Mar 25, 2023

2015-2016 Catalog

2015-2016 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

The College

Anne Arundel Community College Mission
College-Wide Core Competencies
Learning Outcomes Assessment and Accountability
Commitment to International Education
Engaged Learning
Position Statement on Diversity

History
The Arnold Campus
Off-Campus Locations
Institutes and Centers
College Events and Services
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Spirit of Community

Accreditation

Anne Arundel Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104 (215-662-5606 or http://www.msche.org) and approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Division of Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation has accredited both the Early Childhood Development, A.A.S. degree and the Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education, A.A.T. degree. The EMT - Paramedic, A.A.S. program is accredited nationally by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and in the state by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). The Health Information Technology, A.A.S. program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The Hotel/Restaurant Management, Hospitality Business Management Option, A.A.S. degree is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). The Hotel/Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts Option, A.A.S. degree is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC). The Human Services, A.A.S. program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). The Medical Assisting, Certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (CRB-AAMAE). The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences has accredited the Medical Laboratory Technician, A.A.S. program through April 2022. The Nursing, A.S. program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326 (404-975-5000 or www.acenursing.org/)) and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The Pharmacy Technician, Certificate program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. For information about accreditation of the Physical Therapist Assistant program, see the Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S. section of this catalog. For information about accreditation of the Physician Assistant program, see the Physician Assistant Studies, Professional Certificate section of this catalog. The Radiologic Technology, A.A.S. program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The Surgical Technology, A.A.S. program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Anne Arundel Community College Mission

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is a public, comprehensive, community-engaged institution of higher education, founded in 1961 and fully accredited since 1968. AACC offers transfer and career associate degree programs; certificate programs; credit courses; and continuing education, workforce development and lifelong learning opportunities.

College Vision

Anne Arundel Community College is a premier learning community whose students and graduates are among the best-prepared citizens and workers of the world.

Philosophy

Anne Arundel Community College strives to embody the basic convictions of our country’s democratic ideal: that individuals be given full opportunity to discover and develop their talents and interests; to pursue their unique potentials; and to achieve an intellectually, culturally and economically satisfying relationship with society.

Mission Statement

With learning as its central mission, Anne Arundel Community College responds to the needs of a diverse community by offering high quality, affordable and accessible learning opportunities and is accountable to its stakeholders.

Mission Goals and Objectives

Goal 1. Excellence in Teaching and Learning

advancing the excellence of teaching and learning for students, faculty and staff;
providing a range of integrated credentialing opportunities; and
upholding rigorous and fair standards of student achievement.

Goal 2. Student Achievement and Success

providing appropriate services in support of learner access, success and development; and
providing appropriate placement for all learners.

Goal 3. Access and Affordability

providing accessible learning opportunities responsive to a range of community needs; and
working to make all programs and courses affordable to those who can benefit.

Goal 4. Diversity

promoting a campus climate that is inviting to and supportive of diverse populations (dimensions of diversity include race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ability, genetic information and veteran status).

Goal 5. Community Engagement and Enrichment

supporting members of the community to benefit from global opportunities;
promoting county and state economic development through a variety of educational, support and training services to business, not-for-profit and governmental organizations;
providing a source for intellectual, cultural and physical vitality in the community; and
promoting a culture of community involvement and stewardship.

Goal 6. Effective Management

managing all aspects of the college effectively through planning, organizing, staffing and directing; and
establishing performance standards, assessing performance and taking appropriate action.

College-Wide Core Competencies

Consistent with the institutional mission and vision, Anne Arundel Community College expects students to gain and demonstrate appropriate proficiency in core competencies which encompass general education and essential life skills. The college is committed to offering experiences that allow students to acquire, develop and demonstrate growth in these competencies. The attainment of these competencies provides the foundation for lifelong learning.

Communication

Using listening, speaking, reading, writing and visual communication skills effectively.

Technology Fluency

Utilizing technology to enhance productivity in one’s academic, professional and personal life.

Information Literacy

Recognizing when information is needed and locating, evaluating, and using information appropriately.

Personal Wellness

Demonstrating the use of strategies that promote holistic health and wellness.

Self Management

Displaying accountability and adaptability as a learner.

Scientific Reasoning

Applying logic and the scientific method to interpret observable evidence.

Quantitative Reasoning

Applying mathematical concepts appropriately to analyze and interpret quantitative information.

Social and Civic Responsibility

Participating in communities as an informed, committed and productive individual.

Global Perspective

Awareness and understanding of the diversity and interdependence among cultures, communities and the environment.

Innovative and Critical Thinking

Integrating knowledge to analyze problems using different modes of thinking (critical, creative and innovative).

Learning Outcomes Assessment and Accountability

Anne Arundel Community College is committed to ensuring that its students and graduates are among the best-prepared citizens and workers of the world by offering high quality, affordable, and accessible learning opportunities while also continuing the institution’s excellence, accountability, and continuous learning. To this end, practices and procedures are established to ensure faculty, staff, and administrators systematically access student learning outcomes at the course, program and institution levels.

The assessment activities may take diverse forms including, but not limited to, standardized assessments, placement tests, faculty-developed evaluations, focus sessions, surveys, and evaluation of student work. The college believes that such input is vital to its responsibility to maintain quality instruction. Therefore, class time may be used at times for these activities and it is expected that students will participate in the processes when asked. Confidentiality of responses is ensured.

Please visit www.aacc.edu/LOA for more information about learning outcomes assessment.

Commitment to International Education

Recognizing the new opportunities and challenges facing residents of our community who are increasingly affected by worldwide social, economic and political systems, the college affirms a commitment to providing our students with the education and experience they need to understand and deal with issues that transcend national boundaries. The college recognizes that increased immigration to Anne Arundel County, increased employment of county residents abroad and increased local employment of county residents by foreign companies require that students develop a new set of basic skills in order to participate in the rapidly emerging global economy.

The international education mission of the college includes providing our students with opportunities to participate in study abroad programs as well as internationalizing the curriculum, providing English as a second language, offering courses in international business and culture studies and initiating short-term programs on campus for students, scholars and business and government leaders from abroad.

Engaged Learning

In 2008 and again in 2015, Anne Arundel Community College received the Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation. The selection recognizes the college’s excellent alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.

Position Statement on Diversity

The guiding principle of Anne Arundel Community College is to ensure that its students will be the best prepared citizens and workers of the world. Applying this principle to campus life, the college has vowed to support and enrich students’ collegial experience by recognizing and appreciating differences among students including race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity and ability.

The college strives to create an environment for students and staff that is welcoming, inclusive, respectful and free from discrimination, intolerance and harassment. The college does not permit the use of its facilities, equipment or space to produce materials or engage in activities that inflict physical or emotional harm on students, faculty or staff or that impede the right of individuals to work, learn and participate in college programs and activities in violation of the United States Constitution, federal or state laws and regulations, and/or college policies.

For the college equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy, see College Policies and Procedures .

History

On Jan. 2, 1961, the county Board of Education established Anne Arundel Community College, a comprehensive community center of higher learning. The college opened in September that year for 270 students in late-afternoon and evening classes in temporary quarters at Severna Park High School. Dr. Andrew G. Truxal became our first president. The college moved to its own 165-acre Arnold campus in September 1967. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, now known as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, awarded the college full accreditation in April 1968.

Dr. Robert P. Ludlum became the second college president upon the retirement of Dr. Truxal Aug. 1, 1968. He oversaw the expansion of the college on the Arnold campus and started the practice of offering credit and noncredit classes in locations around the county. Ludlum began the collaboration with Fort Meade so transient soldiers could continue their studies and granted tuition waivers to those older than 60, both of which continue today. He retired June 30, 1976.

Dr. Justus D. Sundermann served as the third president, July 1, 1976 to June 30, 1979, during which he established several programs ongoing today, including Weekend College, tutoring and contractual training with agencies and businesses. He opened the college’s first location in Glen Burnie and the Child Development Center.

Dr. Thomas E. Florestano became the fourth president July 1, 1979 until his retirement June 30, 1994. During his tenure, the campus expanded in size to 230 acres and grew in enrollment, programs and services as a comprehensive community college. He collaborated with the county government and established two centers still active today, the Center for Environmental Studies and the Center for Study of Local Issues. The Glen Burnie Town Center, the college’s current Glen Burnie location, opened during his term.

Dr. Martha A. Smith served as the college’s fifth president from Aug. 1, 1994-Aug. 1, 2012. With a mantra of students first, she shared a vision that the college would meet the call for higher expectations, respond to the challenges of a global economy and educate its students to be among the best-prepared citizens and workers of the world. During her term, AACC continued expansion, adding the Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute in Glen Burnie, the AACC at Arundel Mills Regional Higher Education Center, Center for Cyber and Professional Training and Sales and Service Training, all at Arundel Mills in Hanover and several new or renovated classroom buildings and a Student Services Center to the Arnold campus. In December 2009, AACC launched Student Success 2020, a 10-year commitment to help more students succeed that includes a goal of doubling the number of degrees, certificates and workforce credentials earned by the year 2020.

The college’s sixth president, Dawn Lindsay, Ed.D., began her presidency Aug. 1, 2012. A Maryland native, Dr. Lindsay came to the college after serving as president of Glendale Community College in California. Her vision is to create a synergy on campus that stimulates innovation and collaboration, building on a foundation of transparency, honesty and trust that are hallmarks of the philosophy of servitude leadership, a style she has embraced. She aims to make sure the college’s programs are sustainable over time, AACC is accountable to its stakeholders, the college delivers value and it remains true to its mission with commitment to learning at its core.

The Arnold Campus

The Arnold campus is approximately five miles north of Annapolis and 18 miles south of Baltimore. Click here to take a virtual tour or view the map of the Arnold Campus.

Off-Campus Locations

The college offers credit and noncredit classes at a variety of off-campus locations, including the Glen Burnie Town Center (GBTC), the Center for Cyber and Professional Training (CCPT) and AACC at Arundel Mills: A Regional Higher Education Center. Both the GBTC and AACC at Arundel Mills: A Regional Higher Education Center are full-service centers equipped with science labs, computer labs and general-purpose classrooms that provide maximum flexibility to accommodate customized training, conferencing and other educational opportunities. The Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute is around the corner from the GBTC. The college’s STEM Center is at AACC at Arundel Mills: A Regional Higher Education Center.

Off-campus offices at GBTC, the Fort Meade Army Education Center and Arundel Mills provide registration, academic advising, testing and other academic support services. GBTC and Arundel Mills also offer bookstore services.

The Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute (HCAT) at the GBTC offers commercial instructional kitchens plus two café classrooms, a computer lab and smart classroom.

Instruction is provided at select high schools and middle schools and a variety of additional sites throughout the county. In addition, the college offers classes at the Sales and Service Training Center at Arundel Mills.

For Maps, Locations, Directions and more information: www.aacc.edu/locationsandmaps/default.cfm

Institutes and Centers

AACC Regional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Center

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is a national, regional and local initiative emphasizing the need to increase our competitiveness in these areas. 410-777-1948. Website: www.aacc.edu/stemcenter.

The Anne Arundel Community College Regional STEM Center is working with its partners to:

Increase the number of STEM students and graduates in the pipeline through enhanced K-12 and baccalaureate articulation agreements;
Increase the number of highly qualified secondary teachers in STEM;
Prepare all segments of the STEM workforce (future workers, new workers, current workers, transitional workers and entrepreneurial workers).

STEM Engaged Learning

Established as a joint collaboration of the AACC Regional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Center and the Sarbanes Center for Public and Community Service, STEM Engaged Learning supports all community-based engaged learning activities such as internships, service-learning and research. STEM Engaged Learning seeks to increase the number of internship and other engaged learning opportunities for students, strengthen and develop relationships with community partners and enhance student readiness for the STEM workforces. Students can connect activities in community-based settings to issues and concepts in courses, gain valuable experience and meet community needs. Website: www.aacc.edu/stemengagedlearning.

CyberCenter

The college established the CyberCenter as a resource to address information assurance and cybersecurity workforce development needs of local and regional businesses, industry, government agencies, nonprofits and other organizations. Training solutions can be customized to meet the needs of a specific employer’s workforce and are not limited to technology, but solutions address cybersecurity issues across the curriculum. Participants can earn credit degrees and certificates, as well as prepare to sit for industry-recognized certifications through credit and noncredit courses and training. In May 2013, AACC became the first college in the country designated as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Defense Cyber Crime Center. Courses can be offered in a traditional classroom setting, online or in a hybrid format. In fall 2012, AACC expanded capacity by opening its Center for Cyber and Professional Training (CCPT) located at 7556 Teague Road, Suite 300, Hanover, MD. Website: www.aacc.edu/cybercenter. Phone: 410-777-1333.

Entrepreneurial Studies Institute

Existing or aspiring entrepreneurs receive training in the steps, background and skills it takes to start and operate their own business with credit and/or noncredit courses offered by the Entrepreneurial Studies Institute. Instruction includes writing a business plan, funding the business, financial and managerial accounting, sales and marketing, strategic planning, business law, ethics, business management, leadership, business communications and networking. Financial support to qualified students in the program is available from the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Entrepreneurial Studies Scholarship. Website: www.aacc.edu/esi.

Environmental Center

Established in 1980, the center conducts research and educational activities concerning the quality of natural waterways in the county and how that quality is affected by human activities. Through applied research, the center identifies problems and devises solutions in such areas as fisheries, wetlands, water quality monitoring, shoreline stabilization, aquatic plant control and effluent treatment for both government and industry.

Diverse projects provide student employment and experiential learning opportunities, unique teaching resources and professional development activities for students, faculty and staff. The center also serves the community through advice and lectures on environmental topics. Website: www.aacc.edu/envcenter.

Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute

The Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute prepares learners for challenging careers in the criminal justice field and in a wide range of occupations in the field of homeland security management. Institute courses and curricula address constantly changing laws, policies and methodologies to allow students to build upon existing skills or to launch into new career paths. Among the offerings are a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission-certified Police Academy, a Homeland Security Management degree, a Transportation and Border Security degree track, an Intelligence Analytics degree track and certificate and numerous other certificates, as well as partnerships with local and federal agencies and with private sector employers. Internship opportunities are available through programs. The institute also sponsors special public forums, and conferences and special events. Website: www.aacc.edu/homeland.

Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute

The Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute offers credit and noncredit programs to meet the needs of a dynamic and expanding hospitality industry, Maryland’s largest private employer. Among several degree and certificate options is the Culinary Arts degree option, accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation’s Accrediting Commission, and the Hospitality Business Management degree option, accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. The HCAT Institute has commercial training kitchens at its Glen Burnie facility and on the Arnold campus, but also operates classes in other locations. Programs include a competitive culinary team and internship opportunities, both here and abroad. Website: www.aacc.edu/hcat.

Legal Studies Institute

The Legal Studies Institute offers credit and noncredit programs and training for students interested in the law, legal professionals and the community. Programs include the American Bar Association-approved paralegal degree and certificate programs, including a paralegal certificate program for Maryland Judiciary employees statewide; a pre-law transfer degree program in law and jurisprudence; and an internship program providing experience in local, state and federal legal agencies, courts, and private sector employers and law firms in the Annapolis/Baltimore/Washington, D.C. region. The Institute also sponsors special public forums and conferences on timely legal issues and topics, such as the annual Paralegal Forum, annual Forum on the Judiciary and the Community Law Forum in partnership with the Anne Arundel Bar Association. For information on programs and internships, call the Legal Studies Institute at 410-777-7323 or visit our website: www.aacc.edu/legalstudies.

Sarbanes Center for Public and Community Service

The Sarbanes Center provides leadership and support for community-based learning and scholarly outreach. Collaborating with the community, the center designs and develops mutually beneficial opportunities to enhance student learning beyond the classroom; conducts professional consulting, training, and research; encourages civic participation; and contributes to the greater good. Students applying their classroom learning can explore the future through problem-based consulting experiences with local non-profits (The Institute for the Future: www.aacc.edu/future ); intern through on-the-job work experiences related to a student’s major that include an employer mentor and a faculty advisor (The Internship Office: www.aacc.edu/internships ); research through semi-annual survey experiences including survey design, public outreach, and results analysis (The Center for the Study of Local Issues: www.aacc.edu/csli ); travel in short-term faculty-led travel experiences to domestic and international locations (The Office of Travel Study and Global Engagement: www.aacc.edu/travelstudy ); and volunteer through service-learning in short-term community service experiences that enhance classroom learning combined with faculty-guided reflection (The Center for Learning through Service: www.aacc.edu/servicelearning/communityservice.cfm ). Website: www.aacc.edu/getexperience.

Teacher Education and Child Care Institute (TEACH)

The Teacher Education and Child Care Institute (TEACH) addresses the community’s need for additional qualified teachers and child care providers. All college credit and noncredit courses that prepare students for careers in teaching and child care or provide professional development to those already in these fields are brought together in the TEACH Institute. The institute is able to provide programming for parents, who are children’s earliest teachers, as the Parenting Center is another component of TEACH. Experiential learning, continuing professional education and customized contract training are available to meet the needs of students and the community. Website: www.aacc.edu/teach.

College Events and Services

The college sponsors special events, lectures, clinics, workshops, topical seminars and a variety of other services to benefit the community. We share college facilities and services to enrich business symposiums, conferences, government, professional and avocational interests. Each year, thousands of community citizens participate in and attend campus events ranging from dramatic productions to athletic contests.

Student and faculty groups present a variety of concerts, lectures, art exhibits, plays and other campus events for community benefit. Faculty and staff share knowledge and expertise with numerous community groups through the Speakers Bureau. Website: www.aacc.edu/events.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Notice of nondiscrimination: AACC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, ADA Title 504 compliant institution. Call Disability Support Services, 410-777-2306 or Maryland Relay 711, 72 hours in advance to request most accommodations. Requests for sign language interpreters, alternative format books or assistive technology require 30 days’ notice. For information on AACC’s compliance and complaints concerning discrimination or harassment, call Kelly Koermer, J.D., AACC’s federal compliance officer, at 410-777-7432 or Maryland Relay 711.

Spirit of Community

The college discussed, developed and adopted this statement in light of continuing national discussions on civility in American society. We work hard to promote the spirit of community here at AACC. Our Spirit of Community statement follows.

Anne Arundel Community College is built on our commitment to excellence, engagement in the learning process and mutual respect and courtesy.
As a member of the Anne Arundel Community College community, I have the obligation to accept responsibility for my conduct. I will:
- respect the rights and property of all members of the campus community
- uphold personal and academic integrity
- practice honesty in communication
- listen to others’ viewpoints
- recognize the strength of diversity
- oppose bigotry
- work with others to uphold these standards