los rios community college district - · pdf fileto the los rios community college district...
TRANSCRIPT
Final Report
to the Los Rios Community College District Board,
the President of Cosumnes River College
and the Cosumnes River College Professional Standards Committee
on the 20% Type B Professional Development Leave
entitled
Implementing a new A.S. Degree in Information Technology
at Cosumnes River College
Spring 2016 Semester
Submitted on October 10th, 2016
by Markus Geissler, PhD
Professor, Computer Information Science
Cosumnes River College
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 2
Abstract
During the Spring 2016 Semester I used a 20% Type B Professional Development Leave to
implement a new A.S. Degree in CIS - Information Technology, based on the newly approved
Information Technology Model Curriculum for California Community Colleges, at Cosumnes
River College (CRC) and guide it through the CIS Department’s Industry Advisory Committee,
CRC, LRCCD, N/FNRC and CCCCO program approval processes.
The A.S. IT is scheduled to be included in CRC’s 2016/2017 mid-year catalog addendum to allow
students who are already in progress toward completing the A.S. IT degree.
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 3
Implementing a new A.S. Degree in Information Technology at Cosumnes
River College
Activities
As the chair of the C-ID Information Systems/Information Technology (ITIS) Faculty Discipline
Review Group for the past three years, I was one of the co-authors of the newly approved
Information Technology Model Curriculum (IT MC) for California Community Colleges and
have been very involved in its propagation across the state since 2015 and have held several
workshops on helping other colleges with their implementation of the IT MC. And since
organizations in the Greater Sacramento region, and most especially the State of California, will
not only need to replace current employees who are due to retire, but also expect to increase the
number of employees whose skill set should include that which is outlined in the IT MC, it made
good sense to implement this program at Cosumnes River College (CRC) as part of an Associate
of Science degree program in Information Technology within the Computer Information Science
Department (A.S. IT).
While the IT MC outlines four ITIS core courses, two ITIS electives, and one MATH elective,
not all of the ITIS core and elective courses are offered at CRC. The CIS Department therefore
revised CISC 360 - Information & Communication Technology Essentials (A+), which we had
not been able to teach for several years due to equipment issues, to have it map to the ITIS 110
descriptor and include it in the ITIS core courses. Our department also had to decide whether to
adopt one or two additional ITIS elective courses that we are not currently offering (ITIS 140 -
Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design, which is primarily offered at the upper division
level, and ITIS 151 - Routing and Switching Essentials, which is primarily offered at colleges
which offer full Cisco Networking Academy programs) or to limit the number of electives, and
we chose to do the latter, primarily because our department’s FTE balance is favoring the
currently very popular Computer Science transfer courses.
After extensive planning, and after gaining initial approvals from the CRC Curriculum
Committee, the CIS Department’s Industry Advisory Committee, consisting of 10 industry
advisors, all CIS full-time faculty, four CIS adjunct faculty, and the Dean of the Business &
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 4
Family Science Area, met on April 06th from to discuss these proposals and current industry
trends. The committee approved the A.S. IT, along with other new degrees and certificates, with a
request to be kept up-to-date on further refinements of these new programs.
After I shepherded the A.S. IT through the remaining curriculum process, which included some
unfortunate intra-institutional delays, it was submitted to the California Community College
Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and approved during the summer of 2016. The A.S. IT is
scheduled to be included in the 2016/2017 mid-year catalog addendum to allow students who are
already in progress toward completing the A.S. IT degree after aggressive promotion of the new
offering within the CIS Department’s Applications & Core and Networking & Security programs
and via a presentation to CRC’s Counseling Department at one of its weekly meetings during the
Spring 2016 semester.
Critique of the Leave
While a Type B Professional Development Leave is more the former (professional development)
rather than the latter (leave), it did allow me to spend the time to explore the various options
around the implementation of the A.S. IT degree and to spend the time with my colleagues, our
industry partners, and other IT contacts that was necessary to develop a product that will meet the
needs of our regional industry, our students, the CIS Department, and the College. As such I
believe that this leave was a productive use of Cosumnes River College’s professional
development resources.
Achievement of Objectives
This professional development leave helped me to achieve the objective of implementing the
A.S. IT degree at Cosumnes River College, and the students who complete this degree will be
better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century workforce.
Method of Sharing the Results of the Leave
The A.S. IT degree will be in the official Cosumnes River College catalog starting in the Spring
2017 semester, and I will definitely continue to promote it to our students and our Counselors.
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 5
Model Curriculum Worksheet – Accepted by ICFW 3-31-15
CCC Major or Area of Emphasis: _Information Technology
CSU Major or Majors: _Information and Communication Technologies,
Information Systems, Information Technology_____
Total units___22-23___ (all units are semester units)
Degree Type (indicate one): AA-T_____ OR AS-T______ OR MC __X___
Required Core Courses:
__13___units
Title (units) C-ID Designation Rationale
Information & Communication Technology Essentials (4)
ITIS 110 Essential Preparation
Business Information Systems, Computer Information Systems (3)
ITIS 120 Essential Preparation
Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies (3)
ITIS 130 or COMP 112
Essential Preparation
Computer Network Fundamentals (3) ITIS 150 Essential Preparation
Select 6 units or 2 courses from the following:
Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design (3) ITIS 140 Important Preparation
Routing and Switching Essentials (3) ITIS 151 Important Preparation
Systems and Network Administration (3) ITIS 155 Important Preparation
Introduction to Information Systems Security (3) ITIS 160 Important Preparation
Introduction to Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking (3)
ITIS 164 Important Preparation
Digital Forensics Fundamentals (3) ITIS 165 Important Preparation
Introduction to Database Management Systems (3)
ITIS 180 Important Preparation
Business Communication (3) BUS 115 Important Preparation
Select 3 - 4 units or 1 course from the following:
Introduction to Statistics (3) MATH 110 Also fulfills CSU GE Area B4
Finite Mathematics (3) MATH 130 Also fulfills CSU GE Area B4
Business Calculus (3) MATH 140 Also fulfills CSU GE Area B4
Single Variable Calculus I Early Transcendentals (4)
MATH 210 Also fulfills CSU GE Area B4
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 6
Program Outline Cosumnes River College Los Rios Community College District
Section 1: Curriculum Cycle Information
Program: CIS - Information Technology
Program Type: A.S. Degree
Outline Status: Catalog
Status Date: Aug 26, 2016
Catalog Date: Jun 01, 2017
Official: Yes
Section 2: Program Information and Overview
Title: CIS - Information Technology
Catalog
Department:
Computer Information Science
Additional
Department(s):
Computer Information Science
Description: This degree allows students to acquire basic core Information
Technology competencies that will prepare them for a career in
Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, and related fields.
Career
Opportunities:
The Associate's degree in Information Technology prepares students to
either enter the workforce as an entry-level computer or network
support technician or pursue a bachelor's degree in managing
information systems. Several CSUs currently offer baccalaureate IT or
CT programs, as do several private universities. More CSUs are already
working on build upper division programs based on the recently
approved IT Model Curriculum.
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 7
Section 3: Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Apply fundamental knowledge of computing and the current use of technology
techniques, skills, and tools necessary for the computing practice.
Evaluate and solve business problems with technology solutions using qualitative and
quantitative information.
Assess user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-
based information systems.
Demonstrate appreciation of the Information Technology career field and the need to
be lifelong learners.
Section 4: Course List
Required Program
CISC 310 Introduction to Computer Information Science
3
CISC 360 Information & Communication Technology Essentials (A+)
4
CISN 304 Networking Technologies (3)
3
or CISN 330 Data Communication and Networking Fundamentals (3)
CISP 370 Beginning Visual Basic (4)
4
or CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
CISN 300 Network Systems Administration (3)
CISP 351 Introduction to Relational Database Design and SQL (3)
CISS 310 Network Security Fundamentals (3)
CISS 356 Introduction to Information Assurance (3)
CISS 360 Computer Forensics and Investigation (3)
BUS 310 Business Communications (3)
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 8
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
MATH 341 Calculus for Business and Economics (4)
MATH 343 Modern Business Mathematics (4)
MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
Total Units: 24
Associate in Science Degree
The CIS - Information Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by
completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient
electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.
Section 5: Additional Program Information
Short Title for Transcripts: CIS - Information Technology
Taxonomy of Programs (TOP) Code: 0701.00 (Information Technology, General)
Classification: Occupational
Board Approval Date: Nov 18, 2015
State Program ID Number: 35175
Section 6: Last Curriculum Action
Description:
Section 7: Digital Signatures
Faculty Initiator: Markus Geissler
Department/Subject: CISC
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 9
Department Vote: Yes:
No:
Abstain:
Total:
Department Chair/
Designated Contact:
Librarian:
Division Dean:
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 10
MINUTES 2016 Computer Information Science Industry Advisory Committee Meeting
Cosumnes River College
Wednesday, April 06th, 2016, 12:00 - 2:30 PM
Orchard Room
Attendees: Tim Appel, Criminalist, State of California - Department of Justice
James Carr, Staff Information Systems Analyst, State of California - Controller's Office
Shana Groen, Division Director and Technical Recruiter, Robert Half Technology
Steve Linthicum, Deputy Sector Navigator, CCCCO Doing What Matters/Sierra College
Aman Mahabir, Associate Systems Software Specialist (Technical), State of California -
Franchise Tax Board
Andrew Maroun, Enterprise Security Lead, State of California - Department of Corrections &
Rehabilitation
Terese Matchim, Chief Information Officer, State of California - Department of Conservation
Manny Melliza, Data Center Lead, University of California, Davis - Data Center
Mara Mureddu, Lead Recruiter, Robert Half Technology
Anne-Louise Radimsky, Professor Emeritus, California State University, Sacramento
Matt Silveira, Principal, Objective Business Solutions, Inc.
Kham Xiong, Chief, Applications Development and Support Unit, State of California -
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Suha Al Juboori, Adjunct Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Marjorie Duffy, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Wendell Fishman, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Markus Geissler, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Chao-Jen Huang, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Lance Parks, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Carol Olsen, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Mohammed Osman, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Deirdre Perkins-Moore, Adjunct Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River
College
Joy Royal, Adjunct Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
Buddy Spisak, Adjunct Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College
I. Meeting Called to Order at 12:00 PM
II. Lunch, followed by introductions
III. Discussion/approval of new/revised Associate Degrees/Certificates
A. CIS - Information Technology A.S. degree
modeled after the Information Technology Model Curriculum for California Community Colleges
and focuses heavily on helping student earn industry certifications
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 11
Prof. Geissler explained the degree structure of four core courses and two electives, plus one
MATH course beyond Algebra II.
Comments included
- the need to include for hands-on exercises, which are present in all classes required for
the degree,
- a focus on communication skills and a high level of commitment by students (soft skills),
- the need to have students be able to create written documentation,
- discussion of including the Business Communications course in the core, and
- the desire to have students gain some kind of work experience on projects and business
cases, ideally outside of the classroom in some kind of internship, student assistant, or
volunteer environment.
The degree was approved unanimously, with the recommendation to continue to maintain
currency.
B. Web Developer A.S. degree
helps students acquire the skills needed by today’s web professionals.
Prof. Fishman explained the degree structure of core courses and electives.
Comments included
- the need to include server-side scripting at a higher level,
- including Bash, Python, PowerShell, and SQL,
- including Microsoft SharePoint-related skill sets, including its administration, use, and
development,
- including coverage of Content Management Systems (Drupal, WordPress, etc.),
- including additional coverage about XML schemas for the Finance and Healthcare
industries,
- including content about Responsive Design, and
- including coverage of security strategies related to web development.
The degree was approved unanimously, with the recommendation to continue to maintain
currency.
C. CIS - Information Systems Security A.S. degree & certificate
based on our application to become a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
– Two-Year Education (CAE2Y), as established by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Prof. Parks explained the revisions to the existing degree.
Comments included
- the importance of experience outside of the classroom in some kind of internship, student
assistant, or volunteer environment,
- the inclusion of content related to Risk Assessment, Auditing (including the creation of
documentation), Forensics, Data Management, Data Governance, Database Security, and
possibly Microsoft Azure,
- the need for students to have a good foundation in Networking and other IT skills, and
- consideration to help prepare students for the Associate CISSP industry certification.
D. Revision to A.S. degree and Certificate – Information item only.
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 12
IV. Curriculum Cleanup – Evaluate existing A.S. degrees, Certificates and Courses
- C and C++ are less relevant for career programmers
- C#, PHP, and J2EE programming skills are in higher demand
- Consider combining some certificates
V. Information Technology-related developments which CRC’s CIS Department needs to address
- Consider offering courses in the following:
- Mobile Programming/Internet of Things (IoT), including related security concerns,
- Microsoft SharePoint-related skill sets, including its administration, use, and
development,
- Microsoft Outlook (user and administrator levels),
VI. Adjournment at 2:33 PM.
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 13
Associate in Science (A.S.) in CIS - Information Technology
Cosumnes River College
Item 1. Program Goals and Objectives
Employment of computer and network support specialists and managers in the
Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade Metropolitan Statistical Area is projected to grow by 19.6 percent
from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
(www.bls.gov). More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment
and software. According to State of California - Employment Development Department (EDD) projection
numbers for employment as “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” and “Computer User
Support Specialists” in general are expected to grow at double digit rates. Employment for “Computer
and Information Systems Managers,” to which graduates from this degree program will likely have the
opportunity to advance within 10 years of graduation, will have a percent change of more than 15%.
Demand for these workers is particularly high in the Greater Sacramento Area, as it is in other
Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) areas, and should continue to grow as firms invest
in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. The ICT industry cluster is among the fastest growing
employment sectors in the Greater Sacramento Area. The cluster provided almost 60,000 jobs as of fiscal
year 2011-2012. Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI) data uses a different time window (2014-
2019), but still shows a substantial increase in the occupations for which this new A.S. degree will
prepare our students.
Employment Development Department
Labor Market Information Division
New
Jobs
[2]
Replace-
ment
Needs
[3]
Total
Jobs
[4]
Median
Hourly
Median
Annual
Entry
Level
Education
Work
Experience
On-the-
Job
Training
00-0000 Total, All Occupations 914,200 1,082,900 168,700 18.5% 1.8% 17,194 21,007 38,201 $19.82 $41,225
11-3021
Computer and Information Systems
Managers 2,510 2,890 380 15.1% 1.5% 38 35 73 $48.88 $101,661 3 ≥5 years None
15-0000
Computer and Mathematical
Occupations 30,020 36,200 6,180 20.6% 2.1% 618 480 1,098 $38.16 $79,379
15-1100 Computer Occupations 28,720 34,570 5,850 20.4% 2.0% 585 449 1,034 N/A N/A
15-1121 Computer Systems Analysts 8,940 10,900 1,960 21.9% 2.2% 196 140 336 $38.15 $79,359 3 None None
15-1122 Information Security Analysts 480 720 230 47.9% 4.8% 23 8 31 $60.36 $125,534 3 <5 years None
15-1131 Computer Programmers 1,850 2,070 210 11.4% 1.1% 21 48 69 $37.71 $78,428 3 None None
15-1132 Software Developers, Applications 3,620 4,500 890 24.6% 2.5% 89 46 135 $43.73 $90,943 3 None None
15-1133
Software Developers, Systems
Software 4,330 5,010 670 15.5% 1.5% 67 56 123 $42.38 $88,161 3 None None
15-1134 Web Developers 1,030 1,330 290 28.2% 2.8% 29 16 45 $31.76 $66,055 4 None None
15-1141 Database Administrators 420 520 100 23.8% 2.4% 10 8 18 $43.47 $90,417 3 <5 years None
15-1142
Network and Computer Systems
Administrators 1,750 2,140 390 22.3% 2.2% 39 28 67 $39.48 $82,121 3 None None
15-1143 Computer Network Architects 770 910 150 19.5% 1.9% 15 12 27 $59.43 $123,622 3 ≥5 years None
15-1151 Computer User Support Specialists 3,150 3,820 670 21.3% 2.1% 67 50 117 $26.26 $54,623 6 None MT OJT
15-1152
Computer Network Support
Specialists 870 900 20 2.3% 0.2% 2 14 16 $37.85 $78,722 4 None None
15-1199 Computer Occupations, All Other 930 1,090 160 17.2% 1.7% 16 15 31 $38.86 $80,826 3 None None
17-2061 Computer Hardware Engineers 580 660 80 13.8% 1.4% 8 12 20 $52.91 $110,054 3 None None
Annual
Average
Percent
Change
Average Annual
Job Openings
2014 First
Quarter Wages
[5]
Education and Training
Levels [7]
2012-2022 Occupational Employment Projections
Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade Metropolitan Statistical Area
Published: December 2014 (El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties Counties)
SOC
Code*Occupational Title
Estimated
Employment
2012**
Projected
Employment
2022
Numeric
Change
2012-2022
[1]
Percent
Change
2012-
2022
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 14
The A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology will prepare students to acquire the following basic
core Information Technology competencies:
Apply fundamental computing knowledge and current technology techniques, skills and tools.
Locate, critically evaluate and solve business problems with technology solutions using qualitative
and quantitative information.
Design, implement and evaluate computer-based systems, processes, components or programs to
meet desired needs.
Understand the professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities in the
information technology domain.
Communicate and function effectively with a range of audiences to accomplish a common goal.
Analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.
Understand the relevance of continuing professional development in the information technology
domain.
Identify and analyze user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of
computer-based systems.
Explain the use of best practices and technology standards, and their application in an
organizational context.
Analyze and create effective information technology project plans with graphic representations
Increase your professional net worth, and start on a path toward career advancement Prepare to
pursue a bachelors degree in information technology to further your knowledge and marketability
The A.S. CIS - Information Technology degree, offered as part of the Computer Information Science
(CIS) Department’s Networking & Security program, directly supports Cosumnes River College's mission
as a career education and workforce development program. It also supports the College-wide goal of
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 15
Student Success as an “instructional program designed to meet the changing needs of industry and our
global economy” as an implementation of College Strategy 1, which is to “enhance educational quality by
extending our ability to offer excellent instructional programs and support services and ensuring that
students seeking degrees, certificates, transfer and other educational objectives complete their goals in a
timely manner”, and more specifically by teaching skills “to meet the needs of students, the business
community and the global economy in the 21st century.”
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
1. Apply fundamental knowledge of computing and the current use of technology techniques, skills,
and tools necessary for the computing practice.
2. Evaluate and solve business problems with technology solutions using qualitative and quantitative
information.
3. Assess user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based
information systems.
4. Demonstrate appreciation of the Information Technology career field and the need to be lifelong
learners.
Item 2. Catalog Description
The A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology prepares students to either enter the workforce as an
entry-level computer or network support technician or pursue a bachelor's degree in Information
Technology and related disciplines.
Computer support technicians provide technical assistance to computer users. They may answer questions
or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. They may provide
assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word
processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Computer network technicians analyze, test,
troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network
(WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure
networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
Graduates with an A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology are prepared and eligible to sit for
CompTIA's A+ and Network+ certification exams. Optional elective courses prep students for CompTIA's
Server+ and Security+ exams as well as some vendor-specific certification exams (e.g., Microsoft Certified
Professional).
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 16
Item 3. Program Requirements
To earn the A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology students must complete the following courses:
Required Program
CISC 310 Introduction to Computer Information Science .......................................... 3 Units
CISC 360 Information & Communication Technology Essentials (A+) ..................... 4 Units
CISN 304 Data Communication and Networking Fundamentals (3) .......................... 3 Units
or CISN 330 Data Communication and Networking Fundamentals (3)
CISP 370 Beginning Visual Basic (4) ......................................................................... 4 Units
or CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: ........................................................................ 6 Units
CISN 300 Network Systems Administration (3)
CISP 351 Introduction to Relational Database Design and SQL (3)
CISS 310 Network Security Fundamentals (3)
CISS 356 Introduction to Information Assurance (3)
CISS 360 Computer Forensics and Investigation (3)
BUS 310 Business Communications (3)
A minimum of 4 units from the following: ........................................................................ 4 Units
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
MATH 341 Calculus for Business and Economics (4)
MATH 343 Modern Business Mathematics (4)
MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
Total: 24 Units
The CIS - Information Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the
required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total.
See CRC graduation requirements.
Item 4. Master Planning
Cosumnes River College’s A.S. Degree in Information Technology meets both the state of California’s
CTE program Career advancement and California Community College goals.
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 17
The development of this new degree program is the result three main factors:
1. The release of the Department of Labor (DOL) Information Technology (IT) Competency Model
(pictured below). The IT Competency Model identifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed
for workers to perform successfully in the field of information technology (IT). The model is
depicted as a pyramid consisting of several tiers.
Tiers 1 through 3 represent the “soft-skills” and work readiness skills that most employers demand.
Tier 1 – Personal Effectiveness Competencies are often referred to as "soft skills".
Tier 2 – Academic Competencies are primarily learned in a school setting. They include cognitive
functions and thinking styles and apply to all industries and occupations.
Tier 3 - Workplace Competencies represent motives and traits, as well as interpersonal and self-
management styles.
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 18
Tier 4 – Industry-Wide (IT) Technical Competencies cover the general knowledge and skills and
abilities from which workers across the industry can benefit, regardless of the IT sector in which
they operate.
The DOL model is rather a compilation of competencies that can be included as
a basis for preparation in an IT occupation. The A.S. degree in Information Technology will help
students meet these Information Technology work-place competencies.
2. The ACM Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges (CCECC), at the
direction of the ACM Education Board, convened a task force to produce curricular guidance for
associate-degree programs in Information Technology. In fulfilling its charge, the CCECC
identified the body of knowledge as a set of fifty student learning outcomes that constitute core
Information Technology (IT) competencies for all IT-related associate-degree programs. These
learning outcomes were created with the intent of being adaptable, not overly technology specific,
and remain current for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, these core IT learning outcomes were
primarily influenced by:
current and future needs of business and industry,
professional and industry certifications,
government and standards bodies, and
related-IT curricula, including the ACM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree
program in Information Technology, and the U.S. Department of Labor Information
Technology Competency Model.
3. The final factor leading to the development of the A.S. Degree in Information Technology is the
support from C-ID (http://www.c-id.net/degreereview.html) for the Intersegmental Model
Curricula (ISMCs) for Information and Communication Technologies. The A.S. degree in
Information Technology meets the requirements of the Model Curriculum.
Item 5. Enrollment and Completer Projections
Between 2008 and 2014 student enrollment rates in California’s community colleges had dropped to a 20-
year low, largely due to unprecedented cuts in state funding, but now that much of the funding has
returned.
Over the past year the CIS Department has modified several courses to align with the ITIS C-ID
descriptors that were finalized in 2015. The A.S. degree in Information Technology is Cosumnes River
College’s implementation of the new Information Technology Model Curriculum for California
Community Colleges (IT MC) which was also published in 2015, and we expect more California State
Universities to implement baccalaureate programs in Information Technology, similarly to the one
recently approved at CSU San Bernardino, over the next several years to allow completers of the A.S.
degree in Information Technology to continue their education at a CSU campus.
Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 19
The new North/Far North Regional Consortium (NFNRC) shared NETLAB+ virtual lab environment,
housed at Folsom Lake College, has allowed the CIS Department to update and teach courses that we
have not been able to offer due to resource limitations.
Item 6. Place of Program in Curriculum/Similar Programs
Computer Information Science (CIS) is one of Cosumnes River College’s largest CTE program areas, and
the A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology will be an important addition to the existing program,
especially since it will eventually provide students with a transfer pathway to a baccalaureate program.
We further adjusted the existing A.S. degrees in CIS - Information Systems Security to meet the
requirements for certification as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense – 2-Year Institution
(CAE2Y) and updated the A.S. CIS - Server Administrator degree for currency. While these programs
will share some courses, their purposes are different. The completers of these degrees will most likely end
up working in different kinds of positions.
Item 7. Similar Programs at Other Colleges in Service Area
Several regional community colleges, including American River College, Folsom Lake College, and Sierra
College, have recently created, or are in the process of creating, similar A.S. degrees based on the
Information Technology Model Curriculum for California Community Colleges. This, in aided by the fact
that all courses included in the IT MC are based on C-ID descriptors, will allow students to take preferred
electives at a nearby college so that they can make steady progress toward completing their degree.
The courses that will make up the program meet the DOL competencies and the demands of employers.
Students earning the A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology will be prepared and have the required
skills to work in entry-level positions in the field and/or to transfer to a four-year college or university to
pursue a degree in Information Technology or Business/Management Information Systems.