Career Center

Description

The Career Center currently uses a number of different technologies that function well. Discover and eDiscover career exploration software remains popular with students. The paid-printing system has been successfully implemented. Electronic sign-in by the students works well. We have an adequate number of student PC workstations. Staff PCs meet Information System’s minimum standards.
 
A major challenge of the next few years will be the implementation of the new student record system. This will require a complete evaluation of our business processes, a significant staff training and development effort, and a review of our hardware needs.

PCs will need upgrades to handle the new Vista operating system.  When the license for Discover expires, a decision will need to be made to renew, replace, and/or augment career assessment software.

Student Services Impact

The use of Discover and eDiscover has increased student access to career exploration. The Career Center Web pages help disseminate information on services, workshops, and other useful links to students.

Approximate Number of Students Served

Approximately 4500 students are served each year.

Support Impact

The new student record system will require a huge amount of training and support from Information Systems. This is in addition to their support of existing hardware and software used by the department.
 

Year 1 (2007-2008)

Objective

·                     Maintain up-to-date technology that meets District Information Systems standards.

·                    Utilize interactive software that promotes student success and access.

·                    Continue to work on support and training for Discover software.

·                    Assist the college and District in implementing the new student record system.  

·                    Identify new and/or replacement career assessment software.

·                    Migrate to new Vista operating system.

·                    Provide workshops/classes for on-line career development and job
search. 

Action to Meet Objective

·                    Participate in the Student Services PC replacement plan.

·                    Ensure that necessary software supported and funded by Information Systems is included in the District’s Information Technology Plan.

·                    Identify and obtain area-specific software funded by the college.

·                    Participate in task forces, committees, staff development sessions, and other activities that support the implementation of the new student record system.

·                    Explore the report generating capabilities of Discover to research student retention questions.

·                    Continue to evaluate the need for Web-based Career Center services.

·                    Obtain flat-panel monitors for staff as needed.
 

Year 2 (2008-2009)

Objective
Same as prior year. These objectives are ongoing.
 
Action to Meet Objective
Same as prior year, with modifications made as needed depending on progress in completing the 2007/08 objectives.
 

Year 3 (2009-2010)

Objective
Same as prior year. These objectives are ongoing.
 
Action to Meet Objective
Same as prior year, with modifications made as needed depending on progress in completing the 2008/09 objectives.
 

Back to table of contents