Board approves three embedded technical diplomas in IT, catering and tree health

The Mid State Technical College District Board approved three embedded technical diplomas at its Dec. 15 meeting, intended to create shorter, 1-year credential pathways within existing associate-degree programs.

Chris Meredith presented the proposals. The first is a 30-credit IT web programmer embedded technical diploma that will be fully embedded in the IT software developer associate degree; the presenter said five-year enrollments in the associate degree have ranged from 48 to 61 students and current enrollment is approximately 50. The second is a 31-credit catering specialist embedded technical diploma embedded in the Culinary Arts associate degree; the presenter cited five-year enrollment variation from 11 to 33 students and current enrollment at 33. The third is an 18-credit tree health specialist embedded technical diploma developed after findings from the Wisconsin Forestry Center research project identified tree and forest health as a priority skills gap; Central Wisconsin tree-health employment is projected to grow modestly through 2030.

Board members asked for clarification on enrollments and costs; presenters noted the diplomas require minimal or no curriculum changes and no additional operational cost to the college. Each program approval was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.