Annual Report 2023-2024

1. Taibu, Rex; Physics (2025)
2. Ms. Lori Conkling, (CEWD department), (2026)
3. Armstrong, Daniel; Health and Physical Education (2025)
4. Gibson, Deon; Social Sciences (2025)
5. Shin, Jun; Chemistry (2024) 
6. Cimino, Alison; English (2024)

1. Prof. Namsik Baek (Mathematics & Computer Sciences) (2027)
2. Prof. Stephen Whitlock (Biology and Geology) (2027)

1. Dr. Rex Taibu, Physics, Chairperson 
2. Ms. Lori Conkling, Office of CEWD, Secretary

1. Armstrong, Daniel; Health and Physical Education, Chairperson
2. Gibson, Deon; Social Sciences, Secretary

1. May 1st, 2024, Time:  12:00 noon to 1:00 PM; Room: A-403
2. March 6^th, 2024, Time:  12:00 noon to 1:00 PM; Room: A-403
3. November 29^th, 2023, Time 12: 00 noon to 1:00PM; Room L118P
4. October 4^th, 2023; Time 12: 00 noon to 1:00PM; Room L118P

(Note: The current charges are under revision. As such, this annual report does not indicate ‘completed’ or ‘not completed’.  Please see the next section regarding what the committee has done in the 2023 to 2024 academic year)

1. Report and recommend to the Academic Senate on services and facilities available to the Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs.
2. Serve as a mechanism for articulation alignment between the Continuing Education and Workforce Development instructional staff and students, with respective academic departmental chairs and the Academic Senate.
3. Consider and evaluate proposals received from faculty, students, and the community regarding policies and practices pertaining to Continuing Education and Workforce Development in consultation with respective academic departmental chairs and Dean of Academic Affairs.
4. Recommend proposals and policies that would enhance the operation of the Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs to the Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
5. Serve as a consultative body for the development of the Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
6. Provide feedback to proposed courses/programs and existing ones to ensure:

• that they are presented to the related committees and/or academic departments to avoid any conflicts of interest
• that they are in keeping with the mission and image of college subsequently reporting these new courses/programs and/or existing ones to the Academic Senate for its information.

The Steering Committee expressed its gratitude to the Committee on Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) for its dedication to maintaining transparency during the ongoing update of the Bylaws Charges. The Steering Committee also acknowledged our efforts to maximize efficiency in serving QCC's student population, both current and future, who benefit from these valuable programs. They encouraged us to keep them informed if any assistance is needed in achieving our committee goals throughout the upcoming academic year.

Additionally, the Steering Committee advised that the Committee on CEWD should aim to solidify its proposal for changes to the Bylaws Charges, with the goal of submitting a document for review by the Bylaws Committee by the end of the 2023 calendar year. This timeline would allow for necessary revisions and ensure the proposal could be presented to the Academic Senate for consideration during the Spring 2024 semester.

Before submitting any document for consideration, the Steering Committee recommended that the Committee on CEWD should confirm that the amended charges will be actionable within the framework of QCC's ongoing mission, the availability of programs at QCC, and the committee's purview. The Steering Committee noted our diligence in consulting with administrative and departmental personnel and encouraged us to continue seeking their guidance. They requested that we keep them updated on our progress and reach out if we require further support.

Lastly, the Steering Committee referenced our 2022-2023 year-end report, which highlighted the potential for the CEWD department to improve the visibility of its programs and efforts within the college community. They urged us to take steps in this direction and to report on these efforts in our 2023-2024 year-end report.

1. Update on Review of CEWD Charges: Throughout the academic year, extensive communication occurred between the CEWD Committee and the Bylaws Committee to refine the CEWD charges. During the final meeting of the year, Chairperson Rex Taibu provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing review. He announced that the Bylaws Committee had officially endorsed the new CEWD charges on April 17th. These endorsed charges are now set to be presented to the Senate for further deliberation and approval.
2. The New CEWD Website & Strategies for Promoting Continuing Education (CE) Programs: The Office of Continuing Education introduced the newly launched CEWD website (https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/ce/index.html) to the committee. The website was quickly recognized for its potential to enhance the promotion of courses and programs offered by the Office of Continuing Education. A lively discussion followed, with members proposing various strategies to increase the website’s visibility. Suggestions included creating visually appealing flyers, initiating direct outreach to school principals via email for specific CEWD courses and programs, conducting informative classroom visits, and seeking input from key stakeholders, such as the Vice President and Chief Communication & Marketing Officer. The committee also explored the possibility of utilizing learning management systems like Brightspace to further extend the reach of CEWD initiatives.
3. Discussion on CEWD Reorganization Plan: Early in the academic year, Dean Ellen Hartigan introduced the CEWD reorganization plan to the committee. Prior to the meeting, the Dean had circulated the plan for review. During the session, Dean Hartigan invited questions and feedback from the attendees. The committee responded positively, noting that the plan was well-structured. Members suggested expanding course abbreviations (e.g., POE) or including a glossary of terms for clarity. Additionally, there was a request for further explanation of the terms 'tuition-based programs' and 'credit-bearing courses.' The Dean acknowledged these suggestions and committed to addressing them.
4. Audit College Courses: The committee discussed several initiatives aimed at promoting the services of the Office of Continuing Education. One key suggestion was to encourage CEWD students to audit college courses, as a strategy to boost course enrollment.
5. Showcasing CEWD Programs: A regular showcase of CEWD courses and training programs was proposed to increase visibility. In line with this, a CEWD showcase was held on April 16th from 1 to 3 PM.
6. CEWD Profits: It was announced that the CEWD is experiencing significant profits for the 2023-2024 academic year, attributed to the successful implementation of the CEWD reorganization plan.
7. Webpage Updates: The committee conducted a detailed review of both the CEWD Committee webpage and the CEWD Office webpage, identifying areas for improvement. The discussion centered on updating the Committee Guide Addendum Page on the CEWD Committee webpage. Additionally, the committee emphasized the importance of fixing broken links on the CEWD Committee webpage and stressed the need for regular reviews of the CEWD Office webpage to ensure accuracy, enhance visual appeal, and provide valuable information to visitors.
8. Promoting Non-Degree Credit Options for Adult Learners: The committee explored the role of the CEWD department in promoting non-degree credit options for adult learners. Dean Ellen Hartigan reported ongoing discussions with the administration regarding a plan to help non-degree students earn credit for courses completed through CEWD training programs.
9. Updates on CEWD Grants: Lori Conkling shared exciting news that CEWD had been awarded a new grant totaling $250K. This grant is specifically designated for training the city’s New-New Yorkers as Teaching Assistants in English Language. Further details will be provided in due course.

1. Finalize and Implement the New CEWD Charges: Ensure the new CEWD charges, which were endorsed by the Bylaws Committee, are successfully presented and approved by the Senate. Once approved, focus on implementing these charges to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of the committee’s operations.
2. Expand Promotion of CEWD Programs: Leverage the newly launched CEWD website by executing the proposed strategies to increase its visibility. Consider conducting a marketing campaign that includes distributing eye-catching flyers, engaging in direct outreach to local schools, and incorporating CEWD courses into learning management systems like Brightspace.
3. Refine the CEWD Reorganization Plan: Continue collaborating with Dean Ellen Hartigan to refine the CEWD reorganization plan. Address the committee's suggestions, such as expanding course abbreviations and clarifying terms like 'tuition-based programs' and 'credit-bearing courses.' Ensure that the reorganization plan aligns with the goals of CEWD and effectively supports its mission.
4. Explore the Feasibility of Allowing CEWD Students to Audit College Courses: Investigate the potential for CEWD students to audit college courses as a means to increase enrollment and provide additional educational opportunities. Since this option is not yet in place, the committee should collaborate with relevant academic departments and administrative offices to assess the feasibility and establish guidelines for implementing such a program in the future.
5. Regularly Showcase CEWD Programs: Establish a schedule for regular showcases of CEWD courses and training programs, similar to the successful event held in April. These showcases can help raise awareness and attract more participants to CEWD offerings.
6. Monitor and Enhance CEWD Webpages: Implement a routine review process for both the CEWD Committee and Office webpages to ensure they remain up-to-date, visually appealing, and informative. Prioritize fixing any broken links and consider user feedback to continually improve the online experience for visitors.
7. Develop Non-Degree Credit Options: Continue discussions with the administration to create a plan that allows non-degree students to earn credit for courses taken through CEWD programs. This initiative could attract more adult learners and expand the scope of CEWD’s educational offerings.
8. Maximize Grant Utilization: Effectively utilize the newly awarded $250K grant to train New-New Yorkers as Teaching Assistants in English Language. Track the progress of this initiative and explore additional grant opportunities to further support CEWD programs.

1. Acknowledgment of Outgoing Members: Dean Ellen Hartigan and the Committee expressed heartfelt gratitude to outgoing members, Prof. Alison Cimino (English) and Prof. Jun Shin (Chemistry), for their dedicated service and valuable contributions to the committee. Both members completed their terms at the end of May. We sincerely thank them for their commitment to Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
2. Welcome and Congratulations to New Members: Congratulations and a warm welcome to the new members, Prof. Namsik Baek (Mathematics & Computer Sciences) and Prof. Stephen Whitlock (Biology and Geology), whose terms will extend until 2027. We look forward to their valuable contributions in the coming years.
3. Appreciation for Leadership Volunteers: We extend our thanks to Professor Daniel Armstrong (Health and Physical Education) and Professor Deon Gibson (Social Sciences) for volunteering to serve as Chairperson and Secretary, respectively, for the next academic year. Your willingness to take on these leadership roles is greatly appreciated.
4. Special Thanks to Lori Conkling: A special note of appreciation goes to Ms. Lori Conkling for her exemplary service as Secretary for CEWD during the 2023–2024 academic year. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
5. Gratitude to Steering Committee: Many thanks to Prof. Steven Dahlke and the entire Steering Committee for their insightful advice and guidance, ensuring that the committee stays on the right path. Your support has been invaluable.

Rex Taibu, Outing Chairperson, Continuing Education & Workforce Development Committee.