County College Review - July 22, 2008

June Conference shows positive future for County College

County College registered 209 students at the June New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) Annual Meeting in Las Cruces in June, compared to 78 at the 2007 annual meeting. In the course of registering students for the June classes, County College increased the number of individuals who are enrolled as County College students from 68 to 237. Teacher evaluations showed high ratings for the dozen courses offered.

A survey on preferences for County College was completed by 162 NMAC members at the annual meeting. On a 1 to 5 scale where 5 means "strongly agree," the average response was 4.53 on the intention to take more County College courses, 4.52 on wanting to pursue continuing education, and 4.32 on the importance of continuing education units.

While the most popular delivery method reported on the survey was face-to-face classes held during or around NMAC meetings, respondents said almost six days could be set aside for continuing education events. Survey results were separated by affiliate groups and results are being used to develop a delivery plan that best meets your needs. If you would like a copy of overall or affiliate survey results, email countycollege@nmsu.edu

Regional County College days being considered

Several comments on the County College survey and verbal requests from NMAC members have prompted the consideration of regional County College sessions that would allow officials and employees to commute to County College classes over a two-day period from their work sites. Both core and affiliate courses could be offered during the sessions. We'd like your feedback on what time of year and what towns you would like to see host the County College sessions, in which we could offer maximum access to surrounding counties. Email countycollege@nmsu.edu with your ideas.

Fall County College courses being planned

Five NMAC affiliates have expressed interest in County College course delivery at their Fall Meetings - Assessors, Detention Administrators, Finance and Purchasing, Health Care, and Treasurers. Details are being worked out with affiliate officers. There is also interest in County College course delivery as part of the Better Informed Public Officials Conference in Albuquerque Dec. 2-5. County College will also plan to have courses in or around the NMAC January meeting in Santa Fe.

Curriculum Committees review course outlines

The County College Core Curriculum Committee met July 9 and finished reviewing the curriculum outline for the Certified Public Manager Program for New Mexico. County College Academic Director Diane Prindeville is taking the input and finalizing the course outlines.

The Assessors' Curriculum Committee was the latest to form and meet on July 17 to address how County College could best meet the needs of affiliate members. Already, the affiliate has committed that it wants 30 hours of continuing education class time completed every two years by their certified members. In discussions that included NMSU faculty advisor Ken Odenheim and advisor Al Maury, the group decided that offerings could serve a broad array of employees and officials who seek refresher courses and prep courses related to assessment, appraisal and administrative duties. Specific course content is being reviewed by the committee.

Since its June 16 meeting, the Treasurers' Curriculum Committee has continued to review curriculum topics for a possible state certification program.

NMSU faculty advisor for health care on board

The Health Care affiliate has an NMSU faculty advisor. Delfi Mondragon is a professor emerita from NMSU's Health Science Department. She holds a doctorate in public health from the University of California at Berkeley and served on faculties at University of Hawaii, Arizona State University, and Creighton University. She also won a fellowship to teach ethics in health. Before her academic career, she was a practicing nurse. She is New Mexico born and raised.

Questions about County College? Contact: countycollege@nmsu.edu

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