What are Program Advisory Committees (PACs)?

The PACs are the mechanism by which MCPS and MC communicate with business and industry leaders to explore innovative practices which empower students to be prepared for higher education and today's workplace . Each PAC has an average of 13 members recruited from education, business, and industry. PACs provide expertise and resources to support the CTE educational programs in both institutions. Each PAC has a President and co-conveners from MCPS and MC to facilitate the development of goals and action plans focused on helping students develop skills and attitudes needed to be successful employees.  

What is expected of a PAC President?

• Represent the PAC on MCCB
• Serve as an ardent promoter of the concept of the joint board structure
• Help to solicit representation from business and industry on the PAC
• Contribute to the development of the annual, all-inclusive report on the work of the MCCB and the associated PACs
• Coordinate activities of the PAC with the co-conveners; this includes planning meetings
• Conduct the PAC meeting
• Work with the PAC on reviewing and advising changes to curricula
• Appoint ad hoc committees as needed to address a particular topic

What are the duties of the Co-Convener?

Work with the President to:

• Fill all vacancies within the PAC and to ensure appropriate ethnic and gender diversity
• Identify meeting dates and secure venues for PAC meetings
• Shape the work of the PAC
• Serve as the points of contact for each PAC (linkages to MCPS and MC, respectively)
• Devise the most effective/efficient way of facilitating communication within the PAC  
• Maintain records of the activities of each PAC; share information appropriately; contribute to the annual report submitted by the MCCB
• Maintain PAC membership lists and keep the database manager updated
• Serve as the conduit to their constituent groups (MC liaison to MC faculty and staff; MCPS liaison to MCPS faculty and staff within disciplines/subject areas

What are some goals and functions of a PAC?

• Planning programs and/or courses for both MCPS and MC which are informed by industry trends and practices
• Previewing and recommending change to the curriculum
• Participating in program evaluation
• Identifying scholarship opportunities for students
• Placing students and graduates in positions to pursue employment opportunities
• Identifying unique curriculum needs, such as specialized equipment and supplies
• Identifying internship opportunities
• Serving as a liaison to employers and appropriate industry/professional organizations
• Promoting a positive awareness of the program in the community
• Suggesting speakers for classes and meetings
• Leveraging expertise in seeking grants or foundation funding for large-scale projects, or to take a pilot to scale
• Gathering information with regard to community needs, interests, and resources to assure relevance to employment in the career field
• Advising on appropriate course of study so that MCPS and MC work collaboratively to provide a seamless transition from one institution to another for students (programmatic articulation)
• Assisting in the development of program articulation agreements