September 2008

FEATURE

The District Curriculum Committee (DCC), in collaboration with Maricopa faculty and Instructional Councils, has been busy with a number of important curriculum agendas that support student success.  Here’s a sample of some highlights (PDF) .

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: CCTA WEB SITE

The Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation (CCTA) is excited to share its newly redesigned web site. The site features the same curriculum and transfer features, but presents a fresh look and feel that is more focused on the needs of the user. The first thing you will notice is the left-hand navigation menu. We have simplified the structure so that the user can find items more easily. There are two main sections of the CCTA webspace: Curriculum and Transfer Articulation. Each of these sections has been redesigned so that the most popular pages can be easily accessed. Additionally, CCTA has a new print feature where the user can print the center section of most of the pages. The site can be viewed at www.maricopa.edu/academic/ccta/.

We value your input. If, while using the CCTA website, find anything amiss, or should have a request for a specific feature, please tell us.

FACULTY CORNER

Instructional Council Chairs (IC) and Lead Articulation Task Force (ATF) Members Fall Meeting: The IC Chairs and Lead ATF Members had their fall meeting on September 5th. Topics that were shared with the representatives included a District Retreat Summary and a faculty presentation on the Instructional Council Role in the Curriculum Process. Additionally, a statewide update was given, which included information on a pilot project related to Common Course Numbering.

IC Website: A faculty workgroup, with assistance from district resource personnel, met in April to review the IC Website. The group's primary focus was on the site's design, navigation, and functionality. There were no content changes. Improvements to the site included: the creation of an IC Portal Page, the display of the Membership Lists, and the addition of a Members Query. The enhancements to the site were shared with the IC Chairs/Lead ATF Members at their fall meeting. To view the updated IC Web site.

ATF Common Course Numbering Pilot: This past year, the Joint Conference Committee (JCC) discussed the possibility of Arizona developing a common numbering system. Based on research conducted, the JCC has charged the discipline specific faculty groups to pursue common course numbering. This fall, 21 ATFs are being asked to participate in this Common Numbering Pilot Project. To access the project plan (PDF).

For questions regarding the Common Course Numbering Pilot or ATFs, please contact Maricopa's Arizona Transfer Articulation Committee (ATAC) Member, Rose Rojas at (480) 731-8039 or via email.

WEST VALLEY PARTNERSHIPS

In 2007, the Maricopa Community Colleges entered into articulation agreements with two institutions located in Goodyear, AZ. Franklin Pierce University and University of the Incarnate Word are two private liberal arts universities that will build comprehensive campuses on city land in the years to come. A third school, University of St. Francis of Illinois, also plans to teach classes in Goodyear next year.

Franklin Pierce University offers degrees in Accounting/Finance, Management, Human Services and General Studies. Graduate degrees include an MBA and Doctor of Physical Therapy. Undergraduate degrees are offered in 8-week terms; graduate degree terms are 12-weeks. A wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees are also available online. Contact Andrea Brode at 602-791-6186 or brodea@franklinpierce.edu for information. Visit www.franklinpierce.edu

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) offers degree programs for both traditional and non-traditional students. Students meet in person or online one day a week for an eight-week term.  UIW offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate business degrees including education, psychology, applied arts, religious studies and the RN to BSN.  Maricopa graduates pay no application fees and are eligible for tuition deferment (with employer tuition assistance) and a tuition freeze.  UIW also offers a 3 + 1 Associate to Baccalaureate Cost Savings program.  A student stays with the community college for three years and then completes 45 hours with UIW for their bachelor degree. To learn more, call 623-523-3226, or visit online at www.arizona.uiw.edu.

UPDATES

Learn About Indiana University's transfer credits policy change. Click Here!

ARTICLES

Making the Transition to Four-Year Institutions: Academic Preparation and Transfer (Working Paper No. 13): Josipa Roksa & Juan Carlos Calcagno — June 2008. New York: Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University.

Transition Matters: Community College to Bachelor's Degree - A Proceedings Report of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance. May 2008.