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Academic Program Review
[2010-2011]
Program:
[Turf Equipment Management]
Prepared by:
[John R. Piersol]
Approved by:
Tracy Hickman
Date Submitted: November, 2011
Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Description of the Program Review Process
Program review is part of Florida Gateway College’s (FGC) ongoing institutional
effectiveness process to achieve its mission and goals through strategic planning,
research, evaluation, and the use of information and data to guide decisions and
actions. Educational programs, administrative and educational support departments are
systematically reviewed as part of the process.
The purpose of program review is to evaluate the quality of education, efficiency of
services and processes, and adequacy of institutional resources. It is a tool used to
document the achievement of goals and objectives. The results of evaluation are
analyzed and actions are taken to address areas that need improvement.
The dean or director approves the completed report and submits it to the department of
Research and Institutional Effectiveness (RIE). RIE coordinates the distribution of the
report to the program review committee and instructs them on the proper assessment
procedure.
RIE compiles the results from the program review committee and creates a summary for
the administrative review committee. The administrative review committee will meet with
the appropriate department representatives to discuss the findings and
recommendations of the committees.
Contacts:
Becky van Hoek, Coordinator of Planning & Accreditation
Ext. 4491
rebecca.vanhoek@fgc.edu
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Section 1 – Program Profile
Mission
To train/educate students to become successful assistant equipment technicians at a golf course or
similar facility
Vision
To maintain our reputation as the most comprehensive turf equipment and shop maintenance program
in the country by constantly building industry partnerships, by keeping the faculty abreast of new
technologies, and by keeping our facilities upgraded to industry standards
Program Goals and Related College Strategic Plan Goal (SPG)
Type
Goal
Teaching/ Curriculum Keep curriculum relevant to industry standards
Technology/Facilities
SPG #
1,4
Keep facilities upgraded to industry standards
1,4
Develop online courses to reach out to working technicians, a
new market
1,4,5
Customer Service
Reach new student markets with online courses
4,5
Community Outreach
Build strong relationships with industry partners
4,5
Other
(faculty development)
Keep faculty abreast of new technologies
2
Recruitment/Retention
NOTE: Turf Equipment Technology (TETN) is a one-year ATD with the AS degree program, Turf
Equipment Management. Almost all, if not all, of the TETN students leave after receiving the ATD
as they are then very employable and in high demand. As they work in the field, some become
interested in advancing to the AS degree in TEMG. All the TEMG second year courses are general
education and business classes plus a turf class and a one credit turf equipment seminar class.
All of them are existing courses taught in the AA division or in the golf and landscape programs
with only the one credit seminar class being particular to only the TEMG degree. We need the AS
degree to continue to have an advancement track for TETN students.
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Section 2 -Program Content
Description: For whom is it intended? Criteria for admissions to program; Degrees, certificates,
diplomas; type of students served; demographic information; other
Any student with high school diploma or GED who has a mechanical aptitude; student does have to be
mobile around the state for jobs.
List courses in the program that support other programs:
All the ATD courses in turf equipment are required before entering GCOP. The AS degree in turf
equipment has general education and business courses that support the AA division and the AS in
business program.
External Accreditation (the process, what is involved & status)
Currently working on state approval of the certification by the International Golf Course Equipment
Managers Association (IGCEMA).
Community Outreach/Workforce Training Programs
Program involves much industry interaction: guest speakers, internships. Industry partners use our
facilities to educate our students and field technicians through special seminars.
Distance education offerings and use of technology (include evaluation of efforts)
Through industry partnerships and Perkins funding, program is able to keep current with industry
technology. Plan to have two online courses by fall, 2011.
Describe how technology is being used to support classroom learning, including blackboard,
sympodiums, videos, computer software, etc.
Instructors use power-point daily on sympodiums; use internet connections for projection in the
classroom; working on developing online course material that could be used in classroom and
potentially as a non-credit online offering; use Blackboard for classroom notes & information. Use
industry software for Computers in Golf Course Management; students have to use internet to look up
parts; use videos as part of power-point.
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Faculty: List faculty and their credentials, accomplishments, and professional development activities
Name
FT/PT
Credentials
Accomplishments
Mark Yarick
FT
AS (Aviation); AS in
Automotive; working
on Bachelor’s in
Business
Jonathan Morriss
FT
BS in Aviation
Mechanics
Certified in all areas
by Equipment and
Engine Training
Council (EETC);
good machinist &
welder
Has worked as a
golf course
equipment manager
to get field
experience; has
done overseas
mission work;
speaks Spanish;
had private pilot
license; good
welder
Professional
Development
GSCAA, FTGA Trade
Shows; IGCEMA
member; Equipment &
Engine Training Council
(EETC) certified
technician
GCSAA, FTGA Trade
Shows; IGCEMA
member; been to STIHL
training school
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Section3: Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes: List the identified program learning outcomes that have been the focus of assessment for the past
3 -5 years, the results of assessment, and how the results were used to make program changes, and resulting improvements.
Learning Outcome
Assessment Measure
and Criteria
Assessment Results
Use of the Results
Improvements
Students will be able to
design a golf course
maintenance facility
Classroom project
Grading of projects
with at least 75%
passing
Have to constantly
remind students of
importance of
management
concepts
Students will be able to
effectively grind reels and
bed knives
Practical exam on
grinders in lab
Gives instructors idea
of management
concepts understood;
some students do not
grasp the importance
of management
Changing practical
testing techniques
Students will be able to
disassemble and
assemble, and start and
run a 2-stroke and a 4stroke small engine
Practical exam by
teams of two students
per engine
At least 75% pass
rate Practical exam
on grinders in lab;
however,
instructors have
found that even
those who pass
course are not
always confident
about grinding reels
on the job
Instructors wondered
Over 75% of the
how students would
teams were
do individually on
successful
engine
Instructors are
working on spending
more one on one time
with students on
grinders to build
student confidence
and competency
Instructors went to an
individual practical
exam on engines and
discovered that
competency dropped
when not in teams;
instructors went to
more time consuming
one on one training
Page 6 of 16
Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
General Learning Outcomes
Pages 10 through 15 list the college’s General Learning Outcomes and the expected results for each of them. Please
select the outcomes that are addressed by your program and identify the courses which list these skills as learning
outcomes.
OUTCOME #1: COMMUNICATIONS
Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and be understood through effective reading, writing, speaking,
and listening skills.
#
1
2
Expected Result
Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to college level reading assignments
through the application of effective reading skills.
Student will demonstrate the ability to understand and to produce effective writing.
3
Student will demonstrate the ability to apply effective listening skills.
4
Student will demonstrate the ability to understand and produce effective speaking.
Core Courses
GCO 1611
GCO 1612
GCO 1611
GCO 1612
All TEM
courses
GCO 1611
GCO 1612
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
OUTCOME #2: Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate the knowledge and ability to evaluate carefully and apply reasoning to differentiate between
facts, inferences, assumptions and conclusions.
#
1
2
3
Expected Results
Students will demonstrate the ability to question and evaluate information (data, ideas or concepts) for
accuracy, objectivity and quality.
Student will demonstrate the ability to analyze information (data, ideas, or concepts) in context to draw
appropriate and well supported conclusions.
Student will demonstrate the ability to synthesize ideas from a variety of sources producing an original
product.
Core Courses
GCO 1211
GCO 1212
GCO 1211
GCO 1212
GCO 1211
GCO 1212
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
OUTCOME #3: Quantitative Reasoning
Students will demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use numerical, geometric and measurement data in
computations and reasoning to draw logical conclusions and make well-reasoned decisions.
#
1
2
3
Expected Results
Students will demonstrate the ability to make necessary numeric conversions from measurements in both
the US and Metric Systems.
Student will demonstrate the ability to interpret mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, table, and
to draw inferences from them.
Student will demonstrate the ability to estimate and check answers to problems in order to determine
reasonableness, identify alternatives, and select optimal results.
Core Courses
GCO 1201
GCO 1202
GCO 1211
GCO 1212
GCO 1211
GCO 1212
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
OUTCOME #4: Scientific Reasoning
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply empirical evidence to describe, understand and predict natural
phenomena.
#
1
2
3
4
Expected Results
Core Courses
Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific principles and their application to
scientific research and to society.
Student will demonstrate the ability to utilize and apply technological data to understand natural
phenomena.
Student will demonstrate the ability to apply these steps of the scientific method to solve problems by: a)
Observation of natural phenomena b) Interpretation of the natural phenomena through formulation of a
hypothesis which is a tentative explanation of the observed phenomena c) Acquisition of scientific data
through experiment or continued observation d) formulation of a conclusion to explain the results obtained
and be able to modify that conclusion when new data is collected.
Student will demonstrate the ability to integrate ideas and concepts from different disciplines.
GCO 1212
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
OUTCOME #5: Information Literacy
Students will demonstrate the ability to locate, comprehend, evaluate and use information effectively and ethically.
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Expected Results
Students will demonstrate the ability to locate relevant resource materials available in the library or
through the Florida college system in either electronic or print format.
Student will demonstrate the ability to differentiate between reliable and unreliable Web sites and relevant
subject databases provided through the library, and utilize reliable electronic web resources to support
their beliefs, position, and/or argument.
Student will demonstrate the ability to use information derived from a variety of sources in accordance
with the laws and guidelines of “Fair Use” and intellectual property rights.
Student will demonstrate the ability to gather information by using an internet search engine.
Student will demonstrate the ability to send and receive basic e-mail communication.
Student will demonstrate the ability to organize data in a tabular format using an appropriate computer
software package.
A) Demonstrate the ability to apply an appropriate analysis method to the data based on the software
capabilities.
Student will demonstrate the ability to save data in an electronic form.
Student will demonstrate the ability to print a document from the computer.
Core Courses
GCO 1611
GCO 1612
GCO 1611
GCO 1612
GCO 1211
GCO 1212
GCO 1211
GCO 1212
CGS 1004
CGS 1004
CGS 1004
CGS 1004
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
OUTCOME #6: Cultural Awareness
Students will demonstrate an awareness, understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of cultures within
and across local, regional, state, national and global communities.
#
Expected Results
Core Courses
1
Students will acquire an awareness of cultural differences and/or interconnections based upon multiple
perspectives of either culture outside their own or the interconnections of cultures, languages and/or
nations at various levels, including international.
Student will demonstrate the ability to reflect upon cultural differences and/or interconnections, resulting
in the formulation of their own responses to the culture or global issue and be able to relate such
reflection through written or spoken analysis, contrast/comparison and informed deliberation.
Student will begin to develop greater tolerance and appreciation of cultural differences and/or
interconnections and by extension begin to develop a global perspective, through the identification of
positive elements in different cultures.
GCO 1611
GCO 1612
2
3
GCO 1611
GCO 1612
Page 12 of 16
Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Section 4 – Program Efficiency
Describe Student Performance Trends
Graduate Job
90%
90%
Placements
90%
Section 4 – Program Efficiency
Declared Majors
2008-2009
2009-2010
0
1
1
4
9
12
14
9
Turf Equipment
Management AS
Turf Equipment Technology
CER
2008-2009
Total Success Rate
Success Internet Courses
Graduates
Turf Equipment Management AS
Turf Equipment Technology CER
2010-2011
2009-2010
80.9%
---2007-2008
0
13
Fall 2012
2010-2011
80.5%
-----
78.8%
-----
2008-2009
2009-2010
0
16
0
37
2010-2011
1
2
Page 13 of 16
Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Section 5: Comprehensive Analysis
List the internal and external factors affecting your program
External:
Internal:
 Discipline Trends What is happening
 What is happening internally at the
external to the college (e.g., in the
college (e.g., changing student
community, advisory group input, with
demographics, declining enrollment) that
technology,) that might affect what we do
might affect what we do in the future as a
in the future as a department?
department?
The golf industry continues to be environmentally
pro-active, and new recycling technologies are
being used in modern turf equipment facilities. We
need to find ways to continually upgrade our
facilities. Turf Equipment is also becoming more
sophisticated: hybrid and all electric mowers,
robotic greens mowers, etc. Our partnerships with
industry have allowed us to keep abreast of these
changes.
It is getting harder to get students to commit to
attend courses on campus. Online course
development will be a growth area. A large
market is equipment and shop management
courses for working technicians. We are starting
online course development in 2010-2011 and will
continue to develop other courses in demand.
Due to the “hands on” nature of the entire turf
equipment program, it may not be possible to
teach all the curriculum online, but we will do
what is feasible with the technology available.
Strengths: Describe the strengths of your program. (Improved course and program SLO’s,
interdepartmental relationships, industry partnerships, advisory council participation, etc.)
1. Very strong national and international reputation.
2. Strong industry partnerships which lead to equipment loans, donations, and technical support.
3. Strong alumni and advisory committee support.
4. The one year Turf Equipment Technology is a critical component of the three year education
process for Golf Course Operations.
5. Strong faculty team that is very well connected with industry.
6. Strong demand for graduates; many more jobs than graduates every year even in slow
economic times. Our program is very unique nationally.
7. Developing online courses aimed at dual enrollment high school students and non-credit
courses for working technicians.
Weaknesses: Comprehensive, self reflective list of all areas needing improvement.
1. Career as a turf equipment technician is little known, so it is difficult to recruit students even
through numerous promotional/advertising methods have been tried.
2. Be nice to upgrade our classroom/lab facilities to meet current environmental standards.
Program Success
Summarize program and department improvements in relation to achievement of goals and
objectives.
1. Goal: Increase number of turf equipment graduates who want to work as a turf equipment
technician.
Results: We usually recruit about 20-30 new students, but only about 8-10 per year want to work as
turf equipment techs. The rest of the graduates want to go on to Golf Course Operations.
2. Goal: Develop an industry certification for Turf Equipment Technology/Management.
Results: As of September, 2010, the Department has submitted to DOE for approval a new
certification for turf equipment technicians developed by the International Golf Course Equipment
Managers Association (IGCEMA). We have high expectation for approval.
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Section 6: Planning
Resource Needs:
Anticipated future teaching/curricular changes and needs
Continued development of online courses both credit and non-credit. There is a large potential market
of working technicians who desire equipment and shop management classes and courses in basic
hydraulics and electrical. A survey distributed by IGCEMA supports this. This could be a growth area
for GLO and this program.
Technology, equipment, and facilities needed for future growth or continuation
Our industry partnerships keep us updated with many of the turf equipment technologies. We do need
an upgraded shop facility to meet modern shop and environmental standards.
Objectives
Type
Objective
Assessment Measure/Intended
Results
Increase student proficiency on
grinding reels
Instructional
Do more one on one training in
sharpening and grinding
Enrollment
Management
Develop online courses
This will allow us to grow a new
market of students: working
technicians
Work with high school mechanics
teachers
Instructors want to get high school
auto mechanic instructors more
interested in turf equipment
technology
Provide more individual instruction for
students
Although very time consuming,
should increase student “handson” proficiencies
Community Outreach
Customer Service
Other
Action Plan
Tasks
Responsibility
Timeline
Have an industry certification
approved for turf equipment
Piersol
Have by fall 2011
Develop two turf equipment
courses for online delivery
Piersol
Have ready by fall
2011
Identify additional tasks to address the above objectives
Tasks
Responsibility
Status Update
Completed; use
certification from
International Golf Course
Equip. Managers Assoc.;
state approved
One completed; not well
received as a credit
course, so did not do
another
Timeline
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Turf Equipment Management Program Review Report
Develop online course materials mainly for
classroom use and review as potential non-credit
online offering
Mark Yarick
Have by spring, 2013
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