Core Component 2.B. The institution presents itself clearly and completely to its students and to the public with regard to its programs, requirements, faculty and staff, costs to students, control, and accreditation relationships.
Introduction:
The Robert B. Miller College presents itself clearly and completely to its students and to the public using a variety of promotional and educational methods. Faculty and staff make presentations to community organizations through their participation on boards and community projects. Staff members also participate in community projects or belong to community groups:
Each school of the College has an advisory board that meets twice a year. These boards consist of community members who represent local schools, businesses, hospitals, and other organizations who have a stake in the education of the Battle Creek Community.
Miller College maintains various publications, newsletters, and a website. Miller College’s Director of Institutional Advancement consists of one individual with the oversight of the President. All publications and press releases are written by one voice which controls the message going out to the community and students. Various publications are revised and printed on a regular basis. The office of Institutional Advancement uses a publication timeline to keep track of when the publication is printed and/or posted to the website, the staff responsible for gathering the information, due dates for proofing the material and when the material is sent to the printer.
Evidence:
Policy/Procedures are consistent with the rules and regulations of the Higher Education Act.
Every printed publication contains the following non-discrimination statement.
Non Discrimination Statement
The Robert B. Miller College is in compliance with State and Federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, height, weight, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. The College is committed to providing equal access to all programs, services and activities to persons with disabilities. This includes compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Questions should be directed to the Director of Administrative Services, The Robert B. Miller College, 450 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017-3397, (269) 660-8021.
Miller College utilizes social networking in recruitment and to communicate with enrolled students and staff according to the following:
Social Networking Policy for Miller College Employees
Faculty and staff are asked to use common sense discretion when engaging in personal online interactions through the use of any social networking websites. Careful consideration should be given to all personal postings, including text, pictures, video or audio, remembering that statements made either verbally or visually are a direct reflection of your personal values and morals.
Communication within the digital world is just as important as your daily interactions with others in real time and “digital citizenship” should be weighed carefully and considerately.
Some suggestions for use:
Programs
All programs offered by Miller College are published in the catalog and made available to the public on the Miller College Website (See http:///www.millercollege.edu). In addition, each college has printed brochures that are available through the admissions and recruiting process. New programs are announced through press releases and print, radio and TV advertising social media, and The Conifer (College newsletter) (See College Catalog, website, brochures).
Evidence:
The following plan is in place for new concentrations:
Marketing Plan for New Program Initiatives
Purpose: To develop a standardized plan to market all new Miller College initiatives in conjunction with Kellogg Community College and additional area community colleges as warranted.
Marketing Pieces:
3. Once online publication has occurred, the link is posted to both the Miller College Facebook page and the Miller College Twitter account.
4. Information is given to coordinating marketing personnel at Community Colleges to add to employee newsletter/email blast.
5. Off season, meaning not during registration time periods, ads will be created by marketing to highlight program concentration and published in the community college’s paper or magazine AND any other appropriate previously contracted print space.
6. Consideration is given to using contractual internet ad space to advertise new concentration (if appropriate).
7. Bottom right corner graphic of Miller College website is dedicated to creatively highlight program.
8. Press releases are published in the Student Conifer distributed monthly.
9. Marketing brochure is created.
10. Additional link is added to the Miller College website with linking pdf to marketing creative piece.
Admissions: It is the responsibility of the Admissions department to set up time to personally visit classes at the Community College associated with the new Miller College concentration and distribute information.
Requirements:
In addition to graduation requirements, the general education requirements for all programs require students to have courses in English composition, science/mathematics, oral communication, social science/humanities/creativity, ethics/philosophy, and global understanding (See Miller College Catalog, pp. 15-16).
Costs:
The cost to attend Miller College is clearly stated in the schedule of classes each semester. In addition, the schedule identifies the dates that tuition payments are due, payment options, financial aid availability, scholarship availability, and the College’s refund policy. Miller College does not charge additional fees except for a small graduation fee and fees connected to financial aid. The tuition ($353 per credit hour) is competitive with other colleges in the area. The estimated total cost of attendance is clearly posted on the web site, with a tuition calculator right on the home page.
Faculty and Staff:
Full time staff members are identified on the College website. In addition, the schedule of classes identifies the faculty assigned to teach each class, if known at the time of publication.
Control:
Miller College is a private, nonprofit, degree granting institution founded with the support of the Robert B. Miller Foundation and the Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation. The College is controlled by the Robert B. Miller College Board of Trustees. The College president serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the College and reports directly to the Board of Trustees.
Accreditation relationships:
The following statement appears on the College website, in the College catalog and student handbook:
The Robert B. Miller College is authorized to confer the degrees of Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.), and Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) by the State of Michigan. The authority is based on the College Articles of Incorporation in the State of Michigan. The Robert B. Miller College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. (312) 263-0456 (See website, College Catalog, Student Handbook).
Evidence:
Evaluative Conclusion
The Robert B. Miller College presents itself clearly and completely to is students and to the public with regard to its programs, requirements, costs to students, faculty and staff, control, and accreditation relationships through a variety of media; internet website, social media, publications, radio and TV advertisements, and by personal contact with community organizations.
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