SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 179
SJR 179 is a resolution directing the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to determine and report findings to improve and advance the existing system by creating specific action steps around 11 key topics.
This resolution is beneficial for KCTCS because it provides a structured approach to identifying and implementing improvements.
SJR 179 allows KCTCS to develop a statewide workforce plan and a roadmap for the future success of the college system. The goals of this approach include:
- Enhancing the quality and relevance of academic programs.
- Establishing clear and supportive student success pathways.
- Reducing financial barriers.
- Streamlining administrative functions.
More than 25 years ago, Gov. Paul Patton signed House Bill 1, the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, creating KCTCS as the ninth institution institution of higher education in Kentucky. This brought together 15 technical colleges and 13 community colleges into one system and set KCTCS on a path forward to serve students from all different backgrounds and graduate them into careers that addressed Kentucky’s labor shortages. KCTCS was tasked with bettering the lives of Kentuckians through education and career opportunity.
SJR 179 provides KCTCS the opportunity to look ahead and design its future. KCTCS is working intentionally and collaboratively within all levels of its organization and with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and the Kentucky General Assembly to chart its best course forward.
To be purposeful in this work, KCTCS divided the 11 key topics from the resolution into five scope areas. These scope areas are led by work teams. Each work team is made up of faculty and staff from all 16 colleges and the KCTCS System Office and is led by a college president.
Creating these work teams with representation from faculty and staff at the colleges and from the System Office ensures that we have balanced viewpoints and perspectives shared throughout this process.
| SJR 179 Scope Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Governance and Organization Structure |
|
| Academic Programming Optimization |
|
| Student Pathways |
|
| Affordability |
|
| Administrative |
|
SJR 179 is a resolution directing the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to determine and report findings to improve and advance the existing system by creating specific action steps around 11 key topics. These topics have been grouped into 5 categories: Governance and Organization Structure, Academic Programming Optimization, Student Pathways, Affordability, and Administrative.
This team will present various options that consider possible recommendations on the following topics, as required by SJR 179:
- KCTCS Geographic Footprint: Evaluating the locations of KCTCS campuses, this work team will consider whether there is a need for potential mergers or consolidations.
- Accreditation: This work team will research and review different options for the system, which may include a change to the KCTCS accreditation model.
- Governance Reform: This work team will review the current structure of the KCTCS Board of Regents and the 16 individual college boards of directors to determine if any changes are recommended.
The Governance and Organizational Structure Work Team aims to collaboratively build a stronger community college system that prioritizes the needs and successes of its students.
This team will present various options that consider possible recommendations on the following topics, as required by SJR 179:
- Academic programming and training offerings, including the quality of credentials and program relevancy.
The Academic Programming Optimization Work Team will ensure KCTCS is positioned to meet the changing needs of students and employers.
This team will present various options that consider possible recommendations on the following topics, as required by SJR 179:
- Statewide Workforce Plan: This may include current financial and academic supports, tutoring and mentoring services, and tools for career exploration and job searches. It may also include hands-on learning opportunities and a review of financial aid programs to help students get more support like grants and loans, focusing on fairness for all students.
- Dual Credit Courses: Evaluate the success of students in dual credit courses and the costs of dual credit programs for students, families and the school, including tuition, fees and textbooks.
- Transfer of Courses: The team will review the transferability of associate degrees and understand the success rates by academic programs and special populations and identify common barriers to success.
The Student Pathways Work Team is dedicated to ensuring that students and their success remains the focal point of tall their efforts, prioritizing their needs in every aspect of the process.
This team will present various options that consider possible recommendations on the following topics, as required by SJR 179:
- KCTCS Funding Model: This team will analyze the current funding model to include state appropriations and performance-based funding and draft recommendations based on potential changes to ensure KCTCS is properly situated to support its mission and its students.
- Tuition Rates: Review and analyze current tuition rates and the value of return for students and graduates.
The Affordability Work Team is focused on a robust and sustainable funding model for KCTCS, ultimately enhancing educational opportunities and affordability for all students.
This team will present various options that consider possible recommendations on the following topics, as required by SJR 179:
- The Personnel System for KCTCS employees: This team will review the current personnel system to consider its effectiveness and efficiency and create several recommendations on beneficial improvements.
- Outdated or conflicting statutory language: This team will conduct a thorough review of possible outdated or conflicting laws and make suggestions to update or remove language.
The Administrative Work Team is working to help build a more effective, efficient and student-focused college system.
April
Complete
Deliverable: Establish project teams with roles and responsibilities determined, scope and outcomes identified, and reporting structure defined.
May
Complete
Deliverable: May PLT meeting work session to share expected deliverables, outputs for project teams.
May 28 Special Meeting of the KCTCS Board of Regents to discuss scope and potential outcomes including options of single-accreditation, mergers & consolidations, and governance structure.
June
Complete
June 13-14
Deliverable: Information communicated to KCTCS Board of Regents regarding project work team approach and gain approval for moving forward with work method.
July
August
September
September 19-20
Deliverable: Draft of all action plans provided to Board of Regents for review and feedback.
October
November
November 19-20
Deliverable:
Revisions required by Board of Regents and/or the results of the forensic audit completed.
December
December 5-6
Deliverable: Final action plans submitted to Board of Regents for approval.
December 10
Deliverable: SJR 179 Action Plan presented to LRC.
