GRESHAM, Ore. - Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) has been engaged in a transparent, data-based, student-centered, equity-based revitalization process to provide students with the education they need in order to succeed.

The Academic Revitalization process was initiated at the direction of the college board of education and in compliance with accreditation requirements and reviewed 61 instructional disciplines and programs.

A team of full-time and part-time faculty, classified staff and instructional deans, developed the process and four categories in which disciplines and programs could be placed. Those categories are, Maintain, Grow, Modify or Phase Out.

Disciplines and programs were placed into the “modify” category with the exception of seven programs that fell into the “phase out” category. Those programs include, Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, Broadcasting, Business Technology, Cosmetology, Environmental Health and Safety, Practical Nursing and Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. 

“The process looked at both quantitative and qualitative data including a review of enrollments over the past five years, number of degrees or certificates awarded for each program, earnings/jobs of economic value for completers, narratives from faculty, as well as the credentials relevance to its specific industry or business, to name a few,” said Dr. Alfred McQuarters, MHCC Vice President of Instruction.

Faculty and staff were informed of which category their program was placed on Friday, Nov. 8. Dr. McQuarters will work with faculty, staff and instructional administrators regarding modifications. The phase out of any program will go before the MHCC District Board of Education for consideration.

If a program is phased out, the college will work to assist students in completing their academic goals.