Mission Statement

The mission of the RTVF program is to train students to find employment in the many varied fields of media communication. To accomplish this goal, we emphasize hands-on training in audio and video production to prepare students for entry-level positions in the commercial and corporate media industry.

Program Description

The program consists of GE transfer courses and hands-on audio/video production lab classes. Both are designed for students either transferring to a four year degree program and those seeking immediate employment upon completing their training at Butte College. 

There are currently one fulltime and three associate faculty teaching on campus and at the Chico Center teaching day, evening and online. The full time instructor will retire at the end of the Spring 2015 semester. This will impact future scheduling of RTVF courses since the full-time position will not be replaced.

The program offers three Internet classes which satisfy transfer GE requirements in the Humanities, Social Science and Literature, Philosophy and Foreign Language to those students unable to participate in a traditional classroom setting. 

Class size ranges from 20 in our production classes RTVF 30, 50 and 55 because of limited computer availability to 35 in the traditional and internet sections of the transfer GE lecture classes RTVF/SOC 12, RTVF 13 and RTVF 15. 

2012-2013
AS Radio-TV Film        3
AS Radio-TV-Film: Agriculture Communications        1
AS Radio-TV-Film: Media Sales and Management    1
AS Radio-TV-Film: Video Production  4
CC Single Camera Video Production              4
 
2013-2014
AA Radio-TV Film        1
AS Radio-TV-Film: Video Production  2
CA Radio-TV-Film: Video Production  3
CC Single Camera Video Production              14
 
2014-2015 (haven’t accounted for those earning an award this spring)
AS Radio-TV-Film: Media Sales and Management    1
AS Radio-TV-Film: Video Production  2
CC Single Camera Video Production              1

The degree pattern reflects a shift in student interest in RTVF courses. While the number of AA/AS degrees has declined, the number of Certificates of Completion have risen dramatically. Based on student feedback and behavior, it seems the RTVF classes are now being taken more often as support classes for other digital arts major such as Recording Arts, Multi-Media and Photography than as classes towards a RTVF degree.

During the Fall 2012 semester, the RTVF program underwent a complete review of all course outlines and AS offerings and requirements. Based on input from local employers such as KHSL-TV and KPAY-AM, all RTVF course outlines were re-written to reflect changing industry demands for entry level employees. 

The course outlines were also re-written to insure that SLOs accurately reflected the course objectives and mirrored the Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) for the RTVF program. Currently there are preliminary plans at the state level to develop a transferrable AA-T degree in Broadcasting. Once the details are available, we will begin discussions as to how we should respond and if there are resources available to meet the state designed course standards. and if there are resources available to meet the state designed course standards.

After lengthy discussions among the full and associate faculty in the program, it was decided to consolidate the various AS degree program options and only offer an AS degree in Video Production. The program also developed a Certificate of Completion in Single Camera Video Production for students finishing three specific audio-video classes (RTVF 30, RTVF 40 and MSP 10. 

The response has been very enthusiastic  with 10 students being awarded the certificate in the first year of its being available. We assume that that number will increase dramatically over the next few semesters as more students complete the required courses.

Butte College is the only college/university in Northern California to offer students training in the set-up and operation of a TV studio for music production. As a result of that unique learning experience, many students from the RTVF program have found great success in a variety of local and national employment venues from KHSL-TV to ESPN TV.

Students completing RTVF certificates and courses who actively seek entry employment in radio-TV after leaving Butte College have been well received by local broadcast outlets such as KPAY, KHSL, KCVU and Results Radio. KHSL-TV hired three RTVF majors this year because of the excellent work they did during their internships. And KCVU (CH. 30) hired one of our students as a production assistant.

Student Learning/Administrative Unit Outcomes

A number of “deep dive” analyses (for a wide variety of courses) have been conducted for the RTVF program; however, none were submitted last year since the retirement of RTVF’s one full-time faculty member.  The Digital Art and Design Department Chair (who oversees RTVF) will collaborate with RTVF associate faculty to remedy the situation ASAP.
On a positive note, at the conclusion of Spring 2016, all RTVF faculty wrote comments describing their students’ performance relative to course SLOs.  Faculty wrote comments about MRTVF 12 (Mass Media & Society); RTVF 3 (Exploring Contemporary TV); RTVF 15 (Introduction to Film); RTVF 30 (Digital Audio Production); RTVF 40 (Digital Video Production); and RTVF 55 (Music Video Production).  All comments referenced course SLOs and discussed students’ performance.  Some faculty commented on changes to be made as a result of students’ performance and SLO findings. 
At the upcoming Fall 2016 Institute Day Department meeting, the Department Chair will facilitate a discussion of SLO-related findings and share best practices in terms of these short SLO write-ups. As part of the constructive dialog about SLOs, he will remind faculty in those classes in which “deep dive” analyses will be conducted this year.  Going forward, the department chair will ensure that all RTVF faculty are aware of – and follow-through on -- the “deep dive” analyses to be conducted annually.
Planned Improvements from the Outcomes Assessment reports: 
One of the SLO-related conclusions is that one of the major issues facing all RTVF faculty is the lack of basic skills preparation on the part of the students. Instructors decided to recommend to all students that they take additional basics classes or work with tutors to improve their basic reading, writing and verbal communications skills. 
Faculty who submitted SLO reports for RTVF 30/40/55 decided that it was imperative that they simplify the assignments at the start of each semester so as to better introduce students to the demands of professional audio and video production. They were in agreement as to the plan to recommend that students improve their basic reading, writing and verbal communications skills via taking classes and/or working with tutors. 
Other plans for instructional enhancement made as a result of SLO assessment are to provide more instruction about MLA-style citations, continue the use of writing prompts, provide students with samples of good writing, assist students with time management, and collaborate with an acting class in making digital videos.
 
 

Standards/Goals for Student Achievement (OSLED Departments)

			College			Program
Indicator	Source	2013-2014 Performance	Standard	Five Year Goal	Fall 2014 Performance	Standard	Five Year Goal
Course Success
-          Overall	PDR	71.1%	70%	73%
-          Transfer/GE	PDR	71.5%		73%
-          CTE	PDR	75%		77%	60.5%	60%	75%
-          Basic Skills	PDR	51.7%		55%
-          Distance Ed (all)	PDR	62.5%		64%
Persistence (Focused).  Note:  The Persistence (Focused) that is included in the PDR is a different indicator than the three-primary term persistence indicator, from the state Student Success Scorecard, that is used to measure institutional persistence.  The Focused Persistence indicator measures the percentage of students that took a second course in a discipline within one year. There is no relationship between the college and program standards in this area.	PDR	72.6%    (Three-Term) Scorecard	67% (Three-Term) Scorecard	75% (Three-Term) Scorecard	18.6%	15%	20%
Degrees	PDR	1,455		1,600	6	3	10
Certificates	PDR	366		475	CA: 6 CC: 6	CA: 2 CC: 1	CA: 10 CC: 12
Developmental Strand Completion
-          English	State	42%		45%
-          Math	State	30.7%		33%
-          ESL	State	25%		28%
Licensure Pass Rates
-          Registered Nursing	SC
-          Licensed Vocational Nursing	SC
-          Respiratory Therapy	SC
-          Paramedic	SC
-          Cosmetology	SC
-          Welding	SC
Job Placement Rates	PIV

                                              The RTVF program is in compliance with the standard. This is a relatively small program serving multiple purposes.  Students enroll in RTVF classes for two reasons: to fulfill General Education requirement and develop skills relating the RTVF CTE program’s certificates/degrees.  Above, there are a couple of statistics of particular note:   At 60.5% the success rate for RTVF is at the low end of its five-year range (60.5% - 76.8%).   Six students earned an AS in 2014-2015.  This is at the high end the five-year range (2-7).  Six students earned a CA – again at the high end of the five-year range (1-6).  Six students also earned the CC – this is at the middle of the five-year range (0-14).  Approximately 35 students have chosen an AS in RTVF as their academic program while another 15 or so have chosen the RTVF CA program.  At 18.6% the Focused Persistence for RTVF is at the high end of its five-year range (15.4% - 18.6%).  Enrollments for Fall 2014 were at 320, which is at the low end of the five-year range (311-384). Lower success rates and enrollment in RTVF classes could be due to increased numbers of online sections of the General Education RTVF classes (with smaller class size than face-to-face and somewhat lower success rates).  In addition, many of these face-to-face and online RTVF classes were taught by an especially rigorous faculty member who has recently retired.  The drop in enrollments may also be reflective of changes to courses CSU will accept for its General Education requirement – or an increased number of options to satisfy these requirements. Given declining enrollments, the lack of degrees/certificates awarded and the alignment with the Career Pathways grant, the right strategy for this program appears to be a focus on recruitment, advisement, faculty development/collaboration and strategic scheduling.  This same strategy will apply upon Chancellor’s Office approval of the AA-T in Broadcasting. This could result in more students taking subsequent courses in this discipline and, possibly, increase enrollments in RTVF classes. Once approved by the Chancellor’s Office, we will be promoting the AA-T in Broadcasting to enhance success rates by attracting degree-focused students and creating a more attractive, visible, direct pathway to facilitate student transfer.  Once approved and students have had the opportunity to select the Broadcasting AA-T as their academic program, we will have concrete information as to student interest and program potential. In addition, the existing RTVF certificate and degree options provide CTE students with solid skills development and employment prospects.  Butte-trained RTVF students are highly regarded by prospective employers. We plan to maintain and/or enhance current student success rates throughout the RTVF Program by: increasing students’ and area educators’ awareness options, opportunities, requirements and scheduling patterns; continuing to strategically schedule to provide classes necessary to facilitate students’ certificate/degree completion; promoting our programs (including via emails, signage throughout the Arts Building and an enhanced social media presence); advising incoming (and continuing) students about appropriate class placement and sequencing; providing students with realistic previews about what they may expect relative to the programs and classes; updating curriculum and pedagogy, given results of SLO analysis, industry input and (when/if the Chancellor’s Office approves our submitted program) requirements relative to the AA-T; maintaining our connections with industry and educational partners; conducting outreach to the community and area high schools in order to attract well-qualified students; and communicating with existing and past students as to their progress relative to degree attainment.   Using contact information for declared RTVF majors found in the Reports Server, we will conduct outreach to declared majors and engage in dialogue with students about their program(s) of interest and progress towards degrees.  By focusing on staying connected and enhancing students’ success and persistence relative to these RTVF degree/certificate options, the RTVF Program will increase overall students’ persistence.

Standards/Goals for Student Achievement (All Other Departments)

Strategic Direction

The Radio/TV/Film (RTVF) Program is aligned with the college’s strategic initiatives:
Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Academic Achievement (Strategic Initiative #1).  The discussion above details a number of ways in which the RTVF Program promotes students’ achievement and degree completion.  While the RTVF Program is quite small, increased efforts in this regard are planned – especially with the current lack of promotion, the pending approval of the new AA-T degree and the opportunity to enhance the skills-building CTE component of the RTVF Program with new, hands-on classes.  In terms of curriculum development, there is currently discussion of creating a capstone class and, perhaps, a documentary filming class.
Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success (Strategic Initiative #2).  This is an area where the RTVF Program is constrained. The RTVF area has lost its full-time faculty and is in need of a faculty member who can champion the program and ensure that the program prepares students to meet the needs of the industry.  In the absence of that faculty member, those roles are being played by the Digital Art and Design Department Chair and, to some extent, one of the faculty coordinators of the Career Pathways effort.  On an as-needed basis, RTVF will apply for Perkins funding to acquire necessary equipment and software.
Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement (Strategic Initiative #3).  The RTVF Program will continue to enhance instruction based insights generated from Student Learning Outcome assessment/analysis/reporting.  In addition, program success will be facilitated by perspective achieved via data contained in Butte’s report server.
Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning (Strategic Initiative #4).   Classes are scheduled and schedules enhanced in order to facilitate students’ access to classes they need.  There will be a renewed effort to optimize the class schedule when/if the AA-T degree is approved.   As a result of the Career Pathways grant (currently in year 2 of 2 years funded), the RTVF program has been able to buy a limited amount of new equipment.  We have three computer labs that are shared by RTVF, Photo, MSP, and Graphic Design. There is also a video production lab that is under-utilized and could house increased digital video course offerings for the RTVF students.
Enhancing a Culture of Inclusiveness (Strategic Initiative #6).  The RTVF Program benefits from the uniqueness and talents of its faculty, staff and students. 
 

Program Review

The Digital Art and Design Program Review written in April 2014 included a review of the RTVF Program (a component of “DA&D”).  The Validation Team’s recommendations relevant to Radio/TV/Film have been addressed, as follows.  One of the challenges faced by the RTVF Program is that the program has had one full-time faculty member (who had reassigned time to serve as Digital Art and Design Chair) and, as of Fall 2015 has no full-time faculty. 
We have effectively addressed these recommendations:

Develop additional courses and degrees/certificates intentionally and strategically to offer students the opportunities to meet industry standards for skills and knowledge.  Develop additional classes to support all programs, including to support the new AA-T in Broadcast.  Develop additional online courses.  Explore the possibility of offering History of Design or History of Photography course for associate degree students and to support fulfillment of GE requirements for all students.  Prior to his retirement, the RTVF full-time faculty member (and Digital Art and Design Department Chair) completed all curriculum enhancement/development necessary for submission of the AA-T in Broadcasting to the Chancellor’s Office.  As of Summer 2016, approval of the application has been delayed due to a lack of C-ID reviewers.  Given industry input and available departmental resources, additional hands-on RTVF courses may be developed as soon as 2016-2017.


 The need for updated equipment and supplies for both MSP and RTVF is evident.  The team encourages the Chair and Full Time Faculty be aware of institutional timelines related to Perkins funding or other revenue sources (e.g., grants).   It appears funding opportunities have recently been missed.  In the past couple of years, due to instructional equipment funds from the state and funds available from the Career Pathways grant, the RTVF program acquired much-needed equipment. 


 Review pages and course descriptions for accuracy, currency and clarity.  Ensure that course titles and descriptions reflect the course content in line with the various certificates and degrees.  In addition, ensure that information pertaining to certificates, Certificates of Achievement and Degrees will be understood by students and prospective students.  Catalog revisions were made to increase readability.  Use of RTVF Program matrices will be piloted in Fall 2016 RTVF classes.  Similar tools are used in other disciplines, such as Business Education.

There remain opportunities for further growth relative to the following recommendations:

 Promote all DA&D programs, including via departmental/program Web page(s) and promotional materials and brochures created in-house.   Inform students about the impact of program certificates on students’ career prospects and employability.  Create advising materials to facilitate students' awareness of certificates/degrees, course availability/sequencing and the processes used to obtain degrees/certificates they have earned.  During Summer 2016, program matrices showing certificate and degree options and relevant courses are being devised.  Also, posters will be created and hung in the Art Building for each of Butte’s Arts and Digital Art and Design AA-T programs (including Broadcasting, once/if it is approved).


 Increase efforts to maximize students’ completion of certificates and/or degrees.  Assess transcripts of students who have completed DA&D degrees to determine which have completed certificate requirements.  This should be done retroactively and on an ongoing basis.  Department secretarial staff have used Butte’s report server to assess students’ progress towards certificates/degrees.  More focused, regularly-scheduled efforts in this regard are planned – as well as communication with students as to their status.


 Hire two new full-time faculty, one for the Photography Program, to provide leadership and expertise and replace a valued full-time faculty member who retired several years ago.  The other full-time faculty member should be for the area(s) of greatest need as determined by the department, bringing current (and diverse) industry skills and connections.  Reinstate the Art/Digital Art and Design Department secretary and DA&D lab tech to 12 months.  Investigate the use of student interns to assist students and faculty in DA&D labs.  While the department secretary was reinstated to 12 months, the lab tech remains a 10 month position and the RTVF faculty retiree was not replaced.  Classes are effectively staffed with existing part-time faculty; however, the RTVF Program lacks a discipline-specific champion.


Focus on expanding and enhancing SLO-related efforts.  Clarify the 6-year plan for all programs within the department.  Within each program (and, for the department as a whole), conduct regular, substantive meetings focused on discussing SLO assessments and making curricular enhancements.  Document findings to provide evidence of process, results and future directions.  All RTVF course syllabi include up-to-date SLOs; however, SLO-related efforts are an area for increased focus, especially given the absence of the former RTVF SLO champion and report-writer.  Reports that were written were informative.  Many of the comments made by faculty accompanying their Spring 2016 grades were insightful.  The new Digital Art and Design Department Chair will be taking a leadership role to ensure that the RTVF faculty stay on track in conducting their “deep dive” analyses and that their brief SLO comments entered along with grades are substantive.  


The Validation Team recommends that the DA&D Department enhance its recruitment and outreach.  Strengthen relationships with area high schools and charter schools, including via articulation (for programs in addition to the RTVF program).  Recruit high school students, especially female and minority students, by sending letters to high school teachers and inviting students and teachers to visit campus.  Some outreach has been conducted by the Digital Art and Design department chair and a full-time faculty member who teaching Recording Arts.  These efforts have been aligned with our Career Pathways grant.  Additional RTVF-specific outreach would be beneficial.


Collaborate both within the department and with faculty in other areas, particularly those in the Business Department.  Consider requiring that students complete Business courses as part of their certificates/degrees, such as Small Business Management (which may be offered in modules), Business on the Web and/or Advertising. Such courses could assist students in developing entrepreneurial skills and enhance their future career success.  They could also help students learn about how to build brand awareness and strong relationships with clients.   One of the existing associate faculty members collaborates with colleagues throughout the college as a facilitator of Butte’s Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW).  There have been discussions with Communication Studies about possibly having a full-time faculty member teach an overload RTVF Mass Communication class (which is part of the CMST AA-T degree).  Additional collaboration would be beneficial, but is hampered by a lack of full-time faculty.


The Validation Team recommends that course sequencing be clearly stated, including prerequisites.  The team supports the DA&D Department’s request to the district that course prerequisites be enforced via computerized registration.  Butte College is moving in the direction of technological enforcement of course prerequisites.


The team recommends planning for the possibility of expanding team teaching within the department.  We believe students will reap the benefit from the increased collaboration involved.  We also recommend exploring the possibility of Learning Communities (for example, a Photo class with an MSP class).  This has not been pursued.

 

Department Goals

We will begin to promote the RTVF program to high schools and within the community. We plan to increase outreach to local companies that may offer internships to students, and make connections with local industry for potential employment opportunities.

Future Development Strategies

Requested Non-Financial Resources

Current Financial Resources

Augmentation Requests

Original Priority	Program, Unit, Area	Resource Type	Account Number	Object Code	One Time Augment	Ongoing Augment
Description	Supporting Rationale		Potential Alternative Funding Sources		Prioritization Criteria
1	RTVF	Personnel			$0.00	$4,500.00
Digital Arts Lab Tech	It is impossible for our current lab tech to fulfill all his job duties and program obligations in a 10 month contract which is not enough time to oversee/maintain the digital labs, order/repair photographic equipment, meet OSHA regulations for safe chemical handling, provide audio support for theatre productions, supervise photo dark room equipment and supplies. The position should be increased to 12 months				Maintaining core programs and services
2	RTVF	Personnel			$0.00	$100,000.00
Full time Instructor	The one full time instructor is retiring in May 2015. It is imperative that the position be replaced to guarantee oversight and consistency in the RTVF courses and program				Maintaining core programs and services