Institutional Effectiveness

LaGuardia Community College’s Institutional Effectiveness process is an ongoing, College-wide undertaking integrating institutional assessment and planning at all levels, in service of promoting the College’s ability to achieve its Mission “to educate and graduate one of the most diverse student populations in the country.” By developing and implementing a long-term strategy which demonstrates the importance and interconnectedness of assessment and planning at all levels, the College will be better positioned to achieve its institutional Mission and apply its Core Values.

As illustrated in the Institutional Effectiveness Plan  and its visual representation, the institution’s mission is the foundation of Institutional Effectiveness; all priorities must be aligned with it. The College’s Strategic Plan is essential to ensure institutional effectiveness by setting broad institutional goals guided by appropriate planning principles. This institution-wide process strengthens LaGuardia’s abilities to make informed decisions and allocate resources based on agreed-upon priorities.

The coordination and integration of all strategic planning and assessment activities at LaGuardia are essential components for embedding institutional effectiveness across programs, units, departments and divisions. In this way, the entire College better understands the progress made toward achieving our Strategic Plan goals—the data used to evaluate activities that support our Mission and Strategic Plan—so that the College community will better recognize and implement the necessary actions and innovations to advance the College’s mission and strategic priorities.

The Strategic Plan reflects broad institutional goals that are supported by a set of planning principles, thus strengthening LaGuardia’s abilities to make evidence-based decisions and to allocate resources based on priorities. Typically, strategic plans are re-examined every five years, leading to the development of a new plan based on revised and renewed directions and priorities. The process incorporates campus-wide engagement, with recommendations and feedback sought from all constituencies.
Annual Departments Work Plans
Annual Division Work Plans

Assessment is the process of gathering qualitative and/or quantitative data to gauge progress on academic and operational goals and providing faculty, staff and administrative leaders with information about where changes to processes and practices might be required, and where to invest effort and resources to improve important educational outcomes. The College community works together to support student growth and development, to address shared Student Learning Outcomes, and to deepen their mutual practices through a careful examination of the outcomes evidence and related strategic goals.

 

Academic Assessment

Academic assessment at LaGuardia Community College is a process designed to support meaningful learning and development—for students, of course, but also for faculty, staff and the College as a whole. Our assessment framework addresses:

  • The entire purpose of college education, from first to last semester.
  • The teaching and learning that takes place inside and outside the classroom.
  • The learning that happens within and across programs, majors, or disciplines.
  • Learning Matters Assessment Guide
 
General EducationGeneral Education assessment at LaGuardia flows from its mission as an open-access community college. Our assessment processes reflect our focus on students’ longitudinal growth. We believe that, to be effective, development of student learning requires recursive attention in both General Education core courses and in required courses in the major, from First Year Seminars to Capstone courses. Consequently, LaGuardia assesses its General Education Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) both in the Pathways Core and in three required courses in every major during early, middle and late points in the curriculum.
Periodic Program Review (PPR)Mandated by CUNY, all majors conduct a Periodic Program Review (PPR) on a regularly scheduled basis addressing Core Competencies and Abilities as well as the programmatic competencies developed for each particular major. PPRs are led by program faculty, who use their findings to recommend and implement changes in programmatic practice.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are developed by each program and are articulated as part of a program’s Mission Statement. PLOs describe program-specific teaching and learning throughout the course of students’ education in the program, and what specific SLOs – skills, competencies and knowledge – the students will attain.
Administrative and Educational Support Units Assessment (AES)
Administrative and Educational Support units (AES) assessments examine how effectively the units are achieving their goals and objectives including meeting the needs and expectations of students, parents, employers, faculty and other stakeholders. AES units can also assess Student Learning Outcomes within the context of the unit’s services and the co-curricular experiences.
  Annual Executive Summaries

The City University of New York follows a performance management process (PMP) that links planning and goal setting by the University and its colleges and professional schools, measures annual progress towards key goals, and recognizes excellent performance. LaGuardia’s Mission, Values, and Strategic Goals align with CUNY’s and the CUNY PMP guides the College’s strategic planning

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)LaGuardia Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). LaGuardia’s current accreditation phase and accreditation status are displayed on the institution’s listing in the Institution Directory and in the Statement of Accreditation Status (SAS). As states in its website, MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidacy status) activities for institutions of higher education in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including distance education and correspondence education programs offered at those institutions. MSCHE is also recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit degree-granting institutions which offer one or more post-secondary educational programs of at least one academic year in length in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other geographic areas in which the Commission conducts accrediting activities. The Commission is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. It examines each institution as a whole, rather than specific programs within institutions. The MSCHE accreditation review cycle is continuous and accreditation does not expire. Each institution is reevaluated and monitored on a regular and consistent basis in accordance with the institution’s assigned accreditation review cycle and Commission policy and procedures. Institutional Effectiveness’ is for LaGuardia accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). As stated in the Middle States’ Standards of Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation: “Middle States accreditation is an expression of confidence in an institution’s mission and goals, its performance, and its resources. An institution is accredited when the educational community has verified that its goals are achieved through self-regulation and peer review. The extent to which each educational institution accepts and fulfills the responsibilities inherent in the process of accreditation is a measure of its commitment to striving for and achieving excellence in its endeavors.” For more information on the accreditation process, please see the LaGuardia Middle States website
Additional Program AccreditationsIn addition to institutional accreditation, nine of the College’s programs maintain program level accreditation from specialized accreditation bodies. Licensure pass rates for some of these programs can be found on LaGuardia’s Institutional Profile (pages 49-50). More information about the program can be found at the program website and documentation of the program accreditation can be found by in the accrediting agencies website that are included below.
The Nursing RN ProgramThe Registered Nursing program at LaGuardia leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, and is administered by the Health Sciences Department. The Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing ACEN) (3344 Peachtree Road NE Suite 850 Atlanta, Georgia 30326, and by the New York State Board of Regents. This program prepares students to function as registered nurses (R.N.’s) in acute and chronic care facilities. Graduates of the program are immediately eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). More information about the program including the NCLEX-RN pass rates, graduation rates and post-graduation education and employment is available at  LaGuardia’s Nursing RN Program website.
The Practical Nursing Certificate ProgramThe Practical Nursing Program, coordinated by the Health Sciences Department, offers a certificate in Practical Nursing. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards Licensure Examination for Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). The program prepares graduates to function as practical nurses performing tasks and responsibilities within the framework of case-findings, health teaching, health counseling, and provision of supportive and restorative care in healthcare facilities that offer chronic and acute care services. The Practical Nursing Program was approved in July 2004 by the New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Nursing Education). More information about the program is available at LaGuardia’s Practical Nursing Certificate Program website.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant ProgramAn occupational therapy assistant works under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist to help individuals with physical, psychiatric, developmental, and other disabilities to participate in daily life to the greatest extent possible. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program is coordinated by the Health Sciences Department and leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). The LaGuardia Community College occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) (4720 Montgomery Lane, 4720 Montgomery Ln Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814-3449, website: ). More information about the program including certification examination, career information and graduation rates is available at LaGuardia’s Occupational Therapy Assistant website.
The Physical Therapist Assistant ProgramPhysical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists and assist patients/clients recovering from injury or illness. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program, administered by the Health Sciences Department, leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Graduates of the program are eligible for certification and must take the National Certification Exam to practice in New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. The program is approved by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314). More information about the program including Licensure Examination Pass Rate, graduation rates and employment rates is available at LaGuardia’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program website
The Veterinary Technology ProgramThe Veterinary Technology Program provides for both classroom and clinical training in the areas of small and large animal care and laboratory animal science. It is coordinated by the Health Sciences Department and leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. As the only fully accredited Veterinary Technology Program in New York City, LaGuardia Community College is committed to educational programs that combine classroom learning and work experience. The Vet Tech program is meets requirements set forth by the New York State Department of Education and accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100 Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360) . Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) allowing them to receive their New York State license and to use the title of Licensed Veterinary Technician. More information about the program including Licensure Examination Pass Rate, and career profile is available at LaGuardia’s Veterinary Technology Program website.
EMT/Paramedic programLaGuardia Community College has been setting the standard for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training since 1996. Students who complete the Paramedic program will receive the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Many of our graduates continue on in their EMS careers to take advantage of higher degrees and their National certifications. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (1361 Park Street: Clearwater, FL 33756, website: ). More information about the program including Licensure Examination Pass Rate, retention and placement rate is available at LaGuardia’s Paramedic Program website.
Paralegal Studies programStudents who complete the Paralegal Studies curriculum, which is administered by the Business & Technology Department, will receive the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The Paralegal Studies curriculum has been carefully designed to balance paralegal specialty and related courses with a broad liberal arts background. Students gain valuable practical experience through internships. LaGuardia’s paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (The American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60654). More information about the program is available at LaGuardia’s Paralegal Studies website.
The Early Childhood Learning Center ProgramsThe Early Childhood Learning Center Programs Inc. (ECLC) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. ECLC programs provide child care for children ages 12 months to 12 years, preparing them for the next level of development. ECLC programs are located on campus. The program is licensed by the New York City Department of Health And Mental Hygiene and New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and is affiliated with the New York State Education National Accreditation – National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as well as the NYC Department of Education – Pre-K for All.
The Wellness CenterThe Wellness Center provides counseling and wellness services that support and assist in students’ intellectual, emotional, psychological, and social development while coping with the challenges of college and life stressors. The Center offers free and confidential counseling in a safe environment where individual and cultural differences are valued and respected. Our services include: short-term individual counseling, crisis intervention, workshops, outreach and referrals to college community resources. The Wellness Center has been approved for accreditation by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) in June 2020 (101 S. Whiting Street, Suite 211, Alexandria, VA 22304, website: IACS. It is are the first community college counseling center to be accredited by IACS. More information is available in LaGuardia’s Wellness Center website.
LaGuardia has developed several support structures across the institution; these support structures hold specific responsibilities and guide various academic and non-academic assessment activities. They are also responsible for reviewing the findings, ensuring that next steps and continuous improvements are integral components of the assessment and evaluation process.

Assessment Leadership Team (ALT)

The Assessment Leadership Team (ALT) at LaGuardia is a college-wide team that meets monthly to discuss the College’s on-going initiatives in Outcomes Assessment, and to lead our annual Benchmark Readings.

AES Assessment Council

The AES Assessment Council at LaGuardia is a college-wide committee which includes representatives from the College’s divisions and meets monthly to discuss the College’s on-going AES annual and periodic assessment and to lead the AES assessment process.

CUNY Assessment Support

Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)

The LaGuardia Center for Teaching and Learning is a hub for professional innovation, reflection, collaboration and transformation. Engaging the collective expertise of LaGuardia faculty and colleagues across the U.S., the Center provides professional development opportunities that support effective, student-centered pedagogies and scholarly approaches to teaching.”

Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA)

The mission of the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) is to provide accurate, reliable and timely information and analysis to enable data-driven decision making and student success. We support continuous improvement efforts across the College by facilitating and coordinating strategic planning, and assessment activities at the institution, division program and unit levels.
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