AMP.
We’re launching a new AMP.
What? What’s an AMP? AMP stands for Academic Master Plan.
ACC’s previous Academic Master Plan was developed in 2013, and Dr. Rhodes has asked that we begin work on a new academic master plan to drive us forward in the next five years. If you read the previous plan (all 334 pages), you’ll see that much of what we wanted to do we have done. Since 2014 we have (and this isn’t a complete list):
- developed a strategic recruitment and enrollment team, plan, and process
- implemented state-mandated changes to developmental education
- developed an institutional strategic plan for dual credit programs
- developed and implemented a comprehensive, faculty-led faculty development program
- developed an institutional strategic plan for distance education
- built not one, not two, but three (and soon to be four) ACCelerators (referred to in the previous AMP as “Math Emporiums”)
- Launched a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
- Opened a Public Safety Training Center
- Increased curricular alignment across Adult Education, Continuing Education, and credit instruction
- Developed and supported innovation in academic areas (Z-Degrees, block scheduled Institutes, Weekend College, First Day Access, competency-based learning, academic cooperatives, the TAMU-Chevron Engineering Academy, and more)
- Created a digital and creative media cluster (soon to be visible in Phase II of the Highland Campus)
- Created a hospitality and culinary center (to launch in Fall 2020 at HLC, Phase II)
- Created professional incubators (the Bioscience Incubator, the Fashion Incubator, etc.)
- Implemented a Veterinarian Technician program
- Implemented an Agriculture program
- Launched an equity-minded faculty hiring plan
- Launched an Institutional Planning, Development, and Evaluation unit
- Expanded child watch services for students
- Launched a student portal
In other words, AMPs matter. They offer us a road map. They establish aspirations. They help ACC move forward in an intentional way. The kick-off meeting of the AMP process was January 15. We had a packed Board room where we talked about the elements, timelines, and expectations for development of a new AMP. This new AMP will reflect who we are today – and to that end, it will be written at the Area of Study level. The intent is to find common initiatives and goals across programs in each Area of Study that can be pursued jointly.
After the two and a half hour AMP kick-off meeting with instructional department chairs, deans, and student affairs deans, we segued to a meeting of the AMP Steering Committee (lunch included!) in another overcrowded room at HBC. The AMP Steering Committee has 40 members and is co-chaired by Dr. Rachel Ruiz, Dean of Student Affairs at the Cypress Creed Campus, and Brandon Whatley, Dean of the Design, Manufacturing, Construction, and Applied Technologies (DMCAT) Area of Study.
If you want to know more about the AMP process, visit this page. If you want to participate, get in touch with your dean. If you want to offer comments, you may do so on the AMP main page or in conversation with your dean. If you want to see the timeline, process, or resources available, visit the AMP page.
An AMP is only as strong as the input and participation that occurs in its development. My AMP day on January 15 was long, and occasionally overheated and stuffy (due to crowded rooms), but it was also a day of energy and engagement, input and interest. So climb on board the AMP train and offer your engagement and input. It will be welcome.