Christopher Nickell

Jennie, That is a solid advisory board, especally the current student. Sometimes, some organizations are not comfortable having a current student in an advisory board meeting, I think it is critical. There shouldn't be anything to hide :). In my experience, career services is the leader of the show. IF you have more than one or two in a CS department, divide them up by program to be present. If one CS advisor/director, make sure they make it around to each group for some insight and discussion. Christopher Nickell

Susan, I will ask our team if we can create one. Currently, there isn't one this specific to meet your identified need that I'm aware of. Christopher Nickell

Susan, What has this information sparked in your thinking about your own programs? Christopher Nickell

Victoria, One of the most common mistakes executive leaders make in our business is that when population and revenue is down, the first thing they do is look to start new programs to increase both. This is often a mistake. Look within first. Make sure what you are currently offering is running as effectively as possible from both an academic quality and operational standpoint and fix that first. Usually existing programs can be rebooted to increase population and revenue. Christopher Nickell

Susan, That 11%-12% is pretty decent considering some other known failures in this area. Calling before and after certainly helps that number. Christopher Nickell

Tammy - the BLS is often of no help. Yet, you always need to review it and add it into your research. When you send out emails and surveys to potential employers, are you adding a carrot? What is in it for them to respond?

Your CS department plays a critical role in new program development. This is why reducing turnover and hiring a real winning attitude in that department is key. They are the caboose and must be willing and able to get out there and create a strong network. It cannot just be done over the phone.

Susan - this sounds like a great process! Well thought out, true to form. Question: On the fax to the community and employers - what % of replies do you get back?

Agreed, you would never "wing it" to invest in a new program. You would use this method from a relaible source, even if it yourself when the data shows a 50/50 shot of making it. In today's climate, you would probably want to be a little more confident in the data than you needed to be 5-10 years ago.

Tim - Who within your organization is responsible for the "gut check" on starting a program? Is there a relaible source either locally or at your home office/HQ that has a lot of industry experience to know if certain programs will work or not in general? Often times, local employers don't care about your investment. They just want you to start a program to help them fill a need. It is great to have a strong relationship with the local workforce agency. Many strongly support our students. Meeting the needs of their clients should always be a priority.