1. Purpose

Advisory committees apply their workforce and community-related expertise to the college’s academic and continuing education programs. Their advice and support is indispensable to Central Piedmont's mission. 

Committees help to improve curriculum. They strengthen our connections to our community. And, they ultimately enhance workforce development opportunities for our 70,000 students.

2. Qualifications of Members

Advisors have demonstrated competence in the specific program area being served and they are willing advocates of the program and Central Piedmont's mission. They commit time, expertise, research and advice to the committee’s program of work. Members are civic-minded, responsible, and role models for the college's diverse student population.

Committee organizers are encouraged to consider program graduates as members. Current students may enhance assessment and learning outcome discussions.

3. Responsibilities of Members

Advisory committees are purely advisory; they are neither administrative, legal, nor policy-making in nature. Their support of the college and its students involves the following responsibilities and/or roles.

Members assist by:

• advising program management on planning and development
• becoming knowledgeable of Central Piedmont's history, mission, vision, goals and, more specifically, of the program served
• attending scheduled meetings, participating in discussions and/or serving on sub-committees
• researching current and future trends affecting the program and then, recommending the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for successful career entry or re-entry
• identifying jobs or entrepreneurial opportunities, through co-op work experiences, internships, apprenticeships, topical summits, or career fair involvement
• providing advice on technology, software, and equipment changes and advocating on behalf of the program and college for those resources
• contributing to program reviews, accreditations or re-accreditations, curriculum improvement initiatives, and quality of learning outcomes
• assist in faculty recruitment and selection

4. Organization of the Advisory Committee

Advisory committees’ work may vary, depending on the program’s needs and requirements. For example, one program may go through an accreditation (or re-accreditation); another program may add a new certificate, diploma, or degree; and another may be adapting to rapid technical/software changes within a semester. Therefore, the organization of the committee can be flexible to adapt to the program’s needs.

• Committee size: A committee may consist of 6–12 members. This size allows for maximum participation and involvement.
• Members: Membership consists of division chairs/directors, program chairs, faculty, staff, employers, external subject matter experts, graduates, or current students. Recruiters, advisers, and cooperative/experiential learning representatives may be members of an advisory committee.
• Length of service: Members are appointed to serve for three years. Members may be re-appointed. If a member cannot serve the three-year term, the member should be replaced. Appointments run from August 1 of each academic year through July 31.
• Frequency of meetings: Advisory committees are expected to meet twice per year. Some may need to meet more frequently, depending on their program’s needs and initiatives