Wisconsin Technical College System responds to
skills shortage by streamlining program and facilities development
MADISON – As part of ongoing efforts to improve operations and provide flexible, responsive solutions to Wisconsin’s workforce skill shortage, the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board redesigned both its program development and facilities development processes. Process efficiencies approved at the Board’s November meeting include elimination of duplicative or extraneous paperwork, increased emphasis on career pathway designs and establishment of a structured sequence that will ensure more timely program development at the college level and approval by the WTCS Board.
"Because we focus on supporting Wisconsin businesses, the WTCS Board is committed to ensuring our own practices and procedures serve the best interests of the 16 WTCS colleges, their students and all our Wisconsin stakeholders," said WTCS Board President S. Mark Tyler. "These changes improve operational efficiency at both the college- and system-level while maintaining appropriate accountability and oversight as specified in Wisconsin statutes and appropriately expected by Wisconsin taxpayers."
The changes maintain the unique and distinct shared-governance roles assigned in Wisconsin Statutes to local WTCS colleges and the WTCS Board for both program and facilities development. "Under the program development changes, WTCS Colleges continue their long-standing role and authority for ensuring that each college provides the skilled workforce needed locally and regionally," said Kathleen Cullen, WTCS Vice President for Teaching and Learning. "At the same time, the WTCS Board maintains its authority and accountability for upholding consistency with the latest educational practices and quality standards."
Both the colleges and WTCS Board have a role in developing facilities, where colleges have authority for making sure projects respond to local and regional needs and the WTCS is responsible for reviewing facilities development projects to ensure they comply with statute and administrative code requirements and cost and building standards. The changes help colleges by providing more flexibility in the WTCS approval process for smaller remodeling projects, minor rentals and small-limited lease agreements. According to James Zylstra, WTCS Vice President for Finance and Administration, “The modified facilities development process ensures colleges can respond quickly to emerging workforce needs or unexpected local economic events in the most cost-effective manner. It creates efficiencies while maintaining quality assurance.” Because Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code delineate much of the WTCS facility development process, some of the process changes approved by the WTCS Board also are subject to review and approval by the Governor and the Legislature.
The new program and facilities development processes resulted from a collaborative effort between the Board and the 16 technical colleges that make up the WTCS. "On behalf of the entire WTCS, I want to thank Waukesha County Technical College President Barbara Prindiville, Mid-State Technical College President Sue Budjac, and WTCS Vice Presidents Zylstra and Cullen along with Associate Vice President Annette Severson and all of the System faculty and staff who contributed for their thoughtful and diligent work to this project," stated Tyler. "These process improvements reflect their dedication to ensuring that the WTCS combines the highest quality education and training for students with rapid response vital to meeting the ever-changing workforce needs of Wisconsin employers," Tyler added.
About the System:
The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) offers more than 300 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community. More than 370,000 individuals access the technical colleges for education and training each year. Find more about educational programs at www.witechcolleges.org.
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