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  2. ASI
  3. Phase I (2017-2019)

Phase I (2017-2019)

Phase I of ASI had four elements:

  1. Data Gathering and Analysis
  2. Deliberation and Selecting Initiatives
  3. Implementation
  4. Assessment

Data Gathering and Analysis

ASI was formally launched with the distribution of a concept paper outlining the challenges, urgency, and potential areas to study. With this framework in place, research and data gathering on noninstructional operations took place. Two reports (one by Floten Consultancy and one by the internal Committee for District Operations Review) as well as input from internal working groups and external stakeholders served as sources of information.

Deliberation and Selecting Initiatives

An executive leadership team—composed of the chancellor, college presidents, vice chancellors, and executive director of Communications and Marketing at the district—devoted two retreats to reviewing the reports and related recommendations. After some very open, candid, and considerate dialogues, the team reached unanimous consensus on 13 areas and requested more information and exploration on six additional areas.

Recommendations

  1. Foundations
  2. Strategic Enrollment Management
  3. Chief Information Officer for IT (CIO/IT) and Associate Vice Chancellor
  4. Web Development
  5. Human Resources (HR)
  6. Faculty Job Postings
  7. Professional Development
  8. Accreditation
  9. Communications
  10. Sustainability
  11. Grant Writing
  12. Government Relations
  13. Chancellor’s Office

Items Needing More Information or Exploration

  1. Institutional Research
  2. E-learning
  3. Corporate and Customized Training
  4. Financial Aid Processing as Part of SEM
  5. Business and Administrative Services
    • Environmental health and safety, security, and emergency planning
    • Capital projects
    • Purchasing practices for custodial, facility, and grounds maintenance
  6. SCCtv

Over time, the following initiatives were put under the ASI umbrella to help with alignment and clarity:

  1. International Programs
  2. Continuing Education
  3. Seattle Pathways

Implementation

The recommendations for the Foundations, CIO/IT, Web Development, and HR have been fully implemented. The Strategic Enrollment Management recommendation is being executed as part of Seattle Pathways. All other recommendations required limited action.

Assessment

In 2019, the Educational Policy Institute was selected to assess Seattle Colleges’ ASI efforts. The consultants solicited comments from college presidents, vice presidents, and Siegel Center executives, as well as from open forums for faculty and staff at each college and Siegel Center. They also tallied more than 600 employee surveys (which included hundreds of comments). EPI issued its report in November of 2019.

2020 ASI chart