Basic Questions - Paper #1
Discussion Question 2

Should PVCC continue with a three-dean structure?

This question stems from the current reality that the College faces one opening at the dean level. If the argument stands that a more innovative organizational structure may lead to higher levels of learning, it seems reasonable to question the effectiveness of the current PVCC model. In the present model, this dean role represents one-third of the president's senior management team. It seems logical then to evaluate the function and need of this dean. One option under consideration was to eliminate the third dean and reallocate the fiscal resources to another learning centered organizational structure. After careful study, the President determined that the three-dean model was the most appropriate foundation on which to build a more learning centered structure. The following factors clearly demonstrate the efficacy of this decision.

• Enrollment growth ñ the College is expected to grow at a 5 percent rate over the next five years bringing an additional 1900 students to the campus leading to an overall enrollment close to 9,000 students. In order to sustain existing and new programs to serve these students, new faculty and staff will be added.

• The College's strategic issues call for redoubled dean level planning, coordinating, and forecasting (future thinking) activities particularly related to becoming more comprehensive, establishing greater linkages with the community, and greater attention to student learning.

• Several substantial projects will be undertaken in the next five years, NCA reaccredidation, facility master planning in preparation for a bond issue, and a college-wide effort in the area of student academic outcome assessment.

• The district requirement for expanded role at the presidential and dean level on district-wide initiatives including district wide strategic planning, implementation of a new student administration system, and an increased number of task forces.

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