Meeting & Agendas

Meeting called to order at 8:40am; and introductions were made by all. The Minutes from the November 12, 2004 Human Services Advisory Committee meeting were approved with one correction.

Discussion was held on the “Closing the Gap” ACC project (a state-funded initiative making sure high school students register for college). ACC will hire a new Vice President to focus on attracting diverse students and to assist high school students in making the connection to ACC. Human Services is already assisting students who fall under the foster children designation. Both foster children and students under the AFDC program attend ACC, tuition-free. Phi Theta Kappa will also begin a mentoring student program for those students in these programs who are interested in being mentored.

Requested that Human Services continue to explore the possibility of exposing our students to BHIPS – the computerized treatment planning process used in several facilities. Liz C. said she would ask the state again for access to it but has been told we couldn’t have it in the past.

Motioned for the nomination of Sandra Eames as new Chair of the Human Services Advisory Committee, seconded by Elizabeth Huss. Motion was approved.

The Human Services web page will be created following the new college-wide template. It should be available by next fall.

The ''Careers in Human Services'' video that was in process last year is finished. She showed a clip. The video will be used in Orientation to Social Services classes, and in distance learning classes. Liz will streamline the video in her Spring 2006 distance learning class. The video is available for ACC Faculty use. Elizabeth H. asked if the video could be made available through Continuing Education for independent study. Linda W. also expressed interest in receiving a copy for her program. Liz said that she would send them a copy.

On November 1, 2005 the Texas Department of Corrections Certificate went into effect in the State. Human Services is looking at offering the coursework needed to receive the certificate both for credit and continuing education at ACC. Sandra Eames suggested that we look into providing a Prevention Specialist Certificate also. Liz will check into it.

Discussed the HUSE recommendations/goals in the Instructional Program Review process wherein departments review (every three years) their internal programs. Departments meet and discuss mission statements, etc. Goals are set and made for the next three years. Presently, Human Services Department goals are: Recommendation #1 seeks representation on college-wide technology and facilities committees, in order to more adequately provide better access for department needs. Recommendation #2 requests working with other College departments to increase student access to student services. Students have needs that are not being met. Representation is needed to advocate for increased student services. Recommendation #3 pertains to marketing the Human Services program to a broader base of consumers to continue to attract diverse student populations and to create new networks for internships and job placements. ACC will work with Marketing on future advertising. Higher enrollment is anticipated, even more so when the Human Services website is available. Recommendation #4 entails exploring new areas of growth in the professional market and creating curriculum to meet changing workforce needs. Human Services Advisory Committee Board member input is essential in responding to employer needs. These are all ‘no cost’ issues to the department. The Advisory Board concurred.

Shared information on a currently scheduled workshop (January 20th, 2006) entitled, ''Unlocking the Power of Communities: Moving from Serving Needs to Developing Capabilities in Social Services.'' CE units can be earned.

Advised that she, Rick T. and Liz C. are now members of the National Organization for Human Services Education. Next year the department will become a member of the certification body in preparation of becoming a certified program.

Reported on the Texas College Consortium of Addiction Educators’ previous meeting. The Consortium is working with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on reinterpreting the “rules” of the testing process. They discussed the following with DSHS: 1. the possibility of allowing candidates to take the written and oral portions of the LCDC test in two separate sittings. The Consortium is recommending individuals take the written portion first; and the oral portion while they are doing supervised work; 2. changing the process that agencies go through to become an accredited internship site; 3. the possibility of allowing interns who pass the LCDC exam to complete their last 2,000 hours in a less structured setting.

Liz S. and Lynn B. requested permission to combine 2 courses and add a new course to the Therapeutic Recreation degree. ACC is debating having an “inclusion” class (wherein students would be taught how to work directly with the community). Liz S. also inquired about offering a ‘leisure counseling’ class. A motion was made to allow the department to alter the TR degree by one course. It was moved by Vicki T. and seconded by Liz S. Motion was approved.