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| Recent SCC graduates surround William Brothers (third from left), dean of career technologies, between commencement ceremonies on May 10 at the Jackson Campus in Sylva. Brothers is co-chair of the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan committee, which is developing a new initiative entitled PEAK that will be implemented next year. |
For more than 50 years, the ultimate goal of Southwestern Community College has been to help students achieve career success.
A new effort on track to be launched next year aims to take the college’s primary objective to a new level.
“PEAK,” which stands for “Professional Expectations, Attendance and Knowledge,” is the name of SCC’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) – an essential element in the re-accreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The decision to focus on developing work-ready professionals was made after seeking and receiving significant feedback from regional employers.
“One recurring theme we kept hearing was: ‘SCC does a fantastic job of teaching the technical skills, but some graduates could use more help in developing soft skills,’” said SCC faculty member Jennifer Hippensteel, who co-chairs Southwestern’s QEP committee along with William Brothers. “We heard the message loud and clear, and we are taking action. We believe PEAK will allow us to better prepare our students for success.”
The first area of focus will be “Base Camp,” where students concentrate on researching and planning their professional careers. The second and third camps focus on student learning, performance and knowledge of two specific soft skills that can impact success in their professional lives no matter their career choices: meeting deadlines and attendance.
“Emphasizing these vital skills will ensure our students graduate from SCC with all the advantages they need for securing, maintaining and thriving at their dream jobs,” said Brothers, SCC’s dean of career technologies.
PEAK will be available for the first time in the spring semester of 2017 on a limited “pilot” basis in order for officials to get feedback and make any necessary modifications before full implementation begins in the fall 2017 semester.
For more information about PEAK at SCC, visit www.southwesterncc.edu/PEAK or contact Hippensteel (828.339.4264 or jb_hippensteel@southwesterncc.edu) or Brothers (828.339.4366 or w_brothers@southwesterncc.edu).
