paralegal/lgal assistant studies...paralegal/legal assistant studies) must successfully complete an...

KANKAKEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARALEGAL/LEGAL ASSISTANT STUDIES PROGRAM

A.A.S. DEGREE, C08 ADVANCED CERTIFICATE, C52

PROGRAM REVIEW

SPRING SEMESTER 2012 Compiled by: Kristine M. Condon, Program Coordinator Adjunct Faculty: Jason M. Cieslik Hon. James B. Kinzer Hon. Gordon L. Lustfeldt Dana M. Meyer Hon. Susan Sumner Tungate First Revision, May 2012 Second Revision, June 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ECONOMICS ........................................................................................................ 1

I. Economics Objectives: ............................................................................... 1

QUALITY .............................................................................................................. 3

II. Quality Objectives: ..................................................................................... 3

RELEVANCE ........................................................................................................ 7

III. Relevance Objectives: ............................................................................. 7

SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 9

Appendix E-1: Unit Cost Data, A.A.S. Degree and Advanced Certificate .......... 13

Appendix E-2: Unit Revenue Data, A.A.S. Degree and Advanced Certificate ... 19

Appendix E-3: Comparison Between Unit Cost and Revenue Data, A.A.S.

Degree and Advanced Certificate ............................................................ 23

Appendix E-4: Program Costs ........................................................................... 27

Appendix Q-1: Faculty Professional Development ............................................. 31

Appendix Q-2: Statement Regarding Availability of Syllabi ................................ 37

Appendix Q-3: Survey of Currently Enrolled Students ....................................... 39

Appendix Q4: Student Occupational Follow-up Survey ..................................... 51

Appendix Q5: Advisory Committee Involvement ................................................ 55

Appendix Q6: Three-Year Technology Plan Form ............................................. 85

Appendix Q7: Regional Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee Proposal and

Four-Year Transfer Agreements .............................................................. 87

Appendix Q8: Course Completion and Success .............................................. 102

Appendix Q9: Graduates by Fiscal Year .......................................................... 105

Appendix Q10a: Assessment Plan ................................................................... 107

Appendix Q10b: Program Assessment Plan and Report Form ........................ 107

Appendix Q11: American Bar Association Reapproval Site Visit Report ......... 121

Appendix Q-12: Copies of Best Practices Articles from Paralegal Educator, the

magazine of the American Association for Paralegal Education ............ 145

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ECONOMICS The Economics review process assists Kankakee Community College in identifying factors that demonstrate the cost effectiveness of the college program. Excessively high or low program costs will provide evidence of productivity problems. Kankakee Community College examines whether cost levels are appropriate for programs with very low student demand, very low student/faculty ratios, or those that are subject to frequent technological changes.

I. Economics Objectives:

1. Collect unit cost data for the program from the Office of Institutional Research (OIR) for each of the previous four years, excluding the present year. Appendix E-1 documents the unit cost data for Fiscal Years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 for the A.A.S. degree and the Advanced Certificate.

2. Collect unit revenue data from the OIR for each of the previous four

years, excluding the present year.

Appendix E-2 documents the unit revenue data for Fiscal Years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 for the A.A.S. degree and the Advanced Certificate.

3. Compare unit cost and revenue data including statewide data for the

program from the OIR for each of the previous four years, excluding the present year.

Appendix E-3 charts the comparison between unit cost and revenue data, including statewide data, for Fiscal Years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 for the A.A.S. degree and the Advanced Certificate.

4. Provide program cost data and prepare individual analysis of costs to

complete certificate and degree programs.

Appendix E-4 includes program costs for the A.A.S. degree and the Advanced Certificate.

5. Report on additional qualifiers of cost data (i.e., enrollment data, etc.—

optional).

NOTE: While the net instructional cost data reflects that KCC’s unit rate is higher than the net cost of its competing, ABA-approved paralegal programs, it should be noted that only 50% of the program coordinator’s ECH is assigned to credit-level

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teaching—yet 100% of the program coordinator’s salary is used to calculate the net instructional cost. If 50% of the program coordinator’s salary (or 100% of the ECH assigned to credit-level teaching) is used to calculate net instructional cost, KCC’s net instructional cost is the lowest among its seven competitors and less than 70% of the statewide average net cost of instruction for these same programs.

It should also be noted that the program coordinator is the only employee among Illinois’ eight ABA-approved community college paralegal programs who has an 11-month, 35 ECH salary, meaning that her load is 22% higher than that of her counterparts. This variable should also be factored into the net cost of instruction.

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QUALITY The Quality review process assists Kankakee Community College in identifying program strengths and weaknesses and develops strategies to capitalize on the strengths and eliminate the weaknesses.

II. Quality Objectives:

1. List professional development activities and work experience of current full-time and part-time instructors.

Appendix Q-1 provides a list of professional development activities and work experience of current full-time and part-time faculty.

2. Determine that all course syllabi follow the master syllabi format

entered in KCC’s website.

A copy of the e-mail from Paul Carlson, Associate Dean for Business & Technology, confirming the availability of all master syllabi for courses within the program, is found on Page 38. Also, note that the most current version of each course’s syllabus is posted on the program coordinator’s web site (www.kcc.edu/facultysites/kcondon).

3. Provide survey of currently enrolled students.

Appendix Q-3 provides the results of the program review survey of currently enrolled students prepared by the Office of Institutional Research.

4. Report and analyze alumni evaluation of KCC’s programs, services,

and technical development.

Appendix Q-4 contains the results of the student occupational follow-up survey of alumni prepared by the Office of Institutional Research.

5. Report and analyze advisory committee involvement, activities, and

recommendations.

Appendix Q-5 contains all advisory committee minutes and attendance records for the past two years, including a special strategic planning meeting held for advisors and a special ABA preparation training session held in advance of the ABA reapproval visit.

6. Report three-year technology needs.

Appendix Q-6 contains a PLAS Three-Year Technology Plan.

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7. Report on transition of secondary students to the PLAS Program.

Appendix Q-7 contains the minutes from all Regional Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee meetings the program coordinator has attended since the 2007 program review to recruit secondary students to the program.

Additionally, copies of all transfer agreements with four-year institutions with paralegal programs are included in Appendix Q-7.

8. Report on student retention and success.

Appendix Q-8 analyzes student completion and success rates for each program course with comparisons to the KCC institutional averages.

NOTE: PLAS enrollees’ success rates have ranged anywhere from -0.5% to 15.9% higher than the all-institution average between 2007 and 2011. Additionally, PLAS completers’ success rates have ranged anywhere from 5.3% to 13.8% higher than the all-institution average between 2007 and 2011.

9. Report on program completion.

Appendix Q-9 provides a summary of program completion data. The program has consistently recruited 20 students into the introductory course annually and graduated 5 students annually for five of the past six years, which was a program goal upon instituting classes in 2002. The number of PLAS completers has remained constant since FY 2007, as opposed to the all-institutional decrease of 22% during that same time period.

10. Describe program assessment activities.

Appendices Q-10A and Q-10B document both course and program assessment plans and report forms. These were also provided to the American Bar Association as part of the 2011 reapproval process. The 2011 Reapproval Report is attached as Appendix Q11.

11. Report on programmatic best practices or exemplary innovations.

Illinois Appellate Court on campus: In September 2010, KCC hosted a three-justice panel of the Third District Appellate Court as it held live oral arguments in one criminal and one civil appeal on our campus. Invited to participate by Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride, KCC was the only public institution—and the only community college—invited to participate. We estimate that 325

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people filled the Iroquois Room, which was converted to a courtroom, and the Main Auditorium to watch the judicial process in action. This event was opened to all high schools in the district as well, and Chief Justice Kilbride hosted an “Ask a Judge” event in the auditorium after the training. The Appellate Court justices answered students’ questions and gave them a firsthand experience with the process.

Intense focus on writing and composition competencies: In response to legal community survey reports that students’ writing mechanics continue to need improvement, PLAS students enrolled in the introductory-level course (PLAS 1103, Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies) must successfully complete an online tutorial called Core Grammar for Lawyers. Students are pretested at the beginning of the semester and have 24 web-based lessons on grammar, composition, and mechanics to complete. The tutorials can be completed an unlimited number of times. Students must complete and submit a post-test as a course exit requirement and complete it with a minimum 85% proficiency. Students who do not meet the 85% benchmark receive a customized training plan from the program coordinator with corrective materials provided through the program budget. The student may also be referred to an alumni mentor from the Paralegal Alumni Mentoring Network for additional guidance. This was documented as a best practice in the ABA Reapproval Report.

Legal Careers Day: Since 2009, KCC has hosted a Legal Careers Day designed to acquaint high school students with the variety of legal careers available to them and to prepare current paralegal students for the careers they have chosen. Activities have included mock trials, library print and online research activities, and career building. The 2012 Legal Careers Day offered students a presentation of the Illinois Paralegal Association’s “Paralegal Boot Camp,” a career preparation presentation that has been offered at other institutions. The 2011 Legal Careers Day, featuring Illinois Appellate Court Justice Mary McDade as our keynote speaker, was nominated for a 2011 American Bar Association Outstanding Law Day award.

Team teaching: In PLAS 1103 and PLAS 2263, courses are team taught. In 1103, the class is taught by an attorney and a paralegal, who also teach classes separately and give complementary perspectives on the material being presented. In 2263, the class is taught by two judges, each of whom specializes in a different area of family law (e.g., divorce, custody, mediation). The decision to make 2263 a team-taught class was a direct result of the positive

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feedback the program received from the students enrolled in 1103.

Coursework in legal-specific technology: In building the original curriculum, it was clear that most comparable programs had no course specifically dedicated to the use of PC applications in the law office. For this reason, and in consultation with the legal community, the Legal Technology course was developed. Since its inception, many larger programs have adopted our approach and have sought our guidance on how to cover content. Our program’s Legal Technology course has also been profiled at an American Association for Paralegal Education national conference and in a recent issue of Paralegal Educator magazine, which is included in this report as Appendix Q-12.

Microsoft Office Specialist certification: Closely tied to the Legal Technology class is MOS certification. As KCC is an Authorized Testing Center for these exams, PLAS students have the option to earn college credit for general education computer courses by successfully completing these certification exams. KCC has been profiled on Microsoft’s web site for its innovations in this area, and the Program Coordinator has spoken at several national conferences on KCC’s best practice in this area.

LEX Alumni Mentoring Network: The alumni of KCC’s Lambda Epsilon Chi National Honor Society in Paralegal Studies have established a mentoring network to provide study support and test-taking strategies to incoming students. Incoming inductees into the honor society are expected to make a commitment to assist future incoming students with this network.

Partnership with Continuing Education & Career Services: Continuing Education & Career Services regularly offers non-credit computer training sessions for legal professionals, and there is normally special discount pricing for KCC paralegal students. Courses in the entire Microsoft Office suite, along with workshops on legal research using Westlaw and citation review, are offered.

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RELEVANCE The Relevance review process assists Kankakee Community College in determining the pertinence of its programs. It is imperative that the college’s occupational programs are in tune with the needs of industry to retain existing businesses and prepare for future labor needs. Programs in which the supply exceeds the demand or in which a significant number of graduates is unemployed or working in unrelated fields are important areas to assess.

III. Relevance Objectives:

1. Report and analyze current labor market information, including current trends and occupational demand.

Sources for this narrative include the Illinois Paralegal Association 2011 Survey of Salaries and Benefits (www.ipaonline.org, visited 4/24/2012); data provided by KCC’s Office of Institutional Research; the 2011 ABA-mandated Annual Alumni Survey; and the 2011 ABA-mandated Biennial Legal Community Survey.

The following table outlines the numbers of openings and average hourly and annual earnings for graduates of the PLAS program.

Source % Increase in Jobs Average Hourly or Annual Earnings

OIR Data (Economic Modeling Specialists) 2011 KCC Data

30% increase, 2006-2016

$19.36 $38,720 annually

OIR (Economic Modeling Specialists) 2011 Statewide Data

14% increase, 2006-2016

$27.27 $54,540 annually

IPA, 2011, graduates with 1-3 years’ experience

$43,000

IPA, 2011 total median compensation, graduates with 1-3 years’ experience

$44,500 (2011)

2011 KCC ABA Alumni Survey

61% are making between $25,000-$35,000 annually

With a 30% increase in jobs until 2016, and even with a lower cost of living in Kankakee County, this data reflects that the program is viable and gives students an entry-level career choice with room for salary increases and responsibilities.

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SUMMARY Question 1: Is there a need for the program based on trends in enrollments, completions, job placement, and labor market demand? Please explain any adverse trends. Answer: There is a need for the program based upon the OIR and Illinois Paralegal Association research data that shows the growth in jobs and in salary over the next five years. While the PLAS program has low enrollment, the completion rate is anywhere from 5.3% to 13.8% higher than the all-institution average between 2007 and 2011. Of the 49 alumni this program has graduated since 2004, 90% of them are working in their chosen field or are continuing their educations in the chosen field. Question 2: is the program cost-effective? How was this determined? Answer: Cost-effectiveness is an area for improvement, but can only happen when the program can enroll students with the requisite writing skills to be successful. While the net instructional cost data reflects that KCC’s unit rate is higher than the net cost of its competing, ABA-approved paralegal programs, it should be noted that only 50% of the program coordinator’s ECH is assigned to credit-level teaching—yet 100% of the program coordinator’s salary is used to calculate the net instructional cost. If 50% of the program coordinator’s salary (or 100% of the ECH assigned to credit-level teaching) is used to calculate net instructional cost, KCC’s net instructional cost is the lowest among its seven competitors and less than 70% of the statewide average net cost of instruction for these same programs. Question 3: List strengths of the program: Answer:

American Bar Association Approval in 33 Months (Average Time 60-72 months) and Reapproval Pending

Strong Support from the Legal Community and the Judiciary

Strong Connections to the State Judiciary (Illinois Supreme Court), Resulting In Civic Engagement on Campus

High-Quality Instruction

High-Performing Students, with Success Rate Exceeding the All-Institution Average

Community Partnership Opportunities with Bar Associations and Prairie State Legal Services

Noncredit Education Opportunities with Legal Organizations Seeking Professional Education

Team Teaching

Microsoft Office Specialist Testing Alternatives

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LEX Honor Society

LEX Alumni Mentoring Network

Partnerships with KCC Foundation to Raise Scholarship Monies Question 4: List weaknesses of the program: Answer:

Low Enrollment

Lack of Regional Recruitment with the Possibility of a JJC Paralegal Program

Minimal Increase in Overall Kankakee County Job Market to Date Question 5: Create a table that shows the goals, activities, and timelines that have been identified as a result of the program review.

IMPROVEMENT GOAL IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINES

Increase enrollment Partnership with KCC recruitment in high school outreach

Continue partnership efforts with GSU; consider outreach to ONU

Ongoing

Expand awareness of program to other districts without an ABA-approved program

Continued outreach to Grundy, Livingston, McLean Counties

Attempt to renew outreach to Ford and Champaign Counties

Ongoing, with results reported to Advisory Committee twice annually

Expand program awareness to northwest Indiana

Attempt new outreach to schools in Lake, Benton, and Newton Counties in Indiana


Increase transfer opportunities to four-year partners

Pursue transfer agreements with Lewis University (Romeoville) and Roosevelt University (Chicago), both of which have bachelor’s level paralegal programs


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IMPROVEMENT GOAL IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINES

Increase use of social media to reach varying demographics

Work with Marketing to set up a Facebook presence; consider Pinterest as well

Use LinkedIn for professional connections to the program

Use social media to market open houses and related events

Meet with Kari Sargeant this summer regarding social media

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Appendix E-1: Unit Cost Data, A.A.S. Degree and Advanced Certificate

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Course PCS CIP Enrollment

Credit

Hours

Credit Hours

Generated

Salary Cost per

Credit Hour

Department Cost

per Credit Hour

Equipment Cost

per Credit Hour

Overhead

Cost per

Credit Hour

Net Cost per

Credit Hour

Total Cost per

Course

PLAS-1103 1.2 220103 18 3 54 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 16,029.90

PLAS-1123 1.2 220103 13 3 39 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 11,577.15

PLAS-1133 1.2 220103 8 3 24 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 7,124.40

PLAS-1153 1.2 220103 11 3 33 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 9,796.05

PLAS-1213 1.2 220103 13 3 39 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 11,577.15

PLAS-2133 1.2 220103 10 3 30 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 8,905.50

PLAS-2213 1.2 220103 8 3 24 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 7,124.40

PLAS-2223 1.2 220103 7 3 21 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 6,233.85

PLAS-2233 1.2 220103 10 3 30 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 8,905.50

PLAS-2333 1.2 220103 10 3 30 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 8,905.50

PLAS-2403 1.2 220103 2 3 6 133.95 40.59 0.00 122.31 296.85 1,781.10

PLAS-2413 1.2 229998 4 3 12 381.73 115.67 0.00 122.31 619.71 7,436.52

Totals 114 342 105,397.02

KCC Paralegal & Legal Assistant Studies Average Unit Cost 308.18

KCC Collegewide Average Unit Cost 216.86

Statewide Paralegal & Legal Assistant Studies Average Unit Cost 238.11

Paralegal & Legal Assistant Studies

Unit Cost

Fiscal Year 2007

15


Credit

Hours

Credit Hours

Generated

Salary Cost per

Credit Hour

Department Cost

per Credit Hour

Equipment Cost

per Credit Hour

Overhead

Cost per

Credit Hour

Net Cost per

Credit Hour

Total Cost per

Course

PLAS-1103 1.2 220302 18 3 54 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 18,544.14

PLAS-1123 1.2 220302 2 3 6 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 2,060.46

PLAS-1133 1.2 220302 4 3 12 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 4,120.92

PLAS-1153 1.2 220302 11 3 33 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 11,332.53

PLAS-1213 1.2 220302 3 3 9 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 3,090.69

PLAS-2113 1.2 220302 9 3 27 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 9,272.07

PLAS-2223 1.2 220302 4 3 12 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 4,120.92

PLAS-2233 1.2 220302 4 3 12 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 4,120.92

PLAS-2253 1.2 220302 4 3 12 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 4,120.92

PLAS-2263 1.2 220302 8 3 24 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 8,241.84

PLAS-2333 1.2 220302 6 3 18 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 6,181.38

PLAS-2403 1.2 220302 1 3 3 166.81 56.83 0.00 119.77 343.41 1,030.23

PLAS-2413 1.2 229998 8 3 24 370.54 126.21 0.00 119.77 616.52 14,796.48

Totals 82 246 91,033.50





Unit Cost

Fiscal Year 2008

16


Credit

Hours

Credit Hours

Generated

Salary Cost per

Credit Hour

Department Cost

per Credit Hour

Equipment Cost

per Credit Hour

Overhead

Cost per

Credit Hour

Net Cost per

Credit Hour

Total Cost per

Course

PLAS-1103 1.2 220302 15 3 45 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 14,465.70

PLAS-1123 1.2 220302 11 3 33 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 10,608.18

PLAS-1133 1.2 220302 6 3 18 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 5,786.28

PLAS-1153 1.2 220302 4 3 12 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 3,857.52

PLAS-1213 1.2 220302 12 3 36 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 11,572.56

PLAS-2113 1.2 220302 2 3 6 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 1,928.76

PLAS-2213 1.2 220302 7 3 21 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 6,750.66

PLAS-2223 1.2 220302 6 3 18 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 5,786.28

PLAS-2233 1.2 220302 3 3 9 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 2,893.14

PLAS-2333 1.2 220302 6 3 18 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 5,786.28

PLAS-2403 1.2 220302 2 3 6 172.67 33.48 0.00 115.31 321.46 1,928.76

PLAS-2413 1.2 229998 5 3 15 336.67 65.27 0.00 115.31 517.25 7,758.75

Totals 79 237 79,122.87




Fiscal Year 2009


Unit Cost

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PCS CIP Enrollment

Credit

Hours

Credit Hours

Generated

Salary Cost per

Credit Hour

Department Cost

per Credit Hour

Equipment Cost

per Credit Hour

Overhead

Cost per

Credit Hour

Net Cost per

Credit Hour

Total Cost per

Course

PLAS-1103 1.2 220302 26 3 78 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 19,917.30

PLAS-1123 1.2 220302 10 3 30 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 7,660.50

PLAS-1133 1.2 220302 5 3 15 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 3,830.25

PLAS-1153 1.2 220302 10 3 30 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 7,660.50

PLAS-1213 1.2 220302 10 3 30 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 7,660.50

PLAS-2113 1.2 220302 8 3 24 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 6,128.40

PLAS-2213 1.2 220302 3 3 9 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 2,298.15

PLAS-2223 1.2 220302 5 3 15 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 3,830.25

PLAS-2233 1.2 220302 5 3 15 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 3,830.25

PLAS-2253 1.2 220302 3 4 12 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 3,064.20

PLAS-2263 1.2 220302 4 5 20 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 5,107.00

PLAS-2403 1.2 220302 3 3 9 156.46 6.82 0.00 92.07 255.35 2,298.15

PLAS-2413 1.2 22998 6 3 18 990.89 259.22 0.00 92.07 1342.18 24,159.24

Totals 98 305 97,444.69




Unit Cost

Fiscal Year 2010


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Appendix E-2: Unit Revenue Data, A.A.S. Degree and Advanced Certificate

20


Credit

Hours

Credit Hours

Generated

Tuition Fees per

Credit Hour

Credit Hour

Grant

Equal per

Credit Hour

Local Tax

per Credit

Hour

Instruct

Grant per

Credit Hour

Other Per

Credit Hour

Revenue Per

Credit Hour

Course fee

per student

Course fees

revenue

Revenue per

Course

PLAS-1103 1.2 220302 18 3 54 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 11,452.86

PLAS-1123 1.2 220302 13 3 39 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 8,271.51

PLAS-1133 1.2 220302 8 3 24 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 5,090.16

PLAS-1153 1.2 220302 11 3 33 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 6,998.97

PLAS-1213 1.2 220302 13 3 39 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 8,271.51

PLAS-2113 1.2 220302 10 3 30 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 25.00 250.00 6,612.70

PLAS-2213 1.2 220302 8 3 24 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 5,090.16

PLAS-2223 1.2 220302 7 3 21 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 4,453.89

PLAS-2233 1.2 220302 10 3 30 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 6,362.70

PLAS-2333 1.2 220302 10 3 30 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 6,362.70

PLAS-2403 1.2 220302 2 3 6 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 1,272.54

PLAS-2413 1.2 229998 4 3 12 66.00 23.62 38.23 64.80 5.88 13.56 212.09 0.00 0.00 2,545.08

Totals 114 342 72,784.78

Revenue Average per Credit Hour 212.82

Paralegal / Legal Assistant Studies

Revenues

Fiscal Year 2007


Credit

Hours

Credit Hours

Generated

Tuition Fees per

Credit Hour

Credit Hour

Grant

Equal per

Credit Hour

Local Tax

per Credit

Hour

Instruct

Grant per

Credit Hour

Other Per

Credit Hour

Revenue Per

Credit Hour

Course fee

per student

Course fees

revenue

Revenue per

Course

PLAS-1103 1.2 220302 18 3 54 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 11,493.90

PLAS-1123 1.2 220302 2 3 6 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 1,277.10

PLAS-1133 1.2 220302 4 3 12 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 2,554.20

PLAS-1153 1.2 220302 11 3 33 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 7,024.05

PLAS-1213 1.2 220302 3 3 9 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 1,915.65

PLAS-2113 1.2 220302 9 3 27 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 25.00 225.00 5,971.95

PLAS-2223 1.2 220302 4 3 12 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 2,554.20

PLAS-2233 1.2 220302 4 3 12 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 2,554.20

PLAS-2253 1.2 220302 4 3 12 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 2,554.20

PLAS-2263 1.2 220302 8 3 24 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 5,108.40

PLAS-2333 1.2 220302 6 3 18 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 3,831.30

PLAS-2403 1.2 220302 1 3 3 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 638.55

PLAS-2413 1.2 229998 8 3 24 69.00 22.98 35.94 64.98 6.21 13.74 212.85 0.00 0.00 5,108.40

Totals 82 246 52,586.10



Revenues

Fiscal Year 2008

21


Credit

Hours

Credit Hours

Generated

Tuition Fees per

Credit Hour

Credit Hour

Grant

Equal per

Credit Hour

Local Tax

per Credit

Hour

Instruct

Grant per

Credit Hour

Other Per

Credit Hour

Revenue Per

Credit Hour

Course fee

per student

Course fees

revenue

Revenue per

Course

PLAS-1103 1.2 220302 15 3 45 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 9,069.30

PLAS-1123 1.2 220302 11 3 33 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 6,650.82

PLAS-1133 1.2 220302 6 3 18 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 3,627.72

PLAS-1153 1.2 220302 4 3 12 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 2,418.48

PLAS-1213 1.2 220302 12 3 36 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 7,255.44

PLAS-2113 1.2 220302 2 3 6 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 25.00 50.00 1,259.24

PLAS-2213 1.2 220302 7 3 21 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 4,232.34

PLAS-2223 1.2 220302 6 3 18 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 3,627.72

PLAS-2233 1.2 220302 3 3 9 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 1,813.86

PLAS-2333 1.2 220302 6 3 18 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 3,627.72

PLAS-2403 1.2 220302 2 3 6 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 1,209.24

PLAS-2413 1.2 229998 5 3 15 74.00 23.00 28.76 60.74 5.62 9.42 201.54 0.00 0.00 3,023.10

Totals 79 237 47,814.98


Fiscal Year 2009

Revenues



Credit

Hours

Credit Hours

Generated

Tuition Fees per

Credit Hour

Credit Hour

Grant

Equal per

Credit Hour

Local Tax

per Credit

Hour

Instruct

Grant per

Credit Hour

Other Per

Credit Hour

Revenue Per

Credit Hour

Course fee

per student

Course fees

revenue

Revenue per

Course

PLAS-1103 1.2 220302 26 3 78 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 16,679.52

PLAS-1123 1.2 220302 10 3 30 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 6,415.20

PLAS-1133 1.2 220302 5 3 15 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 3,207.60

PLAS-1153 1.2 220302 10 3 30 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 6,415.20

PLAS-1213 1.2 220302 10 3 30 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 6,415.20

PLAS-2113 1.2 220302 8 3 24 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 25.00 200.00 5,332.16

PLAS-2213 1.2 220302 3 3 9 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 1,924.56

PLAS-2223 1.2 220302 5 3 15 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 3,207.60

PLAS-2233 1.2 220302 5 3 15 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 3,207.60

PLAS-2253 1.2 220302 3 4 12 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 2,566.08

PLAS-2263 1.2 220302 4 5 20 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 4,276.80

PLAS-2403 1.2 220302 3 3 9 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 1,924.56

PLAS-2413 1.2 22998 6 3 18 84.00 29.96 27.71 57.36 7.57 7.24 213.84 0.00 0.00 3,849.12

Totals 98 305 65,421.20



Revenues

Fiscal Year 2010

23

Appendix E-3: Comparison Between Unit Cost and Revenue Data, A.A.S. Degree and Advanced Certificate

24

While the net instructional cost data reflects that KCC’s unit rate is higher than the net cost of its competing, ABA-approved paralegal programs, it should be noted that only 50% of the program coordinator’s ECH is assigned to credit-level teaching—yet 100% of the program coordinator’s salary is used to calculate the net instructional cost. If 50% of the program coordinator’s salary (or 100% of the ECH assigned to credit-level teaching) is used to calculate net instructional cost, KCC’s net instructional cost is the lowest among its seven competitors and less than 70% of the statewide average net cost of instruction for these same programs. It should also be noted that the program coordinator is the only employee among Illinois’ eight ABA-approved community college paralegal programs who has an 11-month, 35 ECH salary, meaning that her load (and, as a result, her salary) is 22% higher than that of her counterparts. This variable should also be factored into the net cost of instruction.

Fiscal Year

KCC Paralegal /

Legal Assistant

Studies Unit

Cost

KCC

Collegewide

Average Unit

Cost

Statewide

Paralegal / Legal

Assistant

Studies Average

Unit Cost

KCC Paralegal /

Legal Assistant

Studies Average

Unit Revenue

Difference of

KCC Unit Cost

vs. Unit

Revenue

2007 308.18 216.86 238.11 212.82 -95.36

2008 370.05 216.22 241.83 213.76 -156.29

2009 333.85 204.41 231.47 201.75 -132.10

2010 319.49 193.61 240.56 214.50 -105.00

$308.18

$370.05$333.85 $319.49

$212.82 $213.76 $201.75 $214.50

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

350.00

400.00

2007 2008 2009 2010

KCC Paralegal/Legal Assistant StudiesUnit Cost vs. Unit Revenue

KCC Paralegal / Legal Assistant Studies Unit Cost

KCC Paralegal / Legal Assistant Studies Average Unit Revenue

25

FY Total Cost Total Revenue Difference

2007 $105,397.02 $72,784.78 -$32,612.24

2008 $91,033.50 $52,586.10 -$38,447.40

2009 $79,122.87 $47,814.98 -$31,307.89

2010 $97,444.69 $65,421.20 -$32,023.49

$105,397.02

$91,033.50

$79,122.87

$97,444.69

$72,784.78

$52,586.10$47,814.98

$65,421.20

$0.00

$20,000.00

$40,000.00

$60,000.00

$80,000.00

$100,000.00

$120,000.00

2007 2008 2009 2010

Difference Between Cost and Revenue

Total Cost

Total Revenue

27

Appendix E-4: Program Costs

28

PARALEGAL/LEGAL ASSISTANT STUDIES Associate in Applied Science Degree: PLAS.AAS.C08 Minimum credit hours required for completion: 66 Tuition and fees - $113.00 per credit hour 113.00 $7,458.00 Lab fees:

BSNS 1603 Business Communications 10.00 COSC 1352 Word 25.00 COSC 1362 Access 25.00 COSC 1372 Excel 25.00 ENGL 1613 English I 5.00 ENGL 1623 English II 5.00 HUMS 1513 Introduction to Humanities 15.00 PLAS 2113 Legal Technology 25.00

135.00 Books:

BSNS 1603 Business Communications 222.65 BSNS 1653 Business Law 294.00

COSC 1352 Word 82.35 COSC 1362 Access 127.65

COSC 1372 Excel 101.35 ENGL 1613 English I 68.00

ENGL 1623 English II 65.20 HUMS 1513 Introduction to Humanities 104.45

PLAS 1103 Intro to Paralegal/Legal Asst. Studies 209.05 PLAS 1123 Legal Research & Writing I 198.30

PLAS 1153 Law Office Management 126.35 PLAS 1213 Civil Litigation 175.35 PLAS 2113 Legal Technology 179.65 PLAS 2413 Paralegal Internship 54.20 PLSC 1513 American Government 188.00 SPCH 1553 Introductory Speech 126.40

2,322.95 All BSNS courses: Pocket dictionary 5.99 Reference manual 10.95 $16.94 TOTAL $9,932.89 This program requires six hours of MATH electives and twelve hours of PLAS electives. The total price does not include all costs associated with the electives. All prices are subject to change. Please visit Hammes Bookstore on KCC’s website for the most up-to-date textbook prices. www.kcc.edu

29

PARALEGAL/LEGAL ASSISTANT STUDIES Advanced Certificate: PLAS.CRT.C52 Minimum credit hours required for completion: 36 Tuition and fees - $113.00 per credit hour 113.00 $4,068.00 Lab fees: BSNS 1603 – Business Communications 10.00 PLAS 2113 – Legal Technology 25.00 35.00 Books:

BSNS 1603 Business Communications 222.65 BSNS 1653 Business Law 294.00 PLAS 1153 Law Office Management 126.35 PLAS 1103 Intro to Paralegal/Legal Asst. Studies 209.05 PLAS 1123 Legal Research & Writing I 198.30 PLAS 1213 Civil Litigation 175.35 PLAS 2113 Legal Technology 179.65 PLAS 2413 Paralegal Internship 54.20

1,459.55 All BSNS courses: Pocket dictionary 5.99 Reference manual 10.95 $16.94 TOTAL $5,579.49 This program requires nine hours of electives. The total price does not include all costs associated with the electives. All prices are subject to change. Please visit Hammes Bookstore on KCC’s website for the most up-to-date textbook prices. www.kcc.edu

31

Appendix Q-1: Faculty Professional Development

32

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Faculty Name

Full/Part Time

Degrees Earned

Work Experience (Designate Where)

List Technical Workshops or Work Experience Relative to Teaching Area (Within last 5 years)

Cieslik, Jason M. Part-Time J.D. Partner Barmann Bohlen Jacobi & Cieslik, PC

Proving and Disproving Damages in Personal Injury Cases, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education

Taking Your Case to the Jury, Part 1: Developing Your Case, West LegalEd Center

Taking Your Case to the Jury, Part 2: Preparing Your Witnesses, West LegalEd Center

Legal Ethics in Settlement Negotiations, West LegalEd Center

U.S. Supreme Court Update 2009: Constitutional and Criminal Law Cases, West LegalEd Center

DUI Trial Advocacy, Mock Trial, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education

A Discussion of the Illinois Death Penalty, West LegalEd Center

The New Rules of Professional Conduct, West LegalEd Center

Title IV-D Child Support Program: Debunking the Myths Regarding Child Support Enforcement, West LegalEd Center

Current Issues in Criminal Law, Illinois State Bar Association

The Practical Lawyer’s Guide to the New Illinois Rules of Evidence

33

Faculty Name

Full/Part Time

Degrees Earned



Stand and Deliver, Kankakee County Drug Court

KCC Faculty Inservice Training

Condon, Kristine M.

Full-Time M.Ed. + 22 hours toward Ed.D.

Full-time KCC Faculty, 1998 to date

Illinois Legal Aid Online Training

Westlaw Paralegal/Legal Assistant Training


IPA Education Conference Presenter

LEXIS-NEXIS Training

KCC Tutor Lab Training

American Association for Paralegal Education National Conference Presenter

American Association for Paralegal Education Regional Conference Presenter

Illinois Paralegal Association Educators’ Conference

American Bar Association Approval Academy

Author of two articles for American Association for Paralegal Education Educator magazine

To be published in Paralegal Today, introductory textbook published by Cengage Learning

2011 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Full-Time Faculty Member of the Year Nominee

34

Faculty Name

Full/Part Time

Degrees Earned



Kinzer, Hon. James B.

Part-Time J.D. Iroquois County Associate Judge

Illinois Judicial Education Conference

Illinois State Bar Association program presenter, GAL Training in Child Custody cases

Child Welfare Conference

Illinois Death Penalty Cases

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Conference


Lustfeldt, Hon. Gordon L.

Part-Time J.D. Iroquois County Circuit Judge

AOIC Capital Litigation Seminar, Springfield

Edited/updated ISBA publication, “Guidelines on Statutes of Limitations”

AOIC Seminar, “The Hidden Traps of Sentencing”


AOIC Seminar, “Search and Seizure”

Meyer, Dana M. Part-Time J.D. Partner Ackman, Marek, Meyer & Coghlan, Ltd.

Member, Kankakee County Bar Association

Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Member, American Bar Association

Member, Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel

Member, Defense Research Institute

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Ethics Seminar

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Child Support and Maintenance

35

Faculty Name

Full/Part Time

Degrees Earned



Litigation Seminar

Ethical Considerations with the ARDC, Iroquois County Bar Association

Westlaw Training Update, Kankakee County Bar Association

Changes to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct with the ARDC, Kankakee County Bar Association

Speaker, KCC Small Business Conference: “Covering Your Assets”

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, “Stand and Deliver”


2011 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Part-Time Faculty Member of the Year Nominee

Tungate, Hon. Susan Sumner

Part-Time J.D. Kankakee County Circuit Judge

AOIC Judicial Education Conference

MCLE Traffic Seminar

ISBA Traffic Court Conference

AOIC Evidence-Based Practices Seminar

DUI Offenders in State Courts

AOIC DUI Traffic Issues

Westlaw and LEXIS-NEXIS Online Training

AOIC Search & Seizure at Home and on the Road

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education DUI Seminar

36

Faculty Name

Full/Part Time

Degrees Earned



Ongoing CourtView Computer Training, Kankakee County Courthouse


37

Appendix Q-2: Statement Regarding Availability of Syllabi

38

From: Paul Carlson Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 6:31 PM To: Kris Condon Subject: Re: Statement re Master Syllabi All of the PLAS syllabi are up to date and on the O: Share drive. Paul R. Carlson Associate Dean- Business/Technology Kankakee Community College Kankakee, Illinois

39

Appendix Q-3: Survey of Currently Enrolled Students

51

Appendix Q4: Student Occupational Follow-up Survey

55

Appendix Q5: Advisory Committee Involvement

56

KANKAKEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MINUTES Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program Approved by the American Bar Association

April 8, 2010 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Iroquois Room (WDC 152) Attending: Advisors/Voting Members: Faculty/Voting Members: Yvonne Christian-Williams Jason Cieslik Mary Lou Christy ‘06 Judge James Kinzer J. Imani Drew Judge Gordon Lustfeldt Jamie Greenley ‘05 Dana M. Meyer Adrianne Haley ‘04 Michael A. Stanfa Joan Harrop Judge Susan Sumner Tungate Judge Michael Kick Amy Kolwelter Others Present: Karen Marsaglia Dawn Bennett Sue McCoy – GSU Paul Carlson Dana Meyer Kris Condon Diana Oskroba ‘04 Shelly Granger Pat Posing Dwayne Musick JoAnne Raymond ‘06 Dennis Sorensen James Tungate Marisa Wiesman Guests: Victoria Anderson ‘10 Not Attending:

Judge Adrienne Albrecht Eric Curtis ‘10

Frank Astrella Mary Fontaine ‘10 Elizabeth Bertrand ‘06 Kelly Tebo Chief Judge Kathy Bradshaw Elliott Sean Brady Randall Chaplinski Thomas Cunnington Hon. Clark E. Erickson Mike Genova (Calumet College) J. Dennis Marek David Puent Kurt Sangmeister William Scanlon Hon. Kendall Wenzelman

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Call to Order - Kris Condon, Program Coordinator Welcome and Introductions Kristine Condon welcomed everyone and brought the dinner meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Kris welcomed new members Marisa Wiesman from Prairie State Legal Services and Judge Michael Kick. Student interns Victoria Anderson, Eric Curtis, Mary Fontaine, and Katie Price were welcomed. Dawn Bennett, Administrative Assistant for the Business and Technology Divisions and the Health Careers Division, was welcomed. She will be taking over as recorder of minutes for evening Advisory Committee meetings beginning in Fall 2010. Review of Membership Committee List Committee members were asked to review their information on the Membership Committee List and advise Kris, Shelly, or Dawn of any needed corrections. Approval of Minutes: April 16, 2009 Mike Stanfa moved to accept the minutes as written, and Mary Lou Christy seconded the motion. The motion carried. Internship Site Provider Recognition – Class of 2010 Interns Interns must work 240 clock hours of supervision as part of their internships. Victoria Anderson presented a certificate of appreciation to Kelly Tebo of Ackman, Marek, Meyer & Boyd, Ltd. Victoria has been hired by the firm as well. Eric Curtis thanked Marisa Wiesman of Prairie State Legal Services for the opportunity for research and training with her firm. Mary Fontaine thanked Jerry Shapiro for the opportunity to work in his office. Katie Price appreciated the opportunities for learning experiences received while working for Dana Meyer and her colleagues. Follow-up Report on Recommendations from Previous Meetings LEX Selection Subcommittee Kris gave the report for Subcommittee Chair Frank Astrella. The subcommittee for LEX Selection met last week and interviewed three inductees. The national requirement for induction is a 3.5 GPA and completion of 2/3 of the student’s paralegal courses. The local requirements are even more stringent and include a 3.75 GPA; a 5-page writing sample; a 75-minute controlled writing example; and a 10 minute personal interview. The Seventh Annual LEX Induction Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at 4:00 p.m. in Courtroom 300. The Honorable Thomas L. Kilbride will be presiding. KCC President Dr. John Avendano will be awarded an honorary LEX membership. LEX Alumni Update LEX Chapter President Jamie Greenley reported that the LEX alumni will have 3 new members: Vicky Anderson, Mary Fontaine, and Katie Price. All will be inducted at the June 30th meeting with Justice Kilbride presiding.

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Three Trivia Nights have been held on the college campus. Approximately $4800 has been raised by the events for the Prairie State Legal Services. The Second Annual Legal Careers Day celebrating ABA Law Day will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010. John O’Brien, President of the Illinois State Bar Association, will be the keynote speaker. A number of other colleges will also be in attendance for the event. Paralegal Alumni Mentoring Network Subcommittee Kris reported for Beth Bertrand, co-chair of the Paralegal Alumni Mentoring Network. The purpose of the network is for alumni to assist and support current paralegal students throughout the school year. There are currently four alumni who are mentoring freshmen. The group is looking forward to more alumni participation this fall. Regional Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee Subcommittee Chair Adrianne Haley reported that since the last Advisory Board meeting, the following events have occurred: Professor Condon participated in two career events at Lincoln Way East Campus. This generated student interest in our Legal Careers Day and showed KCC as a viable alternative for students in the Frankfort area. Frankfort students, who are part of the JJC district, can take their general education coursework at JJC and take paralegal classes at KCC for in-district tuition because JJC does not have a paralegal program. Preparations have been made for the second annual Legal Careers Day on April 29th. Fifty two students have already signed up for the day. Vendors and exhibitors have been recruited. Speakers will include ISBA President John G. O’Brien, Curtis Linder of Linder Legal Staffing, and Joe Dailing, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition for Equal Justice. Summer recruitment tours of Will, Grundy, McLean and Livingston counties are being tentatively developed. Old Business ABA Second Interim Report, Due August 15, 2009 The committee reviewed packets containing the reporting forms required by the ABA for the Second Interim Report at the last meeting in October 2009. Feedback on this report has usually taken about eight months. Kris reported that on January 28, 2010, she received an acceptance of filing with no changes from the ABA.

59

2010 Legal Careers Update As reported before, the 2010 Legal Careers Day will be held on April 29, 2010. The event is being set up as a Passport Program with activities for the students. KCC Student Services advisors will be present; Roger Benson will be holding an “Ask a Judge” presentation; Joanne Raymond and Angela Robinson will be offering an “Is the Will Valid” presentation; and alumni will present a “Day in the life of an Alum.” Kankakee County Teen Court will make a presentation on its program, and Curtis Linder from Linder Legal Staffing will offer a presentation on resume building in the digital age. Status of Articulation Agreements with Four-Year Institutions Sue McCoy of Governors State University reported on the articulation agreement between KCC and GSU. Courses recommended for students leaning towards law school are now in place. Other articulation agreements are in effect with Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University, Calumet College of St. Joseph, and St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Kris has been approached by Robert Morris College and DePaul University as well. New Business Initial Preparations for ABA Reapproval Visit Kris stated that her next reports for the ABA need to be filed by August 15, 2011. It takes about 6-9 months to build the report. Kris will provide blank reports in the fall to prepare Committee members for information gathering. She will begin preparing for the two-member Reapproval Committee to come to KCC for a two-day visit. Strategic Planning for PLAS, Summer 2010 Kris will ask members to participate in a Strategic Planning meeting to be held in Summer 2010. She will especially be looking for alumni interested in being involved. KCC on the National Stage: American Association for Paralegal Education Conference, October 2010 The American Association for Paralegal Education Conference will be held in October 2010 in Indianapolis. Kris has been asked to prepare a proposal regarding recruitment and retention to showcase the KCC program. She has also been asked to present at a conference on technology as it is used in law practices and paralegal/legal assistant education. Illinois Supreme Court Judicial Education Program (Justice Kilbride) Justice Kilbride has been stressing the importance of civics education through the Illinois Supreme Court’s Judicial Education Program. The program encourages best practices to promote civics in schools. Justice Kilbride was a

60

guest on campus in December at a community forum on the program, and he would like to address the advisory committee on the program at our October 2010 meeting. Other James Tungate reminded Committee members that the People’s Law School offers free legal education classes on Wednesdays in May at 6:30 p.m. at the Watseka Public Library. The classes are sponsored by the Illinois Bar Association. Kris asked for printed materials about the events so that they can be passed out to interested students. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Next Meeting: October, 2010 – Thursday to be determined – 5:30 p.m., Iroquois Room (D152) Faculty meeting, 5:00-5:30 p.m., Iroquois Room (D152)

61


MINUTES Sweeten Our Success: Paralegal Program Strategic Planning

Approved by the American Bar Association Tuesday, June 29, 2010

6-8 p.m. Governors’ Room (WDC 300)

Attending: Vicky Anderson ‘10

Dawn Bennett Blythe Black, PLAS Student Kris Condon Eric Curtis ‘10 Chenille Evans, PLAS Student Adrianne Haley ‘04 Stephen Hoctor, PLAS Student Becca Hoffman, PLAS Student Dennis Marek Gwen McClinton, PLAS Student Sue McCoy – GSU JoAnne Raymond ‘06 Bridget Walsh Call to Order - Kris Condon, Program Coordinator Welcome and Introductions Kris Condon welcomed everyone and brought the planning meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Kris introduced Susan McCoy from Governors State University and provided the group with some background information. Members present then introduced themselves and gave some background information as to their affiliations with the program. Thank You Kris thanked the group for participating in the evening’s strategic planning session. A cross-section of all “stakeholders” in the program was invited to attend this session in order to receive some collective input regarding the program and improvements that could be made. Purpose of Meeting Both short- and long- term planning processes are necessary to any program’s success. Short-term planning is normally conducted between the program coordinator, adjunct faculty, and division chair. Long-term planning such as tonight’s event usually occurs every five years and solicits input from a cross-section of a program’s constituency for ideas on how the program should

62

progress over that five year time frame. American Bar Association’s Standpoint on Strategic Planning ABA Guidelines ABA Guideline G-301(E) states: The program must have an organized plan for evaluation, review, and improvement of the program. There must be regular assessment of the extent to which a program meets its stated goals and objectives. Strategic Planning within the PLAS Program The PLAS program routinely assesses the extent to which it meets its stated goals and objectives through student input (course evaluations), alumni input (annual alumni surveys), faculty input (course assessment of student activities), and legal community input (biennial surveys). AQIP & How PLAS Strategic Planning Ties In AQIP AQIP is an acronym for Academic Quality Improvement Program. AQIP provides an alternative process for evaluating colleges and universities that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It makes sense to insure that the PLAS goals and objectives that earned our ABA approval mesh with the goals and objectives that earned KCC its AQIP accreditation. Goals Tied in to PLAS Program While KCC has six strategic goals under AQIP, three of those goals directly tie to the success of PLAS. Strategic Goal 2: Strengthen outreach through strategically developing partnerships and target marketing. Strategic Goal 4: Benchmark and promote best practices in all aspects of student services and student success. Student Goal 6: Improve curriculum development. Effect of AQIP on PLAS’s Program Goals and Course Objectives The three strategic goals listed above should always be demonstrated in our PLAS classes by our PLAS instructors. Our program’s goals were derived from these three strategic goals. The goals were included in packets provided to the participants.

63

SWOT Analysis What is SWOT? SWOT is a common technique used in strategic planning. SWOT is an acronym asking stakeholders to identify the (1) strengths of the program, (2) weaknesses of the program, (3) opportunities the program has to improve, and (4) threats to the program’s success. Brainstorming Kris Condon presented the SWOT analysis functions and the attendees were divided up into groups to brainstorm and rank their ideas, compare their findings with their fellow group members, and have their top three ideas listed on flipcharts. After the top three ideas from each group were listed on the flipchart, all attendees were asked to vote on what they thought were the three most important ideas to be implemented or changed. Results The SWOT ideas are discussed in the attached report. After the group reviewed the results of the votes, discussion then ensued about the next steps that should be taken to initiate the top ideas. These ideas are included in the attached report. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

64



October 14, 2010 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Iroquois Room (WDC 152) Attending: Advisors/Voting Members: Faculty/Voting Members: Judge Adrienne W. Albrecht Chief Judge Kathy Bradshaw Elliott Randall Chaplinski Jason Cieslik Yvonne Christian-Williams Judge Gordon Lustfeldt Eric Curtis ‘10 Dana M. Meyer J. Imani Drew Michael A. Stanfa Adrianne Haley ‘04 Judge Susan Sumner Tungate Joan Harrop Judge Michael Kick Others Present: J. Dennis Marek Dawn Bennett, KCC Karen Marsaglia Kris Condon, KCC Sue McCoy – GSU Dwayne Musick, KCC Diana Oskroba ‘04 Dennis Sorensen, KCC James Tungate Darran Barhaugh, internship

sponsor Judge Kendall O. Wenzelman Stephen Hoctor ‘11 Marisa Wiesman Rebecca Hoffman ‘11 Benjamin Sosa ‘11 Not Attending:

Frank Astrella

Elizabeth Bertrand ‘06 Sean Brady Paul Carlson Thomas Cunnington Judge Clark E. Erickson Jamie Greenley ‘05 Judge James Kinzer Amy Kolwelter ‘94 Pat Posing JoAnne Raymond ‘06 Kurt Sangmeister William Scanlon

65

Call to Order - Kris Condon, Program Coordinator Welcome and Introductions Kris Condon welcomed everyone and brought the dinner meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. Kris welcomed new advisory member Eric Curtis ‘10. KCC Foundation scholarship winners Stephen Hoctor ’11 and Rebecca Hoffman ’11 were welcomed. Benjamin Sosa ‘11, a current PLAS student completing his internship, and his internship site provider, Darran Barhaugh, were welcomed. Dennis Sorensen was recognized at this time for the new role he has taken on at the college as the Vice President for Instructional and Student Success. Judicial Education Program As part of Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride’s Judicial Education Program, the Iroquois Room was turned from a smart meeting room into a courtroom for the Illinois Appellate Court. On Constitution Day (Friday, September 17), Illinois’ Third District Appellate Court took over the room with two different cases, one civil and one criminal, which filled the room to maximum capacity with 300 community members, high school students, and college students. KCC was the first of four other colleges that held these proceedings; in addition, we were the only public institution and the only two-year college to participate. Kris thanked those who were able to participate in, assist with, and attend this great event. A PowerPoint presentation showing the transformation—“From Meeting Room to Courtroom”—is posted on her faculty web page and was played for those in attendance. Special Recognition of Retiring KCC Trustee Adrianne Haley, on behalf of the LEX Honor Society, presented J. Dennis Marek with a plaque acknowledging the services and support he has provided to the program. He served on the Board of Trustees at Kankakee Community College for nearly two decades, beginning in 1993 and retiring this past spring. In recognition of his service, the alumni have made a gift to the LEX/Patsy Lower Legal Professional Scholarship in his name and have also named him Honorary Chair of the upcoming ABA Reapproval Site Visit Team. Special Recognition on Behalf of Prairie State Legal Services Marisa Weisman from Prairie State Legal Services presented Kris with a plaque recognizing her and the LEX alumni for their hard work and dedication to assist Prairie State Legal Services with the Family Trivia Nights hosted here at the College. Last year’s community event raised $5000 for PSLS. The 2011 Trivia Nights series dates are January 28, 2011, and April 1, 2011. Internship Site Provider Recognition Interns must work 240 clock hours of supervision as part of their internships. Benjamin Sosa ’11 is currently completing his internship with the Law Offices of Darran M. Barhaugh in Naperville, Illinois. Ben explained some of the many things that he has learned and been able to assist with during his internship. Ben

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appreciates the opportunities for learning experiences received while working with Mr. Barhaugh and his colleagues and presented Mr. Barhaugh with a certificate of appreciation. KCC Foundation Scholarship Winner Kris announced the KCC Foundation scholarship winners for the 2010-2011 school year. Stephen Hoctor and Rebecca Hoffman were both awarded the Lucille W. Devine Memorial Scholarship. Stephen and Rebecca both serve as Phi Theta Kappa vice presidents, and Becca additionally is at KCC on a full scholarship as a student ambassador. Becca also won this year’s LEX/Patsy Lower Legal Professional scholarship. Both students anticipate completing the program in May 2011. Additionally, Blythe Black ’11 put KCC on the national map as one of only three nationwide winners of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) LEX scholarship. KCC is the only institution in the nation with four consecutive national scholarship winners, and Blythe was specially recognized for her efforts at the 2010 Law Day activity in May. Follow-up Report on Recommendations from Previous Meetings/Subcommittee Reports Review of Membership Committee List Committee members were asked to review their information on the Membership Committee List and advise Kris or Dawn of any needed corrections. Eric Curtis will be added as a new voting member, filling the spot vacated by the resignation of Mary Lou Christy ’06. Kris thanked Mary Lou for her many years of service to the program, both as a student as an alumna. Review & Approval of Minutes: April 8, 2010 Revisions to minutes include adding Joan Harrop and Karen Marsaglia in attendance and making the change of Kris reporting on behalf of Beth Bertrand on the Paralegal Alumni Mentoring Network Subcommittee. Joan Harrop moved to accept the minutes with noted changes, and Judge Susan Tungate seconded the motion. The motion carried. LEX Selection Subcommittee Kris gave the report for Subcommittee Chair Frank Astrella. Michael Stanfa has stepped off the selection committee. Mike was key in developing the selection criteria guidelines, and Kris thanked him for his service over the past seven years. Randy Chaplinski has agreed to sit on the subcommittee; Randy has been part of the program since its inception, including teaching our Real Estate and ETW courses and serving on the Advisory Committee.

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LEX Alumni Update Kris reported for LEX chapter president Jamie Greenley. With the June induction ceremony, we currently have 38 inducted members. At our June ceremony where Chief Justice Kilbride presided, Dr. Avendano was inducted as the 2010 honorary LEX member. The alumni continue to assist with many events including the Family Trivia Nights put on by Prairie State Legal Services and Legal Careers Day. The alumni also assisted with the set-up for the Illinois Appellate Court event in September. Paralegal Alumni Mentoring Network Subcommittee Kris reported for Beth Bertrand, co-chair of the Paralegal Alumni Mentoring Network. Alumni assist and support current paralegal students throughout the school year. There are 17 students in the Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies class this fall; each one is paired with an alumni mentor, and the alumni visit the Intro course prior to the first unit exam. They offer to meet with students outside of class to provide tutoring assistance and help with study skills, note taking, and testing strategies. Regional Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee Subcommittee Chair Adrianne Haley reported that since the last Advisory Board meeting, the following events have occurred: On July 23rd, Kris, Adrianne, and Jamie Greenley visited several offices in the Will County area and distributed informational materials. These offices included Deputy Circuit Clerk Kim Hasbrouck; the Will County State’s Attorney; WCBA Civil Practice Section Committee Chair Elizabeth Klukas; Black Bar of Will County President Chrystel Gavlin; and Women’s Bar of Will County President Judith DeVriendt. On July 30th, Kris and Adrianne distributed materials to offices in McLean County, including State’s Attorney William Yoder; Public Defender Kim Campbell; and Circuit Clerk Don Eberhart. In addition, Kris and Adrianne met with Grundy County Public Defender J.D. Flood, State’s Attorney Sheldon Sobol, and Grundy County Bar President Michael Olewinski at the Public Defender’s office. They discussed the program and the advantages of having a paralegal intern or Special Topics project for Grundy County. As KCC is getting students from Will County, the commute would be advantageous to the student. At the conclusion of the meeting, Bar President Olewinski asked if it might be possible to give the presentation to the Grundy County Bar; we agreed to do this once he had a firm date in mind. In August, Kris received a telephone communication from President Olewinski to discuss an intern for his office; he is going to consider hiring a graduate of the program on a temporary basis, as there were at present no interns available.

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Old Business 2010 Legal Careers Day Seventy-five students participated in Legal Careers Day 2010. Currently we are in the early planning stage for a date for 2011. Illinois State Bar Association President John O’Brien was our featured speaker, and the presidents of both the Kankakee and Iroquois County Bar Associations participated in the event. Specifics on the event were in the Legal Appeal program newsletter. Strategic Planning Update During the summer, a strategic planning meeting was held to provide guidance for the next five years of the program, to insure we continue to comply with ABA guidelines, and to confirm that our goals mesh with the institution’s strategic goals. Ten PLAS alumni and students were present for this meeting, as well as Sue McCoy (GSU) and Dennis Marek. The participants were asked to brainstorm in groups for ways to improve the PLAS Program. The results were finalized into a report and the number one idea that everyone agreed should happen is a more regular partnership with both bar associations. A copy of the meeting’s final report is attached to the minutes from this meeting. Summer 2010 Alumni Survey Update According to ABA guidelines, alumni are to be surveyed every year. This year’s results showed the satisfaction of the alumni being as good as or better than satisfaction ratings from previous years. A copy of this year’s results is attached to the minutes from this meeting. Prairie State Legal Services 2010-2011 Family Trivia Nights Already discussed. New Business Illinois Appellate Court Arguments at KCC The Illinois Appellate Court Arguments that were heard at KCC on Friday, September 17, as part of Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride’s Judicial Education Program were really a wonderful opportunity for the community to get an inside peak at the judicial system. Kris mentioned that this would be a great event to hold at the college yearly. It would also be nice to collaborate with the other colleges hosting similar events to see how they handled certain aspects such as security and room configurations. ABA Reapproval Scheduled for 2011-2012 Currently the Paralegal Legal Assistant Studies program is ABA approved until 2012. The reapproval application is due by August 15, 2011, and takes at least six months to put together. These are the guidelines that govern the program. The guidelines for the approval of the paralegal education program are quite extensive and were included in the members’ folders for review.

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The approval process consists of three major steps. The first step is the application for reapproval and self-study. The second step is submitting the application with exhibits to the ABA for review and possible revision. Once the report has been reviewed and the ABA is satisfied that its contents are complete, the reapproval site visit will be scheduled. We anticipate the ABA will be here for two business days with a smaller site team than during the 2005 initial approval visit. The application and reapproval process is truly a team effort. Kris encouraged anyone who would like to assist to sign up this evening. The group will meet four times starting in December through March, with a final review meeting scheduled for April to coincide with this advisory committee’s meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 – 5:30 p.m., Iroquois Room (D152) Faculty meeting, 5:00-5:30 p.m., Iroquois Room (D152)

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April 12, 2011 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Iroquois Room (WDC 152) Attending: Advisors/Voting Members: Faculty/Voting Members: Randall Chaplinski Jason Cieslik Yvonne L. Christian-Williams Judge James Kinzer Eric Curtis ‘10 Judge Gordon Lustfeldt J. Imani Drew Dana M. Meyer Chief Judge Kathy Bradshaw Elliott Michael A. Stanfa Jamie Greenley ‘05 Adrianne Haley ‘04 Others Present: Joan Harrop Dawn Bennett, KCC Karen Marsaglia Paul Carlson, KCC Sue McCoy (GSU) Kris Condon, KCC Diana Oskroba Dwayne Musick, KCC Pat Posing Dennis Sorensen, KCC James L. Tungate Nancy Hinton, internship sponsor Judge Kendall O. Wenzelman Chenille Evans ‘11 Marisa Wiesman Rebecca Hoffman ‘11 Not Attending:

Judge Adrienne W. Albrecht Amy Kolwelter ‘94

Frank A. Astrella J. Dennis Marek Elizabeth Bertrand ‘06 JoAnne Raymond ‘06 Sean Brady Kurt Sangmeister Thomas W. Cunnington William Scanlon Judge Clark Erickson Judge Susan Sumner Tungate Judge Michael Kick Call to Order - Kris Condon, Program Coordinator Welcome and Introductions Kris Condon welcomed everyone and brought the dinner meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. Kris introduced Nancy Hinton from Prairie State Legal Services. Nancy, along with Marisa Wiesman, has been working with Rebecca Hoffman, a 2011 PLAS graduate, on completing her internship experience. The Paralegal/Legal

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Assistant Studies program will graduate five students this year at the May 14 commencement ceremony. Illinois Community College Trustees Association Awards Annually, the Illinois Community College Trustees Association presents a number of awards to students, graduates, trustees and faculty members. Paul Carlson presented this year’s two KCC faculty nominees, Kris Condon in the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award category, and Dana Meyer in the Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member category, and gave some background information. Dana Meyer Since 2003, Dana has taught courses for the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program. A partner in the Kankakee law firm of Ackman, Marek, Meyer, Tebo and Coghlan Ltd., Dana is the longest serving adjunct faculty member in the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program. Dana is noted for having exceptional course evaluations from students. She also has worked to align the outcomes in the Civil Litigation course she developed with the outcomes in the companion Legal Research and Writing I course. One result of Dana's efforts is that four-year schools with whom KCC has transfer agreements routinely state that KCC's students arrive with a strong foundation. In addition to teaching for the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program, Dana's law firm has served as an internship site for students since 2004. Dana is on the 2011-2012 American Bar Association Reapproval Task Force. She also serves as a faculty representative on the Paralegal Advisory Committee. Kris Condon Kris is a professor for the Business/Technology Division and Continuing Education and Career Services. She has worked at KCC since August 1998. Following establishment of the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program, which she coordinated, Kris then led the effort to earn American Bar Association approval for it, and the program earned ABA initial approval 33 months after first offering classes. Another noteworthy event for the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program happened in the fall of 2010. In September, KCC was invited to be the first college in recorded Illinois Appellate Court history to host proceedings—not a mock trial. The event came after a partnership between the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program and Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride's Judicial Education Program. Kris also has been involved with the Career Services "boot camp," designing and presenting workshops for students and the community on cover letter and resume writing, interviewing, and attending a job fair. Along with other nominees from around the state, Kris and Dana will be recognized at the ICCTA annual meeting and awards ceremony on June 3 in Bloomington. Congratulations to Kris and Dana on their nominations!

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Internship Site Provider Recognition Completing their internship experience this semester are two of this year’s five PLAS graduates, Chenille Evans and Rebecca Hoffman. Chenille has been completing her internship experience with Jason Cieslik at Barmann, Bohlen, Jacobi & Cieslik, P.C. She thanked Jason for the great learning experience this has given her and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. Rebecca Hoffman is also currently completing her internship with Prairie State Legal Services under the direction of Marisa Wiesman. Rebecca explained some of the many things that she has learned and been able to assist with during her internship. Rebecca appreciates the opportunities that she has received from these learning experiences and presented Marisa with a certificate of appreciation. Kris thanked the site providers for their continued dedication. Follow-up Report on Recommendations from Previous Meetings/Subcommittee Reports Review of Membership Committee List and Reappointments to Membership Committee Committee members will now see a year next to their names on the committee listing. According to ABA guidelines, committee members are required to have a term of appointment. This allows new people who want to sit on the advisory committee to have a chance to join. Those with 2011 after their names will be receiving a reappointment letter as the end of the year draws nearer. This is just a technical aspect strongly encouraged by the ABA; we do not want to see any committee members leave. Kris stressed to the board to please return the reappointment letter upon receipt back to her with your approval to sit on the board for another three years. New advisory board members are always welcome and encouraged to join. Committee members were asked to review their information on the Membership Committee List and advise Kris or Dawn of any needed corrections. Review & Approval of Minutes: October 14, 2010 Michael Stanfa moved to accept the minutes as written, and Yvonne Christian-Williams seconded the motion. The motion carried. LEX Selection Subcommittee Pat Posing gave the report for Subcommittee Chair Frank Astrella. The subcommittee for LEX Selection met last week and interviewed five inductees. The national requirement for induction is a 3.5 GPA and completion of 2/3 of the student’s paralegal courses. The local requirements are even more stringent and include a 3.75 GPA; a 5-page writing sample; a 75-minute controlled writing

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example; and a 10-minute personal interview. The Eighth Annual LEX Induction Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. in Courtroom 300. The Honorable James Kinzer will be awarded an honorary LEX membership for his service as an adjunct faculty member. LEX Alumni Update LEX chapter President Jamie Greenley reported on behalf of the LEX alumni. Many of the alumni members have joined the 2011-2012 American Bar Association Reapproval Task Force. They have been meeting at Kris’s house on several occasions between January and March to compile the reapproval application. This application is very extensive and requires a vast amount of information. With the help of the task force, we have been able to compile most of the information needed into the reapproval application. A draft of the application has been included in the folders that were distributed this evening. The alumni continue to assist with many other events including the Family Trivia Nights put on by Prairie State Legal Services and Legal Careers Day. Two Family Trivia Nights were held this semester and continue to be a success with $2,500 raised from the events held on January 28 and April 1. The alumni are also gearing up for Legal Careers Day scheduled for Friday, April 29. So far 39 registration forms have been received with the registration deadline being Friday, April 15. Paralegal Alumni Mentoring Network Subcommittee Kris reported that Elizabeth Bertrand has stepped down as the co-chair of the subcommittee. Alumna Kristine Hubert continues to co-chair the subcommittee, and alumna Vicky Anderson has assumed Beth’s responsibilities. Eric Curtis, a program alumnus and member of the subcommittee, presented a report on the subcommittee’s behalf. Alumni assist and support current paralegal students throughout the school year. There are 12 students in the Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies class this spring, each one paired with an alumni mentor. They offer to meet with students outside of class to provide tutoring assistance and help with study skills, note taking, and testing taking strategies. There seems to be a direct correlation between a student being successful and a student having a mentor. When paired with a mentor, students get better exam scores and have a greater chance of academic success. Regional Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee Subcommittee Chair Adrianne Haley reported that since the last Advisory Board meeting, the following events have occurred: Kris Condon participated in a Lincoln-Way North Campus career event on March 31, 2011.

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Providing PowerPoint presentation concerning legal careers including paralegal, paralegal supervisor, attorney and judge.

Emphasizing college preparatory classes both required and suggested.

Generating interest in Will County for our Legal Careers Day as well as showcasing KCC as a viable alternative for Lincoln-Way students who will complete their general education classes at their home community college and paralegal classes at KCC.

Preparations for the Legal Careers Day on April 29 are well in hand, as has been reported previously. Next steps are to make tentative plans for summer recruitment tours of Will, Grundy, McLean and Livingston Counties with the subcommittee. Now that we have two graduates working in Livingston County, more of a relationship with Pontiac and the Livingston County Bar will be pursued, as well as maintenance of our established partnerships in Will, Grundy and McLean Counties. Kris reported that Adrianne will be stepping down as subcommittee chair with the conclusion of this evening’s meeting. Adrianne has been influential in creating the personal levels of relationships that we currently have with the county bar associations as well as making the road trips a success. Old Business ABA Re-approval Task Force Meetings and Review of Draft Report From December to March, an ABA Reapproval Task Force—created for the sole purpose of gathering information and placing it into the reapproval application—has been meeting at Kris’s house one Sunday a month for brainstorming sessions. Kris thanked members of the task force team: Dwayne Musick, Eric Curtis, Jamie Greenley, Karen Marsaglia, Dana Meyer, Diana Oskroba, and Adrianne Haley for making these meetings a success. The advisory members will see how much of a success these meetings were by reviewing the reapproval application that was included in their folders. This application is about 90% complete with assessment items and syllabi from all Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies courses remaining to be added. After the remaining items are included, the application with appendices is expected to be around 400 pages long. This will be consistent with the first application that was submitted. Currently the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program is ABA approved until 2012. The reapproval application is due by November 15, 2011, and takes at least six months to put together. These are the guidelines that govern the program. The approval process consists of three major steps. The first step is the application for reapproval and self-study. The second step is submitting the application with exhibits to the ABA for review and possible revision. Once the

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report has been reviewed by several levels of ABA personnel, and the ABA is satisfied that its contents are complete, the reapproval site visit will be scheduled. We anticipate the ABA will be here for two business days with a smaller site team than the four members we had on campus during the 2005 initial approval visit. Kris encouraged the advisory board members to read through the reapproval application that has been constructed thus far. If there are any questions or items that may have been left out, advisory members are encouraged to contact Kris. There are seven sections of the reapproval application with extensive information in each section. New Business Commencement Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. All advisory committee members are invited and encouraged to attend. There are five graduates this year from the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program. ABA Approval Conference Kris will be attending an ABA Approval Academy in Chicago on June 16 & 17. Anyone interested in attending the conference with Kris is encouraged to contact her. It is always nice to have a group of people to attend during this reapproval year, as this conference will further assist in the reapproval process. Adjournment Chief Judge Kathy Bradshaw Elliott moved to adjourn with a second by Michael Stanfa. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Next Meeting: Thursday, October 13, 2011 – 5:30 p.m., Iroquois Room (D152) Faculty meeting, 5:00-5:30 p.m., Iroquois Room (D152)

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October 13, 2011 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Iroquois Room (WDC 152)

Attending: Advisors/Voting Members: Faculty/Voting Members: Vicky Anderson Judge James Kinzer Sean Brady Judge Gordon Lustfeldt Randall Chaplinski Dana Meyer Yvonne Christian-Williams Eric Curtis ‘10 Others Present: Adrianne Haley ‘04 Dawn Bennett, KCC Sue McCoy (GSU) Blythe Black, PLAS Intern/Scholarship

Recipient Diana Oskroba Paul Carlson, KCC Judge Kendall Wenzelman Kris Condon, KCC Kelly Myers, KCC Foundation Dwayne Musick, KCC Drew Parsons, Internship Sponsor Jennifer Reynolds, PLAS Scholarship

Recipient Becky Wilder, KCC Foundation Not Attending:

Judge Adrienne Albrecht Amy Kolwelter ‘94

Elizabeth Bertrand ‘06 J. Dennis Marek Chief Judge Kathy Bradshaw

Elliott Karen Marsaglia

Jason Cieslik Pat Posing Thomas Cunnington JoAnne Raymond J. Imani Drew Dennis Sorensen Judge Clark Erickson Judge Susan Tungate Jamie Greenley ‘05 James Tungate Joan Harrop Marisa Wiesman Judge Michael Kick

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Call to Order - Kris Condon, Program Coordinator Welcome and Introductions Kristine Condon welcomed everyone and brought the dinner meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Kris welcomed special guests, Kelly Myers and Becky Wilder, from the KCC Foundation. Student intern and scholarship recipient Blythe Black and student scholarship winner Jennifer Reynolds were welcomed. Drew Parsons was welcomed and recognized for providing the internship experience for current PLAS student Blythe Black. KCC Foundation Scholarship Winner Recognition Kelly Myers of the KCC Foundation announced the scholarship winners for the 2011-2012 school year. Blythe Black received both the Lucille W. Devine Memorial Scholarship and the Patsy A. Lower/LEX Legal Professional Scholarship. Jennifer Reynolds was awarded the Lucille W. Devine Memorial Scholarship. Internship Site Provider Recognition Blythe Black completed her internship with the Kankakee County Public Defender’s office under the direction of Public Defender Ed Glazar and Assistant Public Defender Drew Parsons. Blythe explained some of the many things that she has learned and been able to assist with during her internship. Blythe appreciates the opportunities that she received from these learning experiences and presented Drew with a certificate of appreciation. Follow-up Report on Recommendations from Previous Meetings/Subcommittee Reports Review of Membership Committee List Committee members were asked to review their information on the Membership Committee List and advise Kris or Dawn of any needed corrections. Elizabeth Bertrand ’06 will be stepping down from the committee, and Kris will be looking for a replacement to fill her vacant seat. Victoria Anderson ’10 has been added as a new voting member, representing the Livingston County area in our regional recruitment efforts. Review & Approval of Minutes: April 12, 2011 Yvonne Christian-Williams moved to accept the minutes as written, and Sue McCoy seconded the motion. The motion carried. LEX Selection Subcommittee Update Kris Condon reported on behalf of the LEX Selection Subcommittee. This subcommittee is made up of five members who screen the applications and complete the interviewing process for PLAS students into the LEX Honor Society. This committee will meet again in March and will decide on a subcommittee chair

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at that time. The subcommittee now includes the LEX chapter president or the president’s designate in the selection process. LEX Alumni Update Eric Curtis ’10 reported on behalf of Jamie Greenley ’05 for the LEX alumni. On July 12, the alumni met and elected officers and planned for this year’s events. The alumni continue to assist with many events, including the Family Trivia Nights benefiting Prairie State Legal Services and Legal Careers Day. Two Family Trivia Nights are scheduled during the spring semester (January 27, 2012, and March 30, 2012). Legal Careers Day is scheduled for April 20, 2012. The LEX alumni will be celebrating Paralegal Day on November 3, 2011. The alumni plan to have an activity to celebrate the tenth year of the paralegal program during 2012. Paralegal Alumni Mentoring Network Subcommittee Kris reported on behalf of the subcommittee, chaired by Kristine Hubert ’08 and Vicky Anderson ‘10. These alumni assist and support current paralegal students throughout the school year. There are 16 students in the Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies class this fall, with an alumni mentor assigned to 2-3 students each. They meet with students outside of class to provide tutoring assistance and help with study skills, note taking, and testing taking strategies. When paired with a mentor, students get better exam scores and have a greater chance of academic success. Regional Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee Subcommittee Chair Eric Curtis ’10 reported that the committee continues to spread program information and make contact with law offices and organizations outside of the Kankakee area. On September 9, 2011, Kris and student member Blythe Black visited several locations in Will County, including the Will County Courthouse and Circuit Clerk; Will County State’s Attorney’s Office; Will County Public Defender; Black Bar Association of Will County; and the Women’s Bar Association of Will County. The subcommittee also made a visit to the Livingston County Bar Association, handing out materials and making contact with these individuals. The Livingston County Bar leadership has asked the subcommittee to return to Pontiac in December for its annual bar meeting. Forty percent of the PLAS program students come from out-of-district, so it is vitally important to continue to recruit individuals from not only inside the county, but from the entire region. Old Business ABA Reapproval Report Kris is glad to report that the ABA reapproval report is complete and was filed on August 31. A copy of the reapproval report was made available for review, consisting of two three-ring binders. The small binder contains the actual

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reapproval application and the larger binder contains about 500 pages of all the required material for the appendices. Next Steps for Reapproval Visit The next step will be the site visit, which is scheduled for 12-18 months after the report is received and reviewed by ABA staff. Starting tonight and going forward, one member of the reapproval task force will be presenting information from the report so that the advisory committee is versed on the information that is provided. The ABA will expect the committee to have reviewed the report and to be familiar with its contents. Dana Meyer presented the faculty section of the report. Areas of interest are sections E, F, and K. Section E outlines Kris’ responsibilities and teaching arrangements. Section F includes a table that indicates the people primarily responsible for the guidelines set in place by the ABA. Section K contains the technical and support services that are made available such as the division office, library, and the Information Technology Services Help Desk. If there are any questions regarding the information that Dana presented, please get with Dana. For the spring advisory meeting, Dwayne Musick will present the information focused on Student Services and Diana Oskroba ’04 will present the information focused on the library. Legal Careers Day Recap Legal Careers Day 2011 was held on April 29, 2011, and was a great success. The Legal Careers Day program is currently in the running for an American Bar Association Outstanding Law Day Programming award, which should be announced in November. The program has also been profiled in the 2012 ABA Law Day Planning Guide. Planning for this event next year has already begun and is scheduled for Friday, April 20. This year’s event will be a professional development event for our students and students at our partnering four-year universities. The event will be sponsored by the Illinois Paralegal Association. The IPA runs their “Boot Camp” event at many campuses in Chicago and at SIU in Carbondale, but has never run the event anywhere else in the state. LEX Honor Society Recap The Eighth Annual LEX Induction Ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. in Courtroom 300. The Honorable James Kinzer was awarded an honorary LEX membership for his service as an adjunct faculty member. The next induction ceremony is planned for late June 2012 with the honorary inductee to be announced at the spring advisory meeting. New Business ABA Guideline G-106 Update In late August, KCC received an e-mail correspondence from the chair of the Standing Committee on Paralegals Approval Commission. This is the ABA entity

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that recommends approval of our program to the ABA House of Delegates. The chair’s letter advised KCC that the program was in violation of ABA Guideline G-106, which prohibits the offering of approved and unapproved curricula in the same institution. The program was given 30 days to correct the problem before sanctions could be imposed. The basis of the ABA’s allegations was the Continuing Education Department’s use of Education2Go (www.ed2go.com), which offers online paralegal training and legal nurse consulting training. The ABA directed KCC to remove all references to paralegal training through Education2Go from the Continuing Education web page and further directed President Avendano to confirm, in writing, that the program had corrected these perceived deficiencies. Upon her return from the July 2009 ABA Approval Academy—two years before receiving this correspondence—Kris had spoken with Mary Posing, Assistant Dean for Continuing Education and Career Services, to explain Guideline G-106. Dean Posing immediately wrote a confirmation letter to Kris advising that no students would be permitted to register for paralegal courses through Education2Go and further edited KCC’s web page so that students would be blocked from registration. Although the ABA did not request it, KCC had also blocked registration for legal nurse consulting coursework on Education2Go. Additionally, KCC had also blocked paralegal and legal nurse consulting registration from Gatlin, which was a link appearing directly below the Education2Go link. For some unknown reason, the ABA had no question about the same link tied to another comparable online provider that could have been in technical noncompliance with G-106. Nor did they raise a concern about online legal nurse consulting offerings, although Guideline G-106 specifically states that legal nurse consulting is considered a program option. Because of KCC’s concern that the ABA would revisit this issue at a future point with respect to Gatlin and/or legal nurse consulting, Continuing Education removed all the links from both sites, even though students have been blocked from registering for any of this content for over two years. President Avendano was notified of the situation and drafted a confirmation letter to the ABA within 36 hours of removing these links. He also sent a copy of Dean Posing’s letter to the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee has notified us that they now consider the matter closed. This information is being communicated to the full Advisory Committee so they are aware of KCC’s position that the program has always been fully compliant with all ABA guidelines, including G-106.

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Law Book Donations Kris recognized the Kankakee firm of Barmann, Bohlen, Jacobi & Cieslik and the Pontiac firm of Satter, Beyer, Bertram & Gabor for their generous donation of law books to the PLAS program. Illinois Community College Board Program Review Every five years, a review of each career and technical educational program offered by a community college must be completed by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). This year will mark PLAS’s second program review, with the first review completed in 2007. The program review requires a lot of the same data and information that is required for the ABA reapproval process. Kris will be working on putting this together over the semester and will share the results from the program review with the committee at the spring meeting. 2012 Prairie State Legal Services Family Trivia Nights The 2012 Trivia Nights series dates are January 27, 2012, and March 30, 2012, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the KCC College Center. Last year, these nights raised over $3,500 for Prairie State Legal Services. Possible 2012 Town Hall Meetings Sponsored by LEX The LEX Honor Society members are working to coordinate town hall meetings during the fall 2012 semester. The offices have yet to be determined as well as many other details. More details will be presented at the spring advisory meeting. Review of Legal Community and Alumni Surveys The program is required to survey the legal community every two years and to survey the alumni every year. Results of the biennial legal community and annual alumni survey results were included in the committee members’ folders. These surveys were sent out electronically with a web link which had a better response rate than mailing the paper copies to be completed and returned. The responses from both the legal community and the program alumni remained similar with the program’s quality ranking superior or good overall. Committee members are encouraged to contact Kris with any questions, issues, or suggestions they have for the continued success of the program. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m. Next Meeting: Thursday, April 10, 2012 – 5:30 p.m., Iroquois Room (D152) Faculty meeting, 5:00-5:30 p.m., Iroquois Room (D152)

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KANKAKEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MINUTES

ABA Training Sessions January 16, 2012 January 19, 2012

11:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Iroquois Room (D152)

Attending: Victoria Anderson ‘10 Adrianne Haley ‘04 January 16th

Dawn Bennett Joan Harrop

Blythe Black ‘11 Dana Meyer Paul Carlson Dwayne Musick Jason Cieslik Diana Oskroba Kris Condon JoAnne Raymond ‘06 Eric Curtis ‘10 Mark Steffen Jamie Greenley ‘05 Marisa Wiesman Attending: Karen Becker Judge Gordon Lustfeldt January 19th

Dawn Bennett Karen Marsaglia

Randall Chaplinski Dwayne Musick Kris Condon Diana Oskroba Judge Thomas Cunnington Judge Kendall Wenzelman J. Imani Drew

Call to Order - Kris Condon, Program Coordinator Welcome and Introductions Kristine Condon welcomed everyone and thanked everyone for taking the time to attend. Preparation for the ABA Re-Approval Site Visit [Handout/Attachment] Kris presented the material. Site Visit Schedule [Handout/Attachment] Kris presented the final version of the site visit schedule for the days the site team will be present. Eric Curtis, Victoria Anderson, Jamie Greenley, and Paul Carlson, along with Kris, have all volunteered to escort the team to their various meetings throughout the day. The site team will arrive around 9:00 p.m. on the evening of Sunday, January 29. They will begin their re-approval process on Monday arriving at KCC around 8:00 a.m. The site team will meet with various administrators and tour various locations of the college throughout the day including meeting with student and alumni separately in a focus group. The team will have a luncheon meeting with

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the advisory committee at noon and then continue their tours and meetings for the remainder of the afternoon. On Tuesday, the team will meet in executive session most of the morning. They will report out to the group at noon on the final recommendation they will deliver to the approval commission. Advisory committee members and PLAS faculty are welcome to be present for the final recommendation in the Governor’s Room, D300. Refer to the Site Visit Schedule sent out with these minutes for a further breakdown of the meetings and events that will take place on Monday, January 30th and Tuesday, January 31st. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.

ABA Site Visit: Monday, January 30th with Advisory Committee Luncheon at 12 p.m.

in D152, Iroquois Room Tuesday, January 31st with final exit meeting at 12 p.m.

in D300, Governors’ Room

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Appendix Q6: Three-Year Technology Plan Form

86

THREE-YEAR TECHNOLOGY PLAN ITEM NEW (N)

OR REPLACE (R)

IF (R), ORIGINAL PURCHASE DATE

JUSTIFICATION ESTIMATED EXPENSE

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS TECHNOLGY WILL SUPPORT

First Year Renew westlaw.com access

R 2005 Requirement for ABA approval; contract is for a period of three years. Contract also gives us new print titles, updates, and supplements at a 50% discount.

$6,000 Could also be used in Crim Justice and Law Enforcement, eliminating print copies in LRC

Second Year Renew westlaw.com access

R 2005 See first year justification.

$6,000 + 4-5%

Could also be used in Crim Justice and Law Enforcement, eliminating print copies in LRC

Third Year Renew westlaw.com access

R 2005 See first year justification

+4-5% above second year cost

Could also be used in Crim Justice and Law Enforcement, eliminating print copies in LRC

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Appendix Q7: Regional Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee Proposal and Four-Year Transfer Agreements

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KANKAKEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program Approved by the American Bar Association Regional Recruitment Subcommittee Inaugural Meeting Wednesday, March 12, 2008 6:00-8:00 p.m. WDC Governors Room Background At the October 2007 meeting of the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Advisory Committee, advisors adopted a resolution calling for a regional approach to recruitment and retention of students outside of District 520. While the program’s primary strategic goal during its first five years was to earn ABA approval, the program must now turn its attention to recruitment outside of the district and increasing the number of job opportunities for our alumni within a 60-mile radius of KCC. Subsequent to that meeting, Program Coordinator Kris Condon met with Dean of Instruction Dennis Sorensen and Division Chair Paul Carlson to review the committee’s recommendation and to generate ideas for this regional marketing effort. The idea of forming a Regional Recruitment Subcommittee, which directly reports to the Advisory Committee and has a standing information item on each semester’s meeting agenda, was a result of their discussion. Goals of the Subcommittee The subcommittee has established the following goals: 1. To extend PLAS Program recruitment efforts into parts of Will, Grundy,

Livingston, and McLean Counties; 2. To increase regional enrollment in the PLAS Program’s benchmark

course, PLAS 1103, by 10% annually; 3. To increase the PLAS Program’s visibility among law firms in these

neighboring counties and to foster partnerships with these counties’ bar associations, government agencies, and judicial circuits.

ABA Impact ABA Guideline G-203(D) encourages the use of subcommittees. The activities of this subcommittee would be documented in our Second Interim Report in August 2009, just as the activities of the LEX Selection Subcommittee are currently documented.

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Integration of Subcommittee’s Purpose with KCC’s Strategic Priorities, 2007-2011 Any initiatives this subcommittee recommends should mesh with KCC’s Strategic Priorities for 2007-2011. The very establishment of this subcommittee would mesh with the following three strategic priorities: Long-term Priority #2: KCC will promote student success by increasing student learning and retention. Long-term Priority #3: KCC will achieve steady growth in enrollment. Long-term Priority #4: KCC will strengthen community connections and partnerships. Features and Benefits 1. Cooperative agreements (which allow out-of-district students to enroll in

KCC PLAS courses for in-district tuition) currently exist with the neighboring community colleges we are targeting.

2. PLAS classes meet once weekly, limiting the number of trips out-of-district

students make to campus. General education coursework can be taken at the home community college, either face-to-face or online, and transferred to KCC.

3. KCC already has a transfer (articulation) agreement in place with Illinois

State University in Normal, which generally allows KCC graduates to transfer into their baccalaureate legal studies curriculum as first-semester juniors. ISU has begun preparing for ABA initial approval, and a partnership with KCC, which has been ABA-approved for three years, only strengthens ISU’s application.

4. Lewis University in Romeoville is considering instituting a four-year

paralegal degree and is in the ABA-mandated community survey phase. An articulation agreement with Lewis provides our students with another upper-division institutional choice for paralegal studies and strengthens Lewis’ ABA initial approval process once they have been operational for two years and have graduated students.

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KANKAKEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program Approved by the American Bar Association Regional Recruitment Subcommittee Inaugural Meeting Wednesday, March 12, 2008 6:00-8:00 p.m. WDC Governors Room Agenda Greetings, Introductory Remarks, and Purpose Kris Condon Program Coordinator The Court's Perspective on Paralegals Hon. Clark E. Erickson Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit A Day in the Life: Alumni Testimonials Adrianne Haley ‘04 Administrative Assistant to the Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit Jamie Greenley ‘05 Legal Assistant, Law Office of Jerome C. Shapiro President, KCC Chapter of LEX National Honor Society Students Speak Out on the KCC Experience Kristine Hubert ‘08 Paralegal Intern, Office of the Kankakee County Public Defender Jessica Purden ‘08 Vice President, KCC Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society 2008 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Candidate Where Do We Go From Here? Kris Condon Campus Tours and Labs in Action PLAS Alumni and Students

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MINUTES Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program

Regional Recruitment Subcommittee March 12, 2008 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Governors Room (WDC 300) In Attendance: Paul Carlson, Chair, Business Division Kris Condon, PLAS Program Coordinator Hon. Clark Erickson, Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit Jamie Greenley ’05, President, LEX Alumni Adrianne Haley ’04, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Judge,

21st Judicial Circuit Kristine Hubert ‘08 Jessica Purden ‘08 Kurt Sangmeister, Court Administrator, 12th Judicial Circuit Dennis Sorensen, Dean of Instruction The PLAS Regional Recruitment Subcommittee held its first meeting on March 12, 2008. Dinner was served at 6:00 p.m. Kris Condon welcomed the subcommittee members and guests and began the business portion of the meeting at 6:20 p.m. PURPOSE The subcommittee has established the following goals:

1. To extend PLAS Program recruitment efforts into parts of Will, Grundy, Livingston, and McLean Counties;

2. To increase regional enrollment in the PLAS Program’s benchmark course, PLAS 1103, by 10% annually;

3. To increase the PLAS Program’s visibility among law firms in these neighboring counties and to foster partnerships with these counties’ bar associations, government agencies, and judicial circuits.

Kris went on to explain that she and the two subcommittee members (Jamie Greenley and Adrianne Haley) have been making visits to surrounding circuits and their bar associations to share information about the program. THE COURT’S PERSPECTIVE ON PARALEGALS Chief Judge Clark Erickson spoke about the impact paralegals have had on the Kankakee County Courthouse. He noted that two paralegals (Adrianne Haley

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and Mary Lou Christy) are State of Illinois employees, and a third (Marla Coxey) is a judicial research paralegal who is employed by the county. Chief Judge Erickson noted that the increase in the number of courthouse paralegals has greatly increased the efficiency of the administrative process that occurs in the courthouse. He also spoke of the partnership between KCC and the Court in the area of Special Topics (PLAS 2403) projects. He noted that this kind of partnership can and should be extended regionally so that other circuits (and the students we would draw from those circuits) can benefit from the KCC experience. ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS Both Adrianne Haley ’04, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit, and Jamie Greenley ’05, Legal Assistant to Jerome C. Shapiro and President of the KCC chapter of LEX National Honor Society, spoke about their KCC experiences and how the rigors of the curriculum prepared them for life in the legal field. Adrianne detailed her experiences as a member of the Advisory Committee and as a participant in the ABA initial approval process during 2004-2005. Jamie spoke about alumni involvement in the program, specifically in the areas of scholarship fundraising—which would help regionally enrolled students, not just in-district students—and the Alumni Mentoring Network, which is designed to assist students with study skills and class preparation techniques. STUDENT COMMENTS Guests next heard from Kristine Hubert ’08, who is currently interning with the Office of the Kankakee County Public Defender. Kristine, who is finishing her second year in the program, has blended family, work, and academic obligations to maintain her standing in her PLAS courses. She spoke of her intent to stay affiliated with the program upon graduation based upon her classroom and networking experiences. Guests also heard from Jessica Purden ’08, who has been accepted to three Illinois universities and is a candidate for a 2008 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Jessica, who lives outside of the KCC district and is a first-generation college student, found out about the PLAS Program from researching the ABA web site (which is where most of the out-of-district inquiries find KCC). While Jessica’s original intent was to work full-time after graduation, she now plans to go to law school after finishing her bachelor’s degree.

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WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Next, the group discussed ways that the program could become more regionally visible. Ideas included:

1. Using the spring Advisory Committee meeting as an “outreach meeting,” where we invite our regional stakeholders to meet the next class of graduates, see Special Topics presentations in action, and celebrate the successes of the past year.

2. The subcommittee should make annual visits to these regional stakeholders in the late summer and into the fall to see what their needs are and to encourage them to participate in this spring outreach meeting.

3. Extend our students’ interest in Special Topics to our neighboring counties. The circuits receive high-quality work without the consultation fees; the students receive valuable experience under lawyer supervision; and KCC receives increased visibility.

4. Kurt Sangmeister commented on the need for court employees with Spanish language fluency combined with legal knowledge. The need for sign language was also discussed. Foreign language and sign language coursework are topics that the subcommittee can investigate through Corporate & Continuing Education. It would also be good to talk to Fred DeHaan of the KCC Foundation to see about scholarships that are targeted to the Hispanic community. If the Foundation has identified students who already possess that language fluency, they could possibly be recruited into the Program.

5. The current program newsletter, Legal Appeal, should be more widely distributed electronically to include our new regional partners.

CAMPUS TOURS AND LABS IN ACTION The subcommittee meeting concluded at 7:20 a.m., at which time guests went into the computer labs for Kristine and Jessica’s demonstrations of legal research software.

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Appendix Q8: Course Completion and Success

103

Students' Course Completion & Success Rates by Fiscal Year

Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies

Fiscal Year

Total

Enrollment

on Census

day

Total

Completers

Total

Successful

Students

Students' Course

Completion

Rates¹

Course

Completers'

Success Rates 3

Enrollees'

Course Success

Rates ²

2007 122 113 107 92.6% 94.7% 87.7%

2008 88 82 71 93.2% 86.6% 80.7%

2009 88 79 75 89.8% 94.9% 85.2%

2010 121 98 85 81.0% 86.7% 70.2%

2011 108 93 84 86.1% 90.3% 77.8%

KCC Institutional Average of all Credit Division Courses

Fiscal Year

Students' Course

Completion

Rates¹

Course

Completers'

Success Rates 3

Enrollees'

Course Success

Rates ²

2007 87.1% 82.5% 71.8%

2008 87.8% 81.3% 71.4%

2009 87.5% 81.1% 71.0%

2010 88.3% 80.0% 70.7%

2011 86.3% 78.9% 68.1%

² Course Enrollees Success Rate: Percentage of enrollees at census day who earned a grade of A, B, or C in the course

¹Students' Course Completion Rate: Percentage of students that were enrolled on census day of the course that remain

actively enrolled until the completion of the term.

3 Course Completers' Success Rates : Percentage of students who completed the course that earned a grade of A, B, or C in

the course.

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Appendix Q9: Graduates by Fiscal Year

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Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Graduates by Program Year

Year Paralegal AAS (C08)

Paralegal Advanced Certificate (C52)

Total Completers

FY 2007 4 2 6

FY 2008 5 2 7

FY 2009 4 0 4

FY 2010 4 1 5

FY 2011 3 3 6

FY 2012 (projected)

3 3 6

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Appendix Q10a: Assessment Plan

Appendix Q10b: Program Assessment Plan and Report Form

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Kankakee Community College Program Assessment Plan and Report Form ***To be completed by Program Director / Program Coordinators*** Complete Part A (Plan) in September, for each program outcome that will be assessed for the year. Complete and submit the reminder of the form, Part B (Report), at the end of the year. Part A and Part B should be submitted to the division chair and assessment committee chair. Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Kris Condon, Program Coordinator Part A (Plan):

Semester and/or Year: Fall 2011 and Spring 2012. Please note that PLAS is required to have a comprehensive annual plan for assessing program outcomes pursuant to ABA approval guidelines. Instead of picking one outcome, we are required to demonstrate that each of the 10 outcomes is assessed at some point during the academic year.

Program Outcomes Assessed: Students will describe and define the role of the paralegal in the legal profession through mastering legal terminology, reviewing basic legal research and writing techniques, and stressing professional ethics. Students will perform legal research in the library and on the computer while stressing the fundamentals of legal analysis and writing, citation checking, and verification of authority. Students will research, analyze, and apply both federal and state codes, both civil and criminal, to a variety of fact patterns and will further be able to apply and analyze rules of evidence as they apply to those fact patterns. Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of real property issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and production. Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of estate planning and probate issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and producing documents necessary to plan for and process probate proceedings. 10.Students will apply necessary paralegal skills from all previous courses into a) a real-life setting in a law firm or other legal organization or b) to a

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comprehensive analysis of a problem or legal research issue.

Faculty Member(s) Participating: Program Coordinator Kristine Condon and adjunct faculty members Jason Cieslik; Judge James Kinzer; Judge Gordon Lustfeldt; Dana Meyer; and Judge Susan Tungate.

Method of Assessment (How and when outcome is assessed): Direct Method(s) (required): Students will describe and define the role of the paralegal in the legal profession through mastering legal terminology, reviewing basic legal research and writing techniques, and stressing professional ethics. How: Weekly writing activities, three unit exams, a courthouse visit report, and a final comprehensive exam. When: Fall and Spring. Students will perform legal research in the library and on the computer while stressing the fundamentals of legal analysis and writing, citation checking, and verification of authority. How: Weekly writing activities, one take-home midterm, and one project-oriented final exam in the form of an objective research memo. When: Fall and Spring. Students will research, analyze, and apply both federal and state codes, both civil and criminal, to a variety of fact patterns and will further be able to apply and analyze rules of evidence as they apply to those fact patterns. How: Drafting and formatting of motions for summary judgment, deposition abstracting, motions to suppress, motions in limine, and case briefing. When: Fall and Spring. Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of real property issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and production. How: Weekly drafting assignments and a complete set of residential real estate closing documentation. When: Spring. Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of estate planning

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and probate issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and producing documents necessary to plan for and process probate proceedings. How: Comprehensive estate planning documentation, including pour-over will; testamentary trust; power of attorney; and power of attorney for health care. When: Fall. 10. Students will apply necessary paralegal skills from all previous courses into a) a real-life setting in a law firm or other legal organization or b) to a comprehensive analysis of a problem or legal research issue. How: Internship experience totaling 240 clock hours for a 16-week semester, including capstone portfolio development and three site visits. When: Fall, Spring, or Summer. Indirect Method(s) (optional):

Desired Outcome: Goal for each class is for 85% of all class participants to reach an 80% or better benchmark.

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See timeline below for each class and when learning outcomes will be assessed during 2011-2012. This timeline was submitted to the ABA.

Outcome Intr

o (

1103)

R&

W I

(1123)

R&

W I

I (1

133)

Law

Ofc

Mg

mt

(1153)

Civ

Lit

(1213)

Leg

al

Tech

(2113)

RE

(2213)

(ET

W (

2223)

Cri

m L

it (

2233)

Co

rp L

aw

(2253)

Fam

ily L

aw

(2263)

Evid

en

ce (

2333)

Sp

ecia

l T

op

ics (

2403)

Inte

rnsh

ip (

2413)

1

Students will describe and define the role of the paralegal in the legal

profession through mastering legal terminology, reviewing basic legal research

and writing techniques, and stressing professional ethics. FA, SP SU FA, SP FA, SP SP FA FA SP FA SP

FA, SP,

SU

FA, SP,

SU

2

Students will perform legal research in the library and on the computer while

stressing the fundamentals of legal analysis and writing, citation checking, and

verification of authority. FA, SP FA, SP FA, SP FA FA SP FA SP FA, SP FA, SP

3

Students will perform routine tasks involved in managing a law office,

including managing case files, following ethics rules, and billing for work

performed. SU

4

Students will research, analyze, and apply both federal and state codes,

both civil and criminal, to a variety of fact patterns and will further be able to

apply and analyze rules of evidence as they apply to those fact patterns. FA, SP FA, SP FA FA SP

5Students will develop and apply their research and analytical skills to

technology that is specific to a law office. SU

6

Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of real property

issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and

production. FA SP

7

Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of corporate

law issues under direct attorney supervision, including drafting and

producing documents necessary to establish and maintain business

organizations. FA SP

8

Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of estate

planning and probate issues under direct attorney supervision, including

document drafting and producing documents necessary to plan for and

process probate proceedings. FA FA

9

Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of family law

issues under direct attorney supervision, including drafting appropriate

documentation, managing case files, and assisting attorneys. FA FA

10

Students will apply necessary paralegal skills from all previous courses into a)

a real-life setting in a law firm or other legal organization or b) to a

comprehensive analysis of a problem or legal research issue.

FA, SP,

SU

FA, SP,

SU

FA, SP

FA, SP

FA, SP

FA, SP

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Part B (Report):

Number Assessed: 1. Students will describe and define the role of the paralegal in the legal profession through mastering legal terminology, reviewing basic legal research and writing techniques, and stressing professional ethics. How: Weekly writing activities, three unit exams, a courthouse visit report, and a final comprehensive exam. When: Fall and Spring. Course: PLAS 1103 (Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies). Procedure: Students’ weekly writing assignments are graded on proper use of legal vocabulary, proper writing and composition techniques, and professional formatting. Students’ unit and final exams are graded upon complete, accurate, and grammatically correct responses. The courthouse visit report is based upon how well the five criteria outlined in the assignment are met and the professional delivery of the oral presentation.

Results of the Outcome Assessed: During Fall 2011, 20 students completed in PLAS 1103 (Intro to Paralegal). The weekly writing activities comprised 35% of the final course grade, including the courthouse visit report; the three unit exams comprised 30% of the final course grade; and the final comprised 35% of the final course grade. Of those 20 students, nine of them (45%) met the standard of 80% proficiency or better on these assessment activities, a decline from the 2010-2011 total of 52%. Four students (25%) dropped the class prior to the midpoint of the course. The remaining seven students (35%) completed the assessment activities with less than 80% proficiency, an increase from 14% during 2010-2011. During Fall 2011, 13 students also took COMPASS e-write and retook COMPASS Writing Placement as an exit requirement for the course. English I (ENGL 1613) is a prerequisite or corequisite for PLAS 1103, and 12 of the students’ writing scores (92%) reflected that they were ready for college-level writing upon exit from the course. Eight of these 13 total test scores were from students in the Advanced Certificate option, meaning that they already possess a bachelor’s degree.

Is This a Follow-Up to a Previous Assessment? Y / N Yes.

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What is the Plan to Improve on the Desired Outcome (if needed)? The high drop rate in 1103 is tied to the inability to write clearly. The adjunct faculty and the Advisory Committee have recommended the adoption of CoreGrammar for Lawyers writing software as a course exit requirement to work on written skills. This software is being piloted in 1103 during Spring 2012, and the results collected will be used in future assessment reports.

Number Assessed: 2. Students will perform legal research in the library and on the computer while stressing the fundamentals of legal analysis and writing, citation checking, and verification of authority. How: Weekly writing activities, one take-home midterm, and one project-oriented final exam in the form of an objective research memo. When: Fall and Spring. Courses: PLAS 1123 (Legal Research & Writing I) and PLAS 1133 (Legal Research & Writing II). Procedure: During Fall 2010, 9 students enrolled in PLAS 1123 or PLAS 1133. During Spring 2011, 14 students enrolled in PLAS 1123 or PLAS 1133. The weekly writing activities comprised 40% of the final course grade; the midterm and final combined comprised 50% of the final course grade; and attendance and participation comprised 10% of the final course grade.

Results of the Outcome Assessed: At the conclusion of Fall 2011, five of 11(45.4%) of students were working at 80% or better grade level in these two classes. Three of the 11 (27.2%) were working at 90% or better. There was also one documented incident of academic dishonesty in this class, which resulted in a failing grade.


What is the Plan to Improve on the Desired Outcome (if needed)? This particular student population had difficulty with time management. In addition, this was a demographically younger, and, in the instructor’s view, a more socially immature group than we are accustomed to teaching. The same

114

issues with professional conduct and social maturity were experienced with this same group in PLAS 1213 (Civil Litigation). Instructor concerns about poor performance were met with complaints about the work, the amount of time spent outside of class on homework, and how the program’s expectations were too high. Unfortunately for these students, the “improvement” will come because several of them have lost scholarship opportunities due to their poor performances in this class and PLAS 1213. It also means that the Spring 2012 session of PLAS 1133 will involve more review and in-depth, hands-on assistance to get these students back to the benchmark level.

Number Assessed: 4. Students will research, analyze, and apply both federal and state codes, both civil and criminal, to a variety of fact patterns and will further be able to apply and analyze rules of evidence as they apply to those fact patterns. How: Drafting and formatting of motions for summary judgment, deposition abstracting, motions to suppress, motions in limine, and case briefing. When: Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. Courses: PLAS 1213 (Civil Litigation); PLAS 2233 (Criminal Litigation); PLAS 2333 (The Laws of Evidence). Procedure: In Civil Litigation, students are provided a case file consisting of a complaint, an answer, affirmative defenses, and four deposition transcripts. They must draft a Motion for Summary Judgment with supporting Memorandum of Points and Authorities. In addition to the Motion and Memorandum, the students must draft two deposition summaries, one of the summaries being as to a party in the case, and the other as to a witness. Students are advised that the documents should be prepared as if they are going to be filed in Court. Therefore, items such as grammatical errors, punctuation, legal citation, and overall writing are strongly considered. As much emphasis is placed on following directions. The students must take from the case uncontested facts and apply them to the assignment. The case used as numerous issues that can be addressed, both contested and uncontested. The ability to develop a legal argument is also important. There are both statutory based arguments and common law based arguments available for the students to rely upon.

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The deposition summaries and graded based on the information that is summarized and the format. Students are advised that a good deposition summary should omit the irrelevant information from the transcript, and assist the attorney in being able to locate information quickly and efficiently within the transcript while questioning the witness. In Criminal Litigation, this assignment had two purposes: 1) To ascertain the students’ ability to “draw together” the elements taught throughout the semester – to see if they could “put it all together”; and 2) To let them experience a law school type of teaching, where the student’s ability to “think on his feet” is tested. This is an important skill for the lawyer as well as the paralegal. The subject case had been prosecuted by the adjunct faculty member. Certain parts of the court file were copied and given to each student in advance of class, along with twelve questions and scenarios. The timeline proceeded from the incident through trial and appeal. Assessment was based upon defending how changes in facts changed answers; how facts not present in the materials would change answers; how and why certain pre-trial motions would be filed. In Laws of Evidence, students generated multiple motions in limine, both on behalf of the prosecution and the defense, based upon a hypothetical. Grading criteria included strength of research, application of Illinois Rules of Evidence, citation, and format.

Results of the Outcome Assessed: For Fall 2011 in Civil Litigation, 60% of the students exceeded the 80% benchmark. For Fall 2011 in Criminal Litigation, 100% of the students exceeded the 80% benchmark.


What is the Plan to Improve on the Desired Outcome (if needed)? The lack of professionalism among first-year students in Civil Litigation is documented earlier in the assessment. The instructor notes that inability to meet benchmarks persisted, even though the final project was provided as early as, if not earlier than, all prior classes. Benchmarks were set to try and make certain the students began working on the project far in advance of its due date. When

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most of the students met with the instructor, they had done nothing more than their initial outlines. No additional research or drafting had even been attempted. The students who performed best were those who continued to communicate with the instructor regarding questions and progress. For the fall semester in Criminal Litigation, continued emphasis will be placed on document drafting based upon the fact pattern.

Number Assessed: Students will develop and apply their research and analytical skills to technology that is specific to a law office. How: Weekly drafting assignments and a comprehensive final document production examination. When: Fall. Course: PLAS 2113 (Legal Technology). Procedure: A production based final was worth 25% of the final course grade. Homework and application-based assignments were worth 65% of the final course grade. Students were also given the option of completing one or more Microsoft Office Specialist examinations in lieu of homework units and related portions of the final exam. This would also allow the students to earn a technical certification that could be used on their resumes. In addition, KCC recognizes MOS certification for college credit by examination.

Results of the Outcome Assessed: Of the five students enrolled in PLAS 2113 for Fall 2011, three (60%) met the benchmark of 90% or better. Two of five (40%) met the benchmark of 80% or better. No students attempted or completed the MOS exams to earn college credit and to waive portions of the final examination.


What is the Plan to Improve on the Desired Outcome (if needed)? Continue as in prior semesters, emphasizing the importance of Microsoft certification to the job search process.

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Number Assessed: Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of real property issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and production. How: Weekly drafting assignments and a complete set of residential real estate closing documentation. When: Spring. Course: PLAS 2213 (Real Estate Law). Procedure: Students were tested on legal terminology and required to apply terminology and their role as a paralegal through drafting legal documents and memorandums of law. Finally, each class period and test focused on a common "law office" ethical issue that required the students to evaluate and react to that particular situation. The students specifically research the statutory law on adverse possession and how the case law interpreted the statute itself to particular fact patterns. Each student was required to learn and master how to read and "rough draft" a plat survey. This allowed them to be able to later draft a legal description of property, once given a plat survey. Finally, the students were given a real world scenario in which I acted as their supervisor and "we" had a client with some legal questions concerning a lease agreement. They were required to conduct legal research on at least three issues concerning some terms and conditions our client wanted in the lease. The students also completed a “walk-through” closing at the end of the course. The class was required to draft a lease, a mechanics lien, a real estate contract, a warranty deed, and compile all related documents for closing.

Results of the Outcome Assessed: This class is only offered in the spring and will be assessed for Spring 2012.

Is This a Follow-Up to a Previous Assessment? Y / N

What is the Plan to Improve on the Desired Outcome (if needed)?

Number Assessed: Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of estate planning and probate issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and producing documents necessary to plan for and process probate proceedings.

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How: Comprehensive estate planning documentation, including pour-over will; testamentary trust; power of attorney; and power of attorney for health care. When: Fall 2010. Course: PLAS 2223 (Estates, Trusts & Wills). Procedure: Each student was given a hypothetical fact pattern and was required to draft both statutory powers of attorney for health care and property and a personal will. Goal is for 85% of students to exceed the 80% benchmark.

Results of the Outcome Assessed: For the fall semester, the focus was on the powers of attorney and the personal will. For the powers of attorney, 100% of the students exceeded the 80% benchmark.

Is This a Follow-Up to a Previous Assessment? Yes.

What is the Plan to Improve on the Desired Outcome (if needed)? Continue as in previous semesters.

Number Assessed: 10. Students will apply necessary paralegal skills from all previous courses into a) a real-life setting in a law firm or other legal organization or b) to a comprehensive analysis of a problem or legal research issue. How: Internship experience totaling 240 clock hours for a 16-week semester, including capstone portfolio development and three site visits. When: Fall, Spring, or Summer. Course: PLAS 2413 (Paralegal Internship). Procedure: Three on-site assessments, worth 75% of a student’s final course grade, occur in five-week increments during the semester.

Results of the Outcome Assessed:

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For Fall 2011, one student enrolled in PLAS 2413. Three site visits were conducted. Of those three site visits, two (66.7%) were completed with an “A,” up from 33 1/3% during the 2010-2011 academic year.


What is the Plan to Improve on the Desired Outcome (if needed)? Continue to work on professional development activities with students.

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Appendix Q11: American Bar Association Reapproval Site Visit Report This is the report submitted to KCC after the Reapproval Site Visit of January 30-31, 2012. This report, with corrections, is pending before the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals Approval Commission, which was to vote on reapproval on April 20, 2012. The report will then go to the ABA House of Delegates for full approval in August 2012.

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3/2/2012 SUBJECT TO PROGRAM REVIEW AND FACTUAL CORRECTION SITE VISIT REPORT for ABA Reapproval of

Kankakee Community College Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program Kankakee, IL January 30 - 31, 2012 Site Visit Team Members: Gayle E. Miller, J.D. Site Visit Team Chair ABA Approval Commission Member Paralegal Studies Department Chair College of Lake County - Business Division 19351 W. Washington Grayslake, IL 60030-1198 Marie E. Koster Site Visit Team Representative ABA Approval Commission Member Paralegal McNally, Maloney & Peterson 2600 North Mayfair Road Suite 1080 Milwaukee, WI 53226-1376

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Kankakee Community College (“the College”) has applied for re-approval of its Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kankakee offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies and an Advanced Certificate in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies for students already possessing a baccalaureate degree. A site visit on behalf of the Standing Committee on Paralegals was made by Gayle Miller, Paralegal Studies Department Chair, College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL, and Marie Koster, Paralegal at McNally, Maloney & Peterson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The visit included the following activities: Meetings with Program Coordinator, Kristine Condon and Associate Dean for Business & Technology, Paul Carlson; Meeting with President Dr. John Avendano and Vice President for Instruction and Student Success, Dennis Sorensen; Meeting with 18 members of the Advisory Board; Meeting with 8 alumni of the program; Meeting with 9 current students; Meeting with 3 adjunct faculty; Meeting with Learning Resource Center Director Karen Becker and tour of the campus library; Meeting with Mary Posing, Assistant Dean for Continuing Education & Career Services; Meeting with Michelle Driscoll, Associate Dean and Registrar; Meeting with Dwayne Musick, Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services; Tour of Campus; Observation of a legal specialty class in session; and Exit meeting with Ms. Condon and Associate Dean Paul Carlson, President Dr. John Avendano and Vice President for Instruction and Student Success, Dennis Sorensen; Academic Advisor Dwayne Musick; and three alumni.

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SECTION I – GENERAL INFORMATION G-101 – G-107 Kankakee Community College (the “College”), located in Kankakee, Illinois is a publicly supported two-year college serving Kankakee County, Illinois, and neighboring areas. The College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is officially recognized by the Illinois Community College Board. The most recent North Central reaffirmation of accreditation was in December 2008 for a period of seven years. The College enrolls over 7,600 students in more than 50 degree and certificate disciplines. The College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies and an Advanced Certificate in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies for students already possessing a baccalaureate degree. The College’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program (the “Program”) is part of the Business and Technology Division. Students were first admitted to the program during the 2002 Summer Session which began on May 13, 2002. To date 39 students have graduated from the Program, 31 with the Associate Degree option and 8 with the Advanced Certificate option. The Program maintains day and evening classes. There are currently 81 students enrolled in the Program, 12 in the certificate option and 69 in the associate degree option. All courses are offered at the main campus in Kankakee, Illinois. Kristine M. Condon, who was instrumental in the development of the Program and has been associated with the program since its inception, is the Coordinator of the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program (the “Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program”). The Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program Coordinator works in both the Business and Technology Division and the non-credit Corporate and Continuing Education Division of the College. The site team discussed the dual role with the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program Coordinator as well as members of the administration, students and alumni and, to date, it appears this has not resulted in a conflict or been detrimental to the Program. All involved are cognizant of the potential for conflict in the future and remain vigilant in observing issues that might lead to the need to reassess the situation in the future.

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SECTION II – ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION G-201 The College and the Program have clear goals and objectives. The goals are included in the published materials about the Program as well as on the College’s website. The Program Coordinator, in conjunction with the Advisory Board, are delegated the authority necessary to develop and implement the Program to meet its stated goals and learning outcomes. The Program Coordinator reports to the Associate Dean of Business & Technology Division, who in turn reports to the Vice President for Instruction and Student Success. The administration is extremely knowledgeable and supportive of the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program. The organizational structure of the Program and its place in the institution is designed to allow the Program to achieve its goals. Short and long-range goals at College and in the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program are evident. The College facilitates communication among faculty, administrators and students. G-202 The Program is situated within the Business and Technology Division. The Program is given similar treatment, with respect to financial, staff, resources and participation in institutional affairs as comparable programs at Kankakee Community College. G-203 The Advisory Board consists of all the categories of representatives required by the ABA Guidelines, and the members the site team met were very supportive of the Program. The site team found the Board to be a dedicated group of individuals who are knowledgeable about the program and the paralegal profession. Currently, board members are appointed for a term of three years. The Board has met twice a year from the Program’s inception until present. Minutes reflect that the meetings are not dominated by those currently affiliated with the college, include a list of those in attendance, and reflect the substantive discussion of matters set forth in the Guidelines. G-204 The College has appropriate written policies to insure equal treatment of faculty, students and staff. In addition, the College has an Office of Disability Services that works with the Program to be sure that equal educational opportunities are offered to students with disability-related needs. The faculty of the Program has consisted of the same instructors for a number of years. The site team and the

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Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program Coordinator discussed the recruitment of minority faculty when future openings occur. The site team suggests that the institution and the program continue to encourage diversity and take proactive steps to encourage recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. (G- 204.B) The number of minority students in the Program is representative of the community in which it is located. G-205 The annual operating budget for the College and the Program is primarily from public funds and from student tuition. The funding for the Program has been relatively steady and appears adequate to accomplish its objectives and fulfill its obligations under the Guidelines. The College has provided funds, through a collective bargaining agreement for the professional development of the Program Coordinator who has focused her professional development on associations related to the education of paralegals, and is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE). However, it appeared to the site team that adjunct faculty members are not attending professional development activities related to teaching, though there may be opportunities available to them. Thus, the site team suggests that the College maintain adequate funds for the professional development of the Program Coordinator and faculty. (G-205.B.2.; G-401 F & G) G-206 The Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program is offered by a degree-granting institution appropriately accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its accreditation was most recently reaffirmed in 2008; the next reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2016.

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SECTION III – EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM G-301 The College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies, and a post-baccalaureate Advanced Certificate. A total of 66 semester hours is required for the associate degree, including 33 hours of paralegal courses while 36 semester hours, including 30 hours of paralegal courses are required for the advanced certificate program. During the observation of the legal specialty course, Real Estate Law, the instructor focused on the development of skills needed by paralegals and presented examples, issues, and questions that required students to demonstrate analysis and understanding of the concepts presented. The students were actively engaged and the assignments reflected practical paralegal skills. The site team reviewed all legal specialty course syllabi and found examples of practical assignments and projects for each course. Since the time of the initial approval in 2005, the Program has signed five articulation agreements with four year institutions by which students may articulate to baccalaureate paralegal, legal studies, and interdisciplinary studies degrees entering at junior year status. During the previous school year (2010-11) the Program’s assessment shows that 66% of the AAS graduates have articulated to four year programs. The site team had the opportunity to review assessment results, advisory committee meeting minutes and faculty meeting minutes that reflect the ongoing effort of the Program to keep current regarding curriculum. The curriculum reflects meaningful assessment and analysis on a regular basis. For example, last year, as a result of assessment of reading and writing skills, the Advisory committee recommended a change in the prerequisite reading level scores required for enrollment in the paralegal courses as well as additional resources to be used to improve writing skills. These have been implemented. The program has an organized, written plan and timetable for assessment as part of an institution wide evaluation process. The institution requires career programs to conduct an internal review that includes a review of curriculum, polling of students, faculty, graduates and employers. The comprehensive review is conducted every five years, with scheduled annual updates between the five year periods. The site visit team was able to verify that the Program annually surveys alumni using an instrument which provides a comprehensive overview of all institutional and program services. Additional questions specific to the local legal community’s needs are also embedded into this survey. The Program biennially surveys the legal community using a comparable program evaluation form, also

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with embedded questions specific to the local legal community. The legal community survey was extended in 2009 to the counties served by the Program’s Regional Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee. The results were compiled and shared with the Advisory Committee at the meeting following the survey distribution. G-302 The curriculum of the Program is offered at the post-secondary level of education. The College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its accreditation was most recently reaffirmed in 2008; the next reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2016. The curriculum for the Advanced Certificate Program in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies is as follows: Courses Semester Hours First Semester PLAS 1103 (Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies) 3-LSR BSNS 1603 (Business Communications) 3 BSNS 1653 (Business Law) 3 Semester Total 9 Second Semester PLAS 1123 (Legal Research & Writing I) 3-LSR PLAS 1213 (Civil Litigation) 3-LSR Semester Total 6 Summer Session PLAS 1153 (Law Office Management) 3- LSR Semester Total 3 Third Semester PLAS 1133 (Legal Research & Writing II) 3- LSR PLAS 2113 (Legal Technology) 3-LSR *PLAS Elective 3-LSE Semester Total 9 Fourth Semester *PLAS Electives 6- LSR PLAS 2413 (Paralegal Internship) 3- LSE

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Semester Total 9 TOTAL MINIMUM HOURS 36 Regarding the general education requirements: the Advanced Certificate program requires a baccalaureate degree or higher for admission. The curriculum for the Associate in Applied Science Degree Program in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies is as follows: Courses Semester Hours First Semester PLAS 1103 (Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies) 3- LSR BSNS 1653 (Business Law) 3 COSC 1352 (Microsoft Word) 2 ENGL 1613 (English I) 3 PLSC 1513 (American Government) 3 SPCH 1553 (Introductory Speech) 3 Semester Total 17 Second Semester PLAS 1123 (Legal Research & Writing I) 3- LSR PLAS 1213 (Civil Litigation) 3- LSR BSNS 1603 (Business Communications) 3 COSC 1362 (Microsoft Access) 2 ENGL 1623 (English II) 3 Mathematics Elective 3 Semester Total 17 Summer Session PLAS 1153 (Law Office Management) 3- LSR COSC 1372 (Microsoft Excel) 2 Semester Total 5 Third Semester PLAS 1133 (Legal Research & Writing II) 3-LSR

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PLAS 2113 (Legal Technology) 3-LSR PLAS Electives 6- LSE HUMS 1513 (Introduction to Humanities) 3 Semester Total 15 Fourth Semester PLAS Electives 6- LSE PLAS 2413 (Paralegal Internship) 3- LSR Mathematics Elective 3 Semester Total 12 TOTAL MINIMUM HOURS 66 The general education requirement of 18 semester hours of coursework across three disciplines is met as follows: Discipline/Course Semester Hours Social and Behavioral Science 1. PLSC 1513 (American Government) 3 English Composition and Literature 1. ENGL 1613 (English I) 2. ENGL 1623 (English II) 6 Mathematics 1. Two 100-level or better mathematics courses, based upon COMPASS testing placement score 6 Humanities 1. HUMS 1513 (Introduction to Humanities) 2. SPCH 1553 (Speech) 6 TOTAL 21 The curriculum provides for writing proficiency through the two required English courses, the Business Communications course, as well as the legal specialty courses in legal research and writing. Further, the Introduction to Paralegal Course includes a focus on writing, recently adopting a tool called “Core Grammar for Lawyers” by which students must demonstrate proficiency in general writing skills. The Advanced Certificate students must complete the Business Communications course and must have completed two English courses as part of their qualifying degrees with grades of “C” or better.

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Oral communication competency is addressed in the Business Communications and Introductory Speech courses required for the AAS degree. The students are further required to produce in- class presentations in the Paralegal Internship class. The Advanced Certificate students are also required to complete the Business Communications and Internship courses. Upon review of the course syllabi for the legal specialty courses, the site team observed that there is an oral competency component present in each PLAS course. The Program is structured so that most general education courses are recommended to be completed during the first two semesters. The sequence is published in the catalog and on the website for the College. The College accepts transfer credit for general education from other accredited institutions. Credit is granted for CLEP and Advanced Placement Examinations. No students are exempted from the general education or total unit requirements of the Guidelines. Appropriate technology skills are ensured with the requirement of successful completion of Legal Technology and Law Office Management courses for both the AAS and Advanced Certificate programs. The AAS students must further complete six semester credit hours of Microsoft Word, Access and Excel, while the Advanced Certificate students may meet the word processing requirement for Legal Research & Writing I by the completion of an equivalent course at their four-year College or university, or they may complete the Microsoft Office Specialist examination. The Program regularly includes questions regarding the use of technology in the surveys of its graduates and local employers to ensure that the technology offered is consistent with the local market. The site team suggests that the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program Coordinator, faculty and the Advisory Board continue to monitor the legal technology utilized by the local legal community to insure that the appropriate instruction continues to be offered by the Program (G-302.G). The Program requires students to complete the Paralegal Internship course which includes a 12 hour in-class component and 240 clock hours of field work at the site. The students must seek out the site from a list provided by the program or may locate their own internship site providers that are approved by the Program Coordinator. The students conduct the field work at local courts, government agencies, and law firms. The Program Coordinator visits each site three times over the course of the semester. The site team reviewed the course outlines, texts, sample assignments and examinations for the legal specialty designated courses and found that each course covered substantive areas of law or legal process, was developed for paralegals, and included an emphasis on practical paralegal skills. All the designated courses are appropriately listed as legal specialty courses. Thus, the minimum number of semester credit hours of legal specialty courses required,

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not including the electives, is 21 credit hours, which exceeds the ABA guideline requirement of 18 hours. Legal specialty courses are sequenced so that students take Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies prior to all other legal specialty courses; Legal Research and Writing I is a co-requisite with Civil Litigation and a prerequisite for all other legal specialty courses. Also, students must complete Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies with a minimum grade of “B” to continue enrollment in the paralegal courses. The Program does not provide a stand-alone course in ethics and professional responsibility. However, these issues are covered in every legal specialty course. There are specific modules in the Introduction course and the Internship course that provide for extended instruction in ethics and professional responsibility. The site visit team heard from students and alumni that instruction on ethics permeated each course. There are two legal specialty courses in legal research and writing (Legal Research and Writing I and II) required for both the AAS and Certificate program students. These provide extended instruction in legal research including electronic research. In addition, the Legal Technology course has a three-week unit on intermediate- to advanced level electronic research tools. All paralegal students are given access to Westlaw through passwords. There are no exemptions to the legal specialty course requirements. Students in both programs may transfer in up to two legal specialty courses completed at ABA-approved programs. Transfer of legal specialty credits from ABA-approved programs are limited to only the equivalents of Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies and PLAS Civil Litigation transferred if the content is deemed to be substantially similar by the Program Coordinator and the Registrar. Students who wish to transfer additional legal specialty credits may do so by proficiency credit by examination of the course work prescribed by the College’s academic regulations (up to one-quarter of the total hours needed for a degree or certificate). Thus, AAS students may be able to transfer or gain credit by examination for a total of 16.5 credits of legal specialty course work while Certificate students would be able to gain up to 9 such credits. These policies are published in the catalog and on the institution’s website and are available in the office of Admissions and Registration. To date, no credit has been awarded by examination for legal specialty courses. The Program does not offer any legal specialty courses in an alternative delivery format.

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SECTION IV: FACULTY G-401 Kristine M. Condon is a professor in the Business & Technology Division, where the paralegal program is housed, and Continuing Education and Career Services, which manages all non-credit education and professional development for the College. Ms. Condon is the coordinator of the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program and has served in this role since the inception of the program in 2002. She earned a paralegal certificate and gained paralegal experience in the Illinois Supreme Court. More recently, Ms. Condon began work toward a Doctor of Education degree. She has been an educator for over 25 years and has been a paralegal instructor in three ABA-approved paralegal programs. The Program Coordinator is excited about the Program and has spent her career dedicated to the paralegal profession and excellence in paralegal education. Ms. Condon is the driving force for the advancement of the Program at the College. The Program Coordinator is admired and respected by faculty, administrators, alumni, advisory committee members and students. She is active in the local legal community and is constant and consistent in her mission to expand the opportunities for paralegals in the local community and beyond. Professor Condon is the only full time faculty member in the Program. There are about six active adjunct faculty who all have experience either as paralegals or working with paralegals. Four of the six adjunct faculty members are sitting judges. The Program Coordinator and the adjunct faculty are knowledgeable about the paralegal career and instruct courses respective to their experience and background. The students and alumni that met with the site team were very pleased with the faculty, held them each in high regard, and felt that they understood and supported the role of the paralegal in legal practice. Full-time, tenured faculty receive a professional development stipend and are required to submit a beginning-of year professional development plan and end-of-year professional development report. The Program Coordinator has attended and presented at several American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) conferences and participates in that organization’s list serve. Adjunct faculty is provided the opportunity to enroll in a formal three year institutional professional development program. There are faculty in-service trainings offered twice annually and it appears that adjunct faculty do attend these sessions. Per the faculty meeting minutes, the adjuncts are also offered the opportunity to attend the AAfPE regional conferences, but have not taken advantage of it. It appeared to the site visit team that the adjunct faculty participates heavily in professional development activities regarding their roles as attorneys and judges, and attended the regularly scheduled faculty meetings, but there was limited participation in professional development opportunities for improving as teachers. Thus, the site team suggests that the adjunct faculty members increase their

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commitment to continued professional growth as teachers and increase their attendance at trainings and conferences to develop their effectiveness as teachers. (G-401.F & G) The faculty has been meeting twice a year consistently throughout this reporting period. The minutes reflect excellent attendance with substantive discussions regarding curriculum, assessment, student activities, paralegal career promotion, and professional development opportunities. The site team strongly encourages the adjunct faculty to take advantage of the professional development opportunities afforded by the College. G-402 The Program Coordinator serves equally in both the paralegal program and the Continuing Education and Career Services division. Her current contract requires a teaching load of 35 credits a year, split between the two divisions. This means that the Program Coordinator is required to teach about 5 courses each semester, and two in the summer session. She is provided with some compensation for program related administrative duties, and additional compensation for ABA approval related activities and departmental review when these events are due. The Program Coordinator is responsible for: defining major program objectives; attracting, selecting, and retaining qualified faculty and encouraging faculty professional development; assuring the proper organization and operation of the advisory committee; maintaining liaison with the legal, paralegal, and paralegal education communities; identifying and responding to the occupational and educational needs of the community; arranging and monitoring internships or other field experiences; evaluating the adequacy of the library/information resources; coordinating the educational program; evaluating the overall program including regular assessment of the legal community, students, graduates, and employers as required in G-301.E. The Program Coordinator is well supported by other full time employees in advising program students and handling placement and coordination with the central placement office as well as determining financial needs and budget. G-403 The site team observed that despite her split between the two divisions, the Program Coordinator completes the requirements of the position, working for the contractually accounted time and gaining compensation for overload and extended activities. The site team is aware that the Program Coordinator is a model of professionalism and efficiency and that this contractual arrangement works because of the individual performing the functions and because of the size and structure of the Program. Thus, the site team suggests that the College continue to maintain conditions adequate to attract and retain a competent

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faculty so that the size of the faculty continue to be commensurate with the number and type of courses offered and the number and needs of the students served. (G-403.A) There is one full time secretary who serves the Business division, including the Program. There is also an evening secretary to assist the adjuncts five nights a week. All faculty members indicated that the administrative assistance is adequate to support the Program.

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SECTION V: ADMISSIONS AND STUDENT SERVICES G-501 Kankakee’s admission policies for the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program are to accept students who have graduated from High School and those with GED equivalency. Students may transfer in from local community colleges. Students entering the Advanced Certificate program have a baccalaureate degree or higher. There is no undergraduate degree GPA requirement for those in the Advanced Certificate program except for the required grades of “C” or better for the two English courses. The College uses a ‘no fee COMPASS placement test’ to assess the preparedness of students for study at the College level. Students who do not meet minimum asset criteria for the degree programs are required to take remedial classes in reading, writing and mathematics. Recruitment of students is accomplished through information available on the College website, and on the program website. The College recruiting and admissions staff recruits students from the area high schools using various methods. One of the methods used is: the Program sponsors a Legal Careers Day designed to introduce students to all types of legal careers and to emphasize the work of a paralegal. This day-long event is promoted to all of the College’s feeder high schools and to approximately 75 high schools in community college districts where there is no credit-level paralegal program, ABA approved or otherwise. G-502 The College offers a wide range of student services including career counseling, academic advising, tutoring, writing assistance, testing, and financial aid. Orientation to the paralegal profession is provided in the Introduction to Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies and through events conducted by a very active chapter of the LEX honor society. Full time counseling staff serves as advisors to the students in the program. There is one advisor in particular, Dwayne Musick, who is designated to serve the paralegal students. The site team met with Mr. Musick and found that he was very involved with the paralegal students, was very aware of the program requirements and works intimately with the program coordinator to formulate course plans for the paralegal students. The College offers a variety of career counseling and job search assistance programs. Students looking for jobs as paralegals can (but are not required to) work directly with Ms. Condon, who acts as a clearinghouse for requests for graduates of the program. Additionally, the Office of Career Services provides

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many kinds of assistance: students may take tests and engage in career counseling to determine their interests, and meet one on one with career counselors to discuss paralegal jobs or to schedule mock interviews. In addition, the Office maintains an online database where employers can post jobs. All Kankakee Community College students may take advantage of services provided by the Academic Success Center, which provides tutoring, and the Writing Center. All such services are provided at no cost to any College student who desires them. Placement records are maintained by the Program Coordinator. The records were found to be accurate and substantially complete. Students and alumni reported that there is adequate opportunity to express their views on the Program via direct feedback, course evaluations and post-graduate surveys. G-503 No non-paralegal students have been enrolled in any legal specialty classes during the past four years.

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SECTION VI: LIBRARY G-601 The site team toured the College library and found it to be well staffed, comfortable, and well maintained. All required library resources for ABA approved paralegal programs are available in print within the library. All required resources are current and up-to-date, except for Shepard’s for Illinois. These books are clearly marked that they are for educational purposes only and are not updated. Westlaw KeyCite is used as the resource for updating research. In addition, the collection also contained federal materials which are not up-to-date. However, these materials are clearly marked as such. The library staff is supportive of paralegal students, and welcomes their inquiries. Instruction in legal research is given in the library on Saturdays during class sessions. There are five classrooms available for instruction in the library. Paralegal students at Kankakee have access to Westlaw. Only students in the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program may obtain a Westlaw password. There are also many other electronic databases available to all Kankakee students through the library website. The library is open every day of the academic year at the following times: Monday – Thursday, 7:45am – 8pm; Friday, 7:45am – 4pm; Saturday, 10:00am – 1pm Sunday, Closed In addition to these hours, students can access the library 24/7 via the internet. There are 55 computer terminals available for student access in the library. The site team noted that although the majority of the Program is an evening program, the library is only open until 8pm during the week. Students indicated that they wished that the library would be open longer in the evening as they are in class until past closing time. Also, both of the legal research and writing classes meet on Saturdays: one from 8-noon and the other from 12:30 pm until 4:30pm. However, the library is only open from 10am until 1pm on Saturday, so that, students have very little opportunity to work in the library on their own. Thus, the site team encourages the College to consider keeping the library open to students later in the evening and extend the Saturday hours. The site team suggests that the library and library support must be available to students during hours that make its use convenient and practical. G-601.C

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SECTION VII: PHYSICAL PLANT G-701 – G-703 The site team visited Professor Condon’s private office in the Work Force Development Center. Her office hours are posted on her faculty web page and she sees students by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Adjunct faculty has office space to the west of the Business & Technology Division Office, although they occasionally use Professor Condon’s office since it is physically located close to the classrooms. In addition, since most faculty are adjunct, they regularly provide students with office contact information and welcome students to meet with them at their offices outside of class for the students’ convenience. Students may meet privately with faculty and staff in Professor Condon’s office, the adjunct faculty office, the classroom before or after class, or in the adjunct faculty member’s office by appointment. The College is located on 178 acres on the southern edge of the city of Kankakee. Situated on the tree-lined banks of the Kankakee River, the campus is surrounded by rich, agricultural land and the scenic Kankakee Conservation area. The setting is quiet and conducive to learning. A majority of the classrooms at the College are equipped with computers with internet access, projectors, and DVD/VCR technology. Classrooms provide table and chair style seating, providing space for student materials to be within reach during class. There is also a computer lab dedicated for paralegal courses. There is also a variety of spaces for students to meet and study, including charming and comfortable reading “nooks” all over the campus, a large and well equipped student union building, and private study and conference rooms in the library and other buildings. There are computer stations of three to four units available throughout the campus and 55 terminals located in the library. The entire campus has wireless internet so that students may use their own devices freely. There is a main cafeteria in the student union, and several snack bar/lounge areas on the campus. RESPONSES TO THE PREVIOUS SITE VISIT TEAM’S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The college should remain committed to reviewing its resources allocation plan to ensure that all Program leadership functions are realistically met and that the total time and effort devoted to program leadership are adequate to accomplish the functions set forth in the Guidelines. (G-202 and G-402A.) The site team observed that the program leadership functions are well met despite the fact that the Program Coordinator splits

time between two departments. The two departments coordinate scheduling, are both very supportive of the program, and

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review their own processes annually. Further, the program is now served by a full time, dedicated student advisor who

supports the paralegal students and works very closely with the Program Coordinator.

2. The Advisory Committee must be restructured so that a majority [of] the members are appointed from the community and are not affiliated with the College as faculty members or employees. (G-203A.3.) There are now 32 members on the advisory committee who are not affiliated with the College as faculty members or employees.

3. The team strongly urges the Program Coordinator to use the expertise of the Advisory Committee and the faculty to evaluate the adequacy of the library and the information resources available to the students. (G-203C.6. and G-601B.) The site visit team reviewed the minutes of the faculty meetings and advisory committee meetings that have occurred since the initial approval visit and found that the minutes reflect that each group conducts an annual review of the library holdings and makes recommendations to the Coordinator. 4. While the program is to be commended on the diversity of its student body, there are still few, if any, minority faculty in the program. Outreach efforts to address this must occur. (G-204.) The site visit team observed that there are still no minority faculty members in the program. However, there is minority representation in the Advisory Committee, the administration, the student body, and the alumni. The site team discussed efforts to attract minority faculty members with the Coordinator, the Associate Dean and the President. The College President himself indicated that although there is a diverse population in the community, there is a below average percentage of residents who possess college degrees in this community, meaning that there is not a very large pool of qualified individuals available for hire. The site team was satisfied that efforts made are reasonable in relation to the community. However, the site team included a suggestion in this regard in the current report as well. 5. All course syllabi should be updated to reflect practical assignments that would develop job competencies. (G-301B-3.) The site visit team reviewed the syllabi and sample assignments from each course and found that each included practical assignments that would develop job competencies. 6. A plan for the regular evaluation, review, and improvement of the program should be continued. Evaluation materials should include more program specific questions to ensure the program continues to meet the needs of the geographic area served by the program, as well as the students and graduates. (G-301E.)

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The site team reviewed the comprehensive assessment plan, along with the assessment activities that have been conducted since the initial approval visit. The site visit team found the grad surveys and legal community surveys do include program specific questions regarding the use of technology, legal writing skills, and questions regarding specific courses. 7. Because of the inconsistencies that can occur within the structuring of the Special Topics offering, the course cannot be considered as a legal specialty course. The site team notes that inclusion of this course as a legal specialty course is not necessary for the program. (G-302I.) The Special Topics course is no longer considered a legal specialty course in this Program. 8. Because of the rapidly evolving nature of the paralegal profession and paralegal education, the College should continue to provide the necessary resources for regular attendance by the Program Coordinator and faculty at seminars, conferences, and/or workshops designed for paralegal education. (G-401F.) The site visit team found that there is opportunity for the faculty to attend seminars, conferences and/or workshops designed for paralegal education and that the Program Coordinator does regularly participate in these activities. However, it appeared to the site visit team that the adjunct faculty does not, so there is a suggestion included in this regard in the current reapproval report and conclusions. 9. Adjunct faculty are encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities to enhance their development as teachers that are offered by the College and supported by the Administration. (G-401G.) The current professional development exhibit reflects that adjunct faculty members do attend the in service trainings offered by the College. The site visit team was able to verify this with the three adjunct members who attended the meeting that occurred during the reapproval visit. 10. It is perfectly understandable that the library may contain certain resources that are used as “educational only” items, and hardcopy updating may not be maintained on those items. However, the library should clearly mark “educational only” items so students do not mistake them for current resources. (G-601A.) The site visit team observed that all legal materials in the Learning Resource Center were marked with “Educational Use Only” labels. In addition, each bookcase was marked with the following signage: “LAW BOOKS MAY NOT BE CURRENT. EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.”

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11. The Program should continue to work diligently to ensure that the scope of legal resources maintained in the library collection remains current and well-targeted to the legal specialty areas that are covered in the curriculum. (G-601B.) The site visit team found current legal resources maintained in the library collection relating to each area of legal specialty covered in the curriculum. 12. The Program must purchase print copies of updates for the reporter and current digest for the state. (G-601G.1., 2. and 3.) The site visit team found that these items were up to date on the shelves. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: Kankakee Community College has a strong paralegal education program. The College has a committed and enthusiastic Program Coordinator and faculty. The students and graduates are pleased with their education and the dedication of the faculty. The administration, including the highest level, is very interested in and supportive of the Program. The site team recommends re-approval of the Kankakee College Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program to the ABA Approval Commission. To further enhance the Program, the site team makes the following suggestions: Suggestion 1: The institution and the program continue to encourage diversity and take proactive steps to encourage recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. (G- 204.B) Suggestion 2: The site team suggests that the College maintain adequate funds for the professional development of the Program Coordinator and faculty. (G-205.B.2.; G-401 F & G) Suggestion 3: The site team suggests that the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program, faculty and the Advisory Board continue to monitor the legal technology utilized by the local legal community to insure that the appropriate instruction continues to be offered by the Program (G-302.G). Suggestion 4: The site team suggests that the faculty members increase their commitment to their continued professional growth as teachers and increase their attendance at trainings and conferences to develop their effectiveness as teachers. (G-401.F & G)

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Suggestion 5: The site team suggests that the College continue to maintain conditions adequate to attract and retain a competent faculty so that the size of the faculty continue to be commensurate with the number and type of courses offered and the number and needs of the students served. (G-403.A) Suggestion 6: The site team suggests that the library and library support must be available to students during hours that make its use convenient and practical. (G-601.C)

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Appendix Q-12: Copies of Best Practices Articles from Paralegal Educator, the magazine of the American Association for Paralegal Education

paralegal/lgal assistant studies...paralegal/legal assistant studies) must successfully complete an...

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