Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Don, Your procedure appears to meet the requirements. Also keep in mind the timing of evaluation. Progress must be evaluated within certain timelines, such as at the midpoint and at the conclusion of a grading period. This is necessary to allow students to improve their grades/progress prior to the end of the period, thus allowing them to avoid negative consequences. JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Instructor Variance

Don, I agree that [generally] the fewer the reasons for the variance, the more likely the variance will be approved. Any variance submission should be the exception for your instructor population. If you feel strongly that an instructor candidate can do the job if their variance is approved, then make the best case you can for that person whether or not the variance is experience-based, education-based, or both. JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Best Practices for Applications

Gregory, This is a good practice. Per the discussion thread, others suggest comparing the application to previously submitted/approved applications. Lastly, send via trackable means (certified mail, etc.) to ensure CSC receipt of the application. JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Instructor Variance

Gregory, Good point, there are many good responses throughout the discussion thread. Another option is to call your CSC-TWC contact person. They are usually happy to answer questions prior to submitting the paperwork. JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Instructor Variance

Gregory, You bring up an interesting scenario. Similarly, a school may have difficulty finding instructors who meet all the TWC-CSC requirements in career fields that pay very well for those with experience. I suggest caution when submitting a variance in regard to schools located in rural areas or small cities. If a school claims there are limited employment resources in the area, this could call into question why the school is located in that area or why are they offering programs with limited employment opportunities. The CSC Instructor Application (PS-002 page 9) provides an example of a variance request -… >>>

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Annual Enrollment and Outcomes Reporting

TWC has an internal verification process where they may attempt to verify placement information with the wage/employment division of the TWC (either as a random procedure or in response to other concerns). It seems that they need SS #s to do this. The most recent revision of this report was 11/2011. These revisions included requiring that all report data be encrypted to protect student personal data. Can you think of other reasons why they still want Social Security numbers?

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Best Practices for Applications

Hello Gerald, Prior to submitting any applications to State/Accrediting, I would review it thoroughly and have at least 1 other person look at it. If a school has a compliance department, I would ensure that they approved it as well. I addition, I would look at past successful applications for best practices.

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Instructor Variance

It is important to have qualified instructors for the schools. The guidelines are specific as to the background, education and work experience an individual should have. What are some circumstances where you perhaps need to submit a variance to TWC for approval on a prospective instructor?

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Annual Enrollment and Outcomes Reporting

When submitting the annual Enrollment and Outcome report to CSC, it is sometimes difficult to know what category a student who is employed in the field falls into: Employed, Placed (P), or Not Placed (NP). What methods and steps do you utilize to determine what classification a student falls into? How do you work with students who do not want to disclose their employment status?

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Progress Policies

How often must a school evaluate student progress, and what are the minimum requirements for graduation?