COD Horticulture Accreditation Annual Report

ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

ANNUAL REPORT

To stay compliant with your accreditation and to receive the NCLC

registration discount, this report is due by January 15, 2020.

Report for Academic Year 2022

Add more lines or attach additional sheets if needed

School Name College of DuPage

Department Name Horticulture Department

School Address 425 Fawell Blvd.

City Glen Ellyn State Illinois

Faculty Contact Brian Clement

Phone Number (630) 942-2526

E-Mail clement@cod.edu

Zip

60137

(630) 942-3923

Fax

Website

http://www.cod.edu

http://www.cod.edu/horticulture

Accreditation status (Full or Provisional)

Full Accreditation

If Provisional, describe progress made toward completing requirements for Full status:

Please describe any substantial changes in the program since the last site team visit

• In fall 2016, a new 71 credit hour Landscape Contracting and Management Degree was created and approved

through the College and Illinois Community College Board. The degree includes a majority of required classes to

ensure each student meets NALP standards. Students have three elective hours to choose from. This new degree

also included three new courses for the program: HORT 1109 OSHA 10-Hour Landscape Safety, HORT 1114

Irrigation and Water Management, and HORT 2235 Landscape Bidding and Estimating.

• In fall 2016, the Horticulture Department Mission, Objectives and Values document was revised to include a strong

statement about safety: “Demonstrate the safe use of equipment, chemicals and tools used in the industry.”

Documentation is attached to this report. This is reviewed by the Advisory Council on a yearly basis. The mission

statement is prominently displayed in each classroom/lab area on 24”x36” framed posters so students are now aware

of our mission.

• All program marketing and correspondence material, including the department website, feature the NALP

accreditation logo.

• Fall 2016, the Horticulture Program experienced a 27% enrollment increase from the previous year. This was the

highest program enrollment increase college-wide. In fall 2017, the Horticulture Program experienced an 8%

enrollment increase over fall 2016. Fall 2018, the Horticulture Program experienced a 12% enrollment increase

over fall 2017. Enrollment in the program continues to increase as a result of marketing efforts by the faculty

and staff.

• Stronger collaboration is being developed between the grounds department and the program. We hosted the 2017

Illinois Landscape Contractor Association (ILCA) Summer Field Days here on campus with the help of the grounds

department. The event is the ILCA’s oldest event dating back to the early 1960s and features exhibitor booths,

education, food, equipment demonstrations, games and fun for green industry attendees. Students are working on a

couple of designs for new landscape projects on campus. Beginning in spring 2019, we are going to be mapping out

all the trees and shrubs on campus in an App that the grounds department and students studying plant ID can utilize

in their classes.

• Funding avenues were explored to help cover Student Career Days expenses and support other department activities.

Nineteen students and two advisors attended the 2017 NALP Student Career Days. The 19 students competed in all

28 events at Student Career Days. We were awarded $15,516.00 through the FY2017 Perkins Grant to help fund this

activity along with sponsorships from local companies. Twelve students attended the 2018 NALP Student Career

Days in March 2018 and $12,500.00 was awarded through the FY2018 Perkins Grant to help fund this activity.

Additional funds were raised through sponsorships from local companies. Twenty students plan to attend the 2019

NALP Student Career Days at Colorado State University and $12,500.00 was awarded through the FY2019 Perkins

Grant to help fund this activity. Students will be raising additional funds through sponsorships from local companies to

help cover the remaining costs of the trip.

• Program marketing has increased through new promotional material created by the marketing department, website

updates and emails. We have marketed our online classes to high school students across the state. In fall 2018, we

had all of our marketing materials translated into Spanish to help market the program with our dual credit programs.

We also worked with the College of DuPage multimedia department over the past year and just released our new

Horticulture Program Promotional Video in Fall 2018 https://youtu.be/M95QlzEliVg

• Fifteen new classes, 2 new degree tracks and 2 new certificates were added to the program in fall 2016. This included

the hiring of five new adjunct instructors. We also completed construction of a new $300,000 Sustainable Urban

Agriculture Lab in fall 2016 that includes an 18’x20” storage shed with a green roof for department equipment.

Program improvements have continued in 2017 and 2018.

o Landscape Contracting and Management Degree – 3 new classes

o Sustainable Urban Agriculture Degree and Certificate – 10 new classes

o Power Equipment and Technology Certificate – 4 new classes

o Fall 2018, we added 2 new special topics classes: Introduction to Beekeeping (2 credits) and Fruit and Berry

Production (3 credits). We are in the process of adding a new Advanced Specialty Floral Design Class (1

credit class) for fall 2019.

• The Horticulture Department is seeking accreditation from the Engine and Equipment Training Council (EETC) in

fall 2018/spring 2019. We are currently offering all six classes in the new Power Equipment Technology Certificate.

A letter describing the program was sent to area park districts, fire departments and municipalities in hopes of

reaching the correct population to fill the classes.

• The Horticulture Department received $93,000 in FY17 capital equipment and $30,800 in FY17 Perkins Funding to

purchase new equipment and supplies for training students. Equipment purchased includes: dump trailer, ride-on

mower, sod cutter, Dingo compact utility loader, aerator, a Triumph spreader/sprayer and hydraulic training

equipment for our Power Equipment and Technology Certificate. The department received $14,998.00 in FY18

capital equipment and $62,660.00 in FY18 Perkins Funding to purchase new equipment and supplies for training

students. Equipment purchased includes: a reversible compactor, rammer compactor, a 2018 2500 Chevy Silverado

Crew Cab Truck, 36” Stand on Mower, Toro 20” Slit Seeder, complete line of the new Stihl Lithium Ion Battery

Powered Equipment, Stihl Chainsaws, Stihl Earth Auger and 2 new HP Desktop Z4440 computer workstations for

the Horticulture study room. The Horticulture Department received $47,302 in FY19 Perkins Funding to purchase new

equipment and supplies for training students. Equipment purchased includes: 14’ enclosed landscape maintenance trailer,

landscape edger, 80” Sharp Aquos Smartboard, hydroponic and aquaponics supplies and equipment, power equipment

and tools, a new mist and propagation system for the greenhouse, Hydroponic LED grow lights, and beekeeping supplies

and equipment.

• We are continuing to develop and expand our online course offerings. In summer 2017, Hort 2301 Principles of

Agroecology and Hort 2303 Urban Agriculture Issues were offered in an online format. Plans are to develop two

additional online courses for spring 2019 (Hort 1130 Horticulture Business and Hort 2213 3D Landscape Design).

Forty-five percent of the students surveyed in the department requested additional online classes. Students are also

requesting more hybrid classes.

• More students are applying for the ILCA, NALP and other department and industry scholarships. Students are

informed on a regular basis through department emails about scholarship opportunities and are encouraged to apply.

Hort 1100 Introduction to Horticulture students complete a sample scholarship application and essay assignment to

help them with this process. The Horticulture Department website has been updated to include numerous industry

scholarships available to students in the program

https://www.cod.edu/academics/programs/horticulture/scholarships/index.aspx

• As a department, we are tracking student data more consistently and are in the process of creating a horticulture

alumni database to better track students after graduation. We received $1,600.00 in FY18 Perkins Funding to help

create and develop a COD Horticulture Alumni Group and database. The primary focus of this group will be to offer

mentorship opportunities to current Horticulture students. A webpage is being developed for the group. Alumni are

able to register or update their information: https://alumni.cod.edu/update-your-information/

. To date, we have over

300 alumni registered in the data base. Additional promotional materials are being developed including an Alumni

banner for recruiting events etc. and the purchase of two iPads to help register alumni members at events.

• The Horticulture Club has gained membership this past year and has been more active. They have participated in

various campus activities including a College Wide Day of Service in the community. The club also created floral

and holiday decorations that were donated to local nursing homes. A club education event involving propagation was

well attended and the plants were grown and sold to students on campus to raise funds on campus. The group has also

worked on becoming more visible on campus to help increase membership and let other students know about

horticulture. The horticulture club also collaborated with the Biology Department to help with the seed collection

for the campus prairie restoration project. The club has plans for additional activities and community service

projects.

• The department advisory board has been expanded to include additional representation in landscape design,

construction and maintenance as well as sustainable urban agriculture. Scott Grams, director of the Illinois

Landscape Contractors Association, is co-chairman of the committee along with Brian Clement, Horticulture

Department coordinator.

• College of DuPage is in a 4-year process of implementing the Pathways program here on campus. Brian Clement,

department coordinator is serving on the Pathways Mapping Committee.

• The horticulture department has developed dual credit agreements with Oakton, Harper, Elgin, Waubonsee and

Moraine Valley Community Colleges to offer dual credit and programs of study in high schools with horticulture

programs in those districts. The department is currently working with East Aurora High School, Reavis High School

and Rolling Meadows high school to develop new dual credit and programs of study for new program startups.

• The horticulture department is working on transfer options/agreements in horticulture to other universities in Illinois

including Southern Illinois University and Illinois State University. Currently we have a transfer agreement with

DeVry University for students to obtain a Bachelors degree in Business Technical Management with an emphasis in

Horticulture.

• Horticulture Program Learning Outcomes for each degree and certificate have been created, reviewed and adopted

by the Horticulture Advisory Committee. The Program Learning Outcomes are posted on the College of DuPage

Horticulture website https://www.cod.edu/horticulture

and are available to all students and constituents. These

are also shared with students in the horticulture program during the fall and spring advising updates to all

horticulture students.

• Fall 2018, the Horticulture Advisory Board approved curriculum changes adding an internship requirement to the

Horticulture Certificate, Sustainable Landscape Certificate, and the Power Equipment and Technology Certificate.

Once approved through the curriculum all 3 degrees and 9 certificates will have an internship requirement.

• Fall 2018, the Horticulture Advisory Board approved changes to the current portfolio requirements that students

must submit after completing an internship for their degree or certificate. Student portfolios are used for program

assessment. In order to better assess students in the horticulture program and show that students are meeting the

student learning outcomes adopted in the degrees and certificates they are seeking, new portfolio guidelines are

being developed beginning spring 2019. In addition, all horticulture students must attend at least 2 horticulture club

meetings per semester, participate in at least 4 hours of community service per semester and document at least 2

hours of participation in an industry engagement per year which could include seminars, trade shows, etc. A

committee made of horticulture staff and advisory board members will review these portfolios to assess student-

learning outcomes in the program and propose new program improvements.

• The Horticulture Department applied for the Advance CTE Excellence in Action Award in fall 2018. This award

recognizes and honors superior Career Technical Education (CTE) programs of study from across the nation.

Selected programs of study will exemplify excellence in the implementation of the Career Clusters, show a true

progression from secondary to postsecondary education, provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities and

have a substantial and evidence-based impact on student achievement and success. Award winners will be

announced in January 2019 https://careertech.org/eia

• Spring 2019, all the Horticulture Department marketing materials were translated into Spanish including programs

of study for area high schools.

• Summer 2019, the Horticulture Department applied for the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation Grant. 20 Fruit Trees

along with 5 Grapes were planted to create an Orchard and small vineyard lab space for the new Fruit and Berry

Production class.

• Fall 2019, the Horticulture Department was approved to test pilot a new online portfolio through Blackboard with all

horticulture students for the internship portfolios. A template is being developed with instructions and will be tested

in spring 2020.

• Fall 2019, the Horticulture Department created an organizational page on Blackboard. Every horticulture student

enrolled in a class is uploaded as a member. This organizational shell is being used for Department announcements,

job postings, internship postings, internship information, horticulture club announcements etc.

• Fall 2019, all horticulture faculty including adjuncts are putting grades into blackboard on a weekly basis. Extra

assistance is being provided to adjuncts to help with this new processes that many were not utilizing in the past.

• Various student outreach efforts have been implemented in the horticulture department to ensure students are

enrolled in the correct academic programs and are taking the correct classes. An advising update and department

newsletter is distributed to all horticulture students during the fall and spring semesters. Faculty advisors review

student academic programs with students and provide advising sessions throughout the year.

• Partnership with the COD COACH program was developed in 2018 and continues. Coach is a two-year cohort

program for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In addition to an academic focus on reading,

writing, math and computer literacy, COACH also promotes social skills, independence and career exploration.

COACH has been developed to provide post-transition students with engaging educational and life-skills training to

help prepare for meaningful employment. College of DuPage Horticulture department has partnered with the

COACH program to provide students on campus job-shadow experiences and internship placement in horticulture

working in the labs and greenhouse on campus. This allows students to explore career options to help identify a

career path, gain horticulture skills, practice appropriate workplace behavior and gain work experience.

• Partnership continues with Wheaton Warrenville Community Unit School District 200 Transition program which

has been active for 20+ years and is growing providing students with IEPs the acquisition of skills that lead to adult

independence. The program is designed for students aged 18-22 years old, who are enrolled in the Wheaton-

Warrenville Community Unit School District. The transition program focuses on creating opportunities for students

to build on post-secondary goals in the classroom, vocational, and community settings. These outcome-based goals

and objectives are the foundation for each student’s IEP and drive their activities throughout the day. The IEP team

gathers this information from the individual student’s preferences, interests, needs and strengths. The COD

Horticulture Department partners with the transition program in providing them hands-on learning and activities in

the labs and greenhouse at College of DuPage.

• Partnership continues with the Garden Works Project which began in 2013 when a former horticulture student and

alumni, Tina Coral, founded the organization to serve the western Chicagoland suburbs. The Garden Works Project

empowers, educates, and promotes organic suburban agriculture to improve the wellbeing of our community, the

environment, and families facing food insecurity. They support all gardeners in their efforts to grow and prepare

food for themselves and their neighbors in need. They teach organic vegetable gardening in a way that promotes

self-sufficiency, pride and good stewardship of the Earth. Many of our students in the program participate in

volunteer activities. 200+ volunteer team and board of directors help make their mission and vision reality helping

over 87 families each year impacting 332 individuals. Students in the horticulture department grow and donate

plants for this project. The Executive Director serves on our Advisory Board. College of DuPage hosts their annual

sponsorship and fundraising dinner each year with tours of the horticulture department and student speakers at the

event.

• Partnership with the DuPage County Farm Bureau Ag Literacy Coalition which has been active for 12+ years

continues. The DuPage County Farm Bureau Ag Literacy Coalition is made up of various organizations from the

agriculture industry including one of our postsecondary dual credit teachers and a faculty member from the college.

The coalition meets 4 times a year to help promote Agriculture in the Classroom and with a goal to help students and

teachers gain awareness of agriculture in their daily lives. The coalition works together and cooperate with others to

strengthen agriculture’s role and influence as a vital part of a strong, prosperous economy in a free America. The

mission is to “Promote agriculture through educational and informational programming to enhance the quality of life

for its members, while preserving our agricultural heritage.” The Ag Literacy Coalition supports the horticulture

program of study through educational and informational programming and aids in recruitment.

• The Horticulture Club has gained membership this past year (2019) and has been more active with more than 40

students participating in events. They have participated in various campus activities including a College Wide Day

of Service in the community. The club created floral and holiday decorations that were donated to local nursing

homes. A club education event involving propagation was well attended and the plants were grown and sold to

students on campus to raise funds on campus. The group has also worked on becoming more visible on campus to

help increase membership and let other students know about horticulture. The horticulture club has also collaborated

with the Biology Department to help with the seed collection for the campus prairie restoration project. The club has

plans for additional activities and community service projects. Activities include: Bonsai Class, Morton Arboretum

Field Trips, Kick-off Barbeque in Fall, Plant/Bake Sales, Donations/Fundraising, College of DuPage Prairie Seed

Collecting, Succulent Propagation, Foliage Propagation, Roll-up Your Sleeves Day of Action COD, Arbor Day Tree

Planting, Brighten Up Your Day Event, Kaneville Tree Farms Nursery Tour, Plant Pathology Short Course,

Medicinal Plant Presentation, Halloween Party and Pumpkin Carving, and a Field trip to Hauserman’s Orchids along

with community service projects in the spring and fall semesters.

• COD Horticulture department has participated in the COD Cares for the past 6 plus years with more horticulture

students participating in this campus-wide program for students and staff to give back to the community. The

horticulture department helped organize and lead a community service event in fall 2018 and is planning another big

event in spring 2020.

• A Horticulture Alumni database has been established over the past year. We are continuing to update data,

information, and sign up former students at industry events to reestablish their connections with the department. We

will continue to draw on their expertise by utilizing appropriate individuals as guest speakers or their company as

field trip hosts.

• Increased marketing of the program through career fairs, social media, and industry events. All horticulture

marketing handouts were translated to Spanish including our programs of study with seven high schools. Our dual

credit schools with programs of study requested this. We also worked with the multi-media department over the past

year to create a new department promotional recruitment video which can be found on the horticulture website

https://youtu.be/M95QlzEliVg

Working on creating a shorter promotional video clip.

• The department identified program-learning outcomes for each degree and certificate, which were approved through

the advisory committee in fall 2018. These are posted for all students on the horticulture website.

http://cod.edu/horticulture

. These will also be utilized in program review and assessment each year.

• Student portfolio requirements in the Horticulture Department are being updated. Portfolios are a requirement

to complete each internship in the horticulture program.

Upon completion of the internship, students must

submit a portfolio documenting their internship experience. This includes a current resume, short-

term and long-term goals, applied, acquired and additional skill sets, internship documentation

including work samples and other evidence of achievement in the program. These changes are needed

to better assess students in the horticulture program, show that students are meeting the student

learning outcomes in the degree or certificate they are seeking, and enhance student participation in

co-curricular activities. These assessments will guide the educational objectives of the program as

well. Students must include the following items as part of their internship portfolio:

a. Each student must attend at least 2 horticulture club meetings per year and include proof of

attendance

b. Each student must participate in and document at least 4 hours of community service per year

and include a write up of their experiences with pictures

c. Each student must document at least 2 hours of participation in an industry engagement per

year, which could include seminars, trade shows, etc.

d. Each student must include a weekly summary of their internship activities in the portfolio

including pictures and captions.

e. Students will work with their employer to develop a project or research paper that relates to their

internship experience. There are many potential projects including developing marketing

materials, coordinating an event, being a lead designer on a project, compiling educational

materials, data collection, analysis, etc. Students should work with the employer to develop a

project where the student takes primary responsibility or works independently to help the

company or institution further their mission. The project must be documented in a professional

manner via written report/paper or summary in their portfolio. If the employer does not offer the

opportunity for a job-linked project, the student may instead do a project on a topic of interest

related to their area of study.

f. Each student must include documentation to support each program-learning outcome for the

degree and/or certificate they are seeking in the horticulture program. Examples of

documentation could include a major assignment, project, certificate, or paper that they complete

during a class. Examples of documentation will be developed and posted for students on the

horticulture internship website.

g. The current rubric for Internship Portfolios will be updated and revised to reflect these additional

requirements.

h. Students will submit an electronic portfolio for their internship

i. A committee made of horticulture staff and/or advisory board members will review these

portfolios to access student-learning outcomes in the program and propose any new program

improvements.

• In spring 2020, the Landscape Contracting and Management Program at College of DuPage was approved through

the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) as a provider for the National Apprenticeship

Program. We are working with the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association to put together an Apprenticeship

agreement with local companies as well as working with Project Hire Ed to create a department Apprenticeship

program at College of DuPage.

• The department identified program-learning outcomes for each degree and certificate, which were approved through

the advisory committee in fall 2018. These are posted for all students on the horticulture website.

http://cod.edu/horticulture

. These will also be utilized in program review and assessment each year.

• In spring 2020, the Landscape Contracting and Management Program at College of DuPage was approved through

the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) as a provider for the National Apprenticeship

Program. In Spring 2021 we launched an Apprenticeship program in conjunction with the Illinois Landscape

Contractors Association and COD Project Hire Ed. We had approximately 8 companies that showed interest in this

program and had 1 student apprentice this past year. We are continuing to market this new apprenticeship program

and hope to increase numbers in the upcoming year. Working on increasing company participation, working with

current students and reaching out to high schools to try to recruit new apprentices into the program.

https://www.cod.edu/academics/programs/horticulture/apprenticeship.aspx

Currently there are 7 apprenticeship

tracks students can sign up for.

• Completed the Perkins Program of Study Application in Fall 2021 and submitted for approval through the Illinois

Community College Board. Approved December 2021.

• We are working on new additional programs of study and dual credit opportunities with Lyons Township High

School, Reavis High School, Geneva High School, St. Charles East High School and Barrington High School in

FY21 and FY22. Also meeting with Science Department at Glendbard West High School on new Introduction to

Horticulture Course and Dual Credit Opportunity.

• Curriculum changes – Added a new Plant Breeding Course for Fall 2022 and a new Plant Communities

Management/Stewardship Class for Summer 2022. New Plant Breeding Course will be a Horticulture Elective and

new requirement in Greenhouse Management Certificate. A study abroad course Hort 1800 (2 credits) was

approved to Ireland for Fall 2022…….Experience the rugged and beautiful Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west

coast where we will spend time exploring rolling green landscapes, seascapes, forests, and waterfalls while learning

about the ecology of the area and how we can all protect our precious natural outdoor spaces. We will visit castles,

ruins and immerse the group in Irish culture, music, history, and folklore inspired by the landscape while we enjoy

the warm hospitality the Irish people are known for. We will also visit community gardens to learn and lend a hand,

enjoy delicious farm-to-table meals, and learn about local foods. This journey will allow participants to explore, to

gain cultural insights and learn about sustainable growing methods.

• Approved Fall 2021 to hire a new part-time lab assistant in Sustainable Urban Agriculture through the Perkins FY22

grant. New lab assistant will be hired spring 2022 and work approximately 24 hours a week.

• Horticulture Club continues to grow over the past three years with over 150 horticulture students participating in

various events and activities throughout the year and participating in various community service projects. One of

the largest active clubs on campus. Club meetings held in person and virtual to accommodate student schedules.

• Completed the Perkins Program of Study Application in Fall 2021 and submitted for approval through the Illinois

Community College Board and approved. Plans to submit new programs of study application for new additional

dual credit partners in Spring 2023.

• We are working on new additional programs of study and dual credit opportunities with Lyons Township High

School, Oswego High School, St. Charles East High School, York High School, and Glenbard District 87 in FY23.

• 2022 Curriculum changes –

• New Stackable Urban Farming Certificate – going through the curriculum process, recently

approved by the Board of Trustees likely to go forward through ICCB for fall 2023. It will be

structured for ICAPS students and the DuPage County Jail. Handout referenced.

• New course Hort-1121 National Collegiate Landscape Competitions (3 credits)

• Split Hort-2302 Sustainable Vegetable & Herb Production (3 credits) out into two separate

new classes: Hort-2311 Cool Season Vegetable & Herb Production (2 credits) to be offered in

spring and Hort-2312 Warm Season Vegetable and Herb Production (2 credits) to be offered

in summer.

• New course Hort-2313 Mushroom Cultivation (2 credits)

• Change the names of the two following courses to reflect changes being made in industry,

other colleges, and universities: Hort 2261 Insects of Ornamental Plants – Change Name to:

Hort 2261 Entomology, Hort 2251 Diseases of Ornamental Plants – Change Name to: Hort

2251 Plant Pathology.

• Horticulture Department Celebrated its 50

Anniversary this Fall 2022 inviting former faculty/staff, alumni,

industry partners and current students

https://www.cod.edu/academics/programs/horticulture/horticulture-

anniversary.aspx with about 150 people in attendance.

• Enrollment in the program continues to grow to one of the highest in the program's history and is the largest

horticulture program in the state and one of the larger programs in the country.

• Hope’s Garden at the DuPage County Jail was a collaborative effort led by Liz Chaplin, DuPage County

Environmental Committee Chair, the DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, JUST of DuPage, SCARCE and the

College of DuPage Horticulture Department. In 2023, upon completion of three classes offered on-site at the

DuPage County Jail, inmates will be able to receive the Urban Farming stackable Certificate through COD. This

project is being funded under the ICAPS Grant through continuing education.

Name of Major(s

Horticulture A.A.S. Degree, Landscape Contracting and Management A.A.S. Degree and

Sustainable Urban Agriculture A.A.S. Degree.

We also offer 10 certificates that include Horticulture certificate, Floral Shop Management certificate, Nursery and

Garden Center certificate, Greenhouse Management certificate, Landscape Design and Construction certificate,

Sustainable Landscapes certificate, Landscape and Turf Maintenance certificate, Sustainable Urban Agriculture

certificate, Urban Farming Certificate and Power Equipment and Technology Certificate.

Student Enrollment by:

Horticulture Total Seats, Credit Hours and FTES

Degree Certificate seeking students enrolled in the Horticulture Program

Dual Credit Student Enrollment in Horticulture:

Degree/Certificate Credential Completion in Horticulture Program

# Of Registered Seats 10

Day Student Enrollment in Horticulture:

Non-Degree students enrolled in the Horticulture Program

II.

Advisory Committee (Provide Names, Company, City, State & E-mail address)

Co-Chairman’s: Scott Grams, Executive Director of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association and Brian Clement, Horticulture Department Coordinator

III.

Student Internships since Last Report

Intern Hourly Wage Information 2022

How Many Students in Each Range?

$1 - $9

$10- $19

$20 - $29

$30 - $39

$40 - $49

$50 and Above

_____ 0_____

Unpaid

_____ 5____

Internship Success Stories

Michael Aurelius, Horticulture Student “ My internship has opened many doors for me, by allowing me to gain

industry knowledge and experience while in school. Going to a NALP Accredited school has provided me with extra

tools and resources to help me with my career.”

Elaina Blankenhagen, Horticulture Student “I had such a broad exposure due to the nature of this company. I

learned how to write many job proposals, do estimating, and calculating materials/labor costs for jobs. My sales and

marketing skills and abilities have improved. My way of going about the design process has been transformed.”

IV.

Professional Practice – All Green Industry Meetings Attended by Students (indicate the

number of that attended each event) or Faculty since Last Report

Creative Works Authored, Co-Authored or Researched by Faculty since Last Site Visit

• Wells, T., Matthews, J., Caudle, L., Lunceford, C., Clement, B., & Anderson, R. (2015). The Infusion of Inquiry- based

Learning into School-based Agricultural Education: A Review of Literature. Journal of Agricultural Education, 56(4),

169 - 181. doi: 10.5032/jae.2015.04170

• Adjunct Faculty Member, Roy Diblik has written and published articles in magazines such as the At the Lake

Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, and Martha Stewart Living and has published a book, “The Know

Maintenance Perennial Garden”.

• Adjunct Faculty Member, Donna Danielson has co-authored with Dr. Fredrick Miller, the article called Relative

Susceptibility Among Arborvitae Cultivars to Arborvitae Leafminer, Argyresthia thuilla (Lepidoptera: Argyresthiidae)

in the November 2017 issue of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry.

• Adjunct Faculty Larry Cammarata has produced various technical “How to” Writing and Training Documents for the

National Irrigation Association and serves on the Board of Certification, part of a national team that develops the

certification processes within the irrigation industry nationwide and beyond.

• Balestri, F. and W.R. Graves. 2016. Pretreatment Effects on Seed Germination: An Interspecific Comparison of Two

Nyssa spp. Hort. Sci. 51:1-4.

VI.

NALP – National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC)

Attended 2017 NCLC Competition

(March 2017, Brigham Young University, 19 students, 2 faculty)

○ 2017 team of nineteen students placed 5th among community colleges and 22nd overall out of 61 community

colleges and Universities.

○

Nineteen students who attended NCLC from College of DuPage competed in all 28 events, placed 5

overall

among community colleges and 22

overall out of 61 four-year universities and community colleges. Saul

Garcia and Christian Garcia placed 2

overall in the Hardscape Competition. Many Chicagoland sponsors

assisted in funding this year’s trip to the competition, including Illinois Landscape Contractors Association,

James Martin Associates, Inc., Hunter Irrigation, Russo Power Equipment, Unilock, Elmhurst Dental, P.A. Likes

Landscape Company, STIHL, Ball Horticulture, The Growing Place, Acres Group, Coventry Gardens,

Landscape Design Association, Midwest Ground Covers, Midwest Trading, Walden Floral, Platt Hill Nursery,

Villa Park Ace Hardware, and Streamline Landscaping, Inc.. Students raised over $5,000 from local sponsors.

■ Saul Garcia and Christian Garcia placed 2nd overall in Hardscape Installation

Attended 2018 NCLC Competition (March 2018, Alamance Community College, 13 students 2 faculty)

○ 2018 team of thirteen students placed 17

overall out of 65 Community Colleges and Universities, 4th highest

Community College in the country.

■ Rafael Zavala placed 14th overall in the nation

■ Jorge Castillo placed 55th overall in the nation

■ Joseph Christian placed 62nd overall in the nation

■ Top ten in six competitions including 2nd place overall in Tractor Loader Backhoe Operation, 6th place

overall in Small Engine Repair, 7th place overall in Employee Development, 8th place overall in Computer

Aided Landscape Design, 8th place overall in Irrigation Design, and 8th place overall in Business

Management.

■ The team would also like to thank their local Chicagoland Industry Sponsors for helping fund the trip

this year. Through generous donations from these companies, the team raised close to $6,500 to pay

for part of their trip to North Carolina. Companies include Illinois Landscape Contractors Association,

Hunter Irrigation, Russo Power Equipment, Mississippi Valley Stihl, Sebert Landscaping, Ball

Horticulture, The Growing Place, Midwest Ground Covers, Midwest Trading, Landscape Design

Association, Acres Group, Platt Hill Nursery, Unilock, and De Vroomen Flowers, Bulbs, and

Perennials, and Coventry Gardens, LTD.

Attended 2019 NCLC Competition (March 2019, Colorado State University, 19 students, 2 faculty)

○ 2019 team of nineteen students placed third overall in the competition among community colleges and fourteenth

overall among 64 community colleges and Universities combined.

■ Elaina Blankenhagen placed 3rd overall in 3D Design

■ Andrew Kielion and Daniel Stantz placed 7th overall in irrigation troubleshooting

■ Timothy Follin and Rafael Zavala placed 8th overall in Landscape Maintenance Operations

■ Daniel Stantz placed 8th overall in Small Engine Repair

■ Daniel Paddack and Brandon Spencer placed 8th overall in Business Management

■ Timothy Follin and Brett Somogyi placed 8th overall in Truck and Trailer

■ Gannon Siran placed 9th overall in Interior Landscape Design

■ Gannon Siran placed 12th overall in Computer Aided Design

■ Gannon Siran placed 12th overall in Plant Problem Diagnosis

■ Daniel Stantz placed 13th overall in Irrigation Design

○

Expenses for the trip are covered through the Horticulture Department Budget, Perkins Funding and industry

sponsorships. It costs approximately $975 for one student to attend the NCLC trip. Students cover the cost of

their registration fees, which is $130.00.

○ Major local industry sponsors that financially supported the 2019 College of DuPage Horticulture Team to attend the

competition include: Illinois Landscape Contractors Association; Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply;

Shamrock Hardscapes and Restoration; Hunter Irrigation; Martin Associates, Russo Power Equipment; STIHL,

Midwest Ground Covers; Midwest Trading; Foliage Design Systems; Ball Horticulture; Platt Hill Nursery;

ALTORFER CAT; Landscape Design Association; The Growing Place; Coventry Gardeners; Alliance Gator; PA

Likes Landscape Company; Lurvey Landscape Supply; Acres Group; Family of Bretty Somogyi.

2021 NCLC Virtual Competition

Five horticulture students represented College of DuPage in the Virtual Competition held

March 15-19, 2021.

•

Annual and Perennial Identification – Natalie Dombi, Grazyna McCaugherty, Zach Rahn and Aleksandra Bednarz

•

Flower & Foliage Identification – Eduardo Hernandez

•

Plant Problem Diagnosis – Eduardo Hernandez and Aleksandra Bednarz

•

Safety Management – Eduardo Hernandez

2022 NCLC North Carolina State University

Eleven COD Horticulture Students represented College of DuPage and

competed in the 2022 National Collegiate Landscape Competition held March 15th through March 19th 2022 at North Carolina

State University. The team did a great job and placed 18th overall out of 43 Community Colleges and Universities from across

the United States and Canada. The COD team placed sixth out of all the Community Colleges at the competition.

• Christian Schloegel placed 3rd overall out of 510 students at the competition and was named one of the Top Three

Superstars of the Competition.

• Christian Schloegel and Payton Flach placed 2nd overall in Truck and Trailer Operation

• Christian Schloegel and Matthew Fiala placed 3rd overall in Landscape Maintenance Operation

• Christian Schloegel placed 5th overall in Compact Track/Skid Loader Operation

• Luis Mazariegos and Jennifer Suszek placed 8th overall in Arboriculture Techniques

• Aleksandra Bednarz placed 8th overall in Exterior Landscape Design

• Payton Flach placed 9th overall in Mini Trach Loader Operation

• Derrick Graves placed 11th overall in Compact Excavator Operation

• Francisco Garcia and Luis Mazariegos placed 11th overall in Irrigation Troubleshooting

• Joseph Huttner placed 13th overall in Plant Problem Diagnosis

• Joseph Huttner placed 14th overall in Robotics & Technology in Landcape Design and Maintenance

• Aleksandra Bednarz placed 15th overall in Sales Presentation

• Christian Schloegel, Mia Olson and Matthew Fiala placed 16th overall in Landscape Plant Installation

• Jennifer Suszek placed 19th overall in Turf & Weed Identification

A Huge Thanks to our 2022 Industry Sponsors who made this learning experience and trip possible for students through

$7,000 in donations.....

Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, Russo Power Equipment, Midwest Ground Covers/Midwest Trading, Ball

Horticulture, Acres Group, Yellowstone Landscape, The Growing Place, Site One Landscape Supply, Platt Hill Nursery, Western

DuPage Landscape, Hunter Irrigation/FY Luminaire, Ground Pros Inc., Cedar Path Nurseries, Phillips Interior Plants &

Displays, and Greeenwise.

Success stories/ testimonials from NCLC

Travis Urbanic, Horticulture Student

“I was able to attend the NCLC Landscape competition to Provo, Utah. That

was an experience of a lifetime, because it opened my eyes to how much work there is available out there, as well as

different fields of work for the horticulture industry. As someone who isn’t aware how big and great this industry is,

NCLC really showed me that and how many endless opportunities there are for me out there in the industry.”

Debra Erber, Horticulture Student “It was a very beneficial experience attending the 2018 NCLC landscape competition.

Not only was I able to implement and test my current knowledge level, it allowed me to engage in presentations and

activities exploring a variety of career avenues previously not considered. In addition, it was very encouraging attending

the job fair reviewing the current opportunities and having the opportunity to interview on site.”

Elijah Millender, Horticulture Student “The NCLC Landscape Competition was a challenging and great experience in

learning about the industry and meeting industry professionals. I met people and made connections all over the country that

will last forever. It boosts your confidence in reaching your goals. Overall, it was a great experience for anybody who

desires to go into the industry.

Brett Somogyi, Horticulture Student “I really enjoyed the NCLC experience. By connecting me with other students from

my school and others, I was able to learn new information and make new friendships. It opens the doors to opportunities

that otherwise would not be there.”

Rafael Zavala, Horticulture Student “NCLC has benefited me in my career by providing new ways of working and new

learning experiences so I can be up to date with the industry. Students should definitely go to NCLC. It is a great learning

experience to get involved with the industry.”

Timothy Follin, Horticulture Student “NCLC gives me the confidence to further my career and gives me the knowledge

and experiences that you would not usually get from the classroom”

Brandon Spencer, Horticulture Student “I am thankful for the opportunity. I leave NCLC with the confidence in my

abilities and also my future in the Horticulture Industry. I encourage other students to take the opportunity to participate in

this event.”

Dean Poskonka, Horticulture Student “Coming to the NCLC competition rekindled my desire for this career path.”

Daniel Paddack, Horticulture Student “Overall, this was a great experience and I would recommend anyone who has a

passion for this industry to attend NCLC. The faculty and staff at COD who made this happen deserve a lot of credit.

Because of them, I learned a lot of new skills that will stay with me for life. I got to meet a ton of people who are in this

industry including employers, other students with similar interests, major companies and teachers from all over the

country.”

Andrew Kielion, Horticulture Student “NCLC was an amazing experience. It taught me a thing or two about preparation

and the importance of working together as a team. Any student would be lucky to have the experience to attend and

compete.”

Branimira Petkova, Horticulture Student “NCLC is giving great future opportunities to get to know other colleagues and

exchange knowledge/information in the field area. It helped provide more study and practical experience and testing your

knowledge in areas you want to work in/specialize in. It also gave me confidence of revealing my true potential.”

Derrick Graves, Horticulture Student “This was a great experience and I would recommend this experience to ANYONE

in the horticulture program. Try a new event even if you have no idea what it is or never tried it. I would rank this #1. The

contacts and connections that you make with other students and industry professionals in the industry at this event is

unprecedented”

Luis Mazariegos Quinteros, Horticulture Student “NCLC was one of the greatest experiences of my student career. It is

a great opportunity for networking. The event also works to test and try different niches in horticulture and helps you figure

out what you want to do in the future.”

Franciso Garcia, Horticulture Student “ NCLC was one of the best experiences I’ve had during my time at College of

DuPage. You meet so many great people and form new relationships. This experience opened my eyes to a new realm of

possibilities and provided inspiration that will last a lifetime.”

Jennifer Suszek, Horticulture Student “ Students should participate in this event no matter their skill level or year in

school. Everyone is open to learning and supporting the students and it is a very positive environment. You will leave with

new knowledge and connections that you will benefit you in the future.”

VII.

Scholarships/Awards

List all scholarships and awards students received.

VIII.

NALP Student Chapter 2022

List major activities of your Student Chapter.

• Kick-off Barbeque in the fall in Landscape Lab

• Pumpkin Floral Design Event

• Numerous Guest Speakers throughout the year from industry

• Invasive Plant Removal COD Prairie

• Donations/Fundraising

• Roll-up Your Sleeves Day of Action C.O.D. Cares

IX.

Graduate Annual Wage Information Summer 2022 Survey

(based on 3 total graduates responding)

The College of DuPage Office of Research & Analytics administered an online survey to Horticulture graduates who had

received an Associate of Applied Science degree or certificate between Summer 2020 and Spring 2021 (methods described in

Appendix B). Graduates were asked about their experiences at COD, their satisfaction with courses and resources, and their

current educational / employment status. Invitations with links to the online survey form were emailed by Research &

Analytics to 23 graduates. A total of 3 graduates responded between August 15-29, 2022 (13%). Salary information is only

reported if at least three respondents reported full-time salary).

How Many Students in Each Range?

$1 - $9,999

0 0%

$90,000 - $99,999

0 0%

$10,000 - $19,999

0 0%

$100,000 and Above

0 0%

$20,000 - $29,999

0 0%

$30,000 - $39,999

0 0%

$40,000 - $49,999

0 0%

$50,000 - $59,999

0 0%

$60,000 - $69,999

0 0%

$70,000 - $79,999

0 0%

• Brighten Your Day Event

• Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshop

• N.C. L.C. Student Career Days Team

• Spring and Fall Community Service

Activities

Note: Only two respondents reported being employed full time. Salary information is only included it at least three

respondents share their salaries in the survey.

Graduates Information

Staying in the Industry

Leaving the Industry

Going to a Graduate Program

Going to a Four Year Program

Graduation Percentage/Certificates Granted

Students that Enrolled in the Program and

Graduated/Completed All Course Requirements see below %

Students in the Horticulture program can also earn various industry recognized credentials/certifications

XIII.

Testimonials Related to Foundation and How Accreditation Has Helped Your Program.

Scott Grams, Advisory Board Member Chair/ Executive Director Illinois Landscape Contractors

Association “NALP's analysis of the College of DuPage's Horticulture Program reinforced what we

already knew: that COD has one of the best programs in the nation. This voluntary step offers the program

up for scrutiny to a panel of experts from across the country. Their conclusions help students and parents

rest assured that their tuition dollars are well spent and will be recouped after graduation by applying the

students' skills and knowledge to a variety of excellent green industry jobs.”

Dino Castino, Advisory Board Member “The NALP accreditation will have significant meaning for the

local landscape industry. It will help landscape companies and other businesses like ours identify talented,

recognized individuals with a passion to develop and grow our industry. We believe that it will also give

more recognition and credibility to the landscape industry much like an auto mechanic has ASE

certifications or a business is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau knowing that an NALP

accredited member is a part of a particular staff will give consumers and potential clients confidence in the

organization that hired them.”

Richard Hentschel, Advisory Board Member “As potential students compare College of DuPage to

other area Junior and Community Colleges offering horticulture certificate and degree programs, learning

that COD has a NALP accreditation will, I believe make a difference in the student’s decision to enroll at

COD.”

Steve Clutter, Advisory Board Member “The NALP accreditation for the Horticulture Program at College

of DuPage has enabled the school to offer more certificates and degrees for those students interested, and

then provide capable, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals to grow our industry. Large and small

landscape companies are always looking for individuals with the accreditation to provide that knowledge

and skills in the field as the next generation of landscape professionals.”

Brian Clement, Associate Professor Horticulture “This accreditation provides national recognition that

graduates of COD’s Horticulture program are well-prepared to enter the field with the skills and knowledge

they need to not only succeed, but excel in their career in the landscape industry. The program is aligned

to meet the standards of the National Association of Landscape Professionals and allows us to make

continuous improvements to the program.”

Zachary Michnick, Horticulture Alumni Member “The NALP Accreditation has helped the horticulture

program at College of DuPage by allowing more people to choose a career that best fits them. Now they

offer more degrees and classes to help students prepare themselves to get out in the work field.”

Carla Ann Schogen, Horticulture Student “The horticulture department at the College of DuPage is

exceptional – from their knowledge and diverse full and part-time instructors, to the wide range of courses,

certificates and degrees they offer, to the exceptional technical learning facilities they provide. I have

experienced nothing less than a tremendous education during my time as a student in the Horticulture

Program. I feel well equipped, confident, and more technically skilled as I continue on my career as a

Horticulturalist.”

Amanda Moss, Horticulture Student “The accredited program was recognized by others in the Park

District. COD has a good reputation for their horticulture offerings.”

Gannon Siran, Horticulture Student “I’ve noticed with the NALP Accreditation, the Horticulture

department has improved a lot since I started taking classes here a year ago. Many more classes have

been added to our curriculum and more degrees have also been added including the Landscape

Contracting and Management A.A.S. Degree I am seeking.”

Travis Urbanick, Horticulture Student “Giving me the opportunity to learn from others and network with

local individuals and companies. It allows the students to expand their knowledge to become aware of

how the opportunities and how many different fields of work there are in the Horticulture Industry.”

Steven Eyer, Horticulture Student “I have been able to learn about a variety of jobs in the green industry

and where my passions are. As students, we are getting an inside track on industry news and trends.”

Kevin A. Sullivan, Horticulture Student “It has made the College of DuPage Horticulture Department 1

of 30 in the country to have that distinction, creating more interest and classes to offer.”

Carolyn Gange, Horticulture Student “I was able to get a chance to learn directly from a naturalistic

gardener as well as learn principles of the nursery business directly while planting, maintaining and

learning from gardeners with hands-on experiences.”

Jennifer Louisignau, Horticulture Student “The internship program is extremely valuable. It gave me

the real world opportunity to apply skills already learned, while building new ones.”

Nicole Michener, Horticulture Student “It has opened doors into the Horticulture industry by connecting

the college to businesses throughout the region.”

Robert Hottel, Horticulture Student “Our NALP accreditation has allowed our school to participate in the

National Collegiate Landscape Competition, which gives people amazing opportunities to learn more in

the field on a competitive level and meet other students and employers in the industry. As far as my

internship experience at COD, I have had nothing but an amazing experience at the college. My

internship really allowed me to put what I learned in school to the test. The amount of responsibilities I

had for the job was unreal compared to most starting positions. This allowed me to really grow confidence

in my abilities.”

Debra Erber, Horticulture Student “The NALP Accreditation has provided additional sources and

contacts along with job opportunities and scholarships for horticulture students. The accreditation is

additional recognition for the horticulture program especially when meeting with prospective employers.”

Gray Schekhtayan, Horticulture Student “The NALP Accreditation has helped set industry standards for

the program.”

Diane Fisher, Horticulture Student “ Employers are empowered by the NCLC Accreditation and highly

seek students in such a program for employment opportunities.”

Zachary Rahn, Horticulture Student “ There is a program for everyone, and with so many programs and

opportunities, you can really find what you are passionate about. Regardless of the outcome, you will

take something positive away from the experiences. I am very excited to go out into the world and use my

knowledge and experience I gained at College of DuPage in an industry that I love.”

XIV.

Success Stories – Please Share All Stories Relating to Students and Faculty in Your Program.

•

In fall 2016, the Horticulture Program experienced a 27% enrollment increase from the previous year, the highest

program enrollment increase college-wide. In fall 2017, the Horticulture Program experienced an 8% enrollment

increase from fall 2016. Spring 2018, the program experience a 13.5% enrollment increase from spring

2017; summer 2018 by a 50% increase over summer 2017; and fall 2018 with an %12 enrollment increase

from fall 2017 based on 10

day enrollment numbers. Enrollment in the horticulture program at College of

DuPage are the highest they have been since fall 2012 and continue to grow, despite a decline in many

Horticulture Programs across the United States.

Fall 2019, the Horticulture program experienced an 11.34%

enrollment increase.

Currently, the department has approximately 320 students in the program including dual

credit. The State of Illinois Occupational Employment Projections from 2012-2022 for Horticulture Related

Occupations shows over 2,000 annual industry openings and continued growth in the Chicagoland area.

Industry representatives even say this number is on the low side and that there are even more openings in the

Chicagoland area.

•

The Horticulture Department provided tours and presentations for over 22+ various groups from the

community and reach over 975 people each year. Groups included: Hawthorne Elementary School, TCD 7

Grade Career Fair, O’Neill Middle School, Arden Court Seniors, Elmhurst Garden Club, McArthur Middle

School, Women in STEM, TEC Career Exploration Day, DuPage County Farm Bureau Teacher Institute Day,

Section 8 Floral CDE, Glenbard West Transition Students, COD Biology Class, COD Early Childhood, Park

Place in Elmhurst Senior Citizens, Glen Ellyn YMCA, Lemont High School Vocational Skills, COD

Continuing Education, COD High School Summer Stem Camp, Crestview Garden Club, Addison Trail High

School Career Fair, TCD College and Career Day, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the COD Continuing

Education Senior Group.

•

Seven High School Programs of study/pathways have been developed with local schools in our district that offer

Agriculture/Horticulture courses utilizing Perkins Grant Funding. A program of study (POS) is a comprehensive,

structured approach for delivering academic and career and technical education for postsecondary education and

career success. A POS provides successful student transitions between secondary and postsecondary education.

Programs of study have been developed with Addison Trail High School, Metea Valley High School, Naperville

Central High School, Naperville North High School, Neuqua Valley High School, Waubonsee Valley High

School and West Chicago High School. Each school was given banners and promotional guides/materials to hand

out to students and parents. The POS guides are also posted on our

website:https://cod.edu/academics/programs/horticulture/apprenticeship.aspx

•

Increased marketing of the program through career fairs, social media, and industry events. We are in the process

of having all horticulture marketing handouts translated into Spanish including our programs of study with seven

high schools. Our dual credit schools with programs of study have been requesting this. We also worked with the

multi-media department over the past year to create a new department promotional recruitment video which can be

found on the horticulture website https://youtu.be/M95QlzEliVg

•

The program continues to gain support from local businesses and the community through donations, guest

speakers, tours, internship sites etc. Our Advisory Committee has been expanded to include more industry

representation and are very supportive of the program and provide great feedback for improvement. We will

continue to monitor the skills needed in our industry via the Advisory Committee feedback and participation in

industry trade shows and conferences, as well as through feedback from our internship employers. If certain

additional skill sets appear on our list regularly, we can investigate new course offerings or new ways to teach

those skills in existing classes. We need to continue our strong advising efforts to make sure students get the

classes they need when they are offered.

•

The Horticulture Department was approved in fall 2017 to offer dual credit to High Schools in four of our

surrounding community college districts (Harper, Oakton, Elgin and Waubonsee) that do not offer Horticulture.

We have a good number of students that feed into our program from these districts. We will be working with

approximately 13 high schools in those community college districts on the possibility of expanding dual credit

into those schools. Fall 2018, we are currently in the process of working with Rolling Meadows High School,

East Aurora High School and Reavis High School to offer programs of study and dual credit in these high

schools that are starting up new programs.

•

We have collaborated with Facilitating Coordination in Agriculture Education (FCAE) in 2017 offering our

online Horticulture Courses statewide to high school students who may not be able to take an agriculture course

due to class conflicts or if the high school does not offer agriculture courses. Students would apply for early

college admission and earn college credit.

•

The Horticulture Department hosted the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) Summer Field days

on August 10, 2017 at College of DuPage. This 57-year-old annual event brings together people from all over

the landscape industry for a day of food, networking and a little business. Over 80 landscape supplier’s booths

were on site featuring nursery stock, equipment, materials, new products and more. There were also free

education sessions with continuing education credits for LA’s, as well as landscape equipment demonstrations and

department tours. Approximately 1200 people attended this event on campus.

•

Five students participated in the 2016 Come Alive Outside Chicago Design Challenge with Hanson Park

Elementary and Prosser Career Academy in Chicago https://comealiveoutside.com/chicago-2016/

. The Come

Alive Outside Design Challenge creates the opportunity for teams of college and high school students to work

together with landscape professionals to design and build engaging outdoor learning environments at schools and

childcare facilities. In partnership with Come Alive Outside and The Kitchen Community, Christy Webber

Landscapes and RYCO hosted a Design Challenge in 2016 and brought top college Landscape Architecture and

Landscape Management students to Chicago to participate in the program. On October 13th-15th, students from

College of DuPage, Illinois Central College and Joliet Junior College visited Hanson Park Elementary and

worked with the students and teachers there to create initial ideas for the new space. In March 2017, College of

DuPage received word that they had won the Design Challenge 2016 for Chicago, Illinois.

•

During the period from spring 2017 to summer 2017, 87.5% of students achieved a superior (A/B) grade or

adequate (C) on their internship portfolio. During the period from spring 2018 through fall 2018, 100% of

students achieved a superior (A/B) grade or adequate. This indicates that students are prepared for the

workplace. Various students completing internships as part of program requirements were offered full time jobs

at their perspective internship sites. The horticulture program is successful in preparing students for the

workplace. Students identified some skills that were weak or lacking. In some cases, the students had not

taken advantage of our recently added courses (hydroponics, irrigation); in other cases, the additional skills

are those that are truly obtained once in the workplace (crew leadership, business skills, economic losses

associated with perishable product, etc.). We are better prepared to demonstrate power equipment operations

since we have acquired new equipment as required by our NALP accreditation and funded through Perkins

and capital equipment through the College. We are continuing to strengthen those opportunities for students.

•

Thirty-eight local companies participated in the 2017 Annual COD Horticulture Department Career and Job Fair

held in February on campus with more than 80 students in attendance. Fifty plus local companies participated

in the 2018 Annual COD Horticulture Department Career and Job Fair including one university. Fifty plus

local companies participated in 2019.

•

The COD Horticulture Department received over $75,000.00 in donations from local companies in 2016 that

included items such as compact diesel engines, 2-cycle tools and equipment, hardscape materials, plant material,

green roof materials, etc. In 2017, the department received over $12,000 in donations from local companies that

included items such as hardscape materials and plant materials. In 2018, the horticulture department received

over $25,000 in donations from local companies that included items such as hardscape materials, plant

donations and compact diesel engines. In 2019, the horticulture department received a grant from the

National Fruit Tree Organization to put in an orchard with 20 fruit trees. We also received a donation of

forty 4 cycle engines from Briggs and Stratton.

•

The Business and Technology Division including Horticulture was spotlighted in the annual Engage Magazine

that is produced by the College and sent out to all residential households in District 502. The Engage Magazine

is a periodic report on what a difference the community member’s tax dollars have made demonstrating a return

on investment at the college. This issue was released in November 2018.

•

The COD Horticulture Department has approximately 30 adjunct faculty members who work in industry and

share their expertise in the courses they teach. Many of those adjuncts are industry leaders in their field of

expertise, hold industry certifications, speak at various industry events, serve on national industry boards and

travel the world bringing back new ideas and experiences to the students.

•

The Horticulture Department staff and faculty were nominated for 2016 I AM COD Group/Team Award for fall

2016. Horticulture Department staff Amy Hull and Marty Bartz were nominated for 2018 I Am COD

Group/Team Award for fall 2018

•

Judy Burgholzer (Full Time Faculty), Brian Clement (Full Time Faculty) and Craig Kruckenberg (former

Adjunct Faculty) were selected by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association’s magazine committee for “The

List” – People with Impact in 2015 and were featured in the December 2015 magazine issue of The Landscape

Contractor. “The List” is ILCA’s annual magazine feature that showcases the movers-and-shakers in the Illinois

green industry. The feature highlights individuals who have made an impact in the green industry that the rest of

the ILCA membership should be made aware of. http://issuu.com/rick_r/docs/dec.15__tlc_digital_edition/19

•

Three COD Horticulture students competed in the Hardscape North American Installer Championship in October

2017 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The contest tests and recognizes the skill,

dedication and passion of hardscape contractors from Canada, the United States and Mexico. Only 24 teams

compete in this national event. Teams that compete in the championship have the understanding of industry best

practices and guidelines (safety, quality, and craftsmanship) and race against the clock of other top installers to

determine the best of the best. College of DuPage qualified for this event after placing second in the Hardscape

Competition at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition last March at Brigham Young University. The

students received a package valued at up to $4,000, which included travel expenses, individual accommodations,

and complimentary trade show admission to Hardscape North America and complimentary registration fee for

the HNA Installer Championship.

•

The Horticulture Department hosts an invitational State and Section 8 FFA Floral CDE each March on campus.

Forty-one students from six schools participated in the event in March 2017. Forty-five students from six

schools participated in the event in March 2018. Forty-four students from six schools participated in the

event in March 2019. The contest was virtual during 2021 with 7 schools participating and 46 students.

•

The horticulture department is in the process of applying for accreditation through the Engine and Equipment

Training Council with hopes of earning accreditation status in spring 2019. This multi-category accreditation

program offers schools the ability to become accredited based on the present curriculum. The EETC does not

endorse a specific curriculum. It does, however set industry agreed standards for the classroom facilities,

instructor qualifications and competencies for subject matter. One important component of the program is the

use of the EETC Technician Certification tests as a quantifying tool to access student achievement. The EETC

strongly supports instructor/student certification. This multi-category accreditation program is directly associated

with the EETC Technician certification tests. The EETC writes and maintains all EETC certification tests. The

graduating student who passes a certification test will have added credibility when seeking gainful employment at

a power equipment dealer. Dealers across the United States and Canada recognize the EETC certification as

validation of formal, school-based training in the basics of power equipment. Nationally recognized EETC-

accredited programs receive the benefits of manufacturer, distributor, association, and dealer recognition and

support. Students will be exposed to your local distributors and dealers, which will enhance the scope of your

program and give it community-wide impact. Because of local distributor and dealer contact, graduating students

will have the best opportunity for employment. With the Multi-Level accreditation - a student’s chance for

employment is much greater and schools are encouraged to develop their training to reach this level. EETC

accreditation offers your program national recognition and enhances student recruitment. In December 2019, all

six areas of the COD Horticulture Program Power Equipment & Technology Program were accredited by the

Engine and Equipment Training Council including the categories of electrical, 2-Cycle Small Engines, 4-Cycle

Small Engines, Portable Power Generator, Compact Diesel, and Hydraulic/Drivelines/Hydrostatics.

• A Horticulture Alumni database has been established over the past three years with over 300+ alumni. We are

continuing to update data, information, and sign up former students at industry events to reestablish their

connections with the department. We will continue to draw on their expertise to help keep them informed of the

Horticulture Department events and offering various ways for them to get involved either by attending events,

serving as guest speakers for classes, mentoring students, volunteering, donating to scholarships etc.

https://alumni.cod.edu

•

In fall 2018 and 2019, we worked with the Research and Planning department at College of DuPage to administer

an online survey to graduates of the program who has received a degree or certificate between summers 2014

through spring 2017. Graduates were asked about their experiences at COD, their satisfaction with the program,

and their current educational/employment status. Invitations with links to the online survey were emailed by

Research & Analytics to 67 graduates. A total of 29 graduates responded between August 2

and 30

2018 (43%

response rate). This was the highest response rate they had received in any program in the college. Overall, almost

all respondents were satisfied with COD. Most offered praise or feedback on their COD experience. Most

respondents were very satisfied with the program’s equipment and facilities (86%) and instructor availability

(79%). Respondents also tended to be very satisfied with course content (76%), information provided on

employment trends (72%) and faculty expertise (72%). About 60% of graduates indicated their main reason for

attending COD was to build job skills. Another 18% were taking classes for personal interests. As far as current

employment, half of respondents (48%) were currently employed full time, with another 17% employed part time in

the industry. In fall 2019, a total of 10 graduates responded which was a 45% response rate from graduates.

•

The department identified program-learning outcomes for each degree and certificate, which were approved through

the advisory committee in fall 2018. These are posted for all students on the horticulture website and

communicated to students in the department http://cod.edu/horticulture

. These will also be utilized in program

review and assessment. These are communicated to the faculty, staff and students in the program.

•

Brian Clement attended the ICPI Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute High School/Postsecondary Concrete

Paver Installer Course July 9 -11, 2018 in Chantilly, VA and the department is now licensed to use the Concrete

Paver Installer Course materials in the department curriculum. The materials include job planning and

documentation, job layout, soil characteristics, compaction, base materials, edge restraints, bedding and joint sands,

selection and installation of concrete pavers and safety.

•

Various student outreach efforts have been implemented in the horticulture department to ensure students are

enrolled in the correct academic programs and are taking the correct classes. An advising update and department

newsletter are distributed to all horticulture students during the fall and spring semesters. Faculty advisors review

student academic programs with students and provide advising sessions throughout the year.

•

COD Cares is a campus-wide program for students and staff to participate together in service activities that benefit

communities within College of DuPage’s district. The COD Horticulture department participates in the service

activities each year and is a way to give back to the community. Students can apply what they learn in class through

various service activities in the community. https://www.cod.edu/student_life/cod_cares/

•

The Garden Works Project empowers, educates, and promotes organic suburban agriculture to improve the

wellbeing of our community, the environment, and families facing food insecurity. They support all gardeners in

their efforts to grow and prepare food for themselves and their neighbors in need. They teach organic vegetable

gardening in a way that promotes self-sufficiency, pride and good stewardship of the Earth. Many of our students

in the program participate in volunteer activities. 200+ volunteer team and board of directors help make their

mission and vision reality helping over 87 families each year impacting 332 individuals. Students in the

horticulture department grow and donate plants for this project. Executive Director serves on our Advisory Board.

This partnership developed 6 years ago when a former horticulture student and now alumni, Tina Koral, founded

the organization to serve the western Chicagoland suburbs http://www.gardenworksproject.org/about

•

COD Horticulture Alumni Kimberly Oldis was in the national news. Kimberly Oldis, a College of DuPage

Horticulture Alumna, was selected as a 2019 Rose Parade Float Judge. Kimberly Oldis developed her floral

design skills at College of DuPage, launching a career that would lead her to serve as a judge in the 130

Rose

Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. Only three judges are selected each year to grant awards to

the dozens of floats in a parade that has a national viewership of 44 million, as estimated by the Tournament of

Roses.

•

COACH is a two-year cohort program for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In addition to an

academic focus on reading, writing, math and computer literacy, COACH also promotes social skills,

independence and career exploration. COACH has been developed to provide post-transition students with

engaging educational and life-skills training to help prepare for meaningful employment. College of DuPage

Horticulture department has collaborated with the COACH program to provide students on campus job-shadow

experiences and internship placement in horticulture, working in the labs and greenhouse on campus. This allows

students to explore career options to help identify a career path, gain horticulture skills, practice appropriate

workplace behavior and gain work experience. This partnership began this year fall 2018. Eight vocational areas

at the College were determined by the COACH program that included horticulture. Designed to develop

workplace skills that can lead students to competitive, entry-level employment and enhance everyday living skills.

https://www.cod.edu/academics/continuing-education/developmental-education/coach/

•

College of DuPage Horticulture students earned awards for their landscape designs at the Excellence in

Landscapes Awards Banquet hosted by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) in Schaumburg,

IL in February. Award winners since 2017 are listed below…

• Shirlee Berman – 2017 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Zachary Michnick - 2017 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place CAD Division Winner

• Eric Groh - 2017 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place 3D Movie Division Winner

• Joe Christian – 2017 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 2

place 3D Movie Winner

• Jomarie Avino - 2017 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 2

place CAD Division Winner

• Linda Slepicka – 2017 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 3

place 3D Movie Winner

• Andrea Sorensen – 2017 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 4

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Bridget Smith – 2017 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 6

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Carolyn Gange – 2018 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Tim Miller – 2018 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 4

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Tom Eisenhart – 2018 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place CAD Division Winner

• Nahum Castillo – 2018 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest Honorable Mention in 3D Landscape Design

Computer Generated Presentation

• Elaina Blankenhagen – 2019 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place 3D Landscape Design

• Ronalyn Irle – 2019 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 2

place 3D Landscape Design

• David Feltz – 2019 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 3

place 3D Landscape Design

• Pedro Lopez – 2019 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 3

Place CAD Division Winner

• Gannon Siran – 2019 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 4

place CAD Division Winner

• Angelynn Martin – 2019 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• David Moulthrop – 2019 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 3

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• William Bergthold – 2019 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 4

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Elaina Blankenhagen – 2020 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place 3D Division Winner

• David Feltz – 2020 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 2

place 3D Design Division Winner

• Jeanne Ferguson – 2020 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Janel Grella – 2020 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 2

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Michael Mincheff – 2020 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 3

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Lenna Ostrodka – 2022 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 1

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Aleksandra Bednarz – 2022 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 2

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

• Stuart MacDonald – 2022 ILCA State Landscape Design Contest 3

place Hand Drawn Division Winner

•

The horticulture department is currently in the process of trying to work out a transfer agreement with Southern

Illinois University in horticulture.

•

Our Horticulture Club has been building a solid member base. We started out with a successful welcome event

that included a cookout and some great discussion, attended by about 10 people. We hosted a succulent

propagation event that merged some learning discussion with a hands-on activity. These plants will be grown

on and used for club sales, Department tour groups and the Spring Plant Sale in May. Remic Ensweiler, COD

natural areas manager, was our guide for our first annual Horticulture Club Seed Collecting Fun Day. We met

on a brisk evening and ventured into the tall grasses and plants to collect Little Bluestem, Rattlesnake Master,

and Prairie Gentian. These will be sown this fall to areas that need it on campus, but also used as trade for other

seeds with Remic’s network of local natural area managers. Looking forward, we plan on various plant sales

and cut flower sales, community service projects(with our new department truck and trailer), and our 2

Annual

Brighten Your Day Event, where we create arrangements of plants and flowers to deliver to local nursing homes

and medical centers. Other interests will be hydroponics workshops and Morton Arboretum’s Illumination. The

department is also planning a couple of community service events for the spring. Students are also participating

in various community service projects during the fall and spring semesters. Fall 2019, we had our largest

participation to date with over 40 students from the department participating in various horticulture club

activities.

• In August 2018, the Horticulture Department hosted a Greenhouse Bio Controls Short Course for industry

professionals, students and educators. We had 52 people in attendance. We are planning on hosting another

Greenhouse Bio Controls Short Course in summer 2020.

• The horticulture department continues to participate and serve on the Perennials in Focus group, which meets

3 times a year. Perennials in Focus was formed by a group of green industry professionals to evaluate the

performance of new or underused perennial plants in the Chicagoland area. The members of this group in

partnership with College of DuPage represent all areas of the green industry – growers, educators, landscape

designers, landscape architects, landscape contractors, retail garden centers and public gardens. In a regular

three-year cycle, perennial plants are evaluated in various garden and landscape settings across the Chicagoland

area. Charted information is analyzed and evaluated based on the actual performance of the perennial plants in

the garden. Results are published as a summary profile called a “Perennial Snapshot” on the group’s website.

• Summer 2020, the Horticulture Department will be hosting the Irrigation Association Faculty Academy on

campus July 18 and 19, 2020.

•

The horticulture program offers five industry-recognized credentials/certifications/licenses which is also a good

measure of program assessment. Those include the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification and Card, STIHL 2-Cycle

Small Engine Bronze Certification, Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician Certification, the Equipment and

Engine Training Council (EETC) Certifications and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) Certified

Concrete Paver Installer Certification. Students can also go on and complete the Illinois Pesticide Licensing

Certification as well as the NALP Landscape Industry Certified credential as a Business Manager, Exterior

Technician, Interior Technician, Horticulture Technician, Lawn Care Manager, or Lawn Care Technician. The

National Irrigation Association also offers various levels of certifications a student could obtain.

• Fall 2019, the Horticulture Department was approved to test pilot a new online portfolio through Blackboard with all

horticulture students for the internship portfolios. A template is being developed with instructions and will be tested in

spring 2020.

• Fall 2019, the Horticulture Department created an organizational page on Blackboard. Every horticulture student

enrolled in a class is uploaded as a member. This organizational shell is being used for Department announcements,

job postings, internship postings, internship information, horticulture club announcements etc.

• Fall 2019, all horticulture faculty including adjuncts are putting grades into blackboard on a weekly basis. Extra

assistance is being provided to adjuncts to help with this new processes that many were not utilizing in the past.

• Zachary Rahn, Horticulture Student was named one of the College’s two Outstanding Graduates in 2021. Zachary

Rahn found it difficult to focus on his education in high school. After graduating, he was unsure of what to do with his

life and began working minimum-wage jobs. But a new seasonal position at Wannemaker’s Home and Garden in

Downers Grove ignited his passion for horticulture.

“I was constantly around plants and I loved it,” he said. “It became an obsession. The more I learned from my

managers and the staff, the better I could help customers.”

Wannemaker’s eventually offered Rahn a full-time position, and he became manager of the pond department. He

also took courses through Aquascape but soon realized he would need more training if he wanted to pursue

horticulture as a career.

“As time passed, I regretted not getting a college education,” he said. “Our typical seasonal employees were

college students, and so many of them went to College of DuPage. I enjoyed working with them and listening to

their experiences at COD, and they told me about the Horticulture program. I set up an appointment with Program

Chair Brian Clement, and his passion and knowledge of the program and the horticulture industry inspired me to

pursue a degree in horticulture.”

Ten years after graduating from high school, Rahn enrolled at COD while continuing to work. He dedicated

himself to learning as much as he could about plants, their uses and how to best care for them.

It was during a class project in his first course, Introduction to Horticulture, that he developed an interest in

herbalism. He learned how chemists used willow bark to produce aspirin and what other plants could be applied

to wounds or to reduce a fever.

“The more I dug into the project, the more it became fascinating for me,” he said. “After our project was

completed, I kept researching the topic and the next semester, the president of the Horticulture Club invited me to

give a presentation on herbalism. It went so well that I was asked to do so again the next year.”

One of his best experiences came through the Horticulture program’s annual Career Fair. Rahn secured an

internship at Green Circle Growers in Oberlin, Ohio, one of North America’s largest floriculture plant producers,

and worked alongside interns from around the world.

“As a grower’s assistant, I learned valuable information about what it takes to work in a large commercial

greenhouse, from understanding water chemistry, irrigation and fertilization to insect and disease management for

thousands of different crops commonly grown in greenhouses and used in landscapes today,” he said. “I also

learned how to propagate and grow various tropical foliage plants and how to maintain and produce top-quality

Phalaenopsis orchids. I will never forget that experience and it has helped shape my educational experience and

pointed me toward a career path.”

Rahn also applied for and received scholarships from three local garden clubs, including the Elmhurst Garden

Club, through which several members privately raised money for his education.

“It helped so much, they were so generous about it,” he said. “One member who is a COD grad, Lynn Baralt,

contacted me about a position at her landscape company, Baralt’s Custom Landscape, and that’s where I currently

work.”

Zach is graduating with highest honors with an Associate in Applied Science degree and the Greenhouse

Management certificate. He also was named one of the College’s two Outstanding Graduates.

“I knew when I started at COD it was going to be a big commitment, and I’m still completely blown away by how

well I did. When I got that first email about finishing my initial semester with a 4.0 GPA, I couldn’t believe it,” he

said. “Being Outstanding Graduate is something that I am really proud of. I never thought I would be picked.”

Rahn’s ultimate goal is to work for a large commercial production greenhouse and continue his interest in plants

that shape modern medicine. He advises anyone considering COD to give it a try.

“There’s a program for everyone, and with so many programs and opportunities, you can really find what you are

passionate about,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome, you will take something positive away from the

experience.

“I am very excited to go out into the world and use my knowledge and experience I gained at College of DuPage in an

industry that I love.”

• The department will be receiving The Special Recognition Award for 2022-2023 from the Illinois Landscape

Contractors Association at their annual Excellence in Awards Banquet next month. The department is being

recognized for exceptional service supporting the mission of the ILCA and the entire statewide landscape industry.

This award has only been given out 9 times in the Associations' 63-year history

• Just of DuPage (DuPage County Jail) has partnered with the COD Horticulture Department in 2022 to offer 8-week

Sustainable Urban Agriculture program for inmates to receive College Credit. Inmates are able to earn a Urban

Farming Certificate. Not only are the inmates excited to be a part of the classes offered onsite at the DuPage County

Jail, but they are helping the community while they learn about Horticulture. All the produce they produce is

donated to local food pantries, which is approximately 3,000 lbs. per year.

Recruitment/Retention Needs….The Horticulture department is very active in recruitment into the CTE program. The

Business and Technology division hosts its annual TEC Spotlight each spring where students and parents meet with faculty,

tour the College’s cutting-edge CTE labs and explore careers. The department participates in the College’s STEM Career

Day, numerous middle school career exploration and high school career fairs throughout the year, provide over 60+ tours of

the department each year and host a horticulture career fair with over 50 companies in attendance. Continue to market the

program through various community events, industry events and Jr high and high school career fairs, department tours etc.

The Horticulture Department provided tours and presentations for over 22+ various groups from the community and reach

over 975 people each year. Groups included: Hawthorne Elementary School, TCD 7th Grade Career Fair, O’Neill Middle

School, Arden Court Seniors, Elmhurst Garden Club, McArthur Middle School, Women in STEM, TEC Career Exploration

Day, DuPage County Farm Bureau Teacher Institute Day, Section 8 Floral CDE, Glenbard West Transition Students, COD

Biology Class, COD Early Childhood, Park Place in Elmhurst Senior Citizens, Glen Ellyn YMCA, Lemont High School

Vocational Skills, COD Continuing Education, COD High School Summer Stem Camp, Crestview Garden Club, Addison

Trail High School Career Fair, TCD College and Career Day, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the COD Continuing Education

Senior Group. The department participates in the College’s STEM Career Day, numerous middle school career exploration

and high school career fairs throughout the year, provide over 60+ tours of the department each year and host a horticulture

career fair with over 50 companies in attendance. Faculty follows up with each student who expresses interest in Horticulture

through the registration department and the website and meets with numerous new potential students throughout the year for

tours of the department and advising. Faculty follows up with each student who expresses interest in Horticulture through the

registration department and the website and meets with numerous new potential students throughout the year for tours of the

department and advising. The department website is kept up to date http://www.cod.edu/horticulture

. A new Department

Video was created in fall 2019 with the help of the COD Multimedia Department and is shown at various events and is

posted on the website

https://youtu.be/M95QlzEliVg

Please describe any equipment needs your program is experiencing.

None, the program over the past 5 years has been able to purchase all the equipment needed to train students

recommended by the advisory committee through Perkins Funding, Capital Funding, and donations from local companies

to help support sending students to the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.

Please describe any personnel needs (full time or part time positions needed or unfilled) your program is

experiencing.

• We have 2 full time faculty, 2 full time classified staff, 3 student workers and 1 program specialist and just recently

hired a new part time sustainable urban farm lab assistant. We have requested a new full-time faculty member

forFY23-FY24. Currently we have 44 adjunct faculty in the department, and it gets increasingly hard to manage

and find qualified adjunct faculty and also to maintain sustainability of the program with program growth. We

were approved to hire a temporary 2 semester full time faculty member for FY23-FY24. This is pretty unrealistic

in that its already very hard to find a qualified person from industry who would have a masters to teach our IAI

transfer courses. There is also a huge shortage of high school agriculture teachers in the state.

Please share any best practice ideas you'd like to share with NALP and Accredited Programs. (Fundraising,

Recruitment, Retention, Program Planning, etc.)

Intrusive advising - We began this last year in the program. The program coordinator and program specialist tried to meet

with every student in the program at least once for advising and to go over their degree audit. As a result, the graduation

percentage/Certificate Granted increased 109% from the previous year.

Please provide numerical data on program instructional supply budget

$35,766.00

Please provide numerical data on program capital purchases budget

$75,000

Please provide numerical data on program equipment and facility maintenance budget

$11,000.00

Please describe any new equipment purchases or donations made or received by the program in the last year.

Please include dollar amounts if known.

CAT 259D Skid Loader with Attachments $52,000, Kubota RTV-X9000WL-H $12,000, Toro Stand on Aerator $7,000,

Briggs and Stratton Engine Donation 25 engines $9000, STIHL Robotic Mowers $5,000, BedEdger $3900, $6000 in Battery

Powered Landscape Equipment, $3000 in Beekeeping Equipment, $3500 in Landscape Lighting and Irrigation Equipment,

$48,000 Four new Smart Boards for classrooms, Wright Stand On Mower $10,000. Greenhouse received capital money to

replace the roof ($49,900) and the three shade systems ($50,307.00).

Information contained in annual reports from accredited schools is used to track changes in enrollment and placement, as well as to market and

strengthen accreditation. Statistics generated by annual reports are the only data we have related to entry-level salaries, and placement in full time

positions and internships. Additionally, many accredited programs use the information obtained in this report to favorably impress administrators

and recruit students to their institutions.

As a reminder, benefits associated with accreditation (including reduced registration for NCLC and free NALP membership to students) are available

only to schools that have submitted their annual report for the preceding year.

Completed form due by January 15, 2022

PLEASE return electronically to:

accreditation@landscapeprofessionals.org If returned by mail:

NALP

Accreditation

Attn:

Jennifer Myers

12500 Fair Lakes Circle Suite 200 | Fairfax, VA