Advisory committee
An advisory committee is a group of people, commonly volunteers, who are either internal and/or external stakeholders to a business or organization, who meet to advise the business or organization on issues. An advisory committee is often long term, has no power to make decisions and generally approaches its advisory role by identifying certain issues, investigating and discussing them, and proposing solutions and recommendations. To be effective, an advisory committee should consist of qualified, knowledgeable members who are intrinsically motivated. They should meet regularly and communicate and uphold clearly communicated expectations.
NOTE: It is important for the advisory committee to safeguard against conscious and unconscious biases as it goes about doing it's duties and fulfilling objectives.
What is an Advisory Committee?
An advisory committee is a formally organized committee of participating members from the CCCApply Steering Committee to provide expert advice and assistance to CCCApply's professional-and technical development teams.
The advisory committee serves as a partnership between CCC Tech Center (CCCApply), the CCCApply Steering Committee, and the colleges & districts who have adopted CCCApply to comply with admission application requirements. It is designed to ensure that the CCCApply Admissions Application is compliant, modern, user-friendly, and responsive to the needs of students across California (not sure about this part regarding "workforce".
Advisory committees are an important resource in helping the CCC Technology Center make wise decisions, resulting in the best education technology programs for the residents of California.
What do Committee Members Do?
- Needs assessment
- Write and review functional requirements (user stories, use cases, language onscreen text)
- Onscreen question review/layout design planning
- Work within budget and existing business requirements
- Provide recommendations
- Support communication efforts
Advisory Committees
Advisory committees play a critical role in the operation of Lane Community College's professional- technical programs. Through their members, they provide a cross-section of expertise and experience to effectively influence the direction and momentum of Lane programs.
Advisory committees serve as both the champions and gatekeepers of the broader college mission. In this respect, they are bigger than themselves in their ability to influence the quality of the work force today and in the future.
Learn More About Advisory Committees
Presentation Sample of a Successful Advisory Committee
Helpful Web Links for Advisory Committees
What is Expected of Advisory Committee Members?
Advisory committee members are expected to attend quarterly meetings, suggest agenda items, serve on subcommittees as requested, follow through on assignments and become thoroughly familiar with the educational program.
In addition, in order for advisory committees to operate successfully, the following characteristics are expected of its members:
Participation.
Offer advice, opinions, ideas and recommendations about the educational program in a manner that attempts to reach consensus on issues.
Preparation.
Provide pro-active responses to issues and projects based on thorough preparation prior to meetings.
Professionalism.
Share professional expertise, balance the goals of the educational program and the profession, and maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
Commitment.
Make the committee a time priority, share information openly, and develop recommendations that benefit students, the program, and the college.
Entrepreneurship.
Develop partnerships, obtain resources and recommend new and innovative ways to increase public awareness of college training programs.
Advisory committee members are appointed and approved for three-year terms by Lane Community College's Board of Education. Committee members serve in a voluntary, consultative capacity to the College.
Members are recommended by the College Board, staff, advisory committee members, professional groups and business representatives. Recommendations are based on the potential members' expertise and experience, their enthusiasm toward the career area and their willingness to serve.
Members are also selected with an attempt to balance representation with respect to racial, cultural, ethnic and gender diversity and with consideration of the spectrum of occupations within a particular program.
CTECC Goals
2009-2010 CTECC Goals and Timeline
The CTECC (Career Technical Education Coordinating Committee) provides guidance and support to advisory committees, in partnership with the business community, to educate a quality workforce.
Goals and Objectives | Actions / Tasks | Timeline |
GOAL 1: | To interview and provide feedback to Advisory Committees. |
Obj #1 | CTECC evaluates and provides feedback and support to all committees and schedules meetings to review committee functions | Schedule Summer |
Obj #2 | Each year meet individually with ten advisory committees (Division Chair, Lane Program Advisory Committee Coordinator, and Community Advisory Committee Chair) to review their accomplishments, goals, and needs | Once each month during academic year |
Obj #3 | As appropriate, provide additional assistance to committees with specific support to improve committee functions, such as agenda, meeting notes, website information, etc. | Follow up if necessary |
GOAL 2: | To communicate information to the community about Advisory Committees and their functions. |
Obj #1 | Assist committees with information and guidance to recruit members | Spring |
Obj #2 | Maintain an advisory committee brochure and other appropriate informational and promotional materials | Review in Summer |
Obj #3 | Support web site information system for advisory committee businesses and agencies. | On going |
GOAL 3: | To recognize and appreciate advisory committees and members. |
Obj #1 | Recognize outstanding committee accomplishments each month in a variety of ways, such as letters to Committee Chairs, comments in the Lane Weekly, and award dinner presentation(s) | Monthly |
Obj #2 | Feature a committee each year at the annual recognition event | Spring event |
Obj #3 | Provide assistance to committees to recognition of individual accomplishments through award functions, certificates of appreciation, and recognition letters (can be accessed on the CTECC website). | On going |
GOAL 4: | To provide general assistance, guidance, and support for advisory committee members, as well as encourage interaction. (Includes use of brochure and website.) |
Obj #1 | Provide needed committee meeting support tools, and introduce WIKI tool, and how to create and use. | Fall |
Obj #2 | Provide a handbook which includes agendas, recruiting ideas, processes, and meeting notes | On going |
Obj #3 | Facilitate training opportunities, including committee chair training on committee resources | Fall |
GOAL 5: | To annually review and evaluate the performance of the CTECC. |
Obj #1 | Evaluate future needs for supporting advisory committees. | Summer |
Obj #2 | Assess progress on achieving goals from previous year | Summer |
Obj #3 | Set new goals and objectives | Summer |
Obj #4 | Prepare year end report for the Vice President | Summer |