1 S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e D i s t r i c t I n s t i t u t i o n a l P r o g r a m P l a n n i n g a n d R e v i e w D o c u m e n t 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5

Legal / Paralegal

Comprehensive Program Planning & Review

Unit Plan Narrative

2014-2015

San Luis Obispo Campus North County Campus South County Center Distance

Education

INSTRUCTIONAL COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM PLANNING AND REVIEW

(CPPR)

Program: Legal Planning Year: 2014 Last Year CPPR Completed: 2010

Unit: Business Education Cluster: WED

NARRATIVE: INSTRUCTIONAL CPPR

I. GENERAL INFORMATION AND PROGRAM OUTCOMES

A. General Description about the Program

Program Mission The Cuesta College Legal Program consisting of the Paralegal Degree Program and the Legal Studies Degree Program reflects and promotes both the vocational education and transfer education missions of the College. The Paralegal Program Degrees (AA and CA) are primarily designed as vocational degrees. The Legal Studies Program Degrees (AA Business Emphasis and AA Social Science Emphasis) are primarily designed as transfer degrees. The Paralegal Degree Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful paralegal. The Cuesta College Paralegal Degree Program is designed to offer a comprehensive program where students will acquire paralegal skills that will prepare them for a variety of different career opportunities, including employment in law offices, government agencies, and businesses where paralegal skills are desirable. The Paralegal AA Degree could, however, be a transferable degree to a four-year college as well.

AA Paralegal Program of Study CA Paralegal Program of Study

The Legal Studies Degree Program seeks to introduce the student to the field of legal studies along with its connection to and influence over closely related areas in the social sciences and business. The Legal Studies Degree Program is designed primarily for students wishing to transfer into four-year college degree programs by satisfying lower division requirements for transfer to baccalaureate programs in business administration, business economics, business law, management, managerial economics, pre-law, law and society, legal studies, or political science programs. A legal studies degree is also an excellent first step for students considering law school or other post-baccalaureate programs in the social sciences or business.

AA Legal Studies Business Emphasis Program of Study AA Legal Studies Social Science Emphasis Program of Study

History of the program

Significant changes/improvements since the last Program Review include:

BUS 218 (Business Law) became a required course for the Paralegal AA and CA.

Paralegal elective unit requirements were dropped from 12-13 units to 9 units as a result of adding BUS 218 to the required list of courses.

CAOA 123 (Business English) was dropped as a Paralegal AA and CA requirement.

LGL prefix courses (except for LGL 217) now have a PLGL prefix.

LGL 222 (Tort and Insurance Law) was deactivated and deleted from the Paralegal AA and CA.

PLGL 205 was revised and increased from 3 units to 4 units

PLGL 209 (Technology in the Law Office), a new required course, was created.

RE 163 (Real Estate Law) was deleted from the Paralegal AA and CA.

Current Faculty

Full Time Faculty: Ruth Biering Educational Background: B.A. UCLA, Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Loyola University, member of the California Bar Association Courses Taught: Business Law, Estate Planning & Administration, Introduction to Law, Legal Research & Writing, Paralegal Internship, Ethical Issues for Paralegals Relevant Work Experience: Legal office assistant, Superior Court Law Clerk, Associate Attorney, Partner in law firm with emphasis in business law, real estate law, land use law, administrative law, probate and estate law, and civil litigation, Lead Instructor for Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs

Part Time Faculty: Willis Baughman B.A. History, California State University Long Beach; Juris Doctor, Pepperdine University School of Law; Advance Certification for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law

Stacey Hunt A.S. Electronics, Fresno City College; Paralegal Certificate, Fresno City College; Certified

Legal Assistant designation, National Association of Legal Assistants; California Advanced

Specialist in Litigation, Commission for Advanced California Paralegal Certification.

Carol Janssen B.A., Speech, Cal State University Northridge; Juris Doctorate (cum laude), Southwestern University School of Law; Kent J. Snyder Merit Scholarship Recipient

Eric Parkinson B.A., Cal Poly (1988); J.D., Golden Gate University School of Law (1993); member of the California Bar Association since 1993; member of the Bar Association for the U.S. District Court (all districts in CA) and the Bar of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals since 1995

Traci Robichaud A.A. Psychology, Cuesta College; A.A. General Studies, Cuesta College

Janet Wallace

B.A. University of California, Santa Barbara; Juris Doctor, University of California, Davis.

Preparation of CPPR: This CPPR was prepared primarily by the full time faculty member and lead instructor for the Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs, Ruth Biering. Part time faculty was consulted and key faculty members contributed to different areas and were especially helpful in drafting Section VI. Program Development/Forecasting.

B. Program Outcomes: List the learning outcomes established for your program

A.A., C.A. Paralegal Outcome #1: Perform different law office management functions such as correspondence, billing and financial management, file and record management, and library management. Outcome #2: Prepare and interpret various legal documents, including both litigation and non-litigation documents. Outcome #3: Conduct library and computerized legal research. Outcome #4: Discuss and explain the different subject areas of the law, including civil and criminal law. Outcome #5: Conduct themselves in an appropriate and ethical manner in the professional setting of the workplace.

A.A. Legal Studies: Business Emphasis Outcome #1: Identify different sources and types of law and how law is created, changed, and classified. Outcome #2: Recognize different theoretical perspectives on the law and functions law serves in society. Outcome #3: Describe the legal decision-making process used to analyze and decide legal cases. Outcome #4: Recognize the impact that law and legal institutions have on political and governmental institutions. Outcome #5: Discuss the impact that law and legal institutions have on economic systems and business.

A.A. Legal Studies: Social Science Emphasis Outcome #1: Identify different sources and types of law and how law is created, changed, and classified. Outcome #2: Recognize different theoretical perspectives on the law and functions law serves in society. Outcome #3: Describe the legal decision-making process used to analyze and decide legal cases. Outcome #4: Recognize the impact that law and legal institutions have on political and governmental institutions. Outcome #5: Discuss the impact that law and legal institutions have on different social groups and society as a whole.

II. PROGRAM SUPPORT OF INSTITUTIONAL GOALS, INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES, AND/OR

INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

A. Identify how your program addresses or helps the district to achieve its Institutional

Goals and Objectives, and/or operational planning initiatives. Institutional Goal 1: San Luis Obispo County Community College District will enhance its programs and services to promote students’ successful completion of transfer requirements, degrees, certificates, and courses. Institutional Objective 1.1: Increase the percentage of transfer-directed students who are transfer prepared by 2% annually The Legal Studies Social Science Emphasis degree is a popular “liberal arts” style degree with emphasis in social sciences and law for students considering transferring into 4 year pre law majors. The Legal Studies Business Emphasis degree is a popular dual degree for students transferring into 4 year business majors and pre law majors. The Legal Studies degree program helps fulfill the College’s transfer goal by giving students two desirable options for transfer at low cost to the College since all of the Legal Studies courses are “repackaged” from other existing degrees. Institutional Goal 2: San Luis Obispo County Community College District will build a sustainable base of enrollment by effectively responding to the needs of its local service area. Institutional Objective 2.1: Increase the capture rate of the local 24 – 40 age cohort by 2:% annually The Paralegal degree program is uniquely suited to increase the capture rate of the above demographic and in particular female reentry students. The Paralegal degree program is attractive to reentry students because it is one of the few remaining programs at Cuesta College that prepare students for professional level employment and wages in an office setting at the community college level.

Institutional Objective 2.2: Increase the local high school capture rate by 2% annually The Paralegal and Legal Studies degree programs support this institutional objective by participation in local high school outreach functions such as career day functions and the upcoming San Luis Obispo High School community college night. Institutional Goal 5: San Luis Obispo County Community College District will strengthen its partnerships with local educational institutions, civic organizations, businesses, and industries. Institutional Objective 5.1: Increase participation at district events for business and civic leaders The Paralegal Program supports this institutional goal and objective to create community partnerships and satisfy community needs while providing good community public relations

for Cuesta College. This goal and objective is supported by Cuesta College representation at community outreach functions including SLO County Bar Meetings, Women’s Bar Association Meetings, and San Luis Obispo Paralegal Association Meetings. In addition, the lead instructor for the Paralegal Program maintains contact with the local legal community through membership in the San Luis Obispo Bar Association and serving on the executive board of the San Luis Obispo County Mock Trial Program. Consistent community contact is also achieved through the Paralegal Program Advisory Committee which is comprised of a number of highly regarded professionals from both the public and private sector. The Advisory Committee includes members from the legal profession, both attorneys and paralegals, and members from related fields such as the County Clerk/Recorder and the San Luis Obispo Court Executive Administrator. The inclusion of members from diverse professional fields helps implement one of the key goals of the Program which is to prepare students for a variety of job opportunities including, but not limited to, employment in the legal profession. Institutional Objective 5.2: Increase participation at district events for K-12 districts and universities. The Paralegal and Legal Studies degree programs support this institutional objective by such community outreach functions as participation in Tech Fair at Cuesta College and local high school outreach functions such as career day functions and the upcoming San Luis Obispo High School Cuesta College Night.

B. Identify how your program helps students achieve Institutional Learning Outcomes.

Institutional Learning Outcome 1: Personal, Academic, and Professional Development Students achieving this outcome will be able to: Recognize, assess, and demonstrate the skills and behaviors that promote academic and

professional development Recognize, assess, and practice lifestyle choices that promote personal health and

mental well-being Demonstrate the professional skills necessary for successful employment

The Paralegal Program Learning Outcomes support ILO 1 in that Paralegal Program PLO’s 1, 2, 3, and 5 all incorporate skills and competencies required of a practicing paralegal including performing different law office management functions, preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, and conducting oneself in an ethical and professional manner. In addition, several of the course level SLO’s in PLGL 131 (Current Ethical Issues for Paralegals), PLGL 201 (Introduction to Paralegal Studies), PLGL 203 (Paralegal Internship), PLGL 205 (Civil Procedure and Litigation), PLGL 209 (Technology in the Law Office), and PLGL 220 (Legal Research and Writing) are mapped to the above-reference program level outcomes which support ILO 1.

Institutional Learning Outcome 2: Critical Thinking and Communication

Students achieving this outcome will be able to:

Analyze and evaluate their own thinking processes and those of others

Communicate and interpret complex information in a clear, ethical, and logical manner

Both the Paralegal Program and the Legal Studies Program strongly emphasize attaining competency in critical thinking and communication as these skills are fundamental components of any legal program. All of the Legal Studies Program Learning Outcomes (including identifying sources of law, recognizing different perspectives on the law, describing the legal decision making process, and recognizing the impact of the law on different political, business, and social institutions) involve both the ability to analyze and evaluate legal materials as well communicate and interpret complex legal concepts. While the Paralegal Program is primarily a vocational program, the Paralegal Program Learning Outcomes clearly supports ILO 2 as well. Paralegal PLO’s 2, 3, and 4 (interpreting legal documents, conducting legal research, and discussing different areas of the law) clearly require the acquisition of core critical thinking and communication skills. Institutional Learning Outcome 4: Social, Historical, Global Knowledge and Engagement Students achieving this outcome will be able to:

Analyze, evaluate, and pursue their opportunities and obligations as citizens in a complex world

Demonstrate understanding of world traditions and the interrelationship between diverse groups and cultures

The Legal Studies Program Learning Outcomes 2, 4, and 5 support ILO 4 in that both the Legal Studies Business Emphasis degree and the Social Science Emphasis degree place a strong emphasis on the interconnection between law and the legal system with other major social institutions and systems such as politics, government, business, and the economy. In addition, the Legal Studies Program places emphasis on recognizing different perspectives on the law and the law’s impact on various social groups and society as a whole. Institutional Learning Outcome 6: Technical and Informational Fluency Students achieving this outcome will be able to:

Recognize when information is needed, and be able to locate and utilize diverse sources effectively and ethically

Produce and share electronic documents, images, and projects using modern software and technology

The Paralegal Program Learning Outcomes support ILO 6 by requiring that students attain skills in law office management, preparing legal documents, and conducting computerized legal research (PLO’s 1, 2, 3) all of which require technical and informational fluency. These skills are taught primarily in PLGL 201 (Introduction to Paralegal Studies), PLGL 205 (Civil

Procedure and Litigation), PLGL 209 (Technology in the Law Office), and PLGL 220 (Legal Research and Writing).

III. PROGRAM DATA ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM-SPECIFIC MEASUREMENTS

A. Data Summary CUESTA COLLEGE SCORECARD Completion Percentage of degree and/or transfer-seeking students tracked for six years through 2011-12 who completed a degree, certificate or transfer related outcomes.

B. COLLEGE PREPARED C. 73.3% D. UNPREPARED FOR COLLEGE E. 36.7% F. OVERALL G. 55.4%

PARALEGAL DEPARTMENT DATA YEAR 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 FTES 16.72 18.09 15.50 18.73 11.67 FTEF 1.62 1.41 0.88 0.88 0.84 FTES/FTEF 10.34 12.85 17.55 21.20 13.87 Success Rate 75.6% 75.0% 78.4% 88.6% 90.1% Retention Rate 83.1% 82.8% 83.5% 92.7% 90.1%-09 LEGAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT DATA (LGL 217 DATA)9-1 YEAR 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 FTES 12.59 15.36 14.28 13.97 7.46 FTEF .60 .80 .80 .80 .40.60 .80 .80 .8….40 FTES/FTEF 20.98 19.20 17.85 17.47 18.652010 Success Rate 73.3% 66.7% 74.5% 73.7% 79.2% Retention Rate 87.8% 83.1% 83.9% 88.3% 89.2%

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES (PARALEGAL/LEGAL STUDIES)

PARALEGAL 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

AA Paralegal 4 2 3 7 6

CA Paralegal 2 3 7 8 7

LEGAL STUDIES 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

AA Business Emphasis 1 3 8 9 14

AA Social Science Emphasis 4 8 7 5 7

d CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT LABOR MARKET INFORMATION

Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California Occupational Wages [Top]

Area Year Period Hourly Mean Hourly by Percentile

25th Median 75th California 2013 1st Qtr $28.54 $20.13 $27.37 $35.39 View Wages for All Areas About Wages

Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand") [Top]

Area Estimated Year-Projected

Year Employment

Employment Change

Annual Avg Openings

Estimated Projected Number Percent California 2010 - 2020 26,800 32,200 5,400 20.1 920

Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View Employers List) [Top]

Industry Title

Number of Employers in State of California

Percent of Total Employment for Occupation in

State of California

Legal Services 59,953 69.8% Management of Companies and Enterprises

943 1.9%

Employment Services 6,559 1.3% Insurance Carriers 5,169 1.1%

Training Programs (click on title for more information) [Top]

Program Title

Legal Assistant/Paralegal ______________________________________________________________________________

dd Legal Support Workers, All Other in California Occupational Wages [Top]

Area Year Period Hourly Mean Hourly by Percentile

25th Median 75th California 2013 1st Qtr $28.62 $21.06 $27.21 $34.17 View Wages for All Areas About Wages

Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand") [Top]

Area Estimated Year-Projected

Year Employment

Employment Change

Annual Avg Openings

Estimated Projected Number Percent California 2010 - 2020 7,200 7,600 400 5.6 150

View Projections for All Areas About Projections

Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View Employers List) [Top]

Industry Title

Number of Employers in State of California

Percent of Total Employment for Occupation in

State of California

Legal Services 59,953 23.5% Management of Companies and Enterprises

943 4.6%

Scientific Research and Development Svc

6,118 1.2%

Management & Technical Consulting Svc

29,811 1.0%

Other Professional & Technical Services

24,586 1.0%

Training Programs (click on title for more information) [Top]

Program Title

Legal Assistant/Paralegal

bb-11 2011-12 2012-13

B. Interpretation of Data

A caveat should be made before discussing the above data which is that it was not possible to meaningfully disaggregate the Paralegal Program data from the Legal Studies Program data using the data available on the SLOCCCD Institutional Research and Assessment website. The FTES/FTEF data for both Degree Programs appear to be driven largely by course enrollment data and the above FTES/FTEF data were compiled prior to converting the prefixes of all the courses in the Paralegal Program to a PLGL prefix with the one dedicated Legal Studies course (LGL 217) retaining the LGL prefix designation. The above Paralegal Program data reflect enrollment figures for courses with a PLGL prefix and the Legal Studies Program data reflect the enrollment figures for LGL 217 (the one dedicated Legal Studies Program course). It is contemplated that the APPW that will be completed in the spring of 2015 will include more accurate FTES/FTEF data for the two Degree Programs based on the revised course prefixes. With this caveat in mind, it seems reasonable to assume that the FTES/FTEF ratio of 13.87 for 2012/13 for the Paralegal Program is largely accurate. The FTES/FTEF ratio of 21.20 for 2011/12 seems somewhat high and at odds with other enrollment figures for the Program. While the FTES/FTEF figures offer one “snapshot” of the Paralegal Program, it is felt that other figures present a fuller picture of the success of the Program. Success and retention rates are at 90.1% for 2012/13 which is a very high percentage for the types of difficult courses required by the Paralegal Degree Program. In addition, the number of degree/certificate earners has risen steadily within the last two years showing respectively 15 and 13 degrees/certificates earned in Paralegal. The conclusion that may be drawn from the FTES/FTEF data is that while Paralegal courses oftentimes do not experience full enrollment, the success/retention and degree/certificate data demonstrate that a

relatively high percentage of students enrolled in these courses successfully complete the courses and go on to obtain a Paralegal degree or certificate. The FTES/FTEF data for the Legal Studies Program, based on the data for LGL 217, reflect stronger overall enrollment for this one and only dedicated Legal Studies course which was 18.65 for 2012/13. In addition, the Legal Studies Program demonstrates strong success/retention and degree/certificate rates as well. The number of degree earners in the Legal Studies Program is among the highest for all specialty programs offered by Cuesta College and actually exceeded the number of degree earners in the Administration of Justice Program in 2013. The Cuesta Scorecard shows that the average completion rate for the College as a whole is 55.4% with the college prepared at 73.3% and the college unprepared at 36.7%. The success/retention rates as well as the relatively high number of degree/certificate earners in both the Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs demonstrate (at least inferentially) that these two Degree Programs have consistently higher completion rates than the College as a whole even among the college prepared. With regard to employment opportunities, it is clear from the information available on the California EDD Labor Market Information website that the demand for individuals with paralegal training is growing. The legal services area is the primary employer for individuals with paralegal degrees and is one of the fastest growing areas for employment (20.1% between 2010 and 2020) in California. In addition, as demonstrated by the above employment graphs, other related professional areas employ paralegal graduates as well. The graphs demonstrate not only the fast growing demand for paralegal graduates, but the versatility of the degree in terms of seeking employment in related areas. One interesting development related to future potential employment opportunities for paralegal graduates is contemplated legislation in California that would permit individuals who are not licensed attorneys to provide legal advice in certain limited areas. If this were to occur, this would increase the employability of paralegals significantly especially with regard to providing lower cost legal assistance to clients with routine legal matters.

C. Efforts to Improve Graduation, Certificate Completion, and Transfer Rates

With regard to the Paralegal Program, as will be discussed under Section VI., it is contemplated that the three PLGL electives (PLGL 206, PLGL 207, and PLGL 208) as well as BUS 218 will be revised so that the three PLGL courses and one section of BUS 218 may be offered in a distance education modality. It is expected that this will increase enrollment among the 24 – 40 age cohort who, because of work and family commitments, find it more challenging to complete a college program that consists entirely of live class offerings. This will hold true for the Legal Studies Program as well in that BUS 218 and many of the Legal Studies required/elective courses are already or will be offered at least in part in a DE mode. It is also contemplated that more Paralegal courses will be offered at the North County Campus to attract students to the Program who live in that area. Paralegal specific courses that are/will be offered at the North County Campus include PLGL 131 (Current Ethical Issues for Paralegals) and PLGL 201 (Introduction to Paralegal). Alternatively, these courses could be revised so they could be offered in a DE mode if enrollment figures at the North County Campus do not justify offering these courses in a live classroom format.

Also, it is contemplated that an orientation/exit course will be created for students who are starting the Paralegal Program and who are just about to graduate from the Program. This course came at the suggestion of Dean Cascamo and members of the Paralegal Advisory Committee who have advocated that Paralegal faculty and members of the legal community create a “bridge” program to orient new students to working in the legal field and mentor graduating students who are transitioning from the classroom to the workplace.

Finally, with regard to the Legal Studies Program, both the Business Emphasis and the Social Science Emphasis degrees were revised to reduce the number of elective units required so that the total number of units required for the degrees are 19-21 and 19 respectively. It is anticipated that this will make these two degree options even more attractive to students in the future and that the number of degree earners will increase in subsequent years accordingly.

IV. CURRICULUM REVIEW

A. List all courses that have been created, updated, modified, or eliminated (and approved by the Curriculum Committee) since the last CPPR.

Paralegal Program: As mentioned above, the following Paralegal Program curriculum changes since the previous CPPR in 2010:

BUS 218 (Business Law) became a required course for the Paralegal AA and CA.

Paralegal elective unit requirements were dropped from 12-13 units to 9 units as a result of adding BUS 218 to the required list of courses.

CAOA 123 (Business English) was dropped as a Paralegal AA and CA requirement.

LGL prefix courses (except for LGL 217) now carry a PLGL prefix.

LGL 222 (Tort and Insurance Law) was deactivated and deleted from the Paralegal AA and CA.

PLGL 130 (Interviewing and Investigation) was deactivated and the topic areas were added to PLGL 205 when it was revised and its units were increased

PLGL 205 was revised and increased from 3 units to 4 units

PLGL 209 (Technology in the Law Office), a new required course, was created.

RE 163 (Real Estate Law) was deleted from the Paralegal AA and CA.

Please see Attachment A for a current Paralegal Course Rotation

Please see Attachment B for a current Paralegal Program Flow Chart

Legal Studies Program: Since this is the initial CPPR for the Legal Studies Program, there are no curriculum changes to report since the previous CPPR. However, there is one change to report since the 2013 APPW. Both the Legal Studies Business Emphasis and Social Science Emphasis degrees were recently modified so that the required elective units were decreased. The Legal Studies Business Emphasis degree required elective units were reduced from 12 -14 units to 6 – 8 units. The Legal Studies Social Science Emphasis degree required elective units were reduced from 12 units to 6 units. The reduction of the number of elective units required to complete the Legal Studies Degree is so that the Degree will be more in line with the total unit requirements in such interdisciplinary

degrees as the Liberal Arts Degree which is set at 18 units. The units required to complete the Legal Studies Business Emphasis degree is now 19 -21 units and the units required to complete the Legal Studies Social Science Emphasis degree is now 19 units.

B. Provide evidence that the curriculum (including course delivery modalities) has been carefully reviewed during the past five years for currency in teaching practices, compliance with current policies, standards, regulations and advisory committee input. Include evidence that the following entries on the course outline of record (CurricUNET format) are appropriate and complete:

Please see the attached spreadsheet (Attachment C) for the following information regarding BUS 218, LGL 217, and all PLGL prefix courses.

Course description

Student learning outcomes

Pre-requisites/co-requisites

Topics and scope

Course objectives

Alignment of topics and scopes

Textbooks

CSU/IGETC transfer and AA GE information

Degree and Certificate information

Include a calendar of a five-year cycle during which all aspects of the course outline of record and program curriculum, will be reviewed for currency and quality.

Please see the attached spreadsheet (Attachment C) for Program information regarding the Paralegal and Legal Studies Degree Programs.

V. PROGRAM OUTCOMES, ASSESSMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS

A. Attach Program Assessment Summary (CPAS) form for each course in the program. See Attachment D for the requested Paralegal CPAS information See Attachment E for the requested Legal Studies/Business CPAS information See Attachment F for the requested Legal Studies/Social Science CPAS information

B. Include a mapping document that indicates how course-level SLOs connect to program-level SLOs. Reference: Student Learning Outcomes and Assessments. See Attachment G for the requested Paralegal mapping information See Attachment H for the requested Legal Studies/Business mapping information See Attachment I for the requested Legal Studies/Social Science mapping information

C. Highlight improvement efforts that have resulted from SLO assessment.

With regard to the Paralegal degree program, the most relevant discussion of progress towards achieving program-specific objectives may be found in the Paralegal CPAS completed in spring 2012. As discussed in the Recommended Changes & Plans for Implementation of Improvements section, the results of the program-level student self survey indicate that the courses in the Paralegal Degree Program overall provide a solid

basis for the Paralegal students to achieve the stated Paralegal program-specific objectives.

Areas of concern included the lower level of confidence students had in conducting library and computerized legal research (Paralegal PLO #3) which, as previously mentioned may be due to the fact that the primary course involved, PLGL 220 (Legal Research and Writing), is a difficult course and is generally viewed as one of the most difficult courses in the Program. As mentioned in the CPAS for PLGL 220, the skills introduced in that course evolve over time once the student becomes a practicing paralegal and it is not practical to address this issue as other larger colleges do by offering a second semester of legal research. The other area of concern was the lower level of confidence in performing different law office management functions (Paralegal PLO #1) which will be partially addressed by the adoption of a new text in PLGL 201 (Introduction to Paralegal). A more advanced course, PLGL 205 (Civil Litigation and Procedure), was recently revised to reinforce these skills as well. In addition to these changes, a new course, PLGL 209 (Technology in the Law Office), has been added to the Paralegal Degree Program this year and it specifically addresses such areas as law office management and the use of management software while also providing more in depth coverage of computerized legal research than is possible in PLGL 220 alone.

With regard to the Legal Studies Program, reliable Program Learning Outcome data is difficult to collect due to the interdisciplinary nature of the Program and the fact that there is only one dedicated Legal Studies course (LGL 217). The Legal Studies Program and LGL 217 are due for follow-up CPAS review at the end of spring semester, 2014. The LGL 217 Student Learning Outcomes were revised in fall, 2013 to more accurately reflect the subject matter covered in the course and results of the student surveys conducted in that course will be addressed in the next CPAS review at the end of the this semester.

D. Recommend changes and updates to program funding based on assessment of SLOs.

For funding requests complete the applicable Unit Plan Funding Request Worksheet See attached Legal Unit Plan Worksheet (Attachment J)

VI. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT/FORECASTING

Both the Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs, but especially the Paralegal Program, have been subjected to regular intensive review and revision since the 2010 CPPR in order to address identified needs at both the institutional and programmatic levels. It is anticipated that a few select changes will be made going forward to both Degree Programs as noted below, but that both Degree Programs should be given the opportunity to fully implement the changes made over the last four years and to fully assess the impact of these changes. It is felt that further significant changes not be contemplated unless clearly warranted by new assessment data.

New or modified action steps for achieving Institutional Goals and Objectives

Please see discussion in Section II - PROGRAM SUPPORT OF INSTITUTIONAL GOALS, INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES

In addition to the discussion in Section II, with regard to Institutional Objective 2.1: (Increase the capture rate of the local 24 – 40 age cohort by 2:% annually), it is contemplated that the three PLGL electives (PLGL 206, PLGL 207, and PLGL 208) as well as BUS 218 will be revised so that the three PLGL courses and one section of BUS 218 may be offered in a distance education modality. It is expected that this will increase enrollment among the 24 – 40 age cohort who, because of work and family commitments, find it more challenging to complete a college program that consists entirely of live class offerings. This will hold true for the Legal Studies Program as well in that BUS 218 and many of the Legal Studies required/elective courses are already or will be offered at least in part in a DE mode. It is also contemplated that more Paralegal courses will be offered at the North County Campus to attract students to the Program who live in that area. Paralegal specific courses that are/will be offered at the North County Campus include PLGL 131 (Current Ethical Issues for Paralegals) and PLGL 201 (Introduction to Paralegal). Alternatively, these courses could be revised so they could be offered in a DE mode if enrollment figures at the North County Campus do not justify offering these courses in a live classroom format.

In addition to the discussion in Section II, with regard to Institutional Objective 5.1: (Increase participation at district events for business and civic leaders), it is contemplated that an orientation/exit course will be created for students who are starting the Paralegal Program and who are just about to graduate from the Program. This course came at the suggestion of Dean Cascamo and members of the Paralegal Advisory Committee who have advocated that Paralegal faculty and members of the legal community create a “bridge” program to orient new students to working in the legal field and mentor graduating students who are transitioning from the classroom to the workplace.

New or modified action steps for achieving Institutional Learning Outcomes

Please see discussion in Section II – PROGRAM SUPPORT OF INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES and above discussion regarding new or modified action steps for achieving Institutional Goals and Objectives.

New or modified action steps for achieving program outcomes

Please see discussion in Section II – PROGRAM SUPPORT OF INSTITUTIONAL GOALS/OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES and above discussion regarding new or modified action steps for achieving Institutional Goals and Objectives as well as Institutional Learning Outcomes.

Anticipated changes in curriculum and scheduling

See above for further details. Contemplated changes include revising the Paralegal elective courses and BUS 218 so that the elective courses and at least on section of BUS 218 may be offered in a DE modality. Also, it is also contemplated that more Paralegal courses will be offered at the North County Campus to attract students who live in that area to the Program.

Levels or delivery of support services N/A

Facilities changes N/A

Staffing projections

Three new part time Paralegal instructors were hired for the 2013/14 school year. In addition, Gary Rubin, after serving as the North County Executive Dean for the last two years, is returning to the Business Division as a full time instructor. Part of Mr. Rubin’s teaching load will include BUS 218 and PLGL 131. It is contemplated that he will be a strong advocate for the Paralegal Program at the North County Campus. With these part time hires and Mr. Rubin’s return to the Division, it is not contemplated that additional full time or part time staff will be required in the near future.

Strategies for responding to the predicted budget and FTES target for the next academic year N/A

VII. END NOTES (If Applicable)

If applicable, you may attach additional documents or information, such as assessment forms, awards, letters, samples, lists of students working in the field, etc.

CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) TWO-YEAR PROGRAM REVIEW

Program: Paralegal Program Planning Year: 2013 - 2014 Unit: Business Education Cluster: WED Last Year of CPPR/Voc. Ed Review: 2009 -2010

NARRATIVE

I. Meets a documented labor market demand.

The information shown below is copied from the California Employment Development Department Labor Market Information website. As can be seen, it is projected that the demand for paralegals will continue to grow much faster than the average growth rate than the average for all occupations. It should be added that there is an increasing demand for employees with legal education and training in a variety of business and government settings outside of the traditional law office setting that cannot be directly assessed through the Labor Market statistics shown below.

What is the Job Outlook?

Demand for Paralegals will continue to grow as employers try to reduce costs by hiring Paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers. Paralegals are an option to increase availability and efficiency of legal services. Contributing to the expanded use of Paralegals is the increasing demand for legal services by a growing population.

Projections of Employment

In California, the number of Paralegals and Legal Assistants is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Paralegals and Legal Assistants are expected to increase by 19.4 percent, or 5,500 jobs between 2008 and 2018.

Estimated Employment and Projected Growth Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Geographic Area (Estimated Year-Projected Year)

Estimated Employment

Projected Employment

Numeric Change

Percent Change

Additional Openings Due to Net

Replacements

California (2008-2018)

28,300 33,800 5,500 19.4 3,200

Source: EDD/LMID Projections of Employment by Occupation

View Projected Growth for All Areas

Annual Job Openings

In California, an average of 550 new job openings per year is expected for Paralegals and Legal Assistants, plus an additional 320 job openings due to net replacement needs, resulting in a total of 870 job openings.

Estimated Average Annual Job Openings Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Geographic Area (Estimated Year- Projected Year)

Jobs From Growth

Jobs Due to Net

Replacements

Total Annual

Job Openings

California (2008-2018)

550 320 870

Source: EDD/LMID Projections of Employment by Occupation

II. Does not represent unnecessary duplication of other manpower training programs in the area. The Cuesta College Paralegal Program is the only paralegal program offered in San Luis Obispo County. The closest paralegal program to the north is located in the San

Jose/Santa Clara area and the closest paralegal program to the east is located in the Fresno/Bakersfield area. A paralegal program has recently been created at Hancock College in Santa Maria to the south. It is expected that the Hancock Program will have limited impact on the Cuesta Program due to its distance and the fact that the Hancock Program is designed to prepare students for employment in the Santa Maria area while the Cuesta Program is designed to prepare students for employment in the San Luis Obispo area.

III. Is of demonstrated effectiveness as measured by the employment and completion success of its students. As can be seen from the Core Indicators of Performance copied below, the Cuesta Paralegal Program meets its target percentage in Core I (Skill Attainment), Core 2 (Completions), Core 3 (Persistence), and Core 5b NT (Completion) and exceeds the state percentage in all these areas as well. With regard to Core 4 (“Employment), the Paralegal Program did not meet its target percentage but exceeded the state percentage. It should also be noted that this year’s employment rate of 75% exceeds last year’s employment rate of 62.5%. However, it is difficult to draw conclusions based on the small sample size involved in both years’ data.

Perkins IV Core Indicators of Performance