SWOT Analysis

The Internal Review Team and the External Review Team, subcommittees of OPIC, each conduct an annual environmental scan. Their work is combined into a SWOT Analysis (Strengths/ Weaknesses/ Opportunities/Threats) and presented to OPIC at the start of its strategic planning process in January. The 2005 report discussed under Accomplishments (see page 36ff) is provided as Appendix H.

The Internal Review Team identifies the College's strengths and weaknesses by investigating a variety of sources of information. A variety of internally generated reports such as the Graduate Follow-up Study, Occupational Follow-Up Study, Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Survey, and information such as completion and transfer rates are probed for information. An annual employee survey has also been initiated which focuses on employee perceptions related to the College's strengths and weaknesses and the quality of the changes that have been implemented.
The External Review Team identifies the external factors which may present opportunities or threats to the College. The team consults a variety of documents and reports prepared by local, regional, and State economic development entities and government agencies, area WIA agencies, and State and national reports pertaining to education and jobs. Area economic development professionals meet with the External Review Team to discuss their perspectives related to the area's needs and circumstances, and to discuss SVCC's continuing community role.

After gathering and analyzing information separately, the two review teams meet to identify the overall College strengths and weaknesses and the external opportunities and threats, and they make recommendations concerning the College's responses. The work of the two committees is synthesized into a single summary report and is presented to and discussed with OPIC. (NOTE: This focused visit report will be completed and printed prior to the first time that the new summary program review report is presented to OPIC in February 2006.

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