Community of Support Issue - October 2024

In a recent conversation centered on best practices for meeting accreditation standards, Tammy Vant Hul, PhD, RN, ACNP, CNE, FAADN, Dean at Riverside City College School of Nursing, Riverside, CA, an experienced nursing educator, shared how her faculty created a strategic planning process that fostered a strong community of support. "We began by forming an Educational Effectiveness Committee that includes all faculty to ensure we capture a broad range of perspectives," Dr. Vant Hul explained. "Our process involves regular meetings, data collection, and collaborative discussions, allowing us to continuously evaluate and refine our Systematic Plan of Evaluation to align with our goals."

Dr. Vant Hul outlined how establishing effective committee structures was key to their approach. "We developed committees focused on areas such as curriculum, student success, educational resources and technology, and faculty development," she said. "Each committee has specific roles and responsibilities and reports regularly to ensure alignment with our strategic plan. This structure promotes accountability and shared ownership of our accreditation efforts."

A crucial part of their success has been engaging communities of interest. "We maintain transparency by sharing data through regular reports, town hall meetings, and collaboration sessions," Dr. Vant Hul noted. "This open communication includes students, faculty, and clinical partners, fostering trust and a shared commitment to our mission."

Managing preceptors effectively has also been an area of focus. "We created a structured orientation program for associate (part-time) faculty and established regular communication channels to provide ongoing support, feedback, and resources," Dr. Vant Hul shared. "This approach ensures our associate faculty feel supported and aligned with our educational standards."

When discussing faculty development, Dr. Vant Hul emphasized a culture of continuous improvement. "Faculty have the opportunity to attend department, college-wide, and regional workshops, webinars, and peer mentorship programs that focus on curriculum design, assessment techniques, and best practices in both in-person and online education," she explained. "This helps our faculty stay current and adaptable, especially as distance education continues to grow."

Supporting new faculty members is another vital aspect of their strategy. "We pair new faculty with experienced mentors and provide a comprehensive orientation program covering academic policies, teaching methods, and research opportunities," Dr. Vant Hul highlighted. "This mentorship fosters a sense of belonging and professional growth from the start. As Dean, I also meet with new faculty members as a cohort each month during their first year. I believe faculty are our most important resource and need focused attention to reach their highest level of achievement, which leads to better student success.”

Dr. Vant Hul also described their approach to addressing student complaints with care and fairness. "We have a clear, step-by-step process that encourages students to voice their concerns," she said. "We ensure prompt responses and involve a review committee to provide impartial resolutions."

Orientation for new students is equally comprehensive. "We have a two- to three-day Boot Camp in which faculty introduce students to program expectations, resources, and support services," Dr. Vant Hul stated. “We follow up with ongoing check-ins to ensure they are comfortable and confident as they begin their journey with us."

Innovation in clinical experiences and partnerships has been another significant focus. "We’ve established strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities, utilizing simulation technology and interprofessional education opportunities to enhance our clinical learning environment," Dr. Vant Hul explained. "These initiatives are designed to provide our students with diverse, real-world experiences that meet the highest standards. Additionally, through various grant awards, we have established apprenticeship opportunities for our students in partnering agencies. These apprenticeships have allowed our students to earn while they learn and have provided partnering healthcare agencies with needed staff.”

Through a combination of strategic planning, open communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Dr. Vant Hul and her faculty have built a true community of support. Their approach not only meets accreditation standards but also fosters an environment where faculty, students, and partners can thrive together.