill in the use of computer equipment for standard business purposes including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email, Internet use.” It is determined in the admissions process or by students self-assessment if these skills are achieved. If basic skills are not possessed, students can voluntarily take CO-097, a foundation skills class. If students and/or admissions

feels the students possesses the requisite skills reviewed in 097, students may register for any course for which they have the prerequisites. Completion of the CO-101 (Microsoft Office) and CO-105 (Operating Systems) courses, provide students with the prerequisite skills required to continue in the networking program including:

1. Basic computing concepts

2. File and folder management

3. Word processing

4. Spreadsheets

5. Presentation applications

In the future, it would be beneficial to student success to have a formal computer literacy assessment test administered to students along with the Accuplacer Reading, Writing, and Math tests. This would more accurately place students and give them the opportunity to gain skills at the necessary level. Assessment exams are readily available. The minimum skills to be assessed would, as established by Northwestern Michigan College and agreed to by Grand Rapids Community College, include the following:

Start up and shut down a computer safely and properly

Log in and log out, successfully entering personal account and password credentials

Enter data with a keyboard; use keyboard navigation controls and modifiers; cut, copy, and paste with keyboard and clipboard

Manipulate cursors using mouse as pointing device; differentiate between and

understand common pointers;locate, point, select, cut, copy, paste, replace, drag / drop, alternate-click, and double-click

Navigate and manipulate the file system structure (drives, folders, files, and shortcuts); operate a file system, browser utility to search, sort, and filter; navigate and modify the drive / folder hierarchy; create, copy, move, delete, and rename files and folders

Install and remove application software; configure basic operating system parameters

Transfer data between storage devices

Understand and explain common technical terms, concepts, file formats, and operating systems

Launch and exit applications; interact with applications via menus, icons, ribbons, context menus, scroll bars,tool tips, access keys, and dialog boxes; minimize, maximize, and resize windows

Use operating system utilities such as calculators, simple text editors, command prompt windows, multimedia players, volume control, and simple graphics programs

Use common desktop applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and presentation applications; select appropriate applications for specific tasks; create new documents, edit current documents, save documents, print

documents; enter data; navigate within a document; search and replace; undo; navigate between simultaneously open applications and/or documents; launch multiple copies of applications; apply formatting / style; select and enter formulas; verify proper

operation; employ utility tools such as spelling and grammar checkers

Use common Internet applications for messaging and search; compose, send, read, reply, and forward messages; manage attachments; open and download files from web servers

The following table details the technical skill crosswalk for the Computer Information Systems-Networking Program:

Prerequisites Year 1 First semester Year1 second semester Year 2 First semester Year 2 Second semeste N e tw o rk A d m in co u rs e s CO 224 Intro. to Systems Analysis CO 230 Introduction to Telecommunications CO 231 Wide Area Networking (WAN) Theory CO 233 Local Area Networking CO 212 Principles of Information Security CO 235 Advanced LAN for Window Services Pr o gr am mi n g/ O S Prerequisite skill: Can be achieved through credit in secondary course, GRCC Challenge Exam completion or CO 105 Windows Operating System CO 205 Advanced OS CO 116 Introduction to Programming CO 132 UNIX Operating System 2 2 CO 142 UNIX Shell Programming CO 232 UNIX System Administration 2 2

Da ta m an ag emen t Prerequisite skill: Can be achieved through credit in secondary course, GRCC Challenge Exam completion or CO 101 Introduction to Computer Applications CO 110 Introduction to Computer Information Systems G en er al Ed u ca ti o n EN 100 College Writing* OR EN 101 English Composition 1* Intermediate Algebra (MA 107) EN 102 English Composition EC 251 Principles of Economics COM 131 Fundamentals of Public Speaking PL 202 Introduction to Logic EC 252 Principles of Economics WE — Wellness EN 249 Technical Writing PS 110 Survey of American Government— — Natural Science Electives

Opportunity for articulated credit

Articulation agreements are in place as a result of the Kent Metropolitan Articulation Project of 2003. High schools include:

* Allegan High School

* Allegan Counte Technical Education Center * Cedar Springs High School

* Comstock Park High School * Covenant Christian High School * East Grand Rapids High School * East Kentwood High School * Forest Hills Central High School * Forest Hills Eastern High School * Godwin Heights High School

* Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Central High School * Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Creston High School * Grandville High School

* Heartlands Institute of Technology * Holland High School

* Houghton Lake Community Schools / COOR Area Career Tech Center * Hudsonville High School

* Jenison High School * Kelloggsville High School

* Kenowa Hills High School * Kent Career Tech Center * Kent City High School * Lee High School

* Muskegon Area Career Tech Center * Newaygo County Career Tech Center * Northview High School

* OAISD Careerline Tech Center * Rockford High School

* Saugatuck High School * Sparta High School * Tassell MTEC

* Tri County Area High School * Wayland High School * Wyoming Park High School

Many of these schools have articulation agreements in place for the foundation or prerequisite courses including English, Math, Science and the foundation computer literacy courses of CO-101 and CO-105. Not all of the listed schools teach a Computer Information Systems-Network Administration curriculum but for those who do, most notably Kent Career/Technical center, the following courses have

articulation agreements:

1. CO 232 Unix System Administration

2. CO 233 Local Area Networking

3. CO 235 Advanced Lan for Windows Services

SARP (Student Achievement Reporting Process) forms are included in the Appendix of this document for review of the proficiencies required to gain articulated credit for the three courses.

Articulation agreements will be renewed and reviewed in 2011-2012. The MCCTE standards will be utilized to determine skill assessment criteria. The CIP codes will also be corrected to insure that CIP 11.0901 will be used throughout the program of study process.

Opportunity for dual enrollment

The opportunity for high school students to dual enroll in the courses in the Computer Information Systems-Network Administration degree program conform to the general policies for the college which state:

The Early College program at GRCC is an enrichment program open to qualified high school students each semester. All credits earned through this program will be part of your official GRCC transcript.

· at least 16 years of age and a high school junior or senior

· maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

· approved by your high school counselor and/or principal

· currently pursuing your high school diploma

· desiring to take classes that are not available through your high school.

In general, the pre-requisite and foundation courses (CO-101 and 105) have the highest number of dual enrolled students. Students who elect programming specific courses also have the opportunity to dual enroll.

External certifications

The topic of external certifications may have a significant impact on the Network Administration degree in the next two to three years. The college and department are in discussions to determine if the path to becoming a Microsoft Learning Academy is the right direction for the college, faculty and students. The Microsoft Academy curriculum was developed as a study of several Microsoft® Windows 2003 products as they apply to a networking professional and courses taught in the curriculum are taught to Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification standards. The courses explore and apply the various Microsoft products in order to prepare the student for exams leading to Microsoft certification. Receipt of a GRCC degree is separate and apart from the actual MCSA and MCSE certifications.In addition to being a Learning Academy, the college would be required to be a testing center to offer the certification exams. In addition, faculty would have to be Microsoft Certified Instructors.

The process of becoming a Learning Academy and meeting all hardware, software, facility and staff certification requirements as well as becoming a testing facility is time consuming and costly. The Computer Applications Department believes it it worth both the time and budget necessary and will pursue information to that end.

In lieu of the Learning Academy status, students who complete the GRCC degree program can

independently pursue certifications as Microsoft Certified professionals and complete the exams at any of the three testing centers in Kent County.

Course sequence

The course sequence for the Computer Information Systems-Network Administration

Degree including program entry assessment levels is as follows:

Students entering the program should have be provided the Accuplacer test which more accurately places students in foundation skills courses or EN 100 College Writing* or

EN 101 English Composition 1 or BA 101 Business and Technical English. In addition, students should take MA 107 Intermediate Algebra, as a new or refresher math class. Students must show aptitude in reading, writing and math to continue the sequence of courses. If all incoming students are tested and placed correctly, it should not be necessary to establish set Accuplacer scores. It is imperative that the importance of taking these courses to provide a solid foundation be explained to students at every advising and counseling opportunity. Consideration should be given to making these courses pre-requisites to technical courses.

CO 101 Introduction to Computer Applications and CO 105 Windows Operating System will provide students with basic computer skills if they have not gained the experience in prior learning

environments. These courses are recommended but not required prerequisites for CO 212, CO 230 and CO 233.

Concurrent courses providing an introduction to basic computer operations and fundamental program skills include CO 110 Introduction to Computer Information Systems and CO 116 Programming. These courses are revised approximately every three years to include updated and new issues in the respective areas. These two courses have no prerequisite.

With the foundation courses successfully completed, students move on to the next level of courses where, again, the need is critical to take the general education courses in parallel with the same level technical courses. Thus the suggested sequence is EN 102 English Composition OR BA 102 Business and Technical English. At this juncture, students would also be introduced to business courses by taking EC 251 Principles of Economics 1 or BA 103 Introduction to Business if there has been no prior exposure to business education. Technical courses at this level include CO 132 UNIX Operating System which is a hard prerequisite for CO 142, CO 224 Introduction to Systems Analysis and CO 230 Introduction to Telecommunications. Again these courses are reviewed and revised on a three year rotation. The CO 230 course needs to be revised to incorporate wireless and mobile networking. If the college determines the Microsoft Learning Academy curriculum is to be adopted, these courses would be revised and replaced with courses in the Learning Academy curriculum.

When students have successfully completed the courses to this point, the emphasis switches to higher level technical courses. Intermediate level programming skills are learned in CO 142 UNIX Shell

Programming and the basic networking skills are learned in CO 231 Wide Area Networking (WAN) Theory and CO 233 Local Area Networking. Additional business skills are taught in EC 252 Principles of Economics.

Courses covering the more advanced networking, information security and operating

system/programming skills are the final courses taught in the degree sequence. The high level courses include CO 212 Principles of Information Security with a prerequisite of CO 2055, CO 232 UNIX System Administration with a recommended prerequisite of CO 132 and CO 235 Advanced LAN for Window Services.

Students who complete this sequence of technical, general education, humanities, social and natural science courses will graduate from GRCC with an AAAS degree. This provides them the opportunity to

pursue entry level networking positions or, as is the case with most students completing the program, transfer to a four year institution to work toward a baccalaureate degree. As was mentioned earlier, the courses currently taught in the degree program teach to certification test requirements so students also have the choice to sit for MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) or the MCSA(Microsoft Certifified Systems Administrator) exams.

The following table shows the completion results and achievements of students who follow the sequence of courses described here. The table indicates that the course sequence is relatively

successful. The percentage of students who do not successfully complete the courses is well below the GRCC and general community college average.

Non-satisfactory course completion and withdrawal rates for core networking courses 2006-2009

Course

Total grade <2.0

Count

%

CO 132

57

374

22

46

125

38

147

398

37

53

226

23

95

9

10.5

36

220

16

12

91

13

The next steps in the process include additional research toward becoming a Microsoft Learning Academy and a final determination as to whether that is the direction to proceed.

The issue of prerequisites needs to be reviewed. Currently several high level technical courses do not have required prerequisites.

Courses, as they come in the normal rotation, need to be reviewed, revised and updated to insure we are teaching what students need to know.

Advisory board meetings need to be held with business partners once a semester to review trends and needs for employment. Hardware, software and networking methodologies need to be reviewed as well.