NOTE
Please note that only the data as listed below have been updated in this document for the PRU 2013-14:
Updated Data:
 Student Success Data (table- success & retention rate)
 FTES (chart)
 Number of Sections (chart)
 Resources: Staffing (table)
All Work Experience courses (all XXXX-095A-F) are excluded from the updated data.
The rest of data (if any) and the document text (except the PRU Addendum) has been copied from the last
year PRU 2012-13 completed document.
Program Review Update 2013-14
Computer Information Systems
(Report Due: October 15, 2014)
Program Description (source: Faculty)
Computer information systems (CIS) is the study of the tools and techniques used to
effectively and efficiently transform raw data into useful information.
Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in CIS commonly include
office administration, general business, web design, software installation and maintenance,
software quality control, database management, electronic bookkeeping, network
administration and customer support. CIS classes also provide the foundation for careers in
medical, insurance, and law office positions.
Careers in the discipline that generally require higher level degrees include programming,
system analysis, database design, network design and administration, and security
management.
Even students who choose not to major in CIS find that coursework in the field can improve
their ability to think analytically, solve problems, organize thoughts and information, and
utilize new technology more efficiently and effectively. Our discussions with industry
representatives indicate that in today’s world employers expect and demand a certain
minimum of computer skills as a given, much as they expect an employee to be able to read,
write, and use basic math. College of the Desert’s CIS curriculum includes course offerings
that provide a general overview of the discipline, as well as courses dealing with more
advanced software concepts, and tools used in the business environment.
The College currently offers appropriate certificates and degrees in computer information
systems and is working on certificates in Administrative Office that will provide the
combination of technical skills and business skills required for success in an entry level
office/administrative assistant position.
In addition to the immediate employment benefits of certificates and associate degrees,
coursework at College of the Desert prepares the way for further study at the Baccalaureate
1
Program Review Update 2014
level within the California State Universities and University of California systems, and other
colleges nationwide.
Students Served (source: Faculty)

The CIS program serves students who are seeking career opportunities, students seeking to
improve academic success, and students planning on transfer to a four year institution.

The program also serves students whose interest is more Career Technical than
conventionally academic.

Two courses, Computer Survival Skills (cis 5) and Computer Literacy ( cis 10) provide the
technology background required for students majoring in a number of CTE programs.

The Computer Literacy course, cis 10 is articulated with CSU San Bernadino to meet the
Technology requirement for several CSU degree programs. It is also aligned with C-ID.

The Survival Skills course, cis 5, is articulated with high schools and ROP programs to provide a
seamless career pathway.
Discipline/Program Learning Outcomes (source: Curriculum Specialist)
Upon completing a certificate or associates degree, students in the CTE PROGRAM will be able to:







Transfer to a higher level learning institution.
Fulfill the requirements for an entry- level position in the CIS field.
Fulfill the requirements for many entry-level office positions where CIS knowledge and skills
are key to career success.
Apply critical thinking skills to execute daily duties in their area of employment.
Apply critical thinking skills to research, evaluate, analyze and synthesize information.
Demonstrate the skills and aptitude necessary to pass certification exams in their field.
Exhibit effective written, oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Course Level Assessment Completed (source: Faculty & OAC Coordinator)
(See Appendix G of Academic PR)
CYCLE 1
COURSES:
ASSESSMENT
(Steps 1 – 3)
ANALYZE, REPORT
& DISCUSS
2
COORDINATE
and
COMMENTS
Program Review Update 2014
(Steps 4 & 5)
IMPLEMENT
CHANGES
(Step 6)
New course effective F10
CIS-005
CIS-006
CIS-010
CIS-011
Sp 11
Sp 11
Sp 11
FA 11
Done
Done
Done
Done
Done
Done
Done
New course effective F10
CIS-012
CIS-016
CIS-017
CIS-020
CIS-072D
CIS-081A
CIS-081B
CIS-082C
CIS-083D
CIS-085C
CIS-086
CIS-097
CIS-098
CIS-099
Sp 11
Done
Done
New course effective F10
New course effective F10
Offered every fall
Not offered
SP 13
FA 12
08/FA & 10/FA
10/FA
10/FA
10/FA
10/FA
13/FA
SP 13
FA12
FA12
NA
Offered every other spring
Done
Done
DDP
DDP
Done
DDP
Done
Done
Done
Done
Offered every other fall
Done
Completed 2nd cycle 3/3/11
Cross listed with DDP001A
Cross listed with DDP001B
DDPDDP001A
Offered every spring
Cross listed with DDP002
Offered every fourth semester
Taught fall 2013
Open Labs no AR
Open Labs no AR
Not offered
Changes Implemented as a Result of the Assessments (source: Faculty utilizing OASR form)
In order to more closely align our cis 10 Computer Literacy course with the California Course
Identification Number System (C-ID), we adopted two separate textbooks beginning in fall 2013, one
covering cis concepts, and one including computer lab exercises and simulation software.
All faculty, including adjunct, feel that the simulation software offers an excellent learning experience
and should be continued. However, the software used in previous semesters was outdated, so in fall
2013 we switched to a new publisher with a significantly improved product. While this simulation
package presented a large number of problems due to its “newness”, the publisher has supported us
well in its adoption, and it appears to be a great choice going forward. We will continue to critically
evaluate the textbooks and software throughout this academic year.
Faculty are also evaluating the need for a prerequisite to cis 10. The course is not entry level and
assumes some level of technology expertise, which can be gained through cis 5, cis 11, cis 12 or an
articulated high school course. Articulation discussions are ongoing.
The cis 5 textbook was replaced with a new edition in spring 2014. Simulation software is not
currently used for this course, but we continue to evaluate its appropriateness for this course.
Internet Research, cis 6, is continuing with a successful and reasonably priced textbook. Feedback
from students indicate that this is a very valuable course. Additional final project options are offered
each semester based on input from students.
Cis 11 and Cis 82c have been put on an every other semester schedule to match current demand.
Other courses in the program are being rotated into the class schedule as budget allows, which is
every third or fourth semester. This makes it very difficult to follow the outcomes/assessment cycle
3
Program Review Update 2014
since software usually changes in that timeframe and each time the class is offered it is with a new
textbook and new version of software.
We continue making critical thinking an outcome for all of the CIS courses, look for contextual
projects, and evaluate the success of these projects with our advisory committee.
Program Requirements from outside agencies (source: Faculty working with Dean)
We meet regularly, at least once a year, with our community steering committee, which consists of
local employers. Their input and guidance is invaluable with helping us stay on track with local needs.
This program completes all required activities to receive Perkins grant funding for improving
instruction.
In 2010 the CIS program was modified to meet the need for more integration of CIS skills and
office/general business skills.
In 2011/2012, two new certificates, Administrative Office Professional and Administrative Office
Assistant, were approved and are now available to students.
4
Program Review Update 2014
Student Success Data (source: Office of Institutional Research)
Courses: CIS
Student Success Rate:
Retention Rate:
2010_11
2011_12
60.7%
79.3%
62.5%
80.9%
2012_13
59.0%
80.3%
2013_14
53.6%
73.2%
Note: Success rate is the percent of students who earned a grade of A, B, C, or Cr/P in course out of total enrolled
in course at census. Retention rate is the percent of students retained in course until the end of the term out of
total enrolled in course at census.
Narrative Interpretation (source: Faculty)
5
Program Review Update 2014
A success rate of 53.6 % in 2013-2014 is a concern, however we attribute much of the decrease to
problems with the textbook/software used for the first time in Fall 2013.
Computer Information Systems must constantly upgrade to new versions of software to stay current
with industry standards and with versions that are available in the marketplace. When Microsoft
stops selling/supporting Office 2010, we must move to the newer version. Doing so requires a
textbook upgrade; in Fall 2013 we discovered that our publisher was unable to meet promised
deadlines; students were subjected to projects that were “ buggy”; wlwctronic projects that were
submitted correctly were marked wrong; simulations “hung” forcing students to start over multiple
times. Faculty scrambled to provide better feedback and modify assignments; the semester was
overall a frustrating disaster.
The textbook/software improved by Spring 2014 semester; it would be interesting to compare the
success and retention rates from Fall 2013 to Spring 2014; that data is not provided to us.
Another issue is the changed state rules regarding TBA labs. CIS courses are primarily lecture/lab; the
course was offered with lecture as a required classroom attendance and lab TBA which allowed
students to complete assignments either at home or in the CIS labs where an instructor and
instructional aid were present. Today students have to register for a fully classroom section which is 6
weekly hours; a hybrid in which the lecture is in the classroom and the lab “online”; or fully online.
This is neither efficient nor effective; we would like to pilot some additional scheduling options to
better utilize lab and instructor resources while providing the best possible learning opportunity for
our students.
Online sections also provide a challenge. For many students they are ideal; for others they appear to
be an easy way out of attending class in a subject they consider “simple” because they use technology
constantly. When they find that the demands of cis 10 go far beyond their level of expertise, they are
unwilling or unable to commit to finding the hours and resources required to succeed. We do not
believe the answer is limiting the number of cis 10 online sections; we are looking for ways to better
prepare students before or during the first weeks of class. Comments in the online class schedule
would be helpful; also a Blackboard option for students to access the course syllabus and objectives
BEFORE registering.
Resources:
Staffing (source: Research Office)
FT Faculty by Load:
Faculty Last Name
Becker
Decker
Gillman
Hall
Marhuenda-Do
2010_11
2011_12
2012_13
2013_14
10/FA
11/SP
11/FA
12/SP
12/FA
13/SP
13/FA
14/SP
53.33
69.99
40
33.33
40
40
40
100
100
80
59.99
73.33
46.66
100
99.99
100
100
13.33
33.33
33.33
33.33
20
6
Program Review Update 2014
Staffing Resources
PT Headcount
FTEFac FT
FTEFac PT
Total FTEFac FT and PT
% PT/FTEFac Total
FTEFac OL
2010_11
2011_12
2012_13
2013_14
10/FA
11/SP
11/FA
11/SU
12/SP
12/FA
12/SU
13/SP
13/FA
13/SU
14/SP
7
9
7
1
7
9
1
9
9
1
10
1.71
1.28
2.12
1.79
1.51
1.72
1.65
1.19
3.82
4.29
3.25
0.26
3.52
3.70
0.26
3.93
3.69
0.26
4.62
5.53
5.57
5.37
0.26
5.31
5.21
0.26
5.65
5.34
0.26
5.81
69.1%
77.0%
60.5% 100.0%
66.3%
71.0% 100.0%
69.6%
69.1% 100.0%
79.5%
0.27
0.23
0.33
0.53
0.53
0.20
0.46
Narrative Interpretation (source: Faculty)
For many years there were four full time faculty in CIS, each specializing in one or two areas.
Today,there are two full time faculty in CIS which makes it very difficult to stay current in all technical
areas; select textbooks and software; mentor adjunct through the constant changes.
There are three certificate and one degree program to manage by the CIS faculty. CIS is also a
required part of the Business transfer degree and several other CTE certificates which requires
coordination with faculty in these areas.
The program should expand into business related areas such as e-commerce and into technical areas
such as game and mobile app programming; this expansion requires additional full time faculty.
Some courses are taught only by adjunct.
The adjunct pool available for day time sections is limited and should be increased.
Facilities (source: Faculty)
1) List of all facilities (Please indicate if any of these were added last year):
 There are two smart classrooms dedicated to the CIS program – although some classrooms
are shared with other disciplines when available. This is adequate if we continue offering the
majority of our courses online.
 Computers in one classroom were updated in 2011/2012.
 The second classroom was scheduled for 2013/2014; it is now scheduled for Spring 2015.
 Faculty computers need to be upgraded.
2) Assessment of adequacy of current facilities:
Facilities are excellent but we need to remain on schedule for computer replacement.
Equipment and Supplies (source: Faculty)
7
Program Review Update 2014
Supplies – particularly paper and toner – are an ongoing need but with increased use of our Online
Learning Management system for web enhancement of the classroom, paper usage has decreased by
more than 30%.
There is an immediate need for replacement of several computer mouses and keyboards in the labs.
Program Challenges (source: Faculty working with Dean)
1. We have lost two out of four full time faculty in this area.
2. With the exception of 2013-2014 – which is explained above - FTES and number of sections
have held steady or increased slightly.
3. It is increasingly difficult to maintain currency and quality, develop new courses and programs,
and investigate new teaching methods with our limited staff.
4. Expanding the CIS program into areas of new technology is virtually impossible with current
faculty staffing levels.
5. Merging some of the CIS program into business areas such as e-commerce is also virtually
impossible with current faculty staffing levels.
6. Remaining current with technology requires a commitment to both time and funds for faculty
development.
7. Computers in one classroom were updated two years ago; the second classroom was put on
hold because other requirements for Perkins funds were deemed more important; that lab is
now over three years beyond warranty.
8. We are very short on adjunct, particularly adjunct who can teach in the classroom, and need
to increase our pool.
9. California budget issues are also forcing us to delay some courses and it is possible we will not
be able to deliver each of the new offerings once during a two year period.
10. There is an SB 1440 TMC degree in progress for CIS and we are waiting to see the
recommendation before continuing changes to our program.
11. High School Articulation continues.
Report on completion of program objectives last year (objectives were specified on PRU two years
ago) Other Program Accomplishments (source: Faculty)
 Our overall program objectives remain sound; the methods by which we achieve these
objectives is continually changing.
 The new cis 10 has been outstandingly successful in meeting student Computer Literacy and
transfer requirements.
 Results for the program certificate and degree are more mixed:
o Budget challenges have slowed our ability to offer the full range of courses
currently included in our certificate; three courses have not yet been offered .
o Because we have not been able to offer these courses, we have been unable to
develop a cohort of students moving through the new certificate program so we
do yet have any statistics on program completion and success.
o With all the rapid changes in technology, it is possible that the CIS program will
need to change before all of the currently planned courses have been offered
even one semester. Faculty are continually monitoring this situation and
considering alternatives.
o The cis 10 Computer Literacy course has been accepted for C-ID.
8
Program Review Update 2014
o

An SB 1440 degree is also in progress and the results of that effort will also
impact our program.
Faculty meet each semester to assess the success of individual courses, look at the mix of
courses being offered, consider technology changes, and check progress against program
objectives. Unfortunately it is difficult to fully evaluate the program until we have
offered each course at least once but we remain committed to offering the best possible
technology education for our students.
Current Program Objectives (taken from last year’s PRU)
1. Analyze student success rates in cis 10 and look for trends and opportunities to improve
without compromising the content, rigor, and quality of the course. Analysis should
concentrate on evaluating improved success based on our new texrbooks and simulation
software.
2. Continue scheduling retreats in which all faculty – full time and adjunct – gather to assess.
3. Continue monitoring success and areas for improvement.
4. Consider a prerequisite for cis 10 to assure that students have the technology background
required to succeed in this course.
5. Modify the cis 10 course as needed to meet C-ID requirements for full approval.
6. Modify the CIS program as necessary to meet SB 1440 degree requirements and budget
constraints.
Program Objectives for next year (source: Faculty, working with Dean as needed)
1. Analyze student success rates in cis 10 and look for trends and opportunities to improve
without compromising the content, rigor, and quality of the course. Analysis should
concentrate on evaluating improved success based on our new texrbooks and simulation
software.
2. Change cis 17 Records Management to lecture/lab and investigate options for making this
course a better preparation for careers in the insurance, medical,and legal office areas.
3. Continue scheduling retreats in which all faculty – full time and adjunct – gather to assess.
4. Continue monitoring success and areas for improvement.
5. Consider a prerequisite for cis 10 to assure that students have the technology background
required to succeed in this course.
6. Modify the CIS program as necessary to meet SB 1440 degree requirements and budget
constraints.
9
Program Review Update 2014
PROGRAM REVIEW UPDATE ADDENDUM
Program Name:
_________________________________________
1. Staff Needs
NEW OR REPLACEMENT STAFF (Administrator, Faculty or Classified) 1
List Staff Positions Needed for the upcoming Academic Year.
Please justify and explain each faculty request based on rubric criteria
for your college. Place titles on list in order (rank) or importance.
1. Full time faculty shared with Business program
Reason:
CIS has lost two of four full time instructors. This is an area of constant change;
staying current with industry trends and modifying courses/programs is a huge time
commitment beyond the normal faculty demands of teaching and learning.
Indicate
New (N) or
Replacement
(R)
Annual
TCP*
R
$85,000
2.
Reason:
3.
Reason:
4.
Reason:
5.
Reason:
6.
Reason:
* TCP = “Total Cost of Position” for one year is the cost of an average salary plus benefits for an individual.
New positions (not replacement positions) also require space and equipment. Please speak with your college
Business Officer to obtain accurate cost estimates. Please be sure to add related office space, equipment and
other needs for new positions to the appropriate form and mention the link to the position. Please complete this
form for “New” Classified Staff only. All replacement staff must be filled per Article I, Section C of the
California School Employees Association (CSEA) contract.
1
If your SLO assessment results make clear that particular resources are needed to more effectively serve
students please be sure to note that in the “reason” section of this form.
10
Program Review Update 2014
Program Name: _________________________________________
2.
Equipment (excluding technology) Needs Not Covered by Current Budget 2
List Equipment or Equipment Repair Needed for the
upcoming academic year. Please list/summarize the needs
of your unit on your college below. Please be as specific
and as brief as possible. Place items on list in order (rank) or
importance.
*Indicate
whether
Equipment is
for
Instructional (I)
or NonInstructional
purposes (N)
Annual TCO**
Cost
per
item
Number
Requested
Total Cost
of
Request
1.
Reason:
2.
Reason:
3.
Reason:
4.
Reason:
5.
Reason:
6.
Reason:
* Instructional Equipment is defined as equipment purchased for instructional activities involving
presentation and/or hands-on experience to enhance student learning and skills development (i.e. desk
for student or faculty use).
Non-Instructional Equipment is defined as tangible district property of a more or less permanent nature
that cannot be easily lost, stolen or destroyed; but which replaces, modernizes, or expands an existing
instructional program. Furniture and computer software, which is an integral and necessary component
for the use of other specific instructional equipment, may be included (i.e. desk for office staff).
** TCO = “Total Cost of Ownership” for one year is the cost of an average cost for one year. Please speak with
your college Business Officer to obtain accurate cost estimates. Please be sure to check with your department
chair to clarify what you current budget allotment are. If equipment needs are linked to a position please be
sure to mention that linkage.
2
If your SLO assessment results make clear that particular resources are needed to more effectively serve students please be sure to note that in the
“reason” section of this form.
11
Program Review Update 2014
Program Name: _________________________________________
3.
Technology (Computers and equipment attached to them) ++
Needs Not Covered by Current Budget: 3
NOTE: Technology: excludes software, network infrastructure, furniture, and consumables (toner,
cartridges, etc)
Annual TCO*
Priority
1.
Usage /
Justification
EQUIPMENT
REQUESTED
New (N)
or
Replacement (R)
Program:
New (N) or
Continuing
(C)
Location
(i.e Office,
Classroom,
etc.)
Is there
existing
Infrastructure?
MAC computer
Many of our
students use MAC
computers for
completing
Microsoft Office
assignments and
MyITLab; we are
unable to trouble
shoot differences
between MAC
software and PC
and need one
MAC as a
resource for
researching the
differences
between versions
of Microsoft
Office.
How
many
users
served?
Has it been
repaired
frequently?
Cost
per
item
$100
0
N
C
ISA
Office
Yes
Number
Requested
Total Cost
of Request
1
$1000
1200
stude
nts
2.
Usage /
Justification
3.
Usage /
Justification
4.
Usage /
Justification
5.
Usage /
Justification
* TCO = “Total Cost of Ownership” for one year is the cost of an average cost for one year. Please speak with
your college Business Officer to obtain accurate cost estimates. Please be sure to check with your department
chair to clarify what you current budget allotment are. If equipment needs are linked to a position please be
sure to mention that linkage. Please speak with your Microsupport Computer Supervisor to obtain accurate cost
estimates.
3
If your SLO assessment results make clear that particular resources are needed to more effectively serve
students please be sure to note that in the “justification” section of this form.
12
Program Review Update 2014
++ Technology is a computer, equipment that attaches to a computer, or equipment that is driven by a
computer.
Remember to keep in mind your college’s prioritization rubrics when justifying your request.
13
Program Review Update 2014
Program Name: _________________________________________
4. Facilities Needs Not Covered by Current Building or Remodeling Projects*4
Annual TCO*
List Facility Needs for the upcoming academic year.
(Remodels, Renovations or added new facilities)
Place items on list in order (rank) or importance.
Total Cost of
Request
$30,000
1. Computer upgrades for classroom.
Reason:
2.
Reason:
3.
Reason:
4.
Reason:
5.
Reason:
6.
Reason:
* Please contact your college VP of Business or your Director of Facilities, Operations and Maintenance to
obtain an accurate cost estimate and to learn if the facilities you need are already in the planning stages.
4
If your SLO assessment results make clear that particular resources are needed to more effectively serve
students please be sure to note that in the “reason” section of this form.
14
Program Review Update 2014
Program Name: _________________________________________
5. Professional or Organizational Development Needs Not Covered by Current Budget*5
List Professional Development Needs for the upcoming
academic year. Reasons might include in response to assessment
findings or the need to update skills to comply with state, federal,
professional organization requirements or the need to update
skills/competencies. Please be as specific and as brief as possible.
Some items may not have a cost per se, but reflect the need to spend
current staff time differently. Place items on list in order (rank) or
importance.
1. Travel to professional development opportunities
Reason:
Annual TCO*
Cost per
item
Number
Requested
Total Cost
of Request
$1000
2
$2000
2.
Reason:
3.
Reason:
4.
Reason:
5.
Reason:
6.
Reason:
*It is recommended that you speak with Human Resources or the Management Association to see if your
request can be met with current budget.
5
If your SLO assessment results make clear that particular resources are needed to more effectively serve
students please be sure to note that in the “reason” section of this form.
15
Program Review Update 2014
Program Name: _________________________________________
6. Student Support Services (see definition below**)
Services needed by your Program over and above what is currently provided by student services at your
college. These needs will be communicated to Student Services at your college 6
List Student Support Services Needs for the upcoming academic year.
Please list/summarize the needs of your unit on your college below. Please be as specific and
as brief as possible. Not all needs will have a cost, but may require a reallocation of current
staff time.
1. Mentoring between counseling and CTE staff to offer advising and SEP’s
Reason:
2.
Reason:
3.
Reason:
4.
Reason:
5.
Reason:
6.
Reason:
**Student Support Services include for example: tutoring, counseling, international students, EOPS, job
placement, admissions and records, student assessment (placement), health services, student activities, college
safety and police, food services, student financial aid, and matriculation.
6
If your SLO assessment results make clear that particular resources are needed to more effectively serve
students please be sure to note that in the “reason” section of this form.
16
Program Review Update 2014
Program Name: _________________________________________
7. Library Needs Not Covered by Current Library Holdings 7
Needed by the Program over and above what is currently provided. These needs will be communicated to the
Library
List Library Needs for the upcoming academic year.
Please list/summarize the needs of your unit on your college below. Please be as specific and as
brief as possible. Place items on list in order (rank) or importance.
1.
Reason:
2.
Reason:
3.
Reason:
4.
Reason:
5.
Reason:
6.
Reason:
7
If your SLO assessment results make clear that particular resources are needed to more effectively serve
students please be sure to note that in the “reason” section of this form.
17
Program Review Update 2014
Program Name: _________________________________________
8. Learning Support Center Services Not Covered by Current budget *.
Total Cost of Requests
List Learning Support Center Services Needs
If your unit is responsible for running a learning support center
such as the Writing and Reading Center, the Math Learning
Center, Computer lab or similar learning support center please
address those needs here. These do not include laboratory
components that are required of a course. Place items on list
in order (rank) or importance.
If the cost is the responsibility of an administrative unit you
do not need to list it here.
Cost per
item
Number
Requested
Total
Cost
Ongoing
(O) or
one-time
(OT) cost
1.
Reason:
2.
Reason:
3.
Reason:
4.
Reason:
5.
Reason:
*It is recommended that you speak with your college IMC and/or Lab Coordinators to see if your request can
be met within the current budget and to get an estimated cost if new funding is needed.
18
Program Review Update 2014
Program Name: _________________________________________
9. OTHER NEEDS not covered by current budget 8
Annual TCO*
List Other Needs that do not fit elsewhere.
Please be as specific and as brief as possible. Not all needs will have a cost, but
may require a reallocation of current staff time. Place items on list in order (rank)
or importance.
Cost per
item
Number
Requested
Total Cost of
Request
1.
Reason:
2.
Reason:
3.
Reason:
4.
Reason:
5.
Reason:
6.
Reason:
Completed by:
Date:
8
If your SLO assessment results make clear that particular resources are needed to more effectively serve
students please be sure to note that in the “reason” section of this form.
19
Program Review Update 2014