PNAIRP 2014

Hey Buddy, Can You Spare Some Change? How to reinvent everything with little money

Jan O’Brien, Okanagan College

Roseanne Sovka, Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training

BC Student Outcomes Project

Survey of over 50,000 grads from all programs in all public post-secondary institutions in BC

Over 30,o00 respondents for 50%+ response rate.

Project active for over 25 years

$1.2 million

Project is a Three Legged Stool – a bit wobbly at times.

Three partners: BC Ministry of Advanced Education (AVED) BC Public Post-Secondary Institutions (PSIs) BC Stats

Others involved: BCCAT, ITA, registrars, VPs, Developmental faculty

Outcomes data used for:

Institutions

• Program review:

• Quality and Relevance

• Promotion

Ministry

• Accountability of Institutions to AVED

• Accountability of AVED to government and people of BC

Government

• Policy

• Input to labour market outlook and planning

Retirements and New Chairs

In 2012/13,

Six long-serving members retired including the two past-chairs.

Project had new TOR and structure in 2010.

Roseanne and I became the new Co-Chairs of the project at 2013 June Forum.

No Pressure!

Oh Crap!

Bubble Gum and Baling Wire.

Mobile Devices

New Data Partner

Not all legs are the same length from my perspective.

Plan for Pennies from Heaven and then wait

Asked PSIs three questions: What are you using the data for

now?

What can you do without?

What is your wish list for the future?

Many obstacles along the path

Legacy system reinforced decision to change

Next Steps?

November release of new tools includes:

Dashboard

Final Pivot tables

SPSS files

Training Session

Demonstrations to stakeholders

Feedback and list of improvements

Look for money for next solution

Find a new chair!

This year was like a difficult birth… Next year will be better!

What saved us?

Excellent engagement

Significant, long term success and good will

Co-chair unity

Time was right for change

Committees working hard, together

Willingness of key people to step up

Most Important Lessons?

Always have a vision of the future.

Make plans for the future even if you don’t have the funds.

Don’t assume everyone has the same perspective.

Don’t accept Chair nominations! (Kidding!)

Questions or Comments?