Northwest

Vista

College

Creating Opportunities for

Success

One of the

Alamo

Community

Colleges

Northwest Vista College, a college of the Alamo Community Colleges, does not discriminate on thebasis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employmentprograms, or services. Inquiries or complaints concerning these matters should be brought to the attention of:Director of Human ResourcesTitle IX Coordinator201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. AASan Antonio, TX 78204(210) 208-8051

Northwest Vista College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Collegesand Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to awardcertifi cate and associate degrees.

Message from the President 4

Mission & Vision 5

Strategic Plans 6

Values 8

Strategic Objective 1: Increase Access to Higher Education for Underserved Populations 9 Westside Education and Training Center 10 Jay Day Outreach Program 11 Hispanic Enrollment From Target Schools 12

Strategic Objective 2: Enhance Student Engagement and Success 13 Student Engagement 14 Student Success 15 Success of Gatekeeper Courses 16 Student Persistence From Fall to Fall 17 Retention in Technical Programs 18

Strategic Objective 3: Cultivate Dynamic Responsive Learning Partnerships 19 Educational Partnerships 20 Community Partnerships 21 Workforce Partnerships 22

Strategic Objective 4: Foster a Culture of Learning and Service Among Employees 23 Employee Development 24 Civic Engagement Among Employees 25 Work Environment for Employees 26

Strategic Objective 5:Engage in Fact-Based Process and Resource Management 27 Culture of Evidence 28 Resource Management 29 Stewardship of Facilities and Resources 30

Credits 31Maps 32

Table of Contents

The place of learning. The fear and trembling. The fi nal opening of a door.

But here in the place of learning, in the time of teaching, To fi nd also, and surely not be accident, Among the gifts of trees, of birds, the various gifts: Coolness after long heat, a lightening sky after Much heaviness, also to fi nd – The open heart, detached and open, So feeling it has become impersonal as sunlight, From how far and for what reason did you come, Stranger with a fi re in your head, to this deep kind of welcome?

So what you have was given and what you taught was learned, Striking rock for water and the water falling from air, Opening a door to fi nd someone in the room, already there.

From Place of Learning By May Sarton

President’s Message

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The theme for the Northwest Vista College 2006 Annual Report is opening doors. The theme emerged from these three things: the cover, contributed from a painting by Yuri Martinez-Ramos; the excerpt from May Sarton’s Place of Learning; and highlights included in this Report. The theme of opening doors serves as a metaphor for the College Mission statement: Creating opportunities for Success. Our Vision statement about learning together is a reminder that this place of learning is both about opening the door of a learning place for students and about students opening doors to their minds and to their futures.

The strategic directions for Northwest Vista, indeed all the Alamo Community Colleges, are focused on opening doors for students through access, student engagement and success, transfer and workforce education, dynamic partnerships, resource and facilities, quality initiatives and effective communications.

I am pleased to share with you this 2006 Annual Report in hopes that you will view in the 2006 Northwest Vista highlights the possibilities inherent in opening a door for a student. It is also my hope that when you come to our campus, you will fi nd “among the gifts of trees, of birds,” the opening of a door.

Jacqueline Claunch, Ph.D.President

Northwest Vista College

Northwest Vista College President Dr. Jacqueline Claunch received an award for outstanding achievements in education at the 11th Annual “Salute to Outstanding Women in Action” awards gala sponsored by La Prensa, San Antonio’s only bilingual newspaper. The ceremony is held in celebration of Women’s History Month and honors women with an impressive professional background and a long history of community involvement.

Mission and Vision

Defi nitions of our Vision goals

Learning to be: • Understanding who I am • Developing self • Being open to new ideas • Developing a values set • Developing the creative self • Being joyful

Learning to work: • Developing technical skills and knowledge • Developing creative and critical thinking skills • Developing communication skills • Developing work ethic • Collaborating effectively

Learning to serve: • Developing an ethic of service • Developing skills for responsible citizenship • Developing social and environmental responsibility • Developing a global perspective • Engaging in service to community

Learning to lead: • Developing and supporting each other • Applying core learning elements of Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge • Valuing innovation and risk-taking • Serving as a positive role model • Developing mediation and team-building skills

Together: • Positive interdependence • Partnering • Collaboration • Cooperation • Tolerance for and acceptance of differences • Synergy

Ralph MendezAccounting InstructorNorthwest Vista College

Northwest Vista College students delivered over 6,000 meals since 2004 to individuals with disabilities or elderly who are homebound. The Meals-On-Wheels volunteers deliver lunches to people who need this help and live within 10 miles of the campus. Ralph Mendez, who oversees the program, believes it enhances a meaningful overall college experience. “I’m very proud of the students’ efforts because they’re having an impact on the community and at the same time are having fun and making friends.”

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The Mission of Northwest Vista College

Creating Opportunities for Success

To become responsible members of our world community, we create exemplary models for:

Learning to be...

Learning to work...

Learning to serve...

Learning to lead...

Together.

The Vision of Northwest Vista College

Northwest Vista Strategic Plan

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Graduation, May 2006

To Reach Our Vision, We Will I. Increase access to higher education for underserved populations. Strategy I.A: Increase NVC enrollment from population groups within our service area that refl ect low matriculation rates.

II. Enhance student engagement and success. Strategy II.A: Enhance curriculum and teaching and learning strategies to increase student outcomes.

Strategy II.B: Provide programs and services to support FTIC students.

Strategy II.C: Provide a conduit for students to serve the community.

III. Cultivate dynamic responsive learning partnerships. Strategy III.A: Improve articulation and expand joint programming with NISD and with local higher education institutions.

Strategy III.B: Build internal and external partnerships that strengthen workforce development (credit and non-credit).

IV. Foster a culture of learning and service among employees. Strategy IV.A: Increase employee opportunities for civic engagement.

Strategy IV.B: Implement focused employee development.

Strategy IV.C: Use feedback from employee climate survey to improve climate.

V. Engage in fact-based process and resource management. Strategy V.A: Engage in systematic process improvement.

Strategy V.B: Engage in systematic organizational learning.

Strategy V.C: Serve as stewards of facilities and resources.

For the 2006 graduation ceremony, Northwest Vista College had 641 students who received degrees or certifi cates of completion. The 9th Annual Commencement Ceremony included students receiving Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, as well as certifi cates for occupational-technical programs. Approximately 1,750 family members, friends, faculty, staff, administrators and students fi lled the Lila Cockrell Theatre on May 8, 2006 to honor the 270 students participating in the ceremony—a record number for the college.

Alamo Community Colleges Strategic Plan

Bruce H. Leslie, Ph.D.ChancellorAlamo Community Colleges

In the fall of 2006, Dr. Bruce H. Leslie joined the Alamo Community Colleges as the new chancellor. He has 30 years experience with community colleges as a teacher and administrator. Before joining ACCD, Dr. Leslie served as chancellor of the Houston Community College System from January 2001 to June 2006. Prior to this, he was chancellor of the Connecticut Community-Technical College System, a system of 12 colleges enrolling more than 40,000 students.

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Goal I. Access to Higher Education Maintain and extend an open door and affordable access to quality higher education for citizens of Bexar County and surrounding service area.

Goal II. Student Success Increase academic success of students, with emphasis on low-income students and students of color.

Goal III. Workforce Development Build a world-class workforce education and training capacity in partnership with businesses and community-based organizations.

Goal IV. Capacity to Serve Develop the human capital and strengthen the fi nancial, technological, and physical capacities of ACCD for fi rst-rate student and community services.

Goal V. Organizational Communication Foster integrated organizational communication to consistently promote the positive impact and value of ACCD to the community of Bexar County and surrounding service area.

Our goals are driven by our strategic priorities:

College Values

Learning:We value a quality learning environment in which each of us grows in effectiveness as a worker and citizen while acquiring knowledge and understanding of self, community, and our cultural diversity.

Community:We value a community in which all members are empowered to contribute as learners and leaders, practicing mutual respect and building mutual trust.

Caring:We value caring - for ourselves, for each other, and for this place - and exhibit that caring through service to others.

Synergy:We value working together to make our shared vision a reality, recognizing that the whole we can create together is greater than the sum of its parts.

Diversity:We value diversity, appreciating different ways of knowing and ways of living and recognizing that our diversity is a source of strength.

Creativity:We value thinking beyond the usual parameters to engage in and support innovations that continually recreate our learning community as a model of excellence in higher education.

Openness:We value open and honest communications that create an atmosphere of trust and an openness to change for the benefi t of students.

Integrity:We value acting with integrity, placing high ethical standards before personal gain and modeling that behavior for others.

Joy:We value laughter and play that enriches our work and lives.

We, the students, faculty, and staff of the Northwest Vista College community, are committed to making a difference through learning and through service. To that end, we are guided and inspired by a unifying set of values.

John Seimetz, MSN, BSN, CNA, RNCoordinator, College Health Center

Northwest Vista College

In 2006, Northwest Vista College was recognized by the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center for donating 713 units of blood from students, faculty and staff. College Health Coordinator, John Seimetz, says this exemplifi es the college’s values of community and caring. “Blood is needed to maintain and sustain life. Without it, people suffer and die. Blood cannot be manufactured. It’s a gift of life.”

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Increase Access to Higher Education for Underserved Populations

Strategic Objective 1

Westside Education and Training Center

Northwest Vista College is committed to providing college access to all students. In 2006, the college’s outreach focus was on the Edgewood community in the West side of San Antonio, a traditionally underserved sector of Bexar County.

Northwest Vista College partnered with its sister college, Palo Alto, as well as the City of San Antonio and the Edgewood Independent School District to open an Alamo Community College District job-training center on the West side of the city to make college accessible to area residents, many of whom lack transportation or English language skills.

Known as the Westside Education and Training Center (WETC), the facility opened to the public in August 2006. It provides GED courses,

ESL classes and job training in a variety of fi elds including pre-nursing, accounting, computers, as well as college courses such as English and math.

The center has allowed Northwest Vista College to reach out to underserved Hispanic students. The ethnic breakdown of the students taking classes at WETC is 54 percent Hispanic as compared to 45 percent Hispanic on the main campus.

Felipe BarajasNorthwest Vista College Student

Class of 2006Community Health Worker Program

Ethnicity of Students at the Westside Center

Ethnicity of Students at the Main Campus

The Community Health Worker program offered at the Westside Center grew from fi ve students in 2005 to 35 the following year. In December 2006, the program had a 100% graduation rate. Felipe Barajas was one of the graduates. He says, “We relished the days we had class. It was a diverse group of students. We formed a community and it was an awesome experience. I gave a lot of myself into the program.”

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Jay Day Outreach Program

Since 2003, Northwest Vista College has been hosting an annual Jay Day for students from Jay High School to motivate them to attend college. It is a day of activities that gives Jay students a preview of what college life is about. Students attend sample college courses and learn to navigate around campus.

“This initiative emphasizes our Strategic Objective to provide college access for students attending high schools with low college matriculation rates,” says Northwest Vista College President Dr. Jacqueline Claunch.

This college-wide outreach program aligns with the 2005-2010 Strategic Objective of the Alamo Community Colleges to “maintain and extend an open door and affordable access to higher education for citizens of Bexar County and surrounding areas.”

Jay Day involves the collaboration of John Jay High School students, teachers and administrators with Northwest Vista College faculty, staff and students

who provide tours of the campus, sessions on admissions, fi nancial aid, testing and sample college courses such as biotechnology and dance.

At the conclusion of the day, students are asked to fi ll out a survey about their experience with Jay Day. In 2004, 86 percent of students who took the survey said they were motivated to go to college as a result of Jay Day. The following year, that number grew to 97 percent. The most recent data show that 96 percent of survey takers say Jay Day motivates them to go to college.

“My Experience Today at Jay Day Motivated Me to Go to College”

Brian Stout, Ph.D.Academic LeaderNatural and Physical SciencesNorthwest Vista College

Northwest Vista College Academic Leader Brian Stout is a member of the John Jay Science and Engineering Academy Board of Directors. He also volunteers during Jay Day. “I was a Jay grad and I feel I can relate to many of those students. I hope students get rid of some of their fears or misconceptions about college. I want them to realize that college life is very different from high school and that they have the opportunity to choose their path in life.”

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Hispanic Enrollment From Target Schools

Although Hispanic enrollment* as a percent of overall enrollment at Northwest Vista College decreased by 1.5 percent from spring 2003 to fall 2006, the enrollment of students from target schools with large Hispanic student populations is increasing.

For example, in fall 2004, Hispanic enrollment of First Time in College students (FTIC) from Jay High School was 75 and that number grew to 112 in 2006.

The Hispanic enrollment of FTIC students from Holmes High School was 54 in 2004 decreasing to 31 the following year. But in 2006, the number increased to 83 students.

Part of the reason for that growth may be attributed to Northwest Vista College’s initiatives to providing access to Hispanic students from underserved markets. In 2006, the college adopted a more systematic approach that places emphasis on results and collaboration across the college, with our sister Alamo Community Colleges and with the community at large.

In the spring of 2006, a new initiative called Holmes Day was created to encourage Holmes High School students to attend college. Similar to Jay Day, this all-day program includes sample college courses and sessions on fi nancial aid and enrollment. In future years, this event will be held at the college every spring.

*Does not include Dual Credit students.

Enrollment of First Time in College (FTIC) Students from Jay and Holmes High Schools

Vanessa DavilaArt Major

Holmes Day Scholarship RecipientNorthwest Vista College Student

Vanessa Davila is the fi rst one in her family to go to college. In 2006, she registered to attend Northwest Vista College but was concerned about cost. Then she attended Holmes Day and won a full-time scholarship. “Holmes Day confi rmed my decision to attend Northwest Vista. I got a preview of what my classes would be like. I was impressed with the technology and the teaching. I’m glad I came.”

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Enhance Student Engagment and Success

Strategic Objective 2

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Student Engagement

Students attending Northwest Vista College benefi t from active and collaborative learning, a teaching methodology practiced at the college by faculty and staff. According to the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE), Northwest Vista College outperforms comparable sized colleges in using active and collaborative learning by 14.4 percent (see graph).

In 2006, 63.5 percent of Northwest Vista College students surveyed said their learning was active and collaborative. That’s a 2.9 percent growth from the previous year.

In CCSSE survey results, active and collaborative learning is categorized as follows:

• 73% Students asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions

• 69% Students worked with other students during class

• 52% Students made class presentations

• 29% Students worked with other students outside of class to prepare assignments

• 9% Students participated in community -based project as part of a course

Student Engagement and Success

Anna Marie EvansPsychology Major

Northwest Vista College Student

All students in psychology courses at Northwest Vista College are given the opportunity to complete a community engagement project. Anna Marie Evans chose to do her project with the Habitat for Humanity. She says it was an eye-opening experience because she had never imagined herself doing construction work. “It was one of the best experiences. This was an extra step, outside of the ordinary classroom experience but the outcome was so exciting. I put up roof trussels, did nail reinforcements and measured door frames. I’m not the same person anymore. I see the world differently now.”

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Student Success

Research shows that the more contact students have with their instructors, the more likely they are to learn effectively and persist toward achievement of their educational goals. The student assessment of interaction with faculty at Northwest Vista College increased from 50.4 percent in 2005 to 56.1 percent in 2006. This number has always been above the benchmark of other large-size colleges where the Community College Survey on Student Engagement is conducted.

Student-faculty interaction consists of the following categories: • 58% Received prompt feedback from instructors • 57% Used email to communicate with an instructor • 54% Discussed grades or assignments with an instructor • 22% Talked about career plans with an instructor • 20% Discussed ideas from reading or class with instructors • 10% Worked with instructors on activities other than coursework All of these categories showed increased percentages from previous years -- these results indicate that initiatives aimed at increasing faculty -student interaction are having an impact.

Student-Faculty Interaction

Samantha GarciaEducation Major Phi Theta Kappa Honor SocietyMiss Fiesta San Antonio 2007Northwest Vista College Student

“At Northwest Vista College, students are given the opportunity to get one-on-one with their instructors. Every professor has told me that I am one of the few who chose to go to college and they help me to be proud of myself. What’s more, professors are not just about the text in the book. They teach you the fundamentals of life.”

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Student Persistence from Fall to Fall

Student persistence at Northwest Vista College exceeds the state average. Persistence—defi ned as returning from one year to the next (fall to fall)—among First Time in College (FTIC) students is currently at 58 percent as compared to 49 percent average for Texas community college students.

The top performing states in the nation are at 62 percent. This includes California, Wyoming, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan,

Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Although persistence at Northwest Vista College is high and above the state average for FTIC students, the number has dropped from 61 percent in 2004 to 58 percent in 2005. This creates a new opportunity for improvement to provide more support for FTIC students.

Persistence of First Time in College Students (FTIC) NVCState of Texas (2006)

Top States (2006)*

Andrew RameyBiology Major

Northwest Vista College Student

After graduating from high school, Andrew Ramey was enlisted in the Navy for fi ve years when he realized he needed a different career path. “I was very excited to start college in 2006 when I enrolled at Northwest Vista,” he says. Since then, Andrew has been successful in his studies and engaged in various extracurricular honor activities. He believes that persistence in college is directly linked to having goals. “I had a personal goal in mind when I came here. I know what I want to achieve and that has helped me to stay motivated and remain persistent.”

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Success of Gatekeeper Courses

As part of the Achieving the Dream project, which focuses on improving success and closing the gaps for underserved students, Northwest Vista College, along with its sister Alamo Community Colleges, is monitoring student achievement in “gatekeeper courses,” those high-enrollment classes that all students entering college must complete in order to progress in their education. These courses traditionally have the highest enrollment, withdrawal and failure rates. Gatekeeper courses include introductory courses in math, history, biology and English.

Northwest Vista College student success continues to improve in introductory math courses. The current success rate defi ned as grades A, B or C, is at 76 percent. History courses have shown a strong improvement from 68 to 72 percent. Although the success rate in introductory biology and English is good, it is lower than it has been in previous years, as represented on the graph below. Faculty teams are exploring initiatives to improve these courses.

Student Success (Grades A, B or C) in Gatekeeper Courses*

Julia Garza-BryantHistory Major Northwest Vista College Student

Julia Garza-Bryant says she used to struggle with math. She had to take four developmental math classes, including one that she repeated before enrolling in college-level algebra. But with the encouragement of math faculty and extra tutoring, she was able to succeed. “The instructors really believed in me and provided a lot of positive reinforcement. I got As in two of the courses, including college-level algebra.” Julia will graduate in May 2007.

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*Includes Dual Credit students

Success and Retention in Technical Programs

Student success and retention in technical courses is high, between 80-90 percent. However, it is still short of the college target of 90 percent.

Success, defi ned as grades A, B and C, was at 80 percent in fall 2006. That is slightly lower than the previous year when it was at 82 percent.

Retention, defi ned as completing the course regardless of grade, has been at 89 percent for the past two years. The goal for the college is to reach the target of 90 percent.

Success and Retention in Technical Courses

Hector RochaDesktop Support

Northwest Vista College Student

Hector Rocha enrolled at Northwest Vista College in 2004, after his employer, Sony Semiconductor, closed down the plant. Hector is working on an Associate Degree in Desktop Support, which he hopes will provide endless job opportunities. Coming as a student with a lot of hands-on experience, he had high expectations for the program. “I am very pleased with the way the courses are laid out, the setup of the labs, and the industry knowledge that instructors bring to the class.”

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Occupational/Technical Programs atNorthwest Vista College:

• Advanced Water Treatment • Biotechnology• Braille Textbook Transcriber• Clinical Research Coordinator• Community Health• Computer Forensics• Computer Programming • Digital Gaming For Artists • Information Security and Assurance • Instructional Assistant • Multimedia Specialist • Nanotechnology • Network Administration• Pharmacy Technology• Programming and Visualization• Systems Administration • Cisco Certifi cation (CCNA, CCNP)

Cultivate Dynamic Responsive Learning Partnerships

Strategic Objective 3

Educational Partnerships

In fall 2006, Northwest Vista College partnered with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to provide college access to students who received deferred admission to UTSA. The Joint Undergraduate Matriculation Program (JUMP!) enables students to begin college at Northwest Vista, where they can complete either the UTSA or NVC core curriculum.

After successful completion of 42 to 46 core credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA and in good academic and social standing, the JUMP! students are guaranteed admission to UTSA as transfer students.

Other benefi ts for students enrolled in the JUMP! program include a dedicated NVC advisor to ensure that students are taking transferable classes, a waived application fee to UTSA when students apply as a transfer student, and eligibility for a $2,000 scholarship to complete upper division course work once they arrive at UTSA.

“Northwest Vista College works closely with UTSA to facilitate successful completion of degree programs,” said Dr. Jacqueline Claunch, Northwest Vista College President. “The JUMP! program is one of many partnerships we have. In this case, the students who need help the most are getting assistance so that they do not have to delay their pursuit of higher education.”

Other educational partnerships in 2006 included:Independent School Districts • Edgewood • Judson • Lytle • North East • Northside • Pearsall • Poteet • San Antonio • South San Antonio • Southside

Charter Schools • Bexar County Academy • Higgs Carter King • New Frontiers

Learning Partners • ACT • American Management Association • Development Dimensions International • Dress for Success • Franklin Covey • International Business & Training Assoc. • Vital Learning • Vision Point

Northwest Vista College staffWhale Done! Program

A learning partnership between Northwest Vista College and SeaWorld of Texas allows college employees to participate in the Whale Done! Program. The 8-hour session includes half a day in the classroom and half a day interacting with Beluga Whales. The program teaches employees how to improve relationships, build trust, accentuate the positive and create a good work environment with better results.

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Community Partnerships

In the summer of 2006, Northwest Vista College launched the spaceTEAMS camp, an interactive hands-on experience for children in grades 4-8 to design and build robots. Developed through a grant from the City of San Antonio, and in collaboration with Edgewood ISD and the Shriever Institute, the program addresses the education, workforce and economic development needs of San Antonio youth who come from low-income families.

The spaceTEAMS program ran for two weeks in July and served more than 100 students who were divided into teams. Twenty teams of 5 students each, along with teachers, mentors, volunteers and career speakers, competed in the design of robots. The program was created to help students become interested in science, technology, engineering and math, with attention to recruiting female students who are traditionally underrepresented in these fi elds.

“The goal of spaceTEAMS is to give children hands-on experiences that allow them to see themselves as engineers and scientists and help them develop a plan for the education that will take them there,” says NVC Director of Alternative Programs Colleen Smith Arrey. “We need these children to help build the future technology workforce of San Antonio.”

Maeoris “Mae” HoganAcademy for Lifelong Learning Northwest Vista College Student

Other Community Partnerships Maintained by Northwest Vista College in 2006 included:

• Alamo Worksource • Annie Casey Foundation • Antioch Community Transformational Network • Chase’s Working Parents Network • Edgewood Family Network • Edward Jones • Home Depot • Intercultural Development and Research Association • Michael’s Arts and Crafts • Retirement Communities • San Antonio Housing Authority • SER Jobs for Progress • Texas Diabetes Institute • Texas Workforce Commission • Westside Education & Training Center

The Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) is a membership program for adults 50 and over to exchange ideas, take classes, teach and travel together. Offered through the Center for Workforce and Community Education at NVC, the program includes courses in arts, gardening, and languages. Maeoris Hogan has been with the program since its launch in fall 2005. “I am very impressed with what the Academy has done for us seniors to help us learn and grow together. I found joy and motivation.”

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Business Partnerships

• American Funds • Austin Community College • Catholic Life • City of San Antonio • Drum Café • Hermann Sons Fraternal Insurance • J.P. Morgan/Chase Bank, N.A. • Methodist Healthcare Ministries • Pape Dawson Engineers

• Radisson Hill Country Resort • SeaWorld • Southwest Research Institute • TX State General Land Offi ce • University Hospital • Air Intelligence Agency- Lackland AFB • 37th Training Wing- Lackland AFB • Fort Sam Houston

Northwest Vista College Business Partners

Workforce Solutions Outcomes/Companies and Contracts Served

The Center for Workforce and Community Education (CWCE) at Northwest Vista College maintains dynamic business partnerships. In 2006, CWCE Workforce Solutions Group created 30 contracts with 18 companies. Through these partnerships, Northwest Vista trained 1,100 employees. In 2005,

CWCE conducted a one-time contract training with the City of San Antonio, which contributed approximately 800 students to customized training enrollment. This training did not occur during 2006, accounting for the drop in the number of students enrolled from the previous year.

Daniel S. Mitchell, Ph.D.Director of Training

and Educational Resources, Southwest Research Institute®

For the past six years, Northwest Vista College has been in partnership with Southwest Research Institute (SWRI). In 2006, the college created a custom-training program known as Engineering Technology – for the Institute’s technical workforce. Classes will continue through spring 2008. Daniel S. Mitchell with SWRI says, “In our longstanding partnership, this college has successfully implemented and sustained a multi-level skills training program for our technical support staff that meets our changing needs.”

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Strategic Objective 4

Foster a Culture of Learning and Service Among Employees

Employee Development

Employees at Northwest Vista College benefi t from a variety of on-campus training opportunities, including teaching methodologies and tools, leadership development, new employee orientation, technology, safety and distance learning.

Most recently, the college improved the way it offers and documents employee training. Faculty development now includes three separate tracks: one for full-time, one for newly hired instructors, and for part-time faculty an Internet orientation course. Topics are chosen based on the needs expressed by faculty through surveys and suggestions as well as college priorities. An instructor is assigned to organize and implement each of these sessions.

A new tool implemented in fall 2006 is the Employee Development Tracking system. It enables the college to post course offerings for employee development via the college’s Web site, where employees can view and register for courses with ease and convenience. This automated system records training participation for employee records.

This information is later used to create reports for future development needs, and to ensure that classes are aligned to performance measures. Senior leaders can access the data for attendance trends and for employee appraisals to help strengthen the dialogue between employees and supervisors and to maximize opportunities for employees to succeed.

William KeithAssistant Professor of Art

Faculty Development CoordinatorNorthwest Vista College

“The tier system for faculty development we devised allows instructors to get the type of training that fi ts their needs. Part-time instructors obtain an overall orientation to all aspects of the college’s teaching philosophy, while new tenure-track instructors receive the fundamentals of cooperative learning and critical thinking, and our seasoned instructors are able to pick and choose between a wide variety of topics that come directly from their suggestions.”

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*

Number of Employees Participating in Training Offered on Campus

*Year-to-date data through April 30, 2007

Civic Engagement Among Employees

One of Northwest Vista College’s values is community. Employees and students are encouraged to become responsible members of the world community through service. The college’s vision statement and the 2005-2010 Strategic Plan further solidify the importance of civic engagement.

Service opportunities are promoted through the weekly employee newsletter, La reVista, as well as on the college’s Web site. The Staff Council has recently established a special team devoted exclusively to promoting and providing information on civic engagement opportunities in the following categories:

• Public Health and Wellness: blood drives, 5K Walk/Run or Race for the Cure • Education: teaching in the Academy for Lifelong Learning • Human Needs: Meals on Wheels, United Way • Environment: Earth Day, recycling, conservation and preservation efforts

Individuals are also encouraged to pursue community work of their own choosing, outside of the selections offered through Northwest Vista College. Employees are recognized for their involvement as they report it in their performance evaluations and on their Individual Action Plans.

Through a self-reporting survey question on the 2005 Personnel Assessment of College Environment (PACE) survey, employees indicate active participation in community service. Of those employees who answered the inquiry, 75 percent reported having participated in some form of community survey: 40 percent were active participants and 35 percent participated infrequently.

Employee Participation in Civic Engagement

Daniel JohnsonAssistant Coordinator Recreation Sports and WellnessNorthwest Vista College

Daniel Johnson is a volunteer with the RAMP (Repair And Modifi cation Program) that builds wheelchair ramps for homebound individuals. In the last 10 years, Daniel has built over 100 ramps with other volunteers he usually gathers for the project. He says, “Once the ramp is done, it can be used immediately. I’ve seen some individuals take off from their home right away and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing their immediate independence. They become free.”

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Work Environment for Employees

Northwest Vista College employees pride themselves on having a healthy work environment. The college has always scored above the norm on the Personnel Assessment of College Environment (PACE) survey that evaluates employees’ perceptions of the workplace.

Categories include: • Supervisory relationships • Institutional structure • Student focus • Teamwork

The PACE survey’s national norm score is 3.57 while Northwest Vista College scored 3.92 in 2005. A score between 3 and 4 indicates a consultative work environment.

Consultative environments indicate employees’ active involvement in the decision-making process of the organization.

In previous years, the PACE survey results for Northwest Vista College were slightly higher with a score of 4.06 in 2004. A score between 4 and 5 indicates Collaborative leadership model, the highest organizational level identifi ed by NILIE.

Each year, to address any declining rates, a team is set up at the college to explore ways to improve employee perception of the work environment in specifi c areas.

2006 opportunities identifi ed for improvement include: • Communication/information sharing • Institutional decision-making policies • Opportunities for professional advancement

Employees’ Perception of the Workplace on the PACE Survey

Judy CamargoDirector of College and

Grants DevelopmentNorthwest Vista College

“The organizational culture is one in which staff and faculty deem themselves to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Northwest Vista College encourages and challenges employees to surpass previous accomplishments, to stretch and reach beyond our comfort zones, and to continuously improve upon our processes.”

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Strategic Objective 5

Engage in Fact-Based Process and Resource Management

Culture of Evidence

In the spring of 2006, Northwest Vista College systematized the way it monitors and measures all of the college’s processes. The SIPOC tool (Supplier, Input, Process, Output and Customer) was adopted to organize and improve documentation of key processes.

The same year, the college created a centralized database that lists strategic objectives, the method of measurement, results gathered, and improvements planned for the coming year.

All of these improvements are a direct result of Northwest Vista College participating in the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) and the Baldrige National Quality Program, two rigorous external assessments.

In 2004, the college scored in band 2 of the Quality Texas scorecard. The range of the scorecard is from 0-8.

The following year, the college’s score improved to band 3. In 2006, Northwest Vista scored in band 4 on both the regional and national Baldrige criteria for performance excellence. The college that received the Baldrige National Quality Award in 2006 was Richland College with a score in band 5.

The goal for Northwest Vista College is to continue its cycle of improvement in performance excellence so that all of our stakeholders -- students, faculty, staff, community and workforce -- receive the best service possible.

TAPE/Baldrige Scoring Bands

Sidney MorganMultimedia Technology Major

Northwest Vista College Student

Help Us Grow Stronger (HUGS) is a form used for feedback at Northwest Vista College. The process, fi rst implemented in 2004, is posted on the college Web site and can be used by students, faculty, staff, community and various other stakeholders. Student Sidney Morgan has used the form. “I’m glad the college has a place where I can voice my opinion about services. It shows they care about students. That’s why I’m glad I came here.”

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Resource Management

In 2006, Northwest Vista College began a four-phase construction project for new buildings after the passage of the Alamo Community Colleges bond election the previous year.

The design and development of the fi rst and second buildings to be named Juniper Hall Academic Center and Redbud Learning Center were completed in 2006. These buildings will house the library, academic classrooms and labs for mathematics, English,

Reading, Education, English as a Second Language, music, and art. The construction on these buildings is projected to be completed by August 2008.

Three additional buildings will be under construction in the coming years. These facilities include the Cypress Campus Center, Live Oak Hall Academic Center and the Palmetto Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Due to escalation in construction costs, construction of a childcare center and the health and wellness sports complex have been deferred until additional funding is available.

The college is pursuing grant funding as well as underwriting by private and public individuals and entities to sponsor the design and construction of certain parts of those buildings.

Northwest Vista Campus (Bird’s Eye View Looking North) Juniper HallAcademic Center

Redbud HallLibrary and Learning

ResourcesCypress Campus

Center

Live Oak Hall Academic Center

Palmetto Fine andPerforming Arts Center

Michael L. Lanford Alamo Architects

The goal of the design of the new development at Northwest Vista College is to implement design and construction practices that reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment and the people that use them. We are achieving this goal through the use of sustainable site planning principals, careful use of water resources, energy effi ciency and conservation of materials and resources.”

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Stewardship of Facilities and Resources

As part of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP), landscape architects will build a 2.0 acre lake in the heart of the Northwest Vista College campus. Known as Lago Vista, the water element of the project is intended to accomplish the following:

Water Harvesting and Conservation

Rain water will be collected in the lake as well as water from air conditioning systems on campus. Later, this water will be used for landscaping and to help offset evaporation losses in the lake. While all the plants on campus will be native and indigenous, to establish them will require water. Through harvesting and conservation, the college will preserve domestic water and will save thousands of dollars in costs over the years.

Water Quality Preservation

More construction will initially cause more pollution. These pollutants will be carried into the lake where fi sh will eat insects and other vegetation. The size of the lake will help create waves that will add oxygen to the water, further cleaning it. In addition, the water will be pumped to the top of the existing swale and gradually fall downhill through biofi ltration systems of wetland grass plantings and pools polishing that will once again oxygenate and clean the water.

Storm Water Management

All of the drain lines from the campus will lead to the lake. This will help to detain the water so that the additional buildings, pavements, roofs and parking do not cause fl ooding. This will also help to preserve existing trees.

Student and Faculty Attraction and Retention

As a focal point of the campus, the lake will refl ect the surrounding architecture differently depending on the time of day. This can create unforgettable images for people who study, work and visit the campus. It can become the tool by which the college recruits and retains students, faculty and staff.

Campus Connectivity

The existing swale could potentially divide the campus. Creating a lake over the swale will visually enhance the campus and create a more circular effect, therefore connecting the various sides of the campus.

In 2002, Northwest Vista College received the Master Naturalist Award for Preservation from the Alamo Area Chapter of the Master Naturalists with volunteers such as those pictured above.

Northwest Vista College has partnered with the Texas Master Naturalists and volunteers from the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne to rescue fl ora and fauna from areas slated for construction of new buildings at the college. The fl owers, trees, and shrubs will be moved to other public properties. This demonstrates Northwest Vista’s continued commitment to the preservation of the surrounding environment.

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Academic Leaders

Credits

Jacqueline Claunch, Ph.D. PresidentJimmie Bruce, M.A. Vice President of Academic AffairsDebi Gaitan, M.A. Interim Dean of Student ServicesChristine Godin, M.A. Director of Learning ResourcesHope Medina, M.A. Interim Dean of the Center for Workforce and Community EducationDebra A. Morgan, Ph.D. Dean, Construction LiaisonJulie Pace, M.A. Dean for Performance Excellence

Steven Barnes, Ph.D. Arts and HumanitiesCindi Bluhm, M.A. Academic FoundationsJohn Grillo, M.A. Social and Computer SciencesHomer Guevara, Jr., M.S. Business and GovernmentMaria Teresa Landa, M.A. Communication ArtsBrian Stout, Ph.D. Natural and Physical Sciences

Design Yuri Martinez-Ramos Lisa McDaniel

Writing and Editing Jacqueline Claunch Renata Serafi n Maureen Smith

Proofreading Lydia Beaver Jimmie Bruce Debi Gaitan Jeff Hassmann Hope Medina Debra Morgan Julie Pace

Photography Ray Perez Paul Vallejo Photo Coordinators Patricia Garza Alyssia Woolard

Research Rodell Asher Kathi Ashworth Maxine Cuellar Manny Fernandez Patricia Garza Yvonne Guerra Missy Guillot Aimee Kypreos Elizabeth Lopez Don Lucas Warren Mack Christine Maddox Julie Pace Janie Scott Alyssia Woolard Graph Technicians Shawn Harward Paul Vallejo

Special Thanks Jennifer Rivera Viviane Marioneaux

Key Administrators

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©Copyright 2006 Northwest Vista College All Rights Reserved

Northwest Vista College

map

North Ellison Drive North Ellison Drive

Rooms200-217

100-116

Rooms218-237

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Admissions andStudent Services

President'sOffice

Library(upstairs)

Bookstore

Multimedia(upstairs)

Cafeteria

Gym(upstairs)

BanquetRoom

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VisitorsParking

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N Pecan Hall- Customized Training- Children's Enrichment- Community Education- Workforce Education

Texas Persimmon Physical Plant

- Dept of Public Safety (DPS)- Campus Maintenance

Mountain Laurel Hall- Classrooms- Science & Computer Labs- Faculty Offices- Teaching and Learning Facilitation

Manzanillo Hall- Admissions- Student Services (advising)- Library (upstairs)- President's Office

Huisache Hall- Cafeteria- Bookstore- Multimedia Labs and Gym (upstairs)

- Additional Classrooms- Teaching and Learning Facilitation

Boardwalk

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TPER

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BDWK

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# = Parking Lot Number

= Outdoor Tables

H = Handicap ParkingV= VIAtrans Bus StopE = Emergency Phone

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