Advisory Committee
MECC, a two-year, fully accredited, comprehensive community college, is devoted to serving the educational needs of its community. The College works in a cooperative effort with local industries, businesses, and governmental agencies to prepare citizens in our region for employment. More students from the service region attend MECC than any other college in Virginia. Located on a modern 95 acre campus, MECC boasts approximately 3,600 students annually pursuing programs that lead to certificates and degrees, as well as professional and personal development. Educational opportunities are provided for the recent high school graduate as well as adults in the area. The College offers a comprehensive program which recognizes the individual differences of each student. Students select MECC to gain skills to prepare for employment, to upgrade skills in their current jobs, and to re-train to enter other employment fields. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university also select MECC. The cost of tuition is very competitive in comparison with other colleges. Day and evening classes are offered at MECC, both on and off campus. A variety of distance learning opportunities are available, For students requiring pre-college preparation, MECC provides a comprehensive developmental studies program. Tutorial assistance is also available through the Student GAIN Program. Financial aid is available to all qualified students. The College operates under the philosophy that no student should be denied the opportunity for a post secondary education due solely to a lack of financial resources. The quality of MECC's educational programs is evidenced by the success of MECC graduates, both in the workplace, for those who complete occupational/technical programs, and success in four-year colleges and universities, for those who complete transfer programs. MECC's future has never been brighter. Dedicated to excellence is not just a slogan at MECC--it is a way of life.
AN EXPLANATION OF THE ADMISSION POLICY
Mountain Empire Community College follows an "open door" admissions policy and does not refuse anyone admission to the college on the basis of test scores or grades. Test results are used to indicate whether an applicant needs developmental or prerequisite courses before entering a specific curriculum, enabling the college to respond to the needs of individuals at their particular level of ability and development.
MECC'S MISSION STATEMENT Mountain Empire Community College functions within the educational community to assure that all individuals in its service area are given a continuing opportunity for development and extension of their skills and knowledge through quality programs and services that are financially and geographically accessible.
Mountain Empire Community College provides leadership in determining and addressing both the needs of individuals and the economic needs of the college's service area. Occupational-technical education, transfer education, developmental studies, continuing education, and community services are the primary avenues through which the mission is fulfilled. To assure that all students have the opportunity for success, the college shall provide a comprehensive program of student development services.
MECC'S VALUE STATEMENTS
 HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND TRUST
Conducting all decisions, processes and policy in a fair and ethical manner.
TEAMWORK AND COMMUNICATION
Maintaining and open exchange of information and ideas among all areas for shared problem solving and implementation within both formal and informal settings.
CUSTOMER FOCUS AND CONSTANCY OF PURPOSE
Maintaining the mission of our college and the customers we serve as the focal point throughout all of our processes.
QUALITY AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
Exceeding our customers' educational and training needs and expectations through programs and services of the highest standards that are performed through continuous, planned change for improvement.
CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
Recognizing and encouraging and educational environment that rewards creative work and thought by its faculty, staff and students so they will seek to introduce and utilize new and beneficial methods of operation.
WHY USE ADVISORY COMMITTEES?
An advisory committee is organized to advise educators about the world of work. The committee is composed of a group of persons with specific occupational knowledge and expertise. Advisory committees are important to the establishment and maintenance of up-to-date educational programs. Changes in technology and in business and industry operations have increased the need for effective communication between education and the world of work. An advisory committee of interested, competent and concerned citizens is the most productive and effective method for involving the community in education. It is a vital link between the community and Mountain Empire Community College.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE?
The division chair will serve as liaison between the advisory committee and the College administration. The committee's function is to advise and assist in program planning, not to establish or direct policy. Within the area of its educational, occupational/ technical specialty, the committee may:
A. Assist MECC in the establishment of occupational/technical programs and curricula by:
1. Helping to identify present and future occupational needs within the College's region and the skills and knowledge required by prospective employees.
2. Advising the College concerning employment practices; specific certification and licensure requirements; job entry educational levels required by business, industry, government, and the professions; standards and regulations relating to student employment; and occupational placement of graduates.
3. Reviewing and submitting recommendations regarding specific program and curriculum proposals, and specialized equipment and facility requirements of new or innovative programs.
B. Assist with recruitment of students by:
1. Publicizing the College's programs and employment opportunities.
2. Encouraging student scholarships and other financial assistance.
C. Promote understanding and support of MECC and its programs by:
1. Assisting with the establishment and maintenance of a liaison between the College and regional businesses and industries, professional organizations and agencies.
2. Disseminating information about the College and its programs.
D. Assist MECC in conducting regional studies and surveys.
E. Participate in the evaluation of MECC's programs as they relate to the educational and occupational needs of the region.
MEMBERSHIP
The minimum size of any one committee will be six persons and the maximum will vary with the nature of the program(s) served. The membership will be representative of area businesses, industries, governmental agencies, and the professions who would benefit from the services of graduates of the respective programs. A representative from each new industry moving into the area should be appointed to an appropriate advisory committee at the earliest opportunity. Full or part-time faculty or staff may serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of an advisory committee.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Each member is expected to:
- Attend meetings regularly, participate in the committee discussions,and serve on sub-committees when requested.
- Study carefully any problems that come before the advisory committee.
- Keep the college administration and faculty informed of new developments in business and industry.
APPOINTMENT
The division chair will review the qualifications and recommend new committee members to the Dean of Academic and Student Services. The Dean will, in turn, recommend to the President who will recommend to the College Board for approval.
ORIENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS
The division chair and the committee chair are responsible for the orientation of new members. Orientation should occur prior to the new member's first meeting. The committee's purpose, the College's Mission, and the role of members should be included. A tour of College facilities and introductions of appropriate college personnel should also be included.
LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership should be reviewed annually by the appropriate division chair. Any member who does not attend regularly should be contacted to ascertain continued interest and be replaced if interest has ceased. Notification in writing will be sent by the appropriate division chair regarding loss of membership.
CHAIR
The advisory committee elects a lay member to serve as chair. The chair presides at meetings, works closely with college officials, calls meetings, plans agendas, appoints subcommittees, and ensures that the annual program evaluation is complete. The term of office of chair shall be no more than two years.
VICE-CHAIR
A vice-chair is elected to serve in the absence of the chair. The term of office of vice-chair shall be no more than two years.
SECRETARY
A committee may elect a recording secretary from its membership or ask a non-voting college representative to serve as secretary. The secretary will perform the usual functions of announcing meetings, communicating information, and recording and mailing copies of the minutes to all committee members and the director. Minutes of each formal meeting will be kept on file by the Division Chair.
MEETINGS
It is important to establish the date, time, and place of meetings early so that members can mark their schedules accordingly. Although the number of meetings to be held each year is dependent on the specific situation and need, at least two meetings are recommended.
AGENDA
Meetings should be conducted with a planned agenda. The responsibility for the development of the agenda lies with the committee chair and the appropriate division chair. The agenda should be sent to each member with the meeting notification and any material necessary for the meeting. This gives the members the opportunity to come to the meeting prepared to take an active part in the discussion. The contributions of the Advisory Committee and the individuals who volunteer to serve as members are invaluable to Mountain Empire Community College. The entire College community--administration, faculty, staff and students-greatly appreciate the time, commitment and experience given by each Advisory Committee member.
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