Meeting & Agendas

The role of the Advisory Board was outlined, duties of the Chair person defined. Call for nominations of a new Chairperson. John Barnard nominated by James Redmon and Carmello Macias. Nomination accepted, John Barnard named as Chair.

Program was in danger of being cut due to the low number of awards. Program reprieved because 2010 academic year had six awards. Enrollment still remains low and getting sections to make is still a challenge. Intro class is capped at 16 and we need 11 students to complete and continue study for higher level classes to make. The group suggested incorporating the Land Surveying department with G.I.S. Discussion ensued as to the narrow definition of success as so many of our students are not award seeking, however they are successful in meeting their goals.

The group was shown the promotional brochure and newly developed website.

Group reviewed the certificate and associate degree curriculum. The requirement of DFTG 2430 Civil Drafting was reviewed. The group discussed developing a more specialized course but decided this was not necessary. The group do want to know which modules are being taught is 3D Civil.

Mike Ritter reviewed the equipment and software currently used in the program. The current equipment was purchased in 2006 and is still current. Carlson software needs updated. It was previously thought this might cost in the region of $1500-$2000. Mike has found that there is an educational discount which would make it available for $695. The group wanted to know if we had access to Auto CAD software civil 3D. Carlson software can sit on top of this. It was recommended that this be updated to be in line with industry standards.

Land Survey’s typical student is an older student who already has a 4 year degree. This student is coming to ACC to gain 32 hours of survey study to allow them to take the Surveyor-In-Training exam. The group advised that the 32 hours need only be survey related and often other courses are accepted from prior college credits. This gives the Survey Department extra challenges and students may not be interested in obtaining a degree or certificate. High school students are not attracted to the program. Tyler Junior College attracts high school students with a 2+2 program with University of Texas at Tyler. Classes are offered during the day and students often work part time with local surveying firms. Tyler also has full time faculty to support the program. Discussion ensued about possible potential articulation agreements some of which may be available online. Skills USA is a partnership with students, high schools and industry to develop a skilled workforce. Currently the Austin local chapter does not have a chair and as a result is not active. The chair position is on a volunteer basis and is very time consuming. Finding and keeping chairs is a challenge for the initiative. Reverse Transfers. Students that transfer to a 4 year school can transfer any hours obtained in their new institution back to ACC and may be eligible to be awarded an associate degree while studying for a bachelor degree. Schools do not have offerings for the para-professional. This hurts students, surveying industry, and ACC program as low enrollment threatens closure.Surveying industry needs employees that are able to use and understand the equipment. Many positions in the survey industry are not filled by registered surveyors. These employees are not interested in additional responsibilities and can make around $50k per year with overtime. Target returning vets. Vets may be able to bring current skills. Make Vet’s office aware of our program.

Nedra Foster is offering to conduct a speaking engagement as a fund raiser for the department. She would request that her expenses be covered (approx $300) and all proceeds will go to the Land Surveying department. The group felt that local industry would be interested in this one day event. Potential April date.